Clients of Story Tales

Adam has worked extremely successfully with other 350 schools, nurseries, libraries, museums and other organisations. These are just some of the comments he has had following his sessions:

Schools and Nurseries:

"After 25 years of teaching I love to experience a 'wow' day when the children were fully integrated into every aspect of the lesson. Today, working with Adam, was a 'wow' day." Margaret Hewitsen, Literacy Co-ordinator, Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School.

"The best workshop we've ever had in school!" Miss Skeffington, Deputy Head Teacher, St Godric's RC Primary School.

"Dear Adam, The dust of Book Week has finally settled!! Many thanks for the enormous part that you played in making our Book Week both successful and memorable. In thirty years of organising Book Weeks you are, by far, the most exciting and charismatic storyteller we have ever had. It is not unusual for the children to enjoy the storyteller but, to have members of the maths department rushing round school telling everyone to, 'Be there!' is a first! In fact, to call you a 'storyteller' in no way covers all that you achieve in an hour with a group of children. The children are already asking when you are coming back and so is the maths department!! Thank you again." Chris Ruck, Ranby House Preparatory School, Nottinghamshire.

"The hall was full of 200 plus KS2 boys and girls held in thrall by Adam and a story. I sat next to my deputy and listened spell-bound to the unfolding narrative. The deep sigh of contentment and pleasure which greeted the end of the story was more tangible than audible and left an impression that lives with me some seven years later." Malcolm Bridge (Head teacher of Granard Primary School, SW15, 1991-1997)

International Schools:

"After the inspiring session of hearing the Russian tales and the task of creating another Baba Yaga character the children [everyone!] wanted to write the new adventure. Even the usual reluctant writers settled quickly to work . A quiet and focused 30 minutes followed and then the bell rang for snack time. The groans and grumbles followed...

"Do we have to stop?", "I want to finish", "Can't I stay in and get on with my story", "Will there be time later?" It was fantastic to be part of this!!" Ann Heath, Year 2 Teacher, British School in the Netherlands

"It was a great visit, again and I have had lots of positive feedback from staff and children, so Thank You! It amazes me that you can make it so fresh and new each time and the way that you can enthuse and involve the children." Sharon Anim, Literacy Co-ordinator and Year 5 Teacher, British School in the Netherlands

Libraries and Museums:

"Whenever we ask Adam to come and work at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, he enthrals visitors of all ages with his individual style of storytelling which he skilfully crafts to reflect and compliment the visitors experience at the museum. He is always welcome to tell TALL tales at Killhope." Maureen Murray, Visitor Services Officer, Killhope: the North of England Lead Mining Museum, Co Durham, DL13 1AR, Tel: 01388 537505.

"I would like to thank you for your wonderful tales and story telling. It took a lot of cajoling to get my daughter, Hannah, to pick up a book and read, but since listening to you she has been inspired to read a lot more. Her reading level at school has consequently improved hugely. I'm sure if it weren't for your enthusiasm and unique tales Hannah might never have discovered the joy of losing yourself in a good book. Thank you" Diane Forbes (grateful mother) - E-mail sent after storytelling session in Peterlee Library

Other Organisations:

"My son, who is now 12, still talks about the stories you told him at school a year ago." Parent, Gateshead Family Fun Day.

"That's the best half hour I've had in years!" Parent at All Saints Church Storytelling Day

"Dear Adam, We are writing to you to say how much we enjoyed your stories last week at Barnard Castle. The stories were inspirational and we have been acting them out in the classroom. We particularly enjoyed the story about the black pepper and also the one on your website about the sheep and the goat. We are grateful for the time and effort you put into making our trip so much fun. It has given us the idea of using props in the classroom to make lessons more entertaining. Yours sincerely," Jordan, Hayden, Ethan, Charlie, Ashley, Robin, Amy, Raine, Lucy, Joseph, Elanor, Kyle, Eleanor, Emily, Jenna,Imogen, Mrs. Clarkson and Mrs. Dauber. (Class 2. Butterknowle Primary School.) E-mail sent after Barnard Castle Storytelling Event

References are available from the following sources:

Jenny Daniels, Head Teacher or Becky Lawrence, Literacy Co-ordinator, Whiteknights Primary School, Fairlawn Green, Shinfield Rise, Reading RG2 8EP. 0118 9872588

Neil Hendriksen, Head Teacher, British School in the Netherlands, Vlaskamp 19, 2592 AA, Den Haag Netherlands. 0031 70 333 8111 neil.hendriksen@britishschool.nl

Clare Waldron, Literacy Co-ordinator, Parkhead Community School, Park Lane, Winlaton, Blaydon-on-Tyne, NE21 6LT. 0191 4335618

Catherine Dawson, Bishop Auckland Library, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, 01388 602 610