The recent Benalla Festival theme ‘Live local, love local’ inspired our icebreaker in November.  We then read through retired journalist Richard Glover’s humorous ‘memoir’ ‘Tuesday dentist, Wednesday blood test, Thursday physio – welcome to retirement’ (The Age, October 25, 2025), which ended, you probably guessed it… ‘It’s better, of course, than the alternative.’
​
Tom’s tongue-in-cheek story ‘One Moment This Year’ elaborated on the moment he learnt through experience ‘never to stand open bottles of nail polish remover anywhere near a laptop’.  Merv’s story 'The Mothership', about his ‘1994 Series Two Mitsubishi Delica’, also revealed a light comedic touch.   Barry’s 'One Moment this Year' story, humorously titled ‘The ABN that Refused to Die’, ended with a remarkable coincidence.

Carmyl reflected that writing ‘The Year That Changed Me’ on the year-long period during which she changed from Ballarat High School to Geelong High School,  led to her realising just how significant this period had been in her life.

In ‘18 months of my life 1976 – 1977’, James remembers the incredibly complex ‘uniform accoutrements’ he had to wear during his training as an Airforce pilot in New Zealand almost 50 years ago. 

Max’s story, set in a small rural town of Longwarry in ‘The 50’s’ (70 years ago!), introduced us to his friend Sprig and Sprig’s car Maud, a Ford.  The local girls apparently steered clear of Maud as ‘the only door that would open from the inside was the driver’s door’. Friend Rowdy, his widowed mother, ‘Myrt’, and local character Trapper McAlpine also featured.  

Set 60 to 75 years ago, Ray’s story focused on his early working life as a stock and station agent with the Victorian Producers Cooperative.  Coincidentally, a now 82-year old who drove cattle to the Benalla saleyards from his family farm as a teenager recently contacted Ray through our webpage! 

10 years ago, Neville shared a story in which he compared life in London when he worked there in 1968 with his impressions during a return visit in 2014.  Neville shared a selection of impressions from this story with us. 
​
Members who find gardening therapeutic particularly enjoyed Robyn’s ‘How Can I Stop From …. gardening’; while in a ‘Memorable People’ story,  Jan remembered Lurg neighbour and friend, artist Hugh Sawrey, CBE 1919 to 1999.  Finally, in his story ‘Life Challenges – Writing’, Merv shared another lightly comedic, yet at the same time quite serious, story of working to overcome the challenge of dyslexia across his life’s journey. 

We spent a few minutes scrolling through stories written by some of our members this year; noting that stories often sit under several topics and can form collections. We also previewed the topics for February 2026 – ‘Triggers’ and ‘This (…)  Life’ (refer (previous post for details).

An enjoyable end of year session accompanied by home-made and boutique chocolates; Jan’s delicious shortbread and more! 

​As always, some gentle reminders –

• if you find it hard to get started, or find yourself becoming bogged down, it can be helpful to re-read Tips for Writing Your 500 Words from ABC Open.   Please don't feel constrained though - our aim is to enjoy writing; to further develop our own writing style and to share our writing with a supportive audience
• choose something which won’t make you depressed, something you feel you have dealt with, while at the same time writing and sharing a story which is important to you. 
• if your story is getting long or seems to be losing focus, formulate a ‘key sentence’… ‘This story is about ….’ to help you to decide what stays and what goes.  (You can always ‘park’ part, even all, of a story which you’re not happy with for possible use one day).

• it’s fine to
  • share a story on a topic if you have written about it before
  • write on more than one topic, or more than one story on one topic   
  • create a ‘members choice’ topic if you have something you’ve always wanted to write about, or a new story topic has been triggered while reflecting recently
  • share or adapt a story written previously as part of an autobiography or other story collection, tweaking the story to ‘fit’ the topic if necessary. 
  • write the topic in another genre – eg. as a standup comedy skit, children’s story, poem or short play/screen play
  • present a catch-up story you haven’t shared yet; or
  • simply pass and enjoy the stories shared by others.
• remember to read through your story to locate and edit very long sentences which have many connecting ‘ands’.  Think about ways of breaking the sentence up.  Varying sentences to include short sentences can add impact to your writing.
• always ​remember that reflection plays a central role in memoir writing.  

 
Bev Lee

Writing about October’s theme ‘Life Challenges’, James concluded “Life is a challenge. We all face it, dealing with it in our own ways and with the assistance of others; forging ahead and trying to enjoy the life we have….”  Ray’s evocative ‘This too shall pass’ story of his journey following being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer certainly reflected this.

Anne reflected whimsically on ‘If only’ moments from perspectives including ‘Fantasy’ …’If only ... it was true that Paul McCartney was waving at me personally from the balcony of the Southern Cross Hotel...’

John engagingly described his ‘uncoolest ever’ ‘If only’ moment ,“Did I stay on the tram and casually say “Would you like to get some lunch in St Kilda?” Or “Oh, that was my stop, I’ll go through to the end and catch another tram back later.” No, I didn’t. I got up, said “This is my stop”, jumped off, and immediately thought “Why did I do that?”

Commencing with ‘If only I’d asked my mother about her early life with my grandparents’, Robyn’s story celebrated what she has since been able to find out about their lives through careful research.

Tom shared an ‘if only’ moment which has reverberated throughout his life, while Barry reflected on the ‘curved ball’ of being allocated the role of starting driver in a gruelling six-hour team-relay reliability test, a challenge met and rewarded with a driver’s performance award.

Carmyl chose to reflect upon ‘Advice’, from her father’s advice ‘A gentleman is one who uses a butterknife while dining alone’ to the advice she would now give to others, ‘Believe in Yourself’ and ‘Enjoy Life. You Only Live It Once’.     Jan’s evocative stories ‘Retirement part 2’ and ‘It was Time for a Change’, completed her retirement ‘trilogy’.
 
In a lighter mood, Max Tilbury’s story 'How we Met' concluded  “I wasn’t left on the shelf – unwanted - after all!”, while Heather’s story of meeting her husband Paul included the local postie, having picked up on the fact that a package from Paul was likely to be an engagement ring, going down on his knee and proposing to Heather on Paul’s behalf… to which she said ‘Yes’!

Two older catch-up stories completed the session.  Tom shared a moving 'I Was There' story of the moment he realised that the ‘Maid of the Sea’ aircraft downed in the Lockerbie plane disaster was the plane he had visited and so admired in Melbourne just a few months previously.   In ‘Steep Learning Curve’, James described the challenge of following his dream of becoming a military pilot, his parents proudly attending his graduation despite having had earlier reservations.

So many Life Challenges met!

The theme for November is 'A Year in My Life' - the topics to choose from: 
​
‘The Year That ( ..... ) Me’  Write about a year which made, changed or challenged you, a year which made a particular difference in your life’s journey.  
 
‘One Moment, This Year’  Looking back on 2025 to date, what single moment stands out for you?  Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment. 
 
‘… Years Ago’  A chance to write about a slice of your life which hasn’t fitted a topic area to date!

Finally, a reminder to bring something chocolate-y or festive to share in November!


Beverley Lee

Our session had to be rescheduled this month, with the date - Monday 29th September - well past the newsletter deadline!  Being able to access a (very rare) 5th Monday proved a huge relief as a two-month gap is always too long.

