June’s meeting took us close to home in the North East with stories about sheep, kangaroos and the Swanpool Cinema.

The 2026 Benalla Writing Competition entry form was distributed. The Open section, with a 800-word limit, closes on 31st July.

Max’s amusing story of his experiences as a school cadet led to icebreaker chats about our out-of-school activities.

Placing everyday objects in the right time and place adds authenticity to our memoirs. Anne’s example was the 1952 Malley’s auto box, better known as the Esky. You can listen to more examples of the development of everyday objects on ABC Listen - Anthony Burke’s By Design.

Three Stock and Land stories by Robyn, Anne and Jan took us out onto sheep farms and into the bustle of shearing seasons. Bev told us an amusing story about cattle wading into a dam to munch on pre-soaked hay which had rolled downhill. Merv related how a sausage was mistakenly used as a weapon on a roo shoot. Then Bev stopped us in our tracks with a powerful rendition of John Kinsella’s Death of a Roo Dog.

Barry’s involvement in the Swanpool Cinema, including its years as a venue for the Bald Archies, reminded us of the hard work of volunteers in maintaining this local treasure. 

We finished the session with ‘catch up’ stories. The events that lead to the tragic loss of a young person’s life were heartbreakingly described by Barry. Neville’s catch-up story 'Things Fell Apart' led us to a discussion of the challenges and rewards experienced by adult learners.

The theme for July is Rituals and Ceremonies. Writers can choose to explore family traditions or recount a significant ceremony that marked a new phase of life.

​Anne Stewart

Max’s Story - ‘Stand to Attention’ - what memories did it raise for you as you listened?  Did you belong to a group during your teenage years? ​

Over to Anne ... ​

​Website News - Responses to the stories on the website – two in the last few days!
 
Friday 12 June -  Neville’s story …. “Graham Porter has just posted a comment on your blog post, 'I Was There'...:
I was lined up with other students at Moyhu when QEII was driven through. Moyhu on way from Benalla to Wangaratta.  We were given a small plastic flag; a coin-pin badge, a momento booklet.
 
Thursday 11 June – Ray O’Shannessy’s story … “Mo Rutherford has just posted a comment on your blog post, Friendship Tested - 'The Stockman's Lament':
My Dad also learnt this poem in the 1920s. I've heard it many times my Dad and his brother would do a duet of it.
Thanks for the memory.”
 
Website Edits …  Breaking down longer paragraphs for reading on website…
 
When we were at school we were taught to keep similar content in the same paragraph – and most of us have become expert at this.  However, this can result in huge paragraphs. 

So sometimes I’ll look into a really long paragraph for subtle changes in emphasis and use these points to break the paragraph up …. And it usually works really well!  So, practice looking for subtle changes in the paragraph, and see what you can do!

 
‘Stock and Land’

Tell us about a significant memory involving farming, agriculture or rural life.  You must include mention of at least one animal or crop and one piece of farm equipment.

If you haven’t lived on a farm, write about a long-remembered visit to, or experience of a farm or agriculture, something referencing rural life, ideally set in the north-east.  It could even be about memories of a visit to an agricultural show or about backyard chooks in urban settings.   Write about something you’d like to share with your family and others.

Robyn Desmier                                               
Anne Stewart                                                  
Jan Nicholls                                                     
John Holschier - held over                                             
Merv Beamish

(Bev... 'Death of a Roo Dog' ...poem by John Kinsella to follow up Merv's story)
(Neville – ‘Good Vibrations’)
(Barry - 'Julia's Jacket')

‘The Place That Stayed with Me’ 

Home can be a familiar place, but this topic encourages you to share your experience of another space of location that had an impact on you in a previous time. What are your memories of finding or seeing this place for the first time? Do you revisit the place in your mind or return in person? Explain the significance of the location to you.

Place can also be about human connection; finding your place. Share your discovery of the place and people that made you feel welcome and comfortable.

