Tea ‘n’ Tales 2022

The summer storytelling event series was back IN PERSON IN TWO WAYS
Guelph Enabling Garden & Guelph Guild of Storytellers were thrilled to invite listeners back to hear favourite tellers share their tales.
1.   10:30 AM every Friday from June 17 – Sept 9, 2023
Our audience came early:  got their spot, met friends and neighbours, were welcomed by music, enjoyed a complimentary coffee/ (compliments of Planet Bean), and iced tea - (had to bring their own mug), - Always a lovely buzz of anticipation. . . . ..

2.  TWO FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS: 2:00 PM Saturday afternoons on August 13.
They were fun and interactive events for the whole family. A wonderful opportunity to greet beloved Robert Munch. Followed by free lemonade.

"The Enabling Garden is a unique venue for gathering and sharing song and story. The natural amphitheater is inviting.  The listeners are welcoming and attentive.
It is the perfect place and you, [Brian and Trevor], work to make it so.   ^{~ J&P C June 2022}

From July 15 featured teller June Brown: "I was still riding high after the telling yesterday; it was such a rewarding experience as the setting was wonderful and the audience so receptive. The bonus was all the goodies we got afterward in our gift bag. The chicken tenders at Woolies were the best I have ever had and I spent my gift certificate and more at the Books Shelf. " ~ June July 16, 2022.

"Wonderful to have such a great turnout. We are so fortunate to have storytelling under the ash tree. It truly is a "Guelph thing"   ~ BW July 1, 2022

Click here to see the Rogers TV story at #Guelph Life about the Enabling Garden and the Guelph Guild of Storytellers (GGS) and the plans for the upcoming sixteenth Tea 'n' Tales 2022

June 17, a beautiful Friday morning to launch Tea 'n' Tales
                   Guild member Don Conibear

There's added excitement in leaving the virtual world behind this summer and returning to in-person storytelling in the renowned idyllic setting of the Guelph Enabling Garden in Riverside Park (689 Woolwich St N).

July 1, James and Brian charmed the audience of 147 keen listeners. 

On June 24, Cecilia Vizcaino, Paul & Judy Caulfield charmed us! (over ninety listeners)

          Beautiful violin music to welcome arrivals.

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VirtualiTEA 'n' Tales 2021

"The summer storytelling event series was back in 2021, in a slightly different format!
Guelph Enabling Garden & Guelph Guild of Storytellers were thrilled to present  VirtualiTea ‘n’ Tales.
Many joined us online the summer of 2021 to hear favorite tellers share their tales.

Find details on: http://www.enablinggarden.org/

So many accolades about VirtualiTEA and Tales 2021:

Thank you for a great season. Looking forward to the longer season next year.
^{~ Karen.  September 3, 2021}

Incredible stories all season long. Thank you so much!! I have loved every story and every moment.
^{~ Keri. September 3, 2021}

I am grateful for the online presence of this event, I am only able to attend because it is virtual. Thank you ever so much for all the hard work you put into it.
^{~ Stephanie. August 27, 2021}

Wonderful Brian. A huge thank you to Trevor and the wonderful partnership. Thank you Teghan. What a great team. And to you wonderful listeners and tellers!!~
^{~ Sya. September 3, 2021}
Wonderful stories Sya. Your telling transported me to another place of listening. Thank you from Ottawa.
^{~ Joan. September 3, 2021}
As always your tales were spellbinding. Thank you Sya.
^{~ Anna. from Toronto September 3, 2021}

Such a heartwarming story, Brian. Many pieces I relate to personally, like fresh cheese, a ride on the back of a dirt bike. Many thanks. Bittersweet ending and all, truly special.
^{~ Stephanie. (September 3, 2021}

Thank you so much for your stories today Sya and Brian. And thank you to everyone for a summer full of wonderful tales. I’ve so enjoyed my Friday mornings here!
^{~ Annemarie. September 3, 2021}

What marvelous tales, June. Evocative and emotional. Thank you ever so much.
^{~ Stephanie. August 27, 2021}
  [June] "What a beautiful story. I love the way that you tied it to your own experience."
^{~ Lynn. August 27, 2021}
June, every one of your stories was wonderful - I especially liked your reminiscence of your mother, and the handfish punch line made me laugh out loud!
^{~ Betty. August 27, 202}