The theme for the session is ‘Transitions’.  Stories on ‘Retirement’ will be shared by Anne, Jan, Max and John; while Barry, Ray, Tom and Merv’s stories on ‘It was Time for a Change’ will be on the table. 

Carmyl, who has a gift for developing topics we can adapt one day, has written a beautiful story ‘Sixty-Three Years Ago’.   Robyn plans to share her recent story ‘How We Met’, Tom his story on ‘I Was There’.

There are other stories still on the books which can be shared at the session, including Shirley’s ‘My Father’s Clock’, Joan’s ‘Love Letter to Travel’ and ‘My Other Life’, Neville’s ‘Gap Year’, Delfina’s ‘Sisters’, and James’ ‘Steep Learning Curve’ - and there may be more on the day. 

The theme for October – ‘Life Challenges’ – the topics

‘If only … ‘  Write about an ‘if only’ moment in your life in 500 words, describing the context surrounding it as richly as you can.  Choose something which won’t make you depressed, something you feel you have ‘dealt with’, but at the same time something which shares the impact of even a brief moment in your life.

‘This Too Shall Pass’  Write about a particularly difficult period of your life, how life went on and perhaps also the lessons you learnt from it...

If you have writer’s block, think about writing the topic as a poem, a standup comedy set, a script!

October is ‘Come and Try’ month, a chance for interested members and visitors to come along on Monday 20 October from 2 to 4pm to see what we do.  Bring along and share your first ‘500 words’ story on an October topic, or just sit, listen and enjoy the day’s collection of stories.

Bev Lee 

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news - I have had to cancel tomorrow's 'As Time Goes By' class, as I'm not at all well.. I'm finding it difficult to get over what appears to be a bad cold on top of my chronic pulmonary problem.  On top of which, of course, I may still be infectious.  

'The good news' is that we don't have to wait until October's session to meet!  With tomorrow (the 15th) a very early '3rd Monday', there's a '5th Monday' in two weeks,
   
So, I've booked the U3A Meeting Room (Room 1) and the plan is to meet on Monday 29th September at 2pm instead of tomorrow. I hope this suits you and do apologise for any inconvenience caused.. Being able to access a (very rare) 5th Monday is a huge relief as a two month gap is always too long.

The stories I've received so far are now on the website (you'll find they are on your page if you've sent them in).  I'm looking forward to reading more over the next two weeks.  They always brighten my day!    Looking at the rescheduled Monday 29th September program to date...

September's Topics ...to date (14 Sept)
'Retirement' - Anne, Jan, Max, ...
'It Was Time for a Change'* -  Barry*, Ray, Tom*, ...
(*...interestingly, these also related to retirement)
Member's Choice ....   
'63 Years Ago' (Carmyl); 
'My Father's Clock'; (Shirley)

Catch up stories 'on the books' ...
'How We Met'... Robyn
'I Was There', Tom
'Love Letter to Travel', Joan
'My Gap Year', Neville
'My Other Life', Joan
'Sisters', Delfina
'Steep Learning Curve', James 

Stay warm and keep writing!


Bev

PS - Here's a link to the 2025 topic list in case you need it... 
https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/uploads/3/9/6/1/39611571/2025_2_as_time_goes_by_topic_list_f.pdf

In late July we received news that left us bewildered and saddened. Just five days after sharing her story of adapting to computers in class, Kathy Beattie passed away suddenly at St James on Saturday 26 July. Kathy had joined As Time Goes By in October last year. Her first story, Steep Learning Curve, reflected on her role in the acclaimed St James Silo Art project. She was eager to record her family stories and complete her mother’s story, a project she often mentioned. RIP Kathy. We miss you.

This month’s theme, Life Changing, embraced the topics ‘Advice’, ‘Emergence’ and ‘How We Met’. 

Tom spoke of wrestling with his story Treat other people the way you would like them to treat you, eventually seeking feedback from Bev before rewriting it completely. His revised version drew spontaneous applause from the class. James reflected on how his psychologist wife Karin’s advice--Stop, Think, Do—helped him slow down and avoid rushing into trouble. Ray revisited career guidance that transformed his life: “Become an accountant and work for yourself.” Jan brought humour and warmth with the story of a message in a book given by her cherished childhood friend Stan on her eleventh birthday: Look, Learn and Inwardly Digest—a phrase she has since inscribed in books for family and friends.

Reflecting on ‘Emergence’, Carmyl wove together her family’s story with the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day, a moment rich in cultural and personal resonance. Max described his own emergence over the past year—joining U3A, moving into Cooinda, and discovering new community. John shared a teaching project still remembered decades later, with a treasured photo of himself in bushranger garb reminding him of its impact.

‘How We Met’ inspired Anne to write a lively, tender account of meeting her husband of 34 years while trying to remain valiantly single after the breakdown of her first marriage.

Neville and Merv shared never-forgotten ‘Childhood Memories’. Neville’s story Lost recalls being separated from his mother in a crowd in Melbourne at age three or four and his brother being lost in the bush as a child. Merv vividly remembers sailing on the MS Georgic to Australia as a five-year-old and being accosted by an aggressive man while anxiously guarding deck chairs—before, to his great relief, his parents returned.

As a final offering, Barry shared a cheerful My First Car story, recalling his FC Holden and its Valiant replacement, still remembering the number plate JOE–215.
​
Thank you to Anne Stewart for introducing us to the thought-provoking article Who was Anne Frank, which frames the rewriting of her diary by Anne Frank as memoir and suggests later editing and interpretation by her father and others has shaped our understanding of her life. Thanks also to the group for feedback on the newsletter report, and for raising thoughtful questions about formal vs informal feedback, the use of AI in writing, and more.

Looking ahead, next month’s theme is Transitions, with topics ‘Retirement’—a complex shift involving both loss and celebration—and It was time for a change… (you only live once).

Beverley Lee

​“A memoir captures a meaningful slice of life - a memory, a lesson, or an experience that stands out"
 
The sudden passing of Kathy Beattie
 
From my email to class“… I have some news which I’m finding so very sad and so hard to believe.  Kathy Beattie, who just five days before had shared her story of adapting to computers over time with us, passed away suddenly at St James on Saturday 26 July.  Kathy joined ‘As Time Goes By’ group as a ‘taster’ in October last year after hearing about it from ATGB class member James Davey.  Immediately engaging with the group, Kathy’s first story, ‘Steep Learning Curve’, reflected on her experience engaging her community then shepherding the acclaimed St James Silo Art project to completion.  Kathy was so looking forward to building up her collection of stories for her family and completing her mother’s story.  We will miss her.  Kathy’s funeral will be held at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, 41-43 Piper Street, Yarrawonga on Thursday 14 August from 11am to 12pm.”
 
The sadness came particularly from a place of knowing that Kathy had wanted to finish her ‘Mum’s story’, that in two stories she had mentioned wanting to find more time to write and finish long cherished projects.  However, I felt better when I read her last email, sent on 19th July… “Hi Bev, See you Monday, Kathy.  P.S. I have progressed with My Mother’s Story.  My brother visited the other day and I let him read an unedited version. He laughed, giggled and enjoyed it so much he has offered to pay for the printing on completion. I was more interested in his reaction as the oldest member of the family. He said it brought back so many memories of happier and sad times. And he immediately rang a cousin to tell him that our history is being written, and he hoped he lived long enough to see it published. So, I had better get on with it. K”

Particularly poignant for me over the last few days is not receiving an email with a bright note and story from Kathy …and what do I write on the roll today….RIP Kathy.
 
