Written by GAC Staff
Every Friday morning throughout the summer, you are certain to encounter a crowd at the Guelph Enabling Garden. Over some light refreshments, this audience will surely be seen enjoying live entertainment, listening to captivating stories, and socializing with old and new friends. Entering its 18th season, Tea ‘n’ Tales continues to be the perfect gathering for community members in search of a rich listening experience.
Founded 18 years ago by an esteemed member of the Guelph Guild of Storytellers, Brian Holstein, Tea ‘n’ features an impressive lineup of storytellers and musical guests both local and from afar. We are grateful that Brian had the opportunity to answer a few questions about Tea ’n’ Tales. Here are his enthusiastic responses:
1. How long have you been involved with the Guelph Writer’s Guild/Tea and Tales?
It is the Guelph Guild of Storytellers (we TELL our stories – we do not read them). I became involved in 1999, shortly after my retirement (from teaching in Brampton). I was made president shortly after, and was responsible for working with the Guelph Enabling Garden to create Tea ‘n’ Tales in 2007.
2. What kinds of stories can people expect?
Anything! While we don’t tell stories of fluffy rabbits in pink slippers, the range of tales is wide: Some are personal; some are stories the teller has written. Some are retold from other authors. They can be sad, humourous, side-splitting, or filled with awe. They are often tales that leave the audience hanging: “What did that last sentence mean? Did he . . .? or was it the . . . ? They are therefore usually not suitable for young children.
3. How do you think programming such as this positively impacts the community?
It impacts many people; people who begin asking in February about the programme; there are people who travel from nearby Elora, Fergus, etc; others from KW, Brampton; others catch the GO from Toronto each week. One family regularly comes from Tillsonburg for the day. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of people in Guelph has heard of us –even though this is the only 14-week “festival” for seniors in the city (and free at that), the City has yet to give us the recognition and the promotion an event such as this deserves. So, even after 18 years, many have never heard of us.
4. How does the location add to the experience?
The Guelph Enabling Garden, on the banks of the River Speed, is the most apt location for an event such as this. So much so that the Storytellers of Canada (a nationwide organization) has called this the most desirable location in Canada for such events. When new tellers (we draw talent from all over southern Ontario, and even from the US), they are thrilled to be made part of this “esteemed event”.
5. How can others become involved?
There are several ways: You may want to become a storyteller (there is a difference between telling a story and being a storyteller). If that is the case, they should contact us. Others may wish to become a “friend” of the GGS – they may help with the preparation; be of assistance at the events; or even provide some “goodies” for the audience to enjoy. But above all, they can spread the word to their friends and acquaintances, and even ask local councillors (many of whom are unaware of the festival) why the city does not support it in some material way.
There will be performances every Friday morning until September 12th, to which seniors (and others) are invited to join the audience for their listening pleasure.
Starting at 10 am every Friday, the programme begins with a half-hour performance by a talented musician or vocalist, followed by an hour-long storytelling showcase with at least two tellers.
Those interested in attending should come prepared with their own lawn chair, and a mug for a complimentary coffee, courtesy of Planet Bean. Whether to secure preferred seating, enjoy the scenic garden and river views, or engage in pre-show chit-chat, members of the audience are welcome to arrive a little earlier.
The programme is free, but donations for the Storytellers Guild and the Enabling Garden are encouraged and welcomed.
