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This spring, StoryCommons is delighted to host Shonaleigh, the world-renowned tradition bearer and storyteller, for a Tellers, Tales, Tradition weekend in Ditchling, West Sussex. This unique, immersive weekend is a rare chance to hear these ancient tales in the light and on the tongue, stories untold for two generations and barely spoken of for decades.

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The Petal Demon belongs to the Cycle of Hillel, which is the first of twelve epic, latticed, interlinked cycles of stories passed down through generations of Jewish women. It’s the story of a woman who is pursued by a mage, and how she’s helped by Lilith to create a maze of flowers, that traps the mage and becomes a sanctuary for her.

 

This woman becomes known as the Petal Demon, and through her wanderings she leaves legends behind her. To men she’s a demoness; to women she’s a heroine.

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Shonaleigh is a Druts’yla, and carries on a living unbroken oral tradition passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. She knows around 4,000 tales that she can recall on request, using the lost art of ‘stories within stories’. This is an unmissable opportunity for anyone interested in stories or in oral and lost cultures.​

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The weekend will take place in Ditchling, in a garden full of wild herbs, a beautiful place to hear stories that celebrate the ancient connection between humanity, ecology and life itself.

 

Suitable for adults and 14+ only.

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​​​​​​Cost

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Weekend tickets are £180 per person, or £240 to include accommodation. 

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We have helper spots, which are reduced cost tickets in exchange for helping out with set up, teas and coffees and take down. Please email us to enquire about these. 

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Please get in touch to book your place. 

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Timing

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Storytelling runs from Friday evening to Sunday lunch time. Join us on Friday evening from 6pm for a shared meal (please bring bits!) We'll start the storytelling at 7.30, and end around 9.30/10pm.

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On Saturday, arrive at Lattenbells at 9.30am. We'll have stories in the morning, then a pause for lunch, and more stories in the afternoon, finishing at around 4pm. 

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On Sunday, arrive for 10am, we’ll have stories in the morning and we’ll finish after lunch (soup and salad) around 2pm.

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Do I need to bring anything?

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Mostly… bring your good ears and hearts to listen. Bring food to share on Friday night. We'll provide soup and salad on Saturday and Sunday lunch time, but feel free to bring extras to share. 
 

What is included in the ticket price:

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All the storytelling, Saturday and Sunday lunch, teas, coffees, cake, and biscuits through the weekend.

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What is not included in the ticket price?

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Dinners are not included, but there are shops nearby and some fantastic local pubs. ​

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Any questions and for the full address and travel directions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

We do have limited accommodation available, so contact us if you need a bed for the weekend. Camping in the garden is also possible!