Website contacts – two this month – past ATGB member David Lowing wrote a story in 2018 about his family in Deniliquin which is included in his consolidated ATGB/Family Research page.  An old friend found David’s story and they are now in touch.   Then I was out with Delfina in Violet Town talking to someone we both know who mentioned that he’d read one of Delfina’s stories relating to her early life in Italy on the website!

Found on Facebook - from Estia Health in last year's Older Person's week....

Icebreaker - I need some ‘Advice’ ….   Each month when I write the newsletter report I’m faced with two dilemmas – one is the size of the report, as the limit is 350 apart from those in which the class members contribution is recorded, when it is grudgingly 500 words; (there are various ways we can do this, but we have enjoyed writing a short synthesis for each person)…  The other dilemma, whether you approve of what I’ve written is the kernel of your story; as I know I can always alter mine – when Graham was doing the reports, I’d have to say I did this on occasion if I thought it wasn’t quite right, and his reports were marvellous! - "Discuss!"

This month’s stories –  the underpinning theme linking them is ‘Life Changing’…
 
‘Advice’
Tell us about one piece of advice that’s stuck with you, perhaps even been life changing in some way. It could be a famous quote or proverb, something your mum told you, or helpful words from a stranger. Did you follow the advice, or wished you had? Did it help or lead you astray?
(A topic from 2017 - see for example Bev's story 'Advice'      

‘Emergence’
Interpret this theme as you choose, whether it’s a story of emerging fully into your true self, or an event arising in the narrative of your life.   (Topic adapted from the SBS Emerging Writers Competition Topic 2022)

'How We Met' 
 
‘Our best friends, neighbours, partners, lovers were all strangers once.  Tell us how you met a kindred spirit and what the relationship means or meant to you, how it changed your life in some way.  (A topic from 2018 - see for example Neville's stories 'How We Met #1' (Neville)  'How We Met #2')

Catch up stories -   Barry O’Connor              ‘My First Car’                                               


Next session - September 15 - Theme ‘Transitions’ - Two topics – ‘Retirement’ suggested for newer class members as it’s often fresh in our memories, and ‘It was time for a change …(you only live once).’
 
‘Retirement’
Retirement is a transition which can be quite complex, involve a range of losses, may be dreaded, involve celebrations and be looked forward to, indeed all of the above! …  Share the story of your retirement from a role which was important to you at some stage of your life – how did you negotiate it?  How did you feel about the transition at the time?  How do you feel about it now?  (Don’t forget, as with other stories, ‘Retirement’ stories do not need to be included on the website—people involved may still be alive!).

‘It was time for a change … ‘ …(you only live once!)
‘It was time for a change’ *   Write about a time when you realised you were ready for a change and about how you acted upon it. Perhaps it was a case of realizing that ‘you only live once’, perhaps a little less overwhelming.  A chance to look back and reflect upon your decision at the time and its impact upon you and your family. 
(*Inspired by a story on ABC News about a couple deciding to walk away from a farm…)
 

A reminder about 

• incorporating reflection on the impact on you of the experiences you are writing about.  This can be subtle, can be strategically placed, can always be in the conclusion.  It can be in a very short first sentence and or in a pithy or otherwise reflective final sentence, or, of course, anywhere in between.  
• keeping focused on the slice of life you are writing about.  Usually when you craft your story so that it is within 500 words you don’t stray off onto other themes and lose focus.  However, the more words you write, the more likely this is to happen.  
• creating a key sentence for your story to help to retain focus... 'This is a story about ...’. A key sentence is a tool to refer back to if you find you've meandered delightfully, but perhaps irrelevantly, off to write about a barely related memory.  Revisiting what ‘This story is about…’ can help you to decide what stays and what goes.  (You can always ‘park’ part, even all, of a story which you’re not happy with for possible use one day).
• self-care … a reminder that sometimes telling a story you think you have achieved ‘closure’ on can still lead to tears… 

This month’s session began with a message from James: “I won't be there as am enjoying the warmth of NW Queensland!! See you next time.” Lucky James! With seventeen members present, it was a very full session—great to welcome back Bev Morton, and to welcome Shirley, who came in for a 'taster' and plans to be back!

Our icebreaker prompt was a ‘Letter to the Age’ from an exasperated 80-year-old reader which ended, “one of the few benefits of dying is that I will not have to wrestle with computers anymore.” This sparked much discussion!

Stories on this month’s theme, ‘Changes over Time,’ followed…

‘Communication… or other changes over time’ – Kathy wrote about many years ago trying to persuade doubtful farm partners to purchase a computer (decades later, they remain skeptical!). Tom, writing to appeal to his granddaughter who reads his stories, recalled his first job in a Telegraph Office working with telephone switchboards, fax, and Morse code machines. Anne’s story, Communication and the Dog and Bone, began with an image of Dick Tracy’s two-way wrist radio, traced changes in ‘devices’ over time, and ended “…Not only is my device a phone, street directory, answering machine and encyclopedia, it’s also a camera. Not even Dick Tracy’s creator imagined such a device.”

For ‘A Smorgasbord of Firsts and Lasts', Robyn wrote about buying her first antique bentwood chair and her lifelong passion for antiques. Jan introduced us to her ‘First Friend’ Hazel, her neighbour in England when she was three, and told of the joy they still share exchanging letters eight decades later. John wrote a heartfelt tribute to loyal dogs accompanying him through life’s twists and turns—from Juliet, the unexpected gift who brought solace, to Elsa, his current beloved companion. Bev Morton’s reading of her nearly disastrous ‘First Ride’ on Princess, the circus pony, was greeted with applause. Heather shared a smorgasbord of stories, featuring her ‘First Boyfriend’ (pictured), ‘First Home’ after arriving in Perth as a 10-year-old with her ‘Ten Pound Pom’ parents; her ‘First Horse,’ Daniel Boone; and her ‘First Marriage,’ which “I can honestly say … was my last … First marriage, right fella.” Carmyl’s beautiful story described how a chance pairing in a church youth group evolved into her marriage to Don. “We were married for sixty-two years. My first and last boyfriend.”

‘First Cars’ brought delightful tales involving Joan’s Austin Freeway Super Six, Ray’s Morris Oxford Saloon, and Max’s 1927/28 Ford Coupe.

Our ‘Triggers’ story collection grew with Barry reflecting on a Western Australia flight, Tom recalling a special 1953 Coronation coin, a Monkees LP, and the first video he recorded featuring Torvill and Dean’s ‘Bolero.’
​
Merv’s moving catch-up story, Two Wrongs don’t make a Right, described traumatic memories of harsh school discipline affecting his attitude toward religion.

Another session full of rich stories, memories, insight, and humour. Two hours so well spent—thanks to all for your contributions!

August’s theme, ‘Life Changing,’ includes ‘Advice’ and ‘Emergence.’ An additional topic, ‘How We Met,’ has been added.

