Polly Howat, The Travelling Storyteller

Polly Howat
The Travelling Storyteller

Performance Storyteller
Published Author of Six Folklore & Legend Books
Radio Broadcaster with Occasional TV Work

I am a performance storyteller, the author of six folklore and legend books, a radio broadcaster and facilitate oral storytelling skills and creative writing workshops, working with adults and children including special needs.

Commissioners include: schools (nursery-KS5) further education, Cambridge University, BBC Radio and Television, Channel Four TV, the National Trust, English Heritage, the British Council, senior citizens, local authorities, charities, commerce, voluntary organisations, healthcare providers, folk and arts festivals, arts centres, craft groups, museums, libraries, play schemes, parent and children groups, hospices and village halls.

I travel within the UK and beyond. My surrounding counties are Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Countries visited include Peru, Cuba, Morocco, Croatia, North America, Brazil, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, India and Nepal, collecting and sharing stories.

Nursery-KS1 children enjoy my large hand puppets and interactive stories.

Enhanced Criminal Record Disclosure is available

Artist in residence and commissions welcomed.

Here is a taste of what is on offer:-

	Performance Storytelling
	Oral Storytelling Workshops
	Creative Writing Workshops
	Folklore and Reminiscence Workshops
	Storytelling: Inset training for teachers etc.
	Storytelling and simple craft for older KS1 and KS2
	Team Building Skills Workshop
	Weaving Memories into Stories Workshops, using simple willow looms for adults and older children

Performance Storytelling
Early Years
Interactive tales with exciting puppets to help boost communication and language skills.
Praise:
‘We were looking to boost communication, language and literacy in Norfolk. Over a series of days in March Polly told stories to 20 pre-school settings including playgroups, nurseries and a children’s centre. The children were immediately engaged by her and one of her puppets ‘bad dog Pete’ has become quite a legend! Her time with us has inspired children and adults alike and the children 2 months on are still talking about her visit. We completely recommend her to you, a wonderful experience for all and we can’t wait for her to return.’Clare Scott and Catherine Sutton, Early Years Support Teachers, Breckland Resource Base.
Reception – Yr 1
Tales from the Magic Story Bag
Interactive stories, some with puppets, to delight and stimulate young imaginations.
Yr 2 - Adult as Appropriate
Programmes include:-

		My choice from a collection of diverse tales
		Multicultural Tales - General.

		Folktales from Europe including Eastern Europe
		Creation Myths and Legends
		The Woman in the Moon: Celestial myths and legends collected from many cultures.
		Greek, Viking, Australian and Native American Myths and Legends
		Celtic and English Folktales.
		Grim as Grimm, tales from the Brothers Grimm, some little known. Suitable for adults and older children.
		Enchantment and Wonder: Stories to stimulate the imagination of all ages.
		Tales of Earth, Sky, Air and Water
		Nourishing and inspirational tales.
		Earthkins, boggarts, fairies and other nature spirits.
		Arthurian legends.
		A choice of bird and animal stories.
		Tales from Mother Earth.
		Tall Tales and Tricksters.
		A choice of Ghosts, Giants, Ogres, Dragons and Witches.
		Sea stories.
		I’m Coming to Get You! A crock of thrilling spine tinglers.
		Boo Baggers, Bad Guys and Edgy Women.
		Traditional Tales from the Gypsy Travellers.
		Local History: Tales from the Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire Fens, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
		Wise and Unwise Women of the East Anglian Fens – inspired by fact and fiction.

Christmas Treats

The Tree, the Pea and the Donkey Skin

Suitable for KS2 - adult
Take one ambitious Christmas Tree, a fussy prince and a princess in disguise. Stir well for an exciting festive brew! Performance time approximately 45 minutes.

Once Upon a Christmas Time

Interactive and suitable for reception and KS1
Three Christmas wishes change forever the life of a woodcutter, his wife and a sad king who is in search of happiness. Performance time approximately 30 minutes.

By Starlight and Snowdrift

Suitable for years 1, 2, 3 and 4
Grandmother Babushka, the traditional Russian 'Grandmother Christmas,' walks the earth with a bag of toys. On Christmas Eve Clara and the Nutcracker (immortalised by Tchaikovsky's ballet music) fly away to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Snow Girl and her brother Fire Boy find happiness in the depth of winter.& Their collective adventures are a delight.
Performance time approximately 40 minutes.

My performance storytelling offers follow up work for teachers

Oral Storytelling Workshops
For KS2-adult

		Basic Skills: exploring the key points of storytelling, bringing stories to life and gaining confidence to tell a good tale.
		Spontaneous Storytelling: seeking ways of producing stories told directly from the imagination and personal experience.

