Our next session will be on Wednesday, 22nd November at 7.30 – 9.30pm in The Woolpack, Tillicoultry. Our theme for this meeting is “The Supernatural”.
So if you have a story of ghosties, ghoulies and things that go bump in the night, strange creatures or occurrences, come along and share it with us. Or just come along and listen – you’re sure to be entertained… and maybe a wee bit scared as well!
Our next fortnightly storytelling session will be on Wednesday, 8th November 2023 at 7.30pm – 9.30pm with the theme of “Water”.
Please note we have a change of venue, Peppe’s Bar in Alloa.
Please join us to tell your own tales on the theme of “Water”, or just come to listen.
All welcome!
On Wednesday, 25th October 2023, another sell-out audience came along to the Dunmar House Hotel, Alloa, to hear our very own storytellers tell a wide variety of tales and poems.
The evening began with Mary Snaddon’s recital of “A Poyum Aboot Rights”. Next, Eleanor Bell told the poignant tale of “The Selkie Bride”. After that, Gail Watson shared “The Wee Fiddler”, a story set in the village of Pathfoot on the road to Sheriffmuir. Our fourth offering was an international story, “The White Swans”, told by Sue Bytheway and the final tale of the first half of our programme was an original by Heather Kirby, “Tibbie’s Choice”.
After the interval, the audience was again delighted to hear Heather Kirby impart “As Meat Loves Salt”, a tale of a daughter’s love for her father. Next Eleanor Bel told of “The Ferryman O’ Cambuskenneth”, where the Wee Folk teach a drunken monk a lesson. The penultimate story of the evening was “The King and the Lamp” told by Mary Snaddon. Our last story of the evening was Tania Dron’s retelling of “Catskin”, a version of Cinderella.
Boith audience and storytellers had a fantastic time.
We hope to see some of our audience at our fortnightly storytelling sessions in the future.
On Saturday, 21st October 2023, we held the first of three events as part of this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival in Dunmar House Hotel, Alloa.
A sell-out audience heard tales told by our very own Joanne Dowd and Tania Dron, who were joined by West Coast, traditional Storyteller and participatory artist Shona Cowie, who delighted us all with several stories from her repertoire.
A wonderful, atmospheric afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Many thanks to our performers and of course to our audience for supporting us.
WEDNESDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER
TONIGHT’S SESSION CANCELLED.
Due to the weather and possible encroaching storm, this evening’s session has been cancelled.
We are sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment.
October marks the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023! This year’s theme is ‘Right To Be Human’. Alongside our annual poetry competition, Hillfoots Tales is hosting three special events during the festival including:
Stand Up for Your Rights – An afternoon of traditional tales, as well as tea/coffee and biscuits! Sat 21 Oct, 14:30-16:30 at Dunmar House, Alloa.
Rights of the Round Table – An evening of tales on the theme of right to be human. Wed 25 Oct, 19:30-21:30 at Dunmar House, Alloa.
Finding the Right Story – A storytelling workshop for beginners in the cosy Ladybird Tearoom. Cake included! Thu 26 Oct, 19:30-21:30.
Tickets available on Eventbrite. Get your early bird discount now!
This Wednesday, 27th September, our theme is “a different perspective”.
Come and join us to hear some of our favourite stories told from a different viewpoint.
Everyone is welcome to come along to listen, or perhaps tell your own tale.
CALLING ALL WRITERS!
Today is the launch of Hillfoots Tales’ annual poetry competition!
This year’s theme is ‘Freedom’.
This coincides with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023 in October. This year’s festival will explore the ‘Right To Be Human’, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ongoing human rights crises. Read more about the Festival here!
Alongside events during the festival, Hillfoots Tales is hosting a poetry competition. We invite local writers (both amateur and professional) to submit work (maximum 40 lines) on their interpretation of ‘Freedom’, be it personal, political, or freedom in nature.
Enter for the chance to win recognition and prizes! The winner and runners up will be announced following the deadline.
The closing date is 31st of October.
Send your submissions to laurakateallison@gmail.com
Good luck!
Our last session had the theme of “Favourites”. We were treated to not one but two original poems composed by our talented members: “To A Wife” and “The Old Kent Road”. We also heard the “Twa Corbies” poem.
The tale of “Ras Medden” was shared, as was “The Hero of Largs” which involved a Viking invasion in the 13th Century! Another of our team told her first ever story, “The Wee Fiddler”. “As Meat Loves Salt” related the tale of a man with three daughters who asks them how much they each love him.
We also heard a short tale, “Four Spirits on the Black Horses”. Said spirits are said to bring disease and death….
“The Caillach” told the legend of the ancient Scottish goddess of winter. There are many stories about this mythical creature, who is also known as Beara and is part of Irish folklore too.
A ghost story, “Tait’s Tomb”, had us all hurrying home at the end of a highly enjoyable evening!
Come and join us this Wednesday, 13th September, in the Woolpack, Tillicoultry, from 7.30 – 9.30pm for an evening of stories on the subject of “Favourites”.
Perhaps you’ll hear a story which is one of your favourites, or one which is new to you. Perhaps you’d like to tell your own beloved tale? Whether you prefer to listen or share a story, all are most welcome.
Hope to see you there!