Ahhh...lovely memory. Now, what happened to the black coat with the mink collar? 🙂
^{~ Brenda. (August 27, 2021}
[Don} "Powerful tension between the excitement of seeing the puffins and the looming danger of the cliffs.
^{~ Lynn. August. August 27, 2021}
Thank you, Brian, Teghan, June, Don, and everyone involved with the making of this incredible event. I look forward to it all week.
^{~ Stephanie. August 27, 2021}

Wonderful stories, such good telling. Fabulous.
Listening from Ottawa.
^{~ Joan. August 20, 2021}

Such great storytelling. Loved the poems. Thank you, Jay!
^{~ Louise. August 13, 2021}

Anna, I was glued to the screen during your tellings. What incredible stories.
^{~ Sheri. August 13, 2021}

A wonderful program today from both tellers and our host Brian. Thank you so much!
^{~ Stephanie. August 13, 2021}

June in Toronto. It was a wonderful morning - so enjoyable.
^{~ June. August 13, 2021}

Fantastic! I loved seeing/hearing you tell together :)
^{~ 'Purple Vegan" August 6, 2021}

Thank you for such compelling stories. This hour went by so quickly because the stories were so compelling. A benefit of zooming for storytelling.
^{~ Joan. July 30, 2021}

Ladies, what a marvelous set of stories. All of them were beautifully told.
^{~ Anna. July 30, 2021}

My first time coming to this event. Fabulous. Thank you.
^{~ Joan. July 30, 2021}

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Tea 'n' Tales 2020. What was to be an exciting season.

SIGH-GH-GH. THE SEASON WAS CANCELLED. 

“How did Tea ‘n’ Tales 2020 unfold this summer?”  It wasn't to be in real-time.  The season we'd enjoyed for twelve years in a row was canceled. The memories of those years! Over 100 listeners, the majority seniors, sipping iced tea or freshly brewed coffee, sitting on rocks and lawn chairs clustered in the shade of trees along the river, enthralled as they listen to the magic of stories by talented invited guests. That, of course, not possible strung out with two-meter distancing.
The summer was barren without Tea ‘n’ Tales but then all events, such as Guelph’s beloved annual Hillside Summer Festival, Eden Mills Writers’ Festival, and Elora Music Festival, all canceled for this season. Guelph's rich summer arts life diminished indeed!!

In the idyllic setting of the Enabling Garden, storyteller Donna McCraw
captures the listeners with the power of story (July 20, 2018)  See the featured guest tellers who would have delighted 100+ listeners at this summer's Tea 'N' Tales.

"What is Tea 'n' Tales?"
Every Friday morning in the summer, there's excitement, anticipation, and a buzz as people gather in the Enabling Garden in Riverside Park in Guelph at 10:30 in the morning. Some listeners arrive more than 30 minutes early to get their favourite spot, greet friends' arrival, or just luxuriate in a peaceful setting. 

This is a successful collaborative project between the Enabling Garden and GGS that was launched in 2007.
(Photo captures Brian and Trevor planning Tea 'n' Tales 2018)
Since then people have gathered in ever-increasing numbers in the sublime setting of the Enabling Garden nestled along the Speed River to listen to stories. 

During the summer, on Friday mornings at 10:30, we have a one-hour program consisting of performances by local and invited tellers, some accompanied by music or puppets. Listeners bring their own chairs or sit on rocks and benches.

Although the events are, freewill donations are graciously accepted and shared between the partners. These donations have allowed, amongst other things, the GEG to purchase necessary items to enhance their programs and covered the operating expenses of GGS.

There is limited seating provided, so audience members are strongly encouraged to bring their own chairs and to arrive early to ensure the best view. Iced tea and lemonade are prepared and served by GEG volunteers and in addition, the first 30+ people who bring their own mugs will be treated to a free coffee; organizers do not provide any disposable cups.

Each session begins with an acknowledgment that this beautiful garden stands in ancient Indigenous land and that today Guelph and its surroundings continue to be blessed with a strong community of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit descendants who have much to teach us. 

 Total attendance at Tea 'n' Tales 2018 was 1168  

Another delightful morning spent at Riverside Park with Guelph Storytellers! 
Please add me to your mailing list.
       ~ Barbara