Tales from Westminster's Waterways
Free Afterschool Storytelling Club for 8-11 Year Olds
Summer Term 2025
Come aboard the Floating Classroom for an 8-week storytelling adventure!
We're excited to offer this free afterschool club where young storytellers will explore North Westminster's waterways and create original stories inspired by our local canals.
Led by professional storyteller Phil McDermott and the Floating Classroom team, children will embark on a creative journey to develop their own unique tales – real or imagined – inspired by the past, present and future of Paddington and its canals.
During the 8-week club, children will:
Discover the rich history and stories of North Westminster's waterways
Learn storytelling techniques from a professional
Create original characters and plots in their own story journals
Develop public speaking and performance skills
Share their finished stories at a special celebration event
Each session will include games and creative activities designed to build confidence and nurture imagination. By the end of the project, children will have become accomplished storytellers with their own original stories to share!
When and Where:
Our storytelling club will take place every Wednesday on the Floating Classroom (Electric Barge) in Paddington:
Wednesday 23rd April, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 30th April, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 7th May, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 14th May, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
No session on 21st May (half-term)
Wednesday 28th May, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 4th June, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 11th June, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 18th June, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Drop-off at the Floating Classroom from 3.45pm - 4.15pm
Important Information:
This club is completely free, thanks to generous support from the Westminster Brighter Futures Fund
Open to children aged 8-11
Everything needed to take part in the club will be provided, including story journals
Space is limited, so early registration is recommended
If you have any questions, please contact Cameron: cameron@thefloatingclassroom.co.uk or call the Floating Classroom office on 0203 951 7376. (Please note: my normal working hours are Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm.)
You can sign up using the form below.