Need inspiration? You will find some inspiring examples in the guardian.com/lifeandstyle/series here https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/the-place-that-stayed-with-me
 
Carmyl Winkler - held over                                         
Barry O’Connor                                          

Theme - 'Things Fall Apart'

Failure - 

• ‘Things Fell Apart’  Neville Gibb

​
Heart Break 

• Barry O’Connor                                              
• Tom Barnaby   - held over                                               ​

Our theme for our next session on Monday 15 June from 2 - 4 in Room 1 is 'Place'.  The Topics:

‘Stock and Land’
Tell us about a significant memory involving farming, agriculture or rural life.  You must include mention of at least one animal or crop and one piece of farm equipment.
If you haven’t lived on a farm, write about a long-remembered visit to, or experience of a farm or agriculture, something referencing rural life, ideally set in the north-east.  It could even be about memories of a visit to an agricultural show or about backyard chooks in urban settings.   Write about something you’d like to share with your family and others.
Need inspiration – we have some of our Stock and Land stories on the website!

‘The Place That Stayed with Me’ 
Home can be a familiar place, but this topic encourages you to share your experience of another space of location that had an impact on you in a previous time. What are your memories of finding or seeing this place for the first time? Do you revisit the place in your mind or return in person? Explain the significance of the location to you.
Place can also be about human connection; finding your place. Share your discovery of the place and people that made you feel welcome and comfortable.
Need inspiration? You will find some inspiring examples in the guardian.com/lifeandstyle/series here https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/the-place-that-stayed-with-me

Enjoy!

Inspiration - Your story doesn't have to be all gloom & doom!  See for example, ‘Failure’ – ‘my anti-dementia superpower’, a story by Richard Glover recommended by Anne
​
‘Failure’  Write about a failure you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the catastrophic - in 500 words.  We have guidelines for May’s topic 'Failure'  to support new class members - Resource: 'Failure' (ABC Open)
(Or ‘Success!’ Feel the need to be positive?  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, in your world at least!) 

‘Heartbreak’  
Tell us about your experience of a broken heart.  It could be a light-hearted story of a fling or blind date gone wrong, or a deeper story of love.  It could relate to a special project, a job you loved, something dear to and valued by you.  What were you hoping for, and what went wrong?  Was there a positive side to the experience?  What did you learn about yourself?
(We have some guidelines for approaching May’s ‘Heartbreak’ to draw on if needed)

​‘The toughest year of my life’
Were you ever warned, “Life’s not all beer and skittles”?
Share your memories of the toughest year of your life and how you managed to come through the challenges it threw at you.
Queen Elizabeth described 1992 as her annus horribilis; her children’s marriages fell apart in a blaze of publicity and one of her houses went up in flames.
Describe the challenges you faced during your annus horribilis. Explain how you managed to cope with what life was throwing at you. What strategies did you use to get through the year? In the face of adversity what did you learn about yourself? You might reflect on how you view the year in hindsight.
(The guidelines for ‘Failure’ could help if you are finding it hard to know where to start)
(If the timeframe of a year isn’t quite right in terms of fit, feel free to change it…)

Anne, Bev and Graham

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a thread woven through the tapestry of our April meeting.
Would it be a silver thread that illuminates or a discordant distraction?

Research via ChapGPT Bev had sourced 2024, offered twenty-two common features of memoir writing’.  From ‘personal catharsis’ and ‘self-reflection’ to ‘recording change’ and ‘preserving culture’ provided insights as to why we are inspired to ‘do what we do’.

Jenny’s ‘treasure’ was her dad’s backyard shed. Brimming with reclaimed bed frames and blue pavers which now creatively form the contours of a delightful garden.

Barry’s ‘treasure’ was in the form of a photo of himself and his ‘Uncle Pat’.  It accessed memories of his first solo and successful fishing trip at the age of five.

Remembering the annual Mardi Gras in Stanhope produced a treasure trove of memories for John. Dress-ups, floats and billy-cart races followed by an evening dance coloured the proceedings. 1986 was the last Mardi Gras, John offered us a poignant conclusion to his memoir.  

‘The moment I knew’ invited us to experience three very different journeys.  Dislodged from their horses and in the mud, Heather realised, in that moment, ‘Ken was the one’. On the other hand, Jan, in her moment, realised he was not ‘the one’. Meanwhile for Robyn, a job in Melrose Scotland was the job for her.

Finally, Carmyl shared how two years in Aceh shaped her life. and Merv led us mischievously into the dark world of ArtSpeak.  

