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.
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.
"It's not Hoarding if it's Books" - Librarian and Bookseller Delfina (once an aspiring archaeologist)
Beverley Lee