‘Advice’  Tell us about one piece of advice that’s stuck with you, perhaps even been life changing in some way. It could be a famous quote or proverb, something your mum told you, or helpful words from a stranger. Did you follow the advice, or wished you had? Did it help or lead you astray?  (A topic from 2017 - see for example Bev's story 'Advice'

‘Emergence’ Interpret this theme as you choose, whether it’s a story of emerging fully into your true self, or an event arising in the narrative of your life.   (Topic adapted from the SBS Emerging Writers Competition Topic 2022)

'How We Met' Our best friends, neighbours, partners, lovers, were all strangers once.  Tell us how you met a kindred spirit and what the relationship means or meant to you, how it changed your life in some way...(A topic from 2018 - see for example Neville's stories 'How We Met #1' (Neville)  'How We Met #2' (Neville)

Bev Lee 

​PS..., a reminder about the importance of 

• incorporating reflection on the impact on you of the experiences you are writing about.  This can be subtle, can be strategically placed, can always be in the conclusion.  It can be in a very short first sentence and or in a pithy or otherwise reflective final sentence, or, of course, anywhere in between.  
• keeping focused on the slice of life you are writing about.  Usually when you craft your story so that it is within 500 words you don’t stray off onto other themes and lose focus.  However, the more words you write, the more likely this is to happen.  
• creating a key sentence for your story to help to retaining focus... 'This is a story about ...’. A key sentence is a tool to refer back to if you find you've meandered delightfully, but perhaps irrelevantly, off to write about a barely related memory.
• self-care … a reminder that sometimes telling a story you think you have achieved ‘closure’ on can still lead to tears… 

​June’s session began with a thought-provoking review by Carmyl of Kate Grenville’s recent memoir, Unsettled and a reference to Jacinda Ardern’s recent memoir ‘A Different Kind of Power’ precisely fitting memoir as ‘the narration of our lives in our own terms’.

​Photobooth images from the RMIT Gallery’s Auto Photo: A Life in Portraits exhibition led into our icebreaker, where members, in pairs, shared memories of photo booths, first cameras, roaming photographers, and photo shoots.

‘My Other Life’ proved a popular theme, revealing sides of ourselves rarely seen. In Rhythm of Life, Anne reflected on her lifelong love of dance, from childhood ballet classes in Euroa to line dancing and Zumba today. Max recalled his football days in the Longwarry Seconds, while Kathie wrote about her other life as a farmer, sharing how childhood stays on relatives’ farms sparked dreams of “marrying a farmer, playing guitar, and riding horses”.

Tom’s story about his deep love of music stirred memories of ‘Andre Kostelanetz’ and others, while Ray’s account of mature-age study struck a chord with many. James’ reflections on golf and June’s unique sport in the hills near Taminick highlighted the therapeutic value of these pursuits. June described returning refreshed to ‘the real world, where we work, eat and sleep to survive the rat race’, while James called golf ‘an anchor’ amid life’s ups and downs.

Jan, who had worked in offices most of her life, wrote about realising her dream of owning a café. Her Toast Office Coffee Shop thrived in Bridge Street and even won ‘Best Pies in the North East’ from The Weekly Times, despite local competition.

Carmyl’s reflections on her ‘Other Life as Writer’ featured a striking editorial she penned for the Geelong High School magazine in 1953, tackling issues still relevant today. She concluded “I wonder what I would write as a seventeen-year-old today?”

In response to the topic ‘How can I stop from …’, Heather shared her love of collecting things she might use one day, while Neville’s journey to quit smoking—easier said than done—resonated widely.

Robyn’s Memories Treasure Chest reflected on the allure of her grandfather’s wooden ‘Ditty Box’, containing later-discovered treasures including war medals and cherished letters; and the second-prize winning Melbourne Cup sweep tickets found tucked in her grandmother’s drawer.

The session ended on a light note with Barry’s ‘I Was There’ tale, which included a children’s tug of war with a Kenworthy truck!

​The theme for July’s session is ‘Change over time’.  The topics – ‘My first (or last) …’  ‘My first (or last)…. (car, boyfriend, job, broken heart*, pet ….) – it’s up to you!  OR  ‘Communication’…or other changes over time…’  Reflect upon ‘change over time’ in communications (or another area of interest and importance to you), describing your observations and experiences of these changes and their impact on you over time.

Inspired by Carmyl’s delightful member’s choice story ‘First of April’, ‘April Fool’s Day’ and ‘Election Day’ reminiscences resounded as memories were shared during the icebreaker.  

April's theme ‘War and Peace’ followed.  Merv’s story included reflections on his brother Brian's childhood during World War II.  An early cruise missile, a 'doodlebug bomb' hit the school Brian was attending in WW II.  Merv, Jan and Heather, who all grew up in England, remembered the comment 'you felt safe when you could hear 'doodlebugs', not when you couldn't'.  Jan’s memories of growing up in WW II London included a lovely vignette.  Concerned Jan was still getting under the table on hearing planes flying over after the war, Jan's mother commented to her “You know, eleven-year-old students going to High School might look a bit strange, ducking under a desk or table, every time a plane flies over”. 

Remembering growing up in country Victoria during the war, Max also caused a laugh  "To confuse the Japanese when they invaded Longwarry, all the signposts to other places were taken down and the Longwarry Hotel sign had the Longwarry boarded over.  It never got to confuse the Japanese, but did confuse some of the locals!"  Kathy described the service role of her father Jim, a fitter and turner, in the team that finessed the treatment of rust in guns called the “Bluing Treatment".  Showing us Jim's name on his name on a photo of the monument in Tallangatta dedicated to all of the soldiers who served, not only overseas, but in Australia, Kathy reminded us "They all contributed to the War Effort". Bev reflected on how her parents’ philosophy of ‘Two wrongs don’t make a right’ was prominent in dispute resolution during her childhood. 

May’s theme, ‘Places’, took centre stage after the break.  In ‘A Love Letter to Travel’ new member Robyn took us to mesmerizing ‘Budapest’, Jan to an unexpectedly idyllic holiday in Turkey.  Ray described a 'wonderful sojourn' exploring Europe and Ireland while based in London at his daughter’s flat..  Max’s 'Love Letter to Travel', ‘Great Place, Capa’, described a decades long holiday ’Happy Place’ for this passionate bowler.   

Carmyl wrote about Lake Benalla as her ‘Happy Place’ in a beautifully written story featuring her observations as she walks around Benalla lake, with special mention of her beloved Moreton Bay Fig tree on Jaycee Island. Lake Benalla was also mentioned by Heather amongst the retreats which enable her to relax and regroup.  Robyn’s second story, ‘Time for a Change’ described moving from the city to a farm at Greta, which became her happy place for the next 26 years.

Catch up stories included Neville’s ‘Co-vid 5 years on’; Barry’s ‘Trigger’ when viewing images of a recent aerobatic aircraft crash at the Avalon Airport,  and Kathy’s story ‘This (Lucky Break) Life’ reflected on a fire which almost got away near her property recently.  You can check out our ‘Stories by Topic’ page on the website to read more of our stories. 

With our third session falling on Easter Monday, stories already submitted on April’s topics have been published on-line to make May’s class less pressured.  Stories from Jan, Max and Merv appear under the broad heading ‘War and Peace’, a story from Anne has been added to our ‘Anzac Day’ collection, and a quirky story from Carmyl, ‘First of April’ is a ‘member’s choice’. There’s still time to send in stories for ‘Anzac Day’, ‘Easter’ or ‘Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right’ to be published online. 

