The Old Laverton
School in Altona Meadows is one of the last remaining
single-room schools in Victoria. Built in 1888 its now embedded in Melbourne’s
suburban west. Beautifully restored and now used by community groups for yoga,
theatre rehearsals, and all sorts of wonderful things … The old school
celebrated 125 years with scones, silent films, sack races and of course
storytelling. I was was there with colleague Alan Davies to share stories from
the past and encourage the exchange of memories. Using the idea of an
‘Assembly’ to frame our program, Alan led the singing while I focused on the
stories.
As my Queensland storytelling friend,
Bettina Nissan says, ‘Stories beget stories’. And so it was. No sooner had the
Assembly finished; the stories flowed.
Alan and I both live in the west and met
through the local Newport Folk Club. From my experience, connecting and working
with my community and council has proved rewarding in so many ways. I feel part
of something very special and humbled by the support Hobsons Bay Council and the
Club has given me to develop my practice as a professional story teller working
in the oral tradition.
Alan Davies is a Marriage Celebrant and director of the Newport Community Choir
Jackie Kerin Storytelling Vic teller and author.
