The power of a good story

National Storytelling Week takes place between Saturday 1 February to Sunday 9 February. To mark the occasion, members of u3a book and writing groups talk about their love for stories and how they share that with others through u3a.

Pictured: Members of Gilwern u3a creative writing group

 Kathryn, Group Leader of Torbay u3a Creative Writing Group

When our session finishes on the 2nd Monday of the month I come away feeling uplifted and my head already buzzing with plans for the following month. Creative writing is such a wonderful way of keeping that brain busy and focused. When we write we tend to do it in isolation so coming together to share our efforts is a form of release. We share inner thoughts and ideas. We create imaginary worlds and characters and we recount memories. We listen to each other. We have fun. Putting the words on paper helps us get our thoughts in order. It gives a sense of purpose and the opportunity to write regularly.

Storytelling is an age-old practice. What we do is not new. It's timeless and infinite. The creativity is in how we use the words and not necessarily the content. We seek to entertain while communicating as an individual. We have a wealth of life experience between us and a range of perspectives. Our group provides a safe environment where we can explore, document, and try out our tales. We give each other food for thought and there's plenty of discussion. We have a lovely sense of trust which is essential for members to feel confident in sharing their work. They're a great bunch and we've made new friends.

Mark, Exeter u3a Book Group

I am exposed to books that I might not have chosen myself, which broadens my reading range. Engaging in discussions allows us to uncover different opinions and perspectives. We often see characters, situations, and themes in diverse ways, leading to a deeper understanding. It’s enjoyable to either agree cheerfully or, at times, to disagree strongly.

This is a fun way to learn more about human nature, history, geography, social issues, and the joys (or shortcomings) of good writing while in good company. I appreciate highlighting memorable passages, humour, and key themes in the story. There’s also the opportunity to compare the book with other works by the same author or with different authors writing on similar topics.

Julia, Exeter u3a Book Group

Books open my eyes to lives I know nothing about, points of view I might not have considered and continually reinforce my belief in the incredible power of the written world.

Elaine, Subject Adviser for Storytelling in u3a

Although I have enjoyed telling stories all my life, my connection with Storytelling and u3a started in 2010 when I took part in the u3a Summer School in Cirencester to do Storytelling, led by Stella Porter, who was Storytelling Subject Adviser [at the time]. I had a wonderful time and as soon as I went home, I decided to start a Storytelling Group in my own u3a. It is still going strong! We usually meet in a member’s home, but we also have told stories in a wide variety of places including Bluebell Woods, libraries, a children’s education centre, bookshops and a pub! I eventually took over from Stella as Subject Adviser and we kept going all through the COVID lockdowns by using Zoom, which still proves extremely useful. Zoom enables u3a members from all around the country, who haven’t a Storytelling Group in their area, to join us. These links with other u3as are brilliant! We have made many friends!

Oral storytelling has been part of human culture long before the written word. We all tell personal stories to each other daily. It is an intrinsic part of life! Modern storytelling in u3a groups takes many forms including traditional folk tales, classical myths and historical accounts, as well as modern imaginative and humorous tales. It is excellent, enjoyable memory training, often through visualisation and it brings people together to be enthralled and entertained.

Through storytelling, we can experience joy, sadness, grief, empathy, elation and many more emotions. Stories enable us to understand life - and ourselves.