On April 16th, in a session titled ‘1945’, five past and current members of 'As Time Goes By' who had written stories in which they remembered the end of the war presented them at Meet and Mingle.   In a session modelled our class process, an icebreaker led to lots of discussion and stories were projected on to back wall.  It was such a privilege to introduce, then listen to, Margaret Nelson, Max Tilbury, Ray O'Shannessy, Carmyl Winkler and Bev Morton sharing their stories.  Thank you all! ​

Two delightful topics on ‘Places’ are on the agenda for our session on Monday 19th May at 2pm: -

• ‘A Love Letter to Travel’  The brief:  "Write a love letter to travel about one place in the world that is special to you. It can be a popular tourist destination, or a place that’s largely overlooked.  You might inspire someone else to go there one day, or to reconsider their assumptions, or to spark their inquisitiveness about a new piece of the world — all the empowering things that travel brings to our lives.”  ….  (You could begin “Dear Madrid,… “ etc)

​

• ‘My Happy Place’ (or ‘An Ode to ….’)  Describe your happy place, where it is and why it's special to you, in 500 words or less.   This was a topic in Life Matters in late 2023….    “Tell us your story about the place you go in your head when your brain needs a little break, or your heart needs a little break from whatever is occupying you for the rest of the day, it could be an imaginary place, it could be a place you visited once and just fell in love with absolutely, or somewhere you would love to visit and you know it’s out there in the world, and you go there in your head, while not having actually been there in person.”  (Hilary Harper describing the topic on Life Matters)   Lots of examples can be found at this link ‘My Happy Place’.

​
Beverley Lee

'Two wrongs don't make a right' proved a thought-provoking icebreaker in March.  Members in twos and threes reflected on the ways in which their parents taught them to handle conflict and their own roles in mediating or reducing conflict between their children, workers, or others.  

Writing on ‘Failure’, new member Merv took us back to memories of the launch of Sputnik 2 in November 1957 and the death shortly after of Laika, a stray terrier from Moscow, the first living creature from earth to be launched into space. Merv remembers imagining Laika “out there somewhere among all those stars, petrified”.    June's delightful reflection on farm life involved failing to protect Elizabeth, the duck, from Mr. Fox!  Ray shared failures overcome on his journey to becoming a partner in the Smith O'Shannessy accounting practice, while Terry shared memories of a traumatic ‘broken mast’ sailing accident.   Joan bravely linked ‘Failure’ and ‘Success’, sharing her story of moving on from a failed marriage to a later treasured and successful marriage.

For ‘Covid five years on’, Anne reminded us of the weekend influxes to holiday houses during Covid, while Barry provided an overview of the impact of the Pandemic in Benalla and a reminder that Covid is still with us.   Jan reflected on the impact of Covid on connections within families; and the significance of medical appointments missed in Melbourne. Carmyl, who lived in Tallangatta at the time, wrote about the ways in which her dispersed family creatively managed communications during the pandemic, then visits to her husband Don when he entered palliative care, with Tallangatta affected by inter-state border closures. 

Anne took an interesting slant on our ‘International Women’s Day’ topic ‘Sisters’, introducing us to 'Sisters' met during her schooling at convents in Mansfield, Euroa and later in Melbourne, with feisty Mother Margaret Mary having made a lasting impression. John’s description of experiences shared with his sister Debbie from childhood to early adulthood resonated with many of us.  We felt his grief when he described Debbie passing away suddenly when they were in their early to mid-20's. Kathy shared a sister’s caring observations of her brother William’s complex transition into care, while Bev shared the story of finally meeting her 87-year-old half-sister when she was 67. 

Heather's story of meeting her sisters as babies and loving them throughout her life; and Max’s story of his first job as ‘bobbin boy’ at a rope factory, then a job as ‘lad labourer’ in a Line Gang with the Victorian Railways, lifted our spirits at the end of class. 

As our April class falls on Easter Monday, we will be sharing stories on-line.  Please submit your stories by April 21.  The topics? 

'Two Wrongs don't make a Right', suggested for continuing members, is an encouragement to "reflect on the impact of conflict on your life, from the ways in which your parents taught you to handle conflict, to family members or your own involvement in conflict during wars, perhaps your roles in mediating or reducing conflict between your children or workers, perhaps your roles in promoting peace."  You only have 500 words, so start early, as you may need time to edit!

Traditional topics for April give new and newer students a chance to reminisce about memories of memorial or religious events which have stayed with them over time.

‘Anzac Day’  "Looking back over your lifetime, write about your memories of Anzac Day (or other memorial day) and its place in the cultural rituals of your family and the communities in which you have lived"
OR
‘Easter’ Looking back over your lifetime, write about your memories of Easter (or other religious event) and its place in the cultural rituals of your family and the communities in which you have lived (Samples from our stories – eg. Molyullah Easter Fair).

At Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 16 April at 10am, past and present As Time Goes By members who attended school during the war will share stories about their lives at that time.  Hope to see you there!

Bev Lee

“A memoir captures a meaningful slice of life - a memory, a lesson, or an experience that stands out. In our sessions, members come together to share short, reflective stories (up to 500 words) inspired by a new theme each month. As Time Goes By is not a writing skills class, nor is it about creating a full autobiography. It’s a space for those who want to record the stories that future generations might never think to ask about - a place to remember and share treasured moments in a welcoming, supportive environment with others who are also telling their stories.”
 
Writing and sharing memoir

Last month we stressed the importance of incorporating reflection on the impact on you of the experiences you are writing about.  This can be subtle, can be strategically placed, can always be in the conclusion.

Interestingly, the ‘This (…..) Life’ topic,automatically incorporates a reflection, as you need to think about the topic and what is significant about it, eg. Heather’s ‘This (Chaotic) Life’.  

This month, a reminder to keep focussed on the particular slice of life you are writing about.  Usually when you craft your story so that it is within 500 words you don’t stray off onto other themes and lose focus.  However, the more words you write, the more likely this is to happen. 

There's a saying in writing circles 'Kill your darlings'...'A darling' is something which is meaningful to you, enjoyable to write about, but which looked at objectively isn’t a ‘good fit’ in this slice of life.  'Kill it'!  Highlight it, “cut" it, then “paste” it into a document for possible use later!   Your story almost invariably reads well without it.  This is all part of crafting your story.  

Creating a key sentence for your story can be useful in retaining focus... 'This is a story about ..... '.  It’s a tool to refer back to when you find you've strayed delightfully off into a barely related memory.  
 

​Bev

Our second session for 2025, this coming Monday 17 March at 2pm in Room 1, will continue to incorporate an orientation for new members alongside the sharing of stories.  
 
A number of stories have already been sent in, however here are the topic suggestions if you need a reminder:
 
New Members: 
 
‘Failure’ ‘Write about a failure you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the catastrophic – in 500 words’. (ABC Open April 2017) Resource: Some guidelines for writing a 500 word about 'Failure' (ABC Open Planning Sheet)
OR 
‘Success!’ –‘turn the guidelines for approaching the Failure story on their head by writing about a treasured success you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the (almost…) world shattering, or in your world at least!’ 
It is of course fine to 'pass', or to share a story from February’s topics ‘New in Town’ or ‘I Was There’.  If you haven’t yet dipped your toes into the water with a first story, now could be the time.   Remember, it is often helpful to read Tips for Writing Your 500 Words from ABC Open.   Please don't feel constrained though - our aim is to enjoy writing; to further develop our own writing style and to share our writing with a positive and supportive audience.  
 
