Our August session began with two spritely but aging mannequins, exhibiting their spectacular upper torso garments, reflecting significant events in their life journey and, the display of one baptismal dress, beautifully designed from a beloved wedding gown.
The scene was set for, arguably, one of the most engaging sessions this semester.
‘Retirement’ was the theme but experienced via individually unique pathways. It was in fact her husband Don’s retirement that encouraged Carmyl to begin teaching lndonesian to ocal children at her local primary school. James’ forced retirement for health reasons, reflected long term planning and a return to a rural retreat, albeit after a cross-Tasman journey. Beverley found ‘retiring’ from nursing a sheer joy but a difficult transition due to staff shortages which delayed finding her ‘time in the sun’. Heather W found the transition challenging as it was not in a manner of her choosing, ultimately though empowering, as a reframe and re-engagement with community became the pathway to personal fulfillment.
By contrast, Lou offered a teaser to future memoirs as he introduced us to the ‘delights’ of a displaced persons camp and a grieving mother who would go to the other side of the world to advantage her children.
Graham reflected on how the death of his Director, soon after retirement, was an incentive to find a healthier lifestyle and Ray delighted us with his post-retirement European and South Pacific pilgrimages.
Heather H, at retirement, would not stay bored for long. Devastated after an unexpected redundancy, volunteering has been energizing and she is yet to define retirement. Barry now asks, how did I ever find time to work? With seventeen community groups in Swanpool, he has been able to access skills and knowledge in service to the community.
Unlike some in the group, Jill had not planned her retirement. COVID denied her this opportunity. As her organisation closed down, so did the community. The ‘ATGB’ members listened, we emotionally walked with her, and are glad she has rejoined us.
Graham Jensen
By contrast, Lou offered a teaser to future memoirs as he introduced us to the ‘delights’ of a displaced persons camp and a grieving mother who would go to the other side of the world to advantage her children.
Graham reflected on how the death of his Director, soon after retirement, was an incentive to find a healthier lifestyle and Ray delighted us with his post-retirement European and South Pacific pilgrimages.
Heather H, at retirement, would not stay bored for long. Devastated after an unexpected redundancy, volunteering has been energizing and she is yet to define retirement. Barry now asks, how did I ever find time to work? With seventeen community groups in Swanpool, he has been able to access skills and knowledge in service to the community.
Unlike some in the group, Jill had not planned her retirement. COVID denied her this opportunity. As her organisation closed down, so did the community. The ‘ATGB’ members listened, we emotionally walked with her, and are glad she has rejoined us.
Graham Jensen
Next month’s topics
‘(…..) Adventure’ Based on Heather Hartland’s member’s choice topic last year ‘(Outback) Adventure’ - Share with us your memories of an adventure or two – set the scene, create a sense of the drama involved, and reflect upon the outcome and the meaning of the adventure to you. Or
‘Deja vue’ A suggestion by Graham Morris “Write about a time when you thought ‘It’s happening again’ or realised ‘It happened again’, when you felt a strong feeling of ‘déjà vu’. What was happening at the time? What (who) did it remind you of? Why are these memories significant to you?” Or
Member’s Choice A chance to develop your own ‘500 words’ topic and share it with others!
Bev Lee
‘(…..) Adventure’ Based on Heather Hartland’s member’s choice topic last year ‘(Outback) Adventure’ - Share with us your memories of an adventure or two – set the scene, create a sense of the drama involved, and reflect upon the outcome and the meaning of the adventure to you. Or
‘Deja vue’ A suggestion by Graham Morris “Write about a time when you thought ‘It’s happening again’ or realised ‘It happened again’, when you felt a strong feeling of ‘déjà vu’. What was happening at the time? What (who) did it remind you of? Why are these memories significant to you?” Or
Member’s Choice A chance to develop your own ‘500 words’ topic and share it with others!
Bev Lee