These tailor made sessions promote confidence and creative, listening and verbal skills. No reading or writing is involved which benefits all literacy abilities.
Praises:
‘We were delighted to welcome Polly Howat back to lead yet another creative writing workshop for us. Our high-ability KS3 students were captivated by her dynamic story-telling which stimulated them to produce original and impressive Fen-based stories of their own. The quality of their writing is itself a testimonial to the success of Polly’s craft.
Students said:
‘Thank you Polly! You’re a great story-teller and you inspired me!’
‘I thought Polly was great!’
‘I wrote a good story all about the Fen Horrors, all because of listening to Polly.’
‘Polly tells extravagant stories and therefore they were interesting.’
‘It was a brilliant morning.’

We look forward to our next Polly Howat workshop! Sue Hartropp, Assistant Headteacher and G&T Coordinator, Kings School, Peterborough.

‘A big thank you from all pupils at Walpole Highway Primary School. We thoroughly enjoyed the 4 sessions you did for us over the course of a half term. It was brilliant for the children to have a focus to write for an objective to work towards. We hope to see you again. Feel free to drop in anytime.’ Lottie Maltby, Leading Teacher, Walpole Highway Primary School, Norfolk

Creative Writing Workshops
Adapted for KS2-adult

Using oral stories, ethnic weavings, art, role play and musical instruments as a spring board to creative writing. This approach encourages students to unleash their imaginations and write from a different perspective.

Weaving Memories into Stories Workshops
Adult

Using a simple loom constructed from a willow stick and string, we weave our memories from cloth, leaves etc and tell stories.

‘I think the proof of how much members enjoyed your workshop was the jolly laughter, which was much more than I have ever heard. As well as ‘Weaving Memories,’ we have the memory of a memorable evening.’ Lorna Redington. Fenland Lacemakers.

Team Building Skills

Very 'hands on' drawing on spontaneous storytelling and team challenges. Great fun, very productive

“I can Remember When”:Folklore and Reminiscence Workshops
For ages 9 years - adult

Explore the lives of the old wives and wise men and women. See their clothes and hear their stories. Why did people eat mice, sparrows and blackbirds? Who were the ‘Toad Men?’ Did magic really work? Much of this workshop material is drawn from my 1979 oral history project conducted in the Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire Fens, but applies to many rural areas of England.

Storytelling and Simple Craft for older KS1 and KS2

Interpreting part of a story using wonderful beads, threads, dyed feathers, ribbons and nature. I can provide all the materials for this simple, long lasting craftwork.

Storytelling Skills Workshops For Teachers, Child-Carers and Parents

This is a ‘hands on’ workshop exploring the key points of storytelling, bringing stories to life and gaining the confidence to tell a good tale. We shall look at ways of making stories interactive for younger children, try out new skills and leave with a story to share. Plenty of questions and answers.

PARTY TIME FOR CHILDREN

Fed up with rabbits coming out of hats, balloon dogs and red noses. How about some storytelling to calm and enthral partygoers aged 4 years onwards. Teenagers having 'sleep-over' parties love my candle lit stories.

SOCIAL OCCASIONS

Dinner parties, weddings, outside gatherings, red letter days in the calendar - wonderful stories to make a special time even more memorable.

WORKING WITH ADULTS

FURTHER EDUCATION, ARTS CENTRES, HERITAGE SITES, COMMUNITY, DRAMA AND MUSIC GROUPS, SPECIAL NEEDS ETC.

Many schools programmes can be amended for adult audiences

RESIDENCIES AND COMMISSIONS WELCOMED

Talks to Community Groups and Adult Education Include:

			Sunrise at the Summer Solstice
		Food in Folklore
		Folklore of the Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Fens
		Tales of East Anglia
		Wise and Unwise Women of the Fens
		Old Wives Wisdom
		The Lore of the Countryside
		Touch wood - Safekeeps and Talismans
		Tales of the Fens, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk
		In Search of a Singing Bowl - a story of my journey through India to Nepal

See also Folklore & Reminiscence Workshops

	Storytelling Workshops For Beginners - Moderate
	Storytellers bring people, families and communities together and give them a sense of identity. They are teachers, healers, entertainers and soul soothers. These two interactive and enjoyable workshops will enable participants to leave with at least one story to tell.
	Basic Skills
	How to find the right story, how to remember it and bring it to life using your own imagination.
	Spontaneous Storytelling
	Starting from scratch using memory and imagination to create a good story well told.
	Creative Writing Workshops for Beginners - Moderate
	Oral stories, textiles, artefacts and discussion help to empower confidence and the imagination.
	Folklore and Reminiscence Workshops
	See Working with Adults section