Returning Members:  Suggested topics - with the goal to write, as for beginners, to a 500-word limit.  
 
‘Reflecting on Covid on the 5th anniversary’  It’s the fifth anniversary of the Co-vid shutdown on 20th March.  A chance to reflect back on your memories and experiences then from the standpoint of time.  A dip into our Newsletter and stories at the time might refresh your memories. 
OR
‘Sisters’…  It’s International Women’s Month in March, a time to focus on women’s lives and stories.  Memoirs have been written about ‘Sisters’…for example, by Drusilla Modjeska. Write about some sisters in your family, whether your own, a parent’s, your children, your grandchildren, in a way which uncovers the strengths, the challenges, the joys of ‘sisterhood’…or perhaps a sister’s strength, creativity, perseverance, contributions. 
​
Of course, it's fine for new and returning members to select from any of the suggested topics!
 
Some members may have a 'catch up' story to share, and for long-term members, it’s fine to share or adapt a story you enjoyed writing in the past related to one of these topics'.
 
Of course, you can develop a ‘members choice’ topic of your own if a story topic has been triggered recently, or you have something you’ve always wanted to write about.
 
Remember, if you have been busy or had writer’s block, you can always present a catch-up story you haven’t shared yet; or simply pass and enjoy the stories shared by others.  Long-term members, it’s fine to share or adapt a story you enjoyed writing in the past related to one of these topics. For those who have written about one of these topics as part of an autobiography or other story collection, it’s fine to share this, tweaking the story to ‘fit’ the topic if necessary. 
 

 
Bev

This is the eleventh year of 'As Time Goes By' and, ten years on, we revisited the importance of reflecting on the impact of our experiences when writing memoir.   
 
We began by honouring founding 'As Time Goes By' class member Carole Marple, noting the way in which Carole's stories on the website each capture "a meaningful slice of life - a memory, a lesson, or an experience that stands out". Carole's story, 'My Other Life', in which she reflects on her life as a politician, was read in class to celebrate Carole's life.  Vale Carole.   

Group members shared stories including Carmyl’s sense of loss after the closing of a favourite cafe discovered when 'New in Town' and, for 'I Was There', Jan’s reflections on The Beatles visit to Melbourne in 1964; Joan’s memories of the Tall Ships visit to Melbourne in 1988; Ray’s recollections of the bushfires of 1951; and Neville’s childhood memories of observing life 'before indoor plumbing'.

‘This (…….) Life' stories also captivated, including ‘This (Pit Village) Life’ about June’s childhood in northern England during the severe winter of 1963; ‘This (Uncomplicated) Life' about James’ idyllic rural boyhood in New Zealand, and Delfina’s 'This (Serendipitous) Life' about a childhood interest in archaeology leading, by a circuitous route, to her studying Librarianship and becoming a bookseller.

Barry shared a catchup story about an interview which led him to reflect on valued parts of his life, while Bev reflected on memories of the Melbourne Cup over the years triggered by last year's Melbourne Cup.  We have one or two new stories waiting to be shared when members return to class; and several members still to dip their toes into the water! 

​It was delightful to begin to learn about the lives and memories of our new members during the session, and wonderful to be back sharing treasured moments in a welcoming, supportive environment with others who are also telling their stories.

Our topic suggestions for new members in March are 'Failure' or 'Success'; and, for returning members, 'Covid 5 years on' or, for this year's International Women's Day topic, 'Sisters'.  Details are included in the 'As Time Goes By' Topic List for 2025.

​Beverley Lee

Our holiday break is nearing its end, with our first class for 2025 only three weeks away.  Perhaps it's time to begin putting your thoughts on paper?   The '500 words' topics set last year for the holiday break ...

‘This (…….) Life ‘  Examples ‘This (Downsizing) Life’ by an 80+ year old about planning to farewell a loved home; ‘This (Number 8) Life’ about growing up as ‘Number 8’ in a family of nine children.   Also –see our ‘This (….) Life’ stories! OR
​
‘Triggers’  Keep a notebook close by during the break in which to note any ‘triggers’ which lead you to reminisce about a time in your lives.   You may have been talking to someone, watching television or a film, driving somewhere, reading a book.   Choose one to three of these - write about the memories evoked, keeping the total words to 500 – 750 words OR

‘Memoir Review’   Perhaps you’ll have time during the holiday break to read and reflect upon a memoir which has particular meaning for you, drawing on our  Deeper Dive memoir analysis sheet to write a review to share with the class. Here's the link:   'Memoir Review - Framework Suggestions'

The story topics  suggested for new class members in February ...

‘New in Town’ Have you ever been the new person in town? Or did someone else's arrival have a profound impact on you? Share your story in 500 words'. (a topic which works well for members relatively new to Benalla)  OR

'I Was There’…  Have you experienced a significant news, historical or cultural event first-hand? Share your personal piece of history in 500 words.

Class members can, of course, choose from any of these topics.

New class members are encouraged to write a story for the first class and may find may find this link to 'Tips for Writing your 500 Words Story' helpful.  However, it's fine to just come along, find out about what we do, listen to the stories shared and say 'Pass' if you haven't written a story to share.

Beverley Lee.  

Happy New Year!

Thank you so much to everyone for sharing your stories during 2024.  It is always such a delight when they arrive in my inbox.  

If you are re-enrolling next year and feel like writing during January, here are the holiday break/February topics to draw upon– bring your story/stories along to the first session on Monday 17 February 2025

‘This (…….) Life ‘  Examples ‘This (Downsizing) Life’ by an 80+ year old about planning to farewell loved home; ‘This (Number 8) Life’ about growing up as ‘Number 8’ in a family of nine children.   Also –see our ‘This (….) Life’ stories! OR
​
‘Triggers’  Keep a notebook close by during the break in which to note any ‘triggers’ which lead you to reminisce about a time in your lives.   You may have been talking to someone, watching television or a film, driving somewhere, reading a book.   Choose one to three of these - write about the memories evoked, keeping the total words to 500 – 750 words OR

‘Memoir Review’   Perhaps you’ll have time during the holiday break to read and reflect upon a memoir which you discovered has a particular meaning to you, drawing on our  Deeper Dive memoir analysis sheet to write a review to share with the class. Here's the link:   'Memoir Review - Framework Suggestions'

The story topics  suggested for new class members in February might appeal if you haven't already written on them, or if you would like to revisit them from a different angle, using a different move or event: 

‘New in Town’ Have you ever been the new person in town? Or did someone else's arrival have a profound impact on you? Share your story in 500 words'. (a topic which works well for members relatively new to Benalla)  OR

'I Was There’…  Have you experienced a significant news, historical or cultural event first-hand? Share your personal piece of history in 500 words.

Don't forget to let me know if you have ideas for story or icebreaker topics to add to the list for next year's program.

Have a wonderful year in 2025!

Bev

PS - A reminder that enrolment day is on Wednesday 15th January from 9.30 to 12 noon in the Seniors' auditorium. 

(This information is based on an email sent today and is an updated version of a post shared on 23 November)

With Michael Winkler (fourth from left), author of Grimmish and son of Carmyl, in attendance visiting us from Melbourne, individual members shared reflections on their year of memoir writing.

