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Sharing 'slices from life' in the U3A meeting room once again...

28/2/2021

 
How wonderful to be able to meet in the U3A meeting room again to share our writing, to welcome returning and new class members and to thank those who contributed to the wonderful collections of stories published on the website over the long 2020 Covid break. 

After an introduction to the course and the nature of memoirs as ‘slices from life’, stories were shared on the first of our summer break topics, ‘One Moment, This Year’ (1920).   These beautiful stories largely drew on lived experiences during the Pandemic.  Stories shared for the second topic ‘A love letter to travel’ took us away to ‘Trim on the banks of the Boyne’, Ireland; Hans Heysen’s home ‘The Cedars’ at Hahndorf; to Barcelona; Yosemite National Park; Scotland; Morang homestead in central New South Wales; and Annamult in County Kilkenny, Ireland.   These stories can be found, with Claire’s early submission ‘Bali’ and some soon to be added ‘love letters’ to Marong station homestead in Central New South Wales; to the Camino de Compostelo in Spain; and to Mexico, on the website. 

This year two 500 word topics will be suggested each month, one new to intrigue longer term members, the other a previously offered ‘gem’ for newer members to add to their portfolio of stories. 

The new topic for March is  ‘Too Hard Basket’ – write about a time when you faced a dilemma which might have to be put into your ‘too hard basket’.  Unravel what happened, whether it was a ‘problem solved’, was resolved over time or perhaps remains in your too hard basket to this day.  

The alternate topic is ‘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.  
   . 
An aura of joy and contentment seemed to be in the room as we said farewells at the end of the session, perhaps because we had been reminiscing about treasured travel destinations, perhaps because we could be together again. 
​
Beverley Lee
As Time Goes By - Session 1 Handout - download PDF

'As Time Goes By' update... fingers crossed for next Monday!

15/2/2021

 
This update email was sent to members by email today (15 Feb)

Hello everyone,

Welcome to 'As Time Goes By' for 2021.  I am hoping we will be able to return to meeting in the U3A Meeting Room next Monday 22nd February from 2 to 4 pm as currently scheduled.  Covid restrictions may, however, make this impossible, added to which we are still waiting for final confirmation that the room has been readied for occupation following building renovations/maintenance.  

We need a fallback position!  Last year's submission of stories by email to be added to a story collection each month proved to be quite effective.  Let's make the submission of stories to [email protected] by the fourth Monday the plan for 2021.  Members have described enjoying reading each month's 'collection' online.  We can still bring along stories or almost completed stories each month, even if incomplete or in the 'ideas' stage requiring input from the group.  

A special welcome to new members!  It is wonderful to have you on board.  If you would like to take the plunge and contribute a 500 word story (topics below) in February, that would be excellent, however don't feel you have to.  It's fine to 'pass' until you feel comfortable. Feel free to use and develop your own writing style, to use your own voice.  While 500 words is suggested as a word limit, there is no penalty if you go over this!   if you haven't written for a while and are finding it hard to get started - I've attached two documents which might be helpful.  

Two topics were set over the holiday period - 'One Moment, This Year' and 'A Love Letter to Travel'.  A few stories have been sent in already so you can click on the links to receive inspiration.  I've also added a topic 'Grandparent/s', which has proven to be an enjoyable way to begin writing reminiscence based stories.  (It may also appeal to existing members who are keen to look at another side of their family.)  
______________________

Topic Details for Monday 22nd February 
'One Moment, This Year'  “Looking back on 2020, what single moment stands out for you?  Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment.”
​
‘A Love Letter to Travel’   
This topic was suggested by the New York Times... "while the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted global travel in unprecedented ways ...and we can’t know what lies ahead, we can still share the places we’ve loved, and continue to inspire curiosity, open-mindedness and awe for the wider world." 

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.  (Some additional prompts to help you:  How did this place change your perception about something?  What do you wish more people understood about this destination?  Did you have an experience there that couldn’t have happened anywhere else?  What would you miss most if you couldn’t visit this place for a long time).

Grandparents 
Describe your relationship with a grandparent using one fond memory. Draw on your senses to recall specific details and reflect on the impact he or she made on your life.   It may be the time Gran nearly set the kitchen on fire with the Christmas pudding, or the time your 92 year old Grandpa rode the Octopus with you at Luna Park. It could be a story about your Grandmother’s heritage and how she came to Australia. Your story could be about the era your grandfather represents, and the role he played in your upbringing or a special ritual you shared.
_____________________________

If you would like to dip in to the website for some Covid Lockdown reading and/or inspiration, here is the link to the  'Our Stories' page.  

I look forward to seeing you at the U3A Meeting Room next Monday at 2pm (fingers crossed) and/or to receiving emailed stories in my inbox.  Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions or would like to run something past me.

Best wishes, 


Beverley Lee
5762 8171 or 0478 607 838

Attachments:
Tips for Writing 500 Words Stories
Planning a story for 500 Words Topics - sample
    Our Stories
    Our Stories - by Topic

    'As Time Goes By' - Memoir Writing

    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.

    Convenor & Contact details

    Picture
    Beverley Lee
    0478 607 838
    Thank you to our outgoing Newsletter Correspondent - Graham Jensen ...
    Picture
    "Thank you Graham for writing such wonderful reports of our sessions over the past two years!"

    Meeting Times

    3rd Monday 2 - 4 pm
    ​U3A Meeting Room

    Resources

    2025 ATGB - Course Introduction
    'As Time Goes By' Topic List for 2025 
    'Tips for Writing your 500 Words Story' (ABC Open)  
    Writing a story in 500 words - approaching the topics 'Failure'  and 'Heart Break'    (ABC Open)
    Memoir Review - Frameworks for Analysis
    Master list of  500 word story topics from 2015 to end of 2020
    Icebreakers - List from inception in 2021 to end 2023 (PDF)

    Links

    Australian Writers' Centre

    Victorian Writers' Centre - Writers' Victoria

    ​Wheeler Centre

    The Memoir Writing Club - On Line Courses

    Past topics 

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    2018 Topic List
    '23 Words'
    'A Friendship Tested' //
    'AI'
    'A Love Letter To Travel'
    'As Time Goes By'
    'A Turning Point'
    Australian Writers Centre
    'Car Stories' //
    ChatGPT
    Course Description
    'Easter'
    'Experiences Of The Unexplained'
    'Fish Out Of Water'
    'For Better For Worse' //
    'Good Vibrations'
    'Grandparents' //
    'Heartbreak'
    'Home Libraries'
    'I Broke It'
    'Ideas Piggy Bank'
    'If Only'
    'I Quit!' //
    Life Matters 'Life In 500 Words'
    'Lost And Found' //
    Making Comments
    'Making Waves'
    'My Gap Year'
    'My (Life Event)'
    'My Other Life'
    'New In Town'
    'One Moment
    Orientation To ATGB
    Right Here
    Right Now
    'Stand Up Comedy'
    'The (Season) I ...'
    This ... Life
    This Year'
    'What Happened In Vegas'

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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U3A Benalla & District Flier 2025
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Semester 1 Program Guide 2025
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