StoryCommons is delighted to host Shonaleigh, the world-renowned tradition bearer and storyteller, for a Family Special Tellers, Tales, Tradition weekend in Ditchling, West Sussex.
When one act changes the course of fate, even a dog must pay the price. This is the story of Dog’s quest for a master – a journey through worlds and time for a ruby collar. Dog puts the dog in dogged, the scar in scared and the love in loyalty.
Shonaleigh is the only known surviving Druts’yla, a traditional female Jewish storyteller in an age old tradition. She knows thousands of stories, taught to her in cycles by her Bubbe, her Grandmother. The stories interconnect, revealing more and more of a magical, glorious world. Joyous, beautiful, sometimes hilarious and deeply moving – this will be a unique weekend of unforgettable stories.
The weekend will take place in Ditchling, in a garden full of wild herbs, a beautiful place to hear stories that celebrate the ancient connection between humanity, ecology and life itself. For the family day we will be in the Old Meeting House, the beautiful Unitarian church of the village.
You’re welcome to join us for a full weekend of storytelling, or for our dedicated family day on Saturday, which will include stories and activities for all ages.
Full weekend tickets, suitable for 8+, are £160 per person.
Saturday family day tickets, suitable for 5+, are £28 per person, £14 for under 12s.
We have helper spots for the family day, which are reduced cost tickets in exchange for helping out with set up, teas and coffees and take down. Please email us to enquire about these.
Please get in touch to book your place.
Full Weekend:
Storytelling runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Join us on Friday evening from 6pm for a shared meal (please bring bits!) We’ll start the storytelling at 7.30, and end around 9.30/10pm.
On Saturday, arrive at Lattenbells at 9.30am, or to the Unitarian Church for 10am. We’ll have stories in the morning, then a pause for lunch (bring picnics), and more stories in the afternoon, finishing at around 4pm. You’re welcome to join us back at ours for an evening fire to gather and with conversation and good company.
On Sunday, arrive for 10am, we’ll have stories in the morning and we’ll finish after lunch (soup and salad) around 2pm.
Saturday Family Day:
If you’re just joining us for the Saturday, we’ll be starting at 10am at the Unitarian Church in Ditchling. We will have some storytelling, break at around 12 for lunch (please bring a picnic), and then some more storytelling and some activities in the afternoon.
If you’re coming for the whole weekend, you’re absolutely welcome to join in for as much of the family day as you would like.
Do I need to bring anything?
Mostly… bring your good ears and hearts to listen. Bring food to share on Friday night, and your own picnic for Saturday. We’ll provide soup and salad for Sunday lunchtime. If you’re coming with your family on Saturday, bring snacks and drinks.
What is included in the ticket price?
All the storytelling, Sunday lunch, teas, coffees, cake, and biscuits through the weekend.
What is not included in the ticket price?
Saturday lunch and dinners are not included, but you are welcome to bring bits for us to share together or visit one of the lovely local pubs!
Any questions and for the full address and travel directions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How to book?
Email [email protected] to confirm your place