In summary Ray’s ‘life changing moment’ was an unexpected job offer whereas Heather’s was fallout from an Irish bomb explosion that resulted in a fourteen hour entrapment in a London subway. Bev’s ‘lost and (not) found’ story highlighted the burning of most of her undergraduate lecture notes while she was overseas, while Kathy’s significant focus has been the writing up of her mother’s story. Phil’s highlight over the year has been his participation in and contributions to memoir writing, particularly when he lets loose with his tongue-in-cheek creative bent.

‘One moment this year’ was the Diwali festival and Carmyl and John offered delightful perspectives not covered by the Benalla Ensign. For Carmyl, it was an invitation by her Indian neighbor to a very personal Diwali and, during the onshore festival, John and his wife Sally, were immersed within the light show as they paddled their kayaks across the lake.

Commencing our ‘Right Here Right Now’ stories, Delphina again entertained us with a convincing set of arguments, together with a colorful t-shirt, that no matter how many books one might possess, ‘if it is books, it is not hoarding’. Phil also entertained with his whimsical meditation on getting older, while Neville convinced some of our members, especially this author, that we were indeed getting older as we struggled to comprehend his meditation on time and space. 

Kathy, ‘right here, right now’ reflected on the ‘disappearing’ volunteer and concurrently acknowledged her need to let go some of her roles. That would be so if she was to ‘write a book, paint, garden and spend time having a coffee or two with her best friend’.

Also, on volunteering and in the ‘here and now’, community minded Barry shared concerns about regulations currently impacting on small rural volunteer based non-profit organisations.  Bev wrote in response to Barry’s story, describing how it had put her into ‘editorial mode’ leading her to research and better understand the issue herself. 

With many active volunteers from smaller rural non-profit organisations present, a feisty discussion followed!  This was received in good spirit and rewarded with what we might regard as a benediction from Ray.
​
Ray’s reflection on life without a mother was both emotionally engaging yet also offered insights into personal resilience. Ray’s joy is his family, and his shared wisdom will live on in his children and grandchildren.
 
Thank you Bev, for a very engaging, entertaining and rewarding year.
 
Graham Jensen

Thank you so much to everyone for engaging so fully in sharing your stories in 2024.  It is always such a delight when your stories arrive in my inbox.  If you feel like writing during the December/January Break here are the February  topics to draw upon– bring your stories along to the first session on Monday 17 February 2025

‘This (…….) Life ‘

Examples ‘This (Downsizing) Life’ by an 80+ year old about planning to farewell loved home; ‘This (Number 8) Life’ about growing up as ‘Number 8’ in a family of nine children.   Also –see our ‘This (….) Life’ stories!

‘Triggers’

Keep a notebook close by during the break in which to note any ‘triggers’ which lead you to reminisce about a time in your lives.   You may have been talking to someone, watching television or a film, driving somewhere, reading a book.   Choose one to three of these - write about the memories evoked, keeping the total words to 500 – 750 words

‘Memoir Review’

Perhaps you’ll have time during the holiday break to read and reflect upon a memoir which you discovered has a particular meaning to you, drawing on our  Deeper Dive memoir analysis sheet to write a review to share with the class. 
Here's the link:   'Memoir Review - Framework Suggestions'

There will also be some story topics for the new members to choose from (yet to be confirmed) if you haven't chosen them before.

During our sessions in October and November several members discussed enjoying the drama series on SBS 'So Long Marianne'.  Beautifully filmed, it draws extensively on memoir related writing by Leonard Cohen and writers, artists and poets who were his contemporaries. If might still be available during the break on SBS on demand.  This review is worth reading. https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/more-than-a-muse-so-long-marianne-delves-deep-into-the-agony-and-ecstasy-of-the-artistic-life/qsf0mxzcz

Don't forget to let me know if you have ideas for story or icebreaker topics for next year's programs.

Happy Festive Season to all!


Bev

A reminder of the next 'As Time Goes By' Memoir Writing class on Monday 18 November at 2pm. 
 
This month our ‘icebreaker’ will reflect the fact that we may be having a visitor and requires a little extra homework for you.  As it’s the end of the year, a short oral reflection on our writing this year is in order.  It doesn’t need to be long, the suggestion is to look through your stories for this year and select a story which for some reason is a ‘stand out’ for you – briefly explaining why you have chosen it. 
 
As it’s our final session for the year, it would also be wonderful if you could bring along something to share during our coffee break, perhaps something 'chocolate-y' or something celebrating the beginning of the festive season!
 
November’s topics –
 
‘Right Here, Right Now’  ‘A time capsule of the present.  Write a story about a situation currently unfolding in your life, right here, right now.’ OR
​
‘One Moment, This Year’    'Looking back on 2024 to date, what single moment stands out for you?  Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment.'
​
Of course, you can develop a ‘members choice’ topic of your own if a story topic has been triggered recently, or you have something you’ve always wanted to write about.
 
Remember, if you have been busy or had writer’s block, you can always present a catch-up story you haven’t shared yet; or simply pass and enjoy the stories shared by others.  Long-term members, it’s fine to share or adapt a story you enjoyed writing in the past related to one of these topics. For those who have written about one of these topics as part of an autobiography or other story collection, it’s fine to share this, tweaking the story to ‘fit’ the topic if necessary. 
 
I look forward to seeing you on Monday 18 November at 2pm. 
 
Bev

Our October icebreaker, 'Play it again, Sam', a video segment from 'Casablanca' in which Ingrid Bergman listens to 'Sam' playing 'As Time Goes By', sparked memories of films which made lasting impressions.

Stories on the theme ‘A Steep Learning Curve’ illustrated personal moments of challenge and growth.  

Carmyl's story on becoming a youth worker at age 50 culminated in her abseiling from a wheat silo, while Bev M's story was equally unforgettable. As a new school boarder at 13, Bev was the only student who had never studied French and didn’t know the words of the Marseillaise. As the lone non-singer, she was told to stand up and sing it by herself. She did – with no idea of pronunciation or even tune.

In 2018, the St. James community decided to have murals painted on their silos, a steep learning curve for Kathy, who took on the task of Committee Secretary.  Working closely with artist Tim Bowtell, ten alternative subjects were offered to the St James community, with ‘Team of Horses’, ‘Grain’, ‘Bag Sewers’ and, of course, ‘G. J. Coles’ winning the vote.

Young Phil took his new girlfriend to the pub for a few drinks. A guy came over and had a few words with the girlfriend. She nodded and turned to Phil saying, ‘It’s OK. I’ll be quick and he pays well.’ It took Phil some time to work out what was going on.

Stories on the theme ‘Turning point’ highlighted how pivotal moments and relationships can reshape our lives in meaningful ways.

Delfina’s ‘Ode to Snails’ recalled next-door Mrs. A., who didn’t like Delfina. The feeling was mutual. Mrs. A. told Delfina to collect all the snails that were going into her elegant garden from Delfina’s family’s uncared-for block. Mrs. A. threw them into the copper incinerator fire, a turning point for Delfina, who was horrified and became a vegetarian from then on.

Teacher John took on the position of AFL coach for Grades 4 and 5 at Bargo Public School under sufferance. The ‘Bargo Bulldozers’ were so successful that the girls’ team won the state championship. The star, Ash Brazill, a former Collingwood player who now plays for Fremantle, gives the credit to her first coach.

Without any definite idea of a career, Heather returned to England in her early thirties. Encouraged by a cousin aware of her love of crime novels, Heather successfully applied to join the London Metropolitan Police.
 
