Tea ‘n’ Tales 2023
August 18: By 10am the Enabling Garden was ready - coffee was brewed, sound system set up, some chairs scattered, Brian and Trevor welcoming the guests. The rains started shortly after 10am. Our keen listeners were already seated ready to enjoy The Royal Ambassadors before the storytelling. When we had to move across the lawn to the shelter, one had to admire how smoothly that all unfolded. There was a comfortable chatter and sharing of umbrellas.
August 11: We were delighted to welcome back to Tea 'n' Tales gifted storyteller- musician from Oshawa, Heather Whaley. She and Guelph's own Rusty (Michael) Dougherty brought us ninety minutes of fine entertainment - thirty minutes of music from 10-10:30 am, followed by 60 minutes of stories.
We brought mugs for a free coffee, compliments of Planet Bean, and a chair to sit on the garden paths of the Enabling Garden. Huge thank you
August 4: Close to 150 arrived early and enjoy music from 10 until 10:30 a.m. Free coffee, compliments of Planet Bean. Bring your own mug! (and own chair.)
Followed by entertaining stories by Cecilia Vizcaino and Maria del Carmen Ordenzo!.
July 28: features Lynn Torrie and Brad Woods.
Arrive early to enjoy 30 minutes of music beginning at 10 am. Free coffee, compliments of Planet Bean. Bring your own mug!
SEE POSTERS FOR JULY 28 - CLICK HERE

What a pool of wonderful talent. Below are those scheduled 2023 tellers, listed in calendar order. They come from Elora, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Brampton, Toronto, Burlington, Mississauga, Bowmanville, and even the state of Wisconsin, in addition to members of the Guelph Guild of Storytellers (GGS).
The summer storytelling event series at the Guelph Enabling Garden
Schedule of 2023 Tellers
Jun 16: Don Conibear, Brenda Byers
Jun 23: Norman Perrin, Bruce Weaver, Brian Holstein
Jun 30: Jay Wilson, Robert Munsch, Meryl Arbing, and Jean Bubba
Jul 1: Robert Munsch, James Gordon, Larry Gibbs, and Beve Matson.
Jul 7: Donna McCaw, JennyQ
Jul 14: Mary Baldersaro, Kait Taylor
Jul 15 "Under the Magic Ash"
Family stories with Rober Munsch, Kait Taylor, Sya VanGeest.
Jul 21: June Brown, Anna Kerz
Jul 28: Lynn Torrie, Brad Woods
Aug 4: Cecilia Vizcaino, Maria Del Carmen Ordonez
Aug 5: "Under the Magic Ash"
Family stories with Rober Munsch, Sarah Abusarar, Susan McBride and Sya VanGeest.
Aug 11: Heather Whaley, Rusty Dougherty
Aug 18: Beve Matson, Elizabeth Matson, Ruth Danziger
"Aiug 19: Under the Magic Ash"
Family stories with Rober Munsch, Elizabeth Matson, Ruth Danziger, plus Ellen Webb, Sya and puppeteers telling, with Robert's permission, The Paper Back Princess.
Aug 25: Judy & Paul Caulfield, Susan Ida Boucaud,
Sep 1: Jan Sherman, Sarah AbÅsarar
Sep 8: Adwoa Badoe, Sya VanGeest
"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, listen to music 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 supplies and 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.