As part of National Storytelling Week, Merton Libraries have organised special events for adults.

Hilary Watkins, storyteller and performance artist, will be performing stories from around the world using words, mime and imagery.

Come and enjoy her tell stories about love, mistakes, fools and fairies and make your own stories along the way. She is performing at Pollards Hill Library on 25 January, 11am and Morden Library, 3 February, 3pm.

The Worcester Park Dramatic Society will be reading a one-act play at West Barnes Library’s coffee morning on 5 February, 10.30 – 12pm.

Morden Library is also hosting two reminiscence storytelling workshops, with a limit of 15 people for each workshop. Bookings can be made through the Merton Heritage Centre, 020 8640 9387.

The Story of Childhood is an opportunity for people to share their memories of youth, from toys and games to sweets and schooldays. It takes place on Monday 29 January, 10.30am – 12pm.

On Thursday 1 February, 10.30 – 11.30am, Memory Joggers: Stories from Objects uses museum objects as inspiration for people to share stories from their own lives.

Councillor Maurice Groves, Cabinet Member for Community Services said:

‘Sharing stories in Merton is a wonderful way for everyone to celebrate the tradition of storytelling, both as storytellers and listeners.

‘Storytellers stretch our imagination, bringing stories to life from the two dimensional pages of books as well as continuing the tradition of oral storytelling. This leads to a greater understanding of the written word and enhances our understanding of different cultures, including our own.

‘I would like to thank all Merton library staff for organising events that all residents can enjoy during National Storytelling Week.’

Notes to Editor:

If you would like to make a booking for the reminiscence workshops, please call the Merton Heritage Centre on 020 8640 9387 with your name, telephone number, the event name and the number of places required.