Neville reflected on his resilient great-aunt’s daughter who ‘Started over’ many times, without complaint or explanation. She looked after his great aunt until she passed away; then moved in with a female friend for ten years until the friend contracted Alzheimer’s, and then went into Aged Care herself.

In ‘Communications’, Carmyl reflected on the value of letters in recording glimpses of people, places and life events in her life, concluding “where will the great-grandchildren find the old letters to tell them about the past?”

Max spent years ‘Riding the Rails’ as a telephone linesman for the Victorian Railways in motorised gangers’ trolleys known as 'Caseys’ (after Casey Jones).   One of the trickiest things was not being overtaken by a train. He described a couple of close shaves... ‘I don't know how I survived, really’. 

For ‘Someone Who Shaped Me’ Ray wrote about two inspirational friends, Rolfe Mann and Norm Matthews; and his much-loved wife of 57 years Bernadette, who as well as “creating a loving home environment …ensured that I ate 5 veggies per day and became a moderate alcohol consumer.”

In 'Relationships', Heather talked about family members, teachers, employers, colleagues and friends who shaped her life and gave her confidence.

Our story topics for November - ‘Right Here, Right Now’ ‘OR ‘One Moment, This Year’


Carmyl Winkler

"You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh ..."​

(Alternative link if sound doesn't work ​https://www.facebook.com/share/r/W4FxpCpLp86wQkYt/ )

Stories this month began with ‘Someone who shaped me’. Carmyl wrote ‘…I’ll never forget the Pleasant Street Methodist Guide Company and our ‘Cap’(short for Captain)’, the “quietly spoken Miss Edna Perry”, who rode her bike to Guides and “always had an interesting program prepared which would include the guide promise, a game or two, singing some fun songs and some badge work”.

Carmyl’s story and a vintage ‘Bob a Job’ poster led to much discussion about groups belonged to as children and adolescents.

In a different vein, Barry described how making an unexpectedly strong response to being humiliated by a football coach in his youth has shaped his responses to similar situations throughout his life.

In a poignant story, ‘Jesus Weeps’, Delfina described how a young nun’s warning when she was 6 years old that “Jesus weeps when you throw away good food” has remained with her throughout her life.

‘Relationship’ stories included Ray’s reflections on people across his life, commencing with Ron O’Connor who he shared a desk with in sub-intermediate – “We were generally known as ‘Oke’ and ‘Os’, (O’Connor and O’Shannessy)”.  James’ story of meeting, then life with, his loved partner Karin for 46 years, was particularly moving, ending ‘Best relationship I have ever had!’  

John drew upon his relationship over time with his parents, describing a happy childhood growing up on a farm, then tragedy and the need to support his parents in his early 20’s when his sister, then first cousin and later his brother, passed away. 

Phil’s story added further insights to our understanding of his relationship with his parents after coming to Australia in 1967 as ‘Ten Pound Poms’, while Bev revisited an amusing story featuring relationships between neighbours, ‘Our Back Yard’.

Lou read his gripping sequel to ‘My First Job’, where his desperate search for a job as a homeless 15-year-old in Marrickville led to a job making the lids for ‘Thunder Boxes’!  In ‘A Sense of Place’, James reflected on the factors leading to his strong feeling of connection to Yundool, where he has lived for the past few years.

Neville’s story this month ‘First Memories’ evoked childhood memories in others, including the eerie experience of being hospitalised as a young child; while Max’s story ‘The Bushfire Fencers’, shared memories of volunteering with a locally organized bushfire fencing team working on properties affected by the bushfires of February 2008.

For those who would like to join us as a ‘taster’ on October 21 from 2 to 4 pm, next month’s 500 Words story topics are - ‘Steep Learning Curve’.  Write about a time in your life when you were on a steep learning curve. Perhaps your life suddenly took a different direction with an unexpected change of job, or other circumstances.  How did it feel when you were taking the plunge… did you feel you were ‘thrown in at the deep end’.  How did you cope? Did you ’wing it’, ‘fly by the seat of your pants, or were you strategic? Did resilience play a role? How do you feel about the experience on reflection? OR  ‘U-Turn’  or ‘Turning Point’ or ‘Starting Over’ – A chance to write about a sudden change of direction, a turning point in your life, a time when you ‘started over’, when life took you back to square one – however large or small!


​Bev Lee

Stimulated by Carmyl's story of being shaped by her girl guide captain and by being a member of guides, and the following vintage tea towel, we divided into pairs to reflect on these questions -  "What do you remember about groups you belonged to as a young person; was there anyone in the group who shaped you in any way?  Do you have any special memories related to this to share?" 

Bev’s recount of how a backyard incinerator consumed a cherished set of university lecture notes led us again into a fascinating and engaging labyrinth of memories, reflections and nostalgia.  

With a death-defying leap across windowsills in Earl’s Court, Neville’s life would be changed forever while, on the continent, Delfina’s 1969 gap year, with peak experiences delightfully catalogued for us, nurtured her emergent respect for history and for storytellers.

Lost and never found was John’s beloved ‘4 on the floor’ HR Holden. Gleaming white with black panels! We shared John’s anguish as he discovered it stolen from a prime parking site in Melbourne.

Told that an album of precious photos and documents had been destroyed, twenty-five years later Barry was delighted to realise, ‘that which had been thought lost’, was in fact intact and returned to him.

Immediately identifiable, if not from actual experience, certainly through imagined fear, was Heather’s experience of losing a three-year-old toddler in a large shopping center. Found in the gardening section, this young nephew brought relief and horror as he revealed himself covered in soil and the plants of his choosing. 

‘A paean to the sixties’ was in fact a nostalgic lament to an age that is Delfina’s ‘light on the hill’. Can a siren call us again to a kinder and more tolerant Australia? Where might Delfina find hope?  Ray brought us home to the kindness and care that he found in Benalla. Special relationships for him are the key to a happy life. 

Phil’s return to Lady Northcote’s Children’s Farm, with a much older former resident who is also a member of Benalla U3A, was an unexpected yet enjoyed revisiting which Phil would otherwise not have sought. 

Aceh in 1961, Carmyl was introduced to a very different lifestyle and diet. Rising to the challenges she and Don embraced a new language, a new diet and new friends. These experiences would infuse a life of community service. Finally, Max returned us to Victoria and good days with good friends.

As we have explored and shared our life stories within the ATGB, we have been gifted opportunities for remembering, healing and reconciliation. Thank you, Bev!

The details of our September topics – ‘Relationships’ and ‘Someone Who Shaped Me’ - are available below, in the topic guide and will be included in the reminder email for our next session on Monday September 16 at 2pm.

Graham Jensen

​Next Month’s Stories  - September 16

Suggested for continuing students - ‘Relationships’
Remember and describe a relationship between two people which has been important to you, perhaps in modelling the things you learnt to apply, or learnt to avoid, in relationships.  How did the people in the relationship meet, what do you remember about their relationship, what did you learn from it and your relationship with them?   OR
Reflect on a time when establishing boundaries was important in your life, whether in personal relationships; family relationships, at work or in other settings.  It could be as simple as establishing boundaries with a pet.  Share your story in 500 words. 

Suggested for new/newer students - ‘Someone Who Shaped Me’
How did you become who you are?  Think about someone who has influenced your life and get started!

Bev Lee