Working With the Elderly - Groups, Residences, Education

		Storytelling
		Storymaking
		Creative Writing
		Reminiscence
		Folklore
		A new experience - hands on fun with my unusual musical instruments

Special Needs of All Ages

		STORIES - see programmes for schools and adults which can be modified according to need. The Magic Storybag can also be adapted to accommodate various age groups. I have worked with signers.
		STORYMAKING AND CREATIVE WRITING - see programmes for adults and children

Family Days

Stories for all the family at Heritage Sites, Art Centres and Local Authority venues.

Storytelling:
COMMISSIONS WELCOMED

		General Storytelling titles are adapted from the schools programme.
		Dramatic Adult Performances lasting 90 minutes with an interval (or adapted to requirements) include:

			JOURNIES TO REALMS UNKNOWN a potent brew of mainly Celtic and English traditional folktales.
			OUT OF THE MIST a collection of traditional legends from the Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Fens. The deep water holes and quaking bogs yield stories as magnificent as the flat landscape.
			MR. FOX AND THE LAIDLY WORM explores the dark side of the mind in amazing stories fashioned from jealous step mothers, devious suitors, transformed maidens and a glut of bride pies.
			MYTHS FROM THE WILDWOOD King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table lie at the heart of British and Celtic Mythology. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are two of the loveliest stories to be told. Herne the Hunter is a fine complement, with maybe Tam Linn if there is time
			THE SINGER OF THE ACHE Stories from many cultures present difficult choices, leading to strange pathways, Shamanic journeys and vision quests.
			OVER THE MOON Celestial myths and legends gathered from many cultures, including Native American, Siberian, African and English.
			Addtional material or adaptations are available - please contact me for more information

MERCHANDISE

AUDIO TAPE:
THE APPLE TREE MAN - Celtic and English folktales for general family listening. It contains some lovely fiddle music. Playing time 57’30” available from me £7.00 plus £1.50 pp in UK.

BOOKS.All published by Countryside Books, Newbury, Berks U.K.

		Tales of Old Cambridgeshire
		Tales of Old Norfolk
		Tales of Old Nottinghamshire
		Ghosts & Legends of Lincolnshire & the Fens
		Norfolk Ghosts & Legends
		Ghosts & Legends of Cambridgeshire

PRAISES PAST AND PRESENT

'Polly came into our workroom and immediately captivated the group. They were enthralled and inspired. She did two very different sessions and delivered exactly what our writing group required, an intensive hands on writing experience. Thoroughly recommended.' Roger Symonds. The Fenland Project, Peterborough and Fenland Mind.

“I cannot describe to you the reaction of the children as they enjoyed it so much. The session let us see the children in a different situation. I refer back to the little boy, who twelve weeks ago, would have found it incredibly difficult as he has problems with concentration, sitting still, listening and memory. However, for two hours he succeeded with all these. Please pass on my huge thanks to Polly Howat.” Lisa Edwards, Teacher-in-Charge, Language Centre, Mynydd Isa Junior School, Mold, Flintshire

'Polly spent time with each year group. Each child remembered something from the stories, especially those where props were used.; It was a great way to begin Book Week, injecting enthusiasm into every child and adult.' Ceri Braybrook, St. Mary's R.C. Primary School, Boston.

“We loved your stories! Everyone I have spoken to say how wonderfully well you reached out to our children. You have enriched our lives and inspired us to tell more stories to each other.” Sue Goodwin, Park Lane, School, Whittlesey, Peterborough

'There was once a wonderful lady who told the most wonderful stories ever to be told...' Josephine, St. Nicholas School, Boston.

'Polly Howat returns both children and adults to a world outside our own by providing engaging, intriguing, unique, relevant and healing stories, delivered in the manner of a tradition long past.' Vicki Johnson, English Department, Cottingham High School, East Riding of Yorkshire.

'I have had nothing but positive feedback about how much both the children and staff enjoyed your storytelling. All the staff are using your storytelling as a stimulus for a whole variety of written work and all have commented on the high quality of the writing..... We feel particularly that your visit benefited those children with learning or behavioural needs..... and they are producing some very pleasing work.' Elaine Ford, Literacy Co-ordinator, Park Junior School, Wellingborough, Northants.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the students, who attended the study support centre at Onside@Boston United, all the staff and myself, to say thank you for a very enjoyable week of storytelling and associated drama activities. The response from the children has been very positive and many have been telling your stories to children at school and at home." Oonagh M. Quinn, Assistant Study Support Manager, Onside@Boston United.

