Bev began our March session by introducing four books incorporating or exploring memoirs. They were Stet: An Editor’s Life by Diana Athill, The Last Australian Childhood by Kevin Moloney, Bush School by Peter O’Brien and Written by Herself by Jill Ker Conway. .
We were then invited by Bev to reminisce about our experiences of the corner store. Many memories were delightfully unearthed and reminiscences shared.
Trish then read her memoir under the theme of failure. Her failure was in fact the education system’s failure. This ‘failure’ was turned on its head with a will to achieve and a determination to overcome this initial disadvantage.
Graham introduced his father-made wooden table and tapestry inlay as his ‘special object’ and Phiona revealed the wedding ring of her grandmother and ‘warmed’ us with reminiscences of her first time away from home with her Nana and Popa
.
Neville then challenged us with a juxtaposition between his special objects, his wife and children, and the BBC and The Times, which were also designated as ‘special’ when he lived in London and then revealed how they lost their sheen as a result of time, politics and Rupert Murdoch.
Barry ‘opened’ his ‘evacuation briefcase’ and shared badges and medals that reflected a very interesting life journey. Graeme light-heartedly reminded us of the game Bobs, which many of us had played but an illicit game resulted in the disaster of a broken ‘precious’ vase. The implications of that event and the ensuing journey for Graeme, were shared intimately with the group. Thank you, Graeme.
Ray lovingly shared another highlight of his life with the awarding of an OAM, his precious gift and Phillip passed around his gold nugget, a result of a leftover envelope from his posted Christmas wishes. On the other hand, Jill shared her determination and focus which resulted in her winning her precious and magnificent mother of pearl cup and saucer.
Finally, Bev shared her special objects uncovered as she prepares for downsizing. The physical records of her academic achievements were unrolled before us revealing a journey of application, growing self-knowledge and fulfillment. A suitable conclusion as our group shared some of the deeper experiences of our lives.
April Topic: ‘Friends and Neighbours’ A chance to write about your childhood home and neighbourhood, friends and neighbours you particularly remember, friends of your parents, community activities and organisations you and other members of your family were involved with and more. Use the opportunity to reflect on the social, economic, political and cultural context of the time.
The alternative topic/s ‘Anzac Day’/’Easter’ - ‘Anzac Day’ Looking back over your lifetime, write about a memory/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, moving from the personal to the political if you wish. 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.
Graham Jensen
We were then invited by Bev to reminisce about our experiences of the corner store. Many memories were delightfully unearthed and reminiscences shared.
Trish then read her memoir under the theme of failure. Her failure was in fact the education system’s failure. This ‘failure’ was turned on its head with a will to achieve and a determination to overcome this initial disadvantage.
Graham introduced his father-made wooden table and tapestry inlay as his ‘special object’ and Phiona revealed the wedding ring of her grandmother and ‘warmed’ us with reminiscences of her first time away from home with her Nana and Popa
.
Neville then challenged us with a juxtaposition between his special objects, his wife and children, and the BBC and The Times, which were also designated as ‘special’ when he lived in London and then revealed how they lost their sheen as a result of time, politics and Rupert Murdoch.
Barry ‘opened’ his ‘evacuation briefcase’ and shared badges and medals that reflected a very interesting life journey. Graeme light-heartedly reminded us of the game Bobs, which many of us had played but an illicit game resulted in the disaster of a broken ‘precious’ vase. The implications of that event and the ensuing journey for Graeme, were shared intimately with the group. Thank you, Graeme.
Ray lovingly shared another highlight of his life with the awarding of an OAM, his precious gift and Phillip passed around his gold nugget, a result of a leftover envelope from his posted Christmas wishes. On the other hand, Jill shared her determination and focus which resulted in her winning her precious and magnificent mother of pearl cup and saucer.
Finally, Bev shared her special objects uncovered as she prepares for downsizing. The physical records of her academic achievements were unrolled before us revealing a journey of application, growing self-knowledge and fulfillment. A suitable conclusion as our group shared some of the deeper experiences of our lives.
April Topic: ‘Friends and Neighbours’ A chance to write about your childhood home and neighbourhood, friends and neighbours you particularly remember, friends of your parents, community activities and organisations you and other members of your family were involved with and more. Use the opportunity to reflect on the social, economic, political and cultural context of the time.
The alternative topic/s ‘Anzac Day’/’Easter’ - ‘Anzac Day’ Looking back over your lifetime, write about a memory/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, moving from the personal to the political if you wish. 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.
Graham Jensen
