Storytelling Club in Norwich

[theyarnsmith]

Hello to all. I am seeking advice on how to develop our storytelling club in Norwich. It is very ably organised by Laurie Steel and takes place the 3rd Monday in every month at the Workshop cafe bar. I have been going when I can, but I have talked to Laurie and both of us want to develop it further. In particular to encourage more regulars and to promote our activities locally. Any advice would be welcome.
Dave Tonge (The Yarnsmith)

[fairbruk]

I suppose saying my personal experience suggests its a matter of luck (in terms of people and venue amongst others) doesn't really help.

A strong organiser, who helps the group gel, is very useful but no guarantee of success.

Put on a few public events each year that get locals in - you won't pick up many from any given performance, but every solid new regular is of value. "Stories of Love" for Valentine's Day, with the local paper mentioning its going to happen, and flyers up in libraries, etc. that sort of thing. Doesn't have to be big name professionals, a solid performance by your regulars will still impress the right sort of people.

[theyarnsmith]

Thanks Kevin and yes I think that a few local events is perhaps the way forward. Thinking about it, if you want to promote a storytelling club, then first you must raise the profile of storytelling locally! I'm doing a few events in Norwich this year so will try and build on those.

Dave

[TinaBilbe]

The Reading Club started after Daisy Keable ran a series of evening classes and I have noticed quite a few clubs recently are organising training/workshop events. This encourages people to tell at storyrounds as well so if you have someone at your club who could lead a one day workshop or persuade the local council to include a storytelling evening class in their Adult Learning Programme and reccomend a good local teacher, that might help.

How about getting something printed up with the club details on it that you could hand out at other places and ask the place you meet and local libraries to keep on hand, it doesn't have to be a big, detailed leaflet, bookmarks or coasters with the club name, when and where you meet and a strapline like "Stories live between the lips of the teller and the ears of the listener." would do the job and be durable.

Tina

[theyarnsmith]

Thanks Tina. I do have a few contacts in the local library and i'll create a some kind of card. Perhaps even a catchy name would be good. I also think that a bit of old fashioned legwork with some cards round some of the more creative venues in Norwich might be in order. We do have a few!