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Sunday 17 November 2013

Story-telling on Graemsay.....


There are always stories circulating on Graemsay, however last Saturday was particularly special. We had two story-tellers from the Orkney Storytelling Festival visit the island to give us an evening of stories - tall tales, stories of ghosties and other strange tales. Well it was Halloween not long ago :-)

So Tom Muir, Orkney's very own International Storyteller (and Exhibition officer at the Orkney Museum) along with Fran Flett Holinrake, storyteller, historian, and assistant custodian of the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, spun stories of days of old, and phantasmagorical tales.

This was their second visit, we were a little down on audience numbers this year as some folk were unwell, but those that were there thoroughly enjoyed the evening.


Fran told some quite spooky tales too - of "foreign parts" (OK Edinburgh - but that's "foreign"!).


And was suitably attired for halloween....


And Tom, with his soft Orcadian voice (which I could listen to all night!) spun tales that took us through a range of emotions including wonder, and fear, to laughter and relief.

A bit of a shape shifter! Spooky Skeleton Hands!
And tricks to bewitch...... (ok it's a trick of the light from the heaters...but still!).


Then it was time for some supper and a blether (chat) with folk which went on into the wee small hours, with some well-dodgy games of Chinese Whispers, and laughter, and the odd wee dram.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.  So we were very grateful to Tom and Fran for coming to Graemsay once again and we hope they will return again with lots more stories!

6 comments:

  1. I think your small town has lots of fun things happening made even better by knowing everyone who attends!

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    1. Yes for such a small community we have a lot going on!

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  2. Such fun, Sian. This kind of entertainment would have been very familiar to our ancestors in the past. My father was a wonderful story-teller. :-)

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    1. I used to love being read to as a child. And I still love hearing audio books. There's something magical about being told stories. You were so lucky to grow up with a storyteller in the family!

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  3. I would have LOVED this! One of my favorite souvenirs from Orkney was a book by Tom: The Mermaid Bride. I am looking at it on my bookshelf right now! I love hearing about your gatherings. Wonderful!

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    1. Well when you visit I'll see if I can arrange for you to meet him. He's a lovely chap and I just love listening to his voice. He is full of stories too....

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