The theme for our next session is ‘Things Fall Apart – Loss and Learning’; the topics ‘Failure’, ‘Heartbreak’ or ‘The Toughest Year of My Life’.  Full details are available on the topic list and on the website. 
​
Graham Jensen

​Who could have imagined that ’Robyn's delightful, silver-spangled, ice-breaking memoir, ‘This (Beautiful...Bird Filled) Life’, could invite some of us back to a contemplation of 1980’s federal politics as Sussan and Andrew Peacock ‘strut their stuff’? 

​Robyn’s memoir touched so many of us that our ice-breaker conversations were difficult to contain.

Then it was Anne’s introduction. Do I read memoirs? Anne peppered us with images and quotations. Probably the most memorable for me were two from Helen’ Garner’s ‘Everywhere I look’.

Anne's image of herself is a whirling washing machine. A tangle of intertwining and conflicting influences reflecting and celebrating her uniqueness.  Jenny's husband is the most significant influence who has taught her to ‘enjoy every day as it comes’ but now competing in significance is her eldest grandson who has significantly expanded Jenny’s daily reading habits.

Growing up at distance from her extended family, Carmyl in Tasmania met her Grandma no more than a dozen times. Yet on first visit, the love was instant. ‘Mother’ has a very special place in Carmyl’s heart and recipe book.

During the war years, Nan was Jan's primary carer. From a photo, we could see the similarities between Jan and her Nan.

Graham Jensen
​Newsletter Correspondent

John launched our U3A ‘As time goes by’ season, diving into ‘the deep end’ of his most splendid record of achievement in the water. All thanks to his coach and mentor. We followed him in, ‘breaking-ice’ with our own reminiscences.

Sharing short introductions, anticipation was further enhanced with words and phrases about ‘As Time Goes By’ such as cathartic, highlight of my week, a journey through time, opportunity, relationships, memories, hearing other’s stories, gratitude.

Then Anne took us out of the pool and onto the track as we glimpsed Betty Cuthbert racing past us for Olympic gold and posed the question, are these genuine memories or enhanced by the visual images captured at the time?

Memories of the 50’s were also shared by Carmyl who revealed the proof of Santa’s existence through his handwritten letter to her. Max intrigued us with a description of the Aussie Christmas PIG, and Merv introduced us to his mum, a beloved possum whisperer.

Tom shared a discovered letter written in 1928 offering the sale of old tram wagons for 20 pounds each. Barry shared his role in the dedicated researching of the Benalla and district fire brigades’ group. (Please don’t stop saying ‘YES’ Barry).

Bringing us back to the present, Robyn reflected on the sad and enjoyable aspects of becoming a town local, James explored features of his ‘busy life’ and Jan shared the recent celebration of the Benalla badminton community, honouring the contributions of herself and Darryl, and so many others. Congratulations Jan.

Not quite yet pruning down to 500 words, Neville shared with us a special meeting with Pro Hart.

The theme for our next session on Monday 16 March at 2pm is ‘Influences’. 

The topic suggested for new and newer members is ‘Someone Who Shaped Me’ How did you become who you are?  Think about someone who has influenced your life and start writing. 

For continuing members - ‘Mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, ‘in-laws’, guardians’  Write about a close relative who was important in your life. What do you remember most about them? Set them in the context of their family history. What influenced their lives? Describe your relationship using your senses to recall a fond memory and reflect on the impact he or she made on your life.
​
Graham Jensen

The holiday break is nearing its end, with our first class for 2026 less than three weeks away. The holiday break ‘500 words’ topics set for our class on 16th February:   

• ‘This (…….) Life‘   Examples: - ‘This (Downsizing) Life’ by an 80+ year old 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’   Did you read a memoir during the break? A chance to reflect upon a memoir which has meaning for you drawing upon our 'Memoir Review - Framework Suggestions'

​
New class members are encouraged to write a story for the first class – topic suggestions:

• ‘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'. 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.

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.

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

A recommendation - ABC Open’s link to 'Tips for Writing your 500 Words Story' can help you to structure your story and get started. 

A reminder - memoir writing always involves reflecting on your life!

​Beverley Lee  

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