'I can't be bothered with stories, but I really liked yours. They were really good.' Pupil Yr. 7 Walton Secondary School, Peterborough.

'Just wanted to say a big thank you for visiting our school during book week. We all thoroughly enjoyed your stories and it was lovely to see the children captivated by something that wasn’t flashing or beeping! You were able to reach both the youngest children in Reception and the rather more ‘grown-up’ minds of children in Year 6 with great control. Thank you for coming and making our book week special.' Vanessa Richards, Literacy Co-ordinator, Hardwick Community Primary School, Hardwick, Cambridge

'Thank you so much for a wonderful day. It was amazing to see you capture the complete attention not only of the children but their parents too, who were spellbound by the stories. The parents admitted they had forgotten the joy of listening to a good story and I hope they will take that thought away and remember to share stories with their children more often. Anyone who can capture the attention of such a ‘cool’ young man as the one who joined our session has obviously got a great talent!' Jane Humm, Principal Librarian, Children, Young People and School’s Library Service, Luton Central Library

.....Every member of staff that I spoke to was so enthusiastic in their praise for your sessions and I think the smiles from the children spoke for themselves.... Even my statemented child commented loudly on his favourite story and said he would share it with his parents &- that is a huge step for him!' Josie Heald, Literacy Co-ordinator, Rothwell School, Northants.

'Original, stimulating fun! Everyone at St. Francis has remembered your stories. Thank you for your versatile presentations which appealed to all ages and abilities. You really did bring Beowulf to life. We will certainly invite you back.' Maxine Greville, Head of English, St. Francis Special School, Lincoln.

'Polly Howat's storytelling weaves magic through the air waves.' Steve Sommers BBC Radio Producer.

“Thank you for a lovely morning on Spine Tingling tales with Year 8. We were all entranced, including the staff, who had forgotten how great it is to listen to a well-told story.” Shirley Hicks, Librarian, Deben High School, Felixstowe, Ipswich

'I know that the children who had the good fortune to listen to your stories enjoyed the occasion and the staff were envious of your energies!' Mary Tebay, Head of English, King Edward V11 School, King's Lynn.

“The stories were much enjoyed by children and staff, and provided excellent inspiration at the start of our storytelling week.” Jo Studdart, Literacy Co-ordinator, Queen Edith Primary School, Cambridge

“Just to say thank you once again for helping to make our family day such a success. I think the nicest thing about your activity was the sense of ‘family’ learning rather than ‘child’ learning.” Daniel Ferguson, Learning Officer, The National Trust, Sutton House, Hackney

“Just to say a huge thank you on behalf of the staff and children at Grange for such a wonderful day of storytelling. Both children and staff were mesmerised by your magical tales.” Jane Arthur, Literacy Co-ordinator, Grange Community School, Kettering, Northants.

‘We were delighted to welcome Polly Howat back to lead yet another creative writing workshop for us. Our high-ability KS3 students were captivated by her dynamic story-telling which stimulated them to produce original and impressive Fen-based stories of their own. The quality of their writing is itself a testimonial to the success of Polly’s craft.
Students said:
‘Thank you Polly! You’re a great story-teller and you inspired me!’
‘I thought Polly was great!’
‘I wrote a good story all about the Fen Horrors, all because of listening to Polly.’
‘Polly tells extravagant stories and therefore they were interesting.’
‘It was a brilliant morning.’

We look forward to our next Polly Howat workshop! Sue Hartropp, Assistant Headteacher and G&T Coordinator, Kings School, Peterborough.

‘A big thank you from all pupils at Walpole Highway Primary School. We thoroughly enjoyed the 4 sessions you did for us over the course of a half term. It was brilliant for the children to have a focus to write for an objective to work towards. We hope to see you again. Feel free to drop in anytime.’ Lottie Maltby, Leading Teacher, Walpole Highway Primary School, Norfolk

'You chose stories perfectly suited to each age group and kept all the children spellbound throughout with nothing more than your voice. It was great to hear British folktales being kept alive in this way.....' Margaret Gibbs, Assistant Headteacher, Aston St. Mary's C of E Primary School, Hertfordshire

CONTACT ME

POLLY HOWAT
THE TRAVELLING STORYTELLER

Pump Cottage
73 Huntingdon Road
Chatteris
Cambs PE16 6ED

Telephone: 01354 696638
e-mail:

Hare Logo designed by Carry Ackroyd