Local memories collected for the 11th Storytelling Festival Nov 2009

Local storytellers Kitty Mahon, Joe Hickey, Alice Dunbar and John McCabe collected copies of their oral history recordings at the Siamsa night in Clonegal Storytelling House on Monday night 16^th November 2009.  The Siamsa night is a highlight of Wexford Storytelling Festival, now in its 11^th year.  Yarnspinners from all over the South East gathered on Monday and entertained the night away.  Clonegal rocked and the crowd wouldn’t be sent home. 
David Campbell from Edinburgh was one of the travellers who entertained on the night.  He has told his stories ad everywhere from Alaska to New Zealand and is just back from Germany where he provided a week’s in-service training for primary and secondary teachers. His research work currently is around the stories and life experiences of the famous Scottish traveller, Duncan Williamson.  Here in Wexford however, as well as performing in schools and libraries Campbell is offering a Masterclass for adults in Bunclody Library [tel: 053 93 75466] on Thursday 19^th from 10:00 a.m.  There may be one or two places left, but contact the library fast. Interest is high.
Siamsa night in Clonegal is only one of over 30 events organised this month.  Twenty seven schools primary and secondary schools are involved, along with the public libraries, day-care centres, playgroups and nursing homes.  Storytelling is a serious part of study and it is used to develop vocabulary, listening skills, comprehension as well as reading and writing.  Visiting storytellers have tailored their material to suit the subjects being taught in different classes.
Local talent is working alongside invited storytellers who bring a whiff of foreign parts but similar stories.  No storytelling Festival would be complete without local seanachai Deirdre Wadding.  She is joined by Jack Lynch from Dublin , back by popular demand.
Another guest joining David Campbell from Scotland is Rab Swannock Fulton.  Now based in Galway, Rab is also concentrating on writing and has just completed a children’s play that will premier before Christmas.

More detail on this year’s storytelling festival is available from all local libraries, from the Wexford County Council and Stories from the Hearth web-sites.  All Events are free and everyone is welcome.

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More information from

• Trish Keenan for Bunclody elements – tel: 053 93 75466

• Fionnuala Hanrahan 087 2700551

• Yvonne Smyth 087 622 8434