To mark the 150th anniversary of Canterbury, Christchurch City Libraries has organised a storytelling programme that brings to life some of the province's earliest settlers.

Talented storyteller and historian Margaret Copland will wear period costume and recreate the lives of two extraordinary women - one from England and the other from Poland.

The stories, which are aimed at adults, are based on extensive research and offer an intriguing insight of early Canterbury life.

"Margaret's performances are renown for their authenticity," said Sasha Bowers, Promotions & Publications Co-ordinator at Christchurch City Libraries. "Her first story is about her great-great grandmother, Sarah Stokes, who arrived in 1850 aboard the Randolph."

Stories will be told at several libraries around Christchurch:

Monday 11 December Shirley Library 10 - 11am Fendalton Library 2 - 3pm

Tuesday 12 December Sumner Library 11am - 12 noon Linwood Library 1.30 - 2.30pm

Thursday 14 December Spreydon Library 10 - 11am Halswell Library 2 - 3pm Central City Library 6 - 7pm

Full details are available from the libraries listed above. For more information contact: Sasha Bowers, Promotions & Publications Co-ordinator, Christchurch City Libraries, 379 6914

Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz

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