My cheeks are still flushed from the morning's events. I arrived at Dingley Dell Castle a snail's step after nine, to find a host of volunteers already preparing for the day's events. Everyone was wearing their version of medieval costume,cleverly detailed to show their role in the proceedings.There were several dark hooded figures strolling about of indeterminate name,lots of serving wenches in full blouson and skirt, a group of elven knights brandishing home made weapons, and in the midst of us all,Queen Brighid the Bright. Hand on hip she stood,calling out with her usually regal demeanour,for us all to be quiet and listen. I was given my story telling area in a corner of the bottom floor. The space behind was festooned with Dingley Dell flags and pictures of renowned Dingley Dell Ancients. A large chair had been positioned for me,with a thick carpet in front for my listeners to sit upon. Three heavily brocaded cushions were strewn around,presumably for those whose bones were a little more weary.The chair had a strong high back,and two thick white mock furs draped over it,giving a cosy seat and some support to my slim posterior.A comfortable place to do some reflecting,so I took a few minutes to sort out my artefacts,some puppets and some parchment reminder texts. I basically had a half hour slot to fill with each organised group. I would tell my first two stories,and depending on the time taken and the response from the sprites,I would decide whether I could tell any more. Dingley Dell sprites are not noted for their good listening skills so I had a few games in mind to keep their involvement high.Acorn coffees had only begun to circulate, when Brighid dashed round to inform us all that the first group had arrived.They were year five sprites from Dingley Dell Academy, and I knew them all. They came through the castle door,faces and mouths wide open with wonder. I laughed to see them,waving and pointing in my direction. With Cascarinna their teacher signalling for calm,they descended upon my space,and sat down, eager to know what would happen next. I explained to them that for the day they were to address me by the elfen name of Fidget Goblinshimmer.They all laughed merrily and the ice was broken. 35 minutes later, I had woven my storytelling magic with the tale of "The Seige of Dingley Bridge and Castle" and " The Guid Ladie of Dingley Shore" Both have exciting moments,and were illustrated by some fine sketches and my puppet of the Guid Ladie. I said farewell to my first group,with a few hugs and cheery waves.They disappeared in the direction of the falconer and his array of owls and kestrels.I suddenly realised that despite the hairy furs ,I was starting to feel the cold of the Great Hall. The warmth emanating from the sprites was not enough to defuse the frosty air. I put on my beautiful white fur coat ,covered it with another forest green cape ,and headed off to find a hot libation. Two cups of nettle and comfrey soup later ,I was just about to munch my way through a salver of tomato and lentil paste paninis,when my next group arrived. Slipping my mid morning snack hastily into one of my leather satchels,I smiled a welcoming smile. This group were from year 6 at Dingley Dell School for the Sons of Gentle Folk, and known for their mischievous ways. I recognised Tilly Sproutweed pushing his way to the front,insisting that everyone else was pushing him,and could his teacher ,a rather shy looking,pasty coloured elfen girl,please sort them all out. I flashed him my best evil stare,and told him to "sit down" . Surprisingly he did. My story telling with this group might not be quite so easy to handle, but I made a start. Being lads they rejoiced in the battle scenes and conflagration involved in
my "Siege" tale.The story calls for much whooping and calling from the audience at vital points in the story and this seemed to help them sustain a more refrained set of behaviours at the quieter parts. Every so often I had to ward off Tilly's unanswerable questions, designed to upset the equilibrium of the story and its teller.But hey, I have dealt with worse. In my youth I was a stand up laughter maker, in the comic haunts of the Metropolis, and having a ready reply to some quite impolite exchanges was de rigeur. These year sixers shuffled a little during my tale of "The Guid Ladie",but I had no further problems with Tilly Sproutweed, as he got to hold the puppet. It was so large and unwieldy in his stubby fingers,that it took him all his time just to keep it vertical. After 35 years in classrooms at the chalkface,you never forget the best tricks. However, the half hour with his group seemed a whole lot longer ,and I had to acknowledge a bit of relief as they stormed off in the direction of the Falconer. I gathered my leather bags and sped to the tea marquee,remembering that I had a bag full of tasty paninis to finish. My stint was over for the day, and it sseemed to have gone well. Feedback from Queen Brighid was positive,if a little grudging, but "the sprites seem to have enjoyed it ". And so,if I am being honest ,did I.
Back in my toadstool home,I am still reheating myself. I am still wearing my white fur coat,although I have been home for several hours. Maybe I just want to hang on to the good feelings of the day. Tomorrow ,I hope to see more of the other displays,and experience some of their magic too. For now I am off to look out my double thickness thermolactyl (North Pole strength)knickers,and bask in the glow of the day.
With kindest regards to you all my friends,and may all your stories be life changing ones.From Fidget Goblinshimmer, your erstwhile Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.