Writing Our Stories
‘No one else sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell.’ Charles de Lint, writer
Writing Our Stories began life on the FRS community weekend almost three years ago, where an early-morning session was standing-room only.
This appetite for memoir writing amongst FRS members was confirmed at a second workshop, several months later, with the result that in October 2019, the monthly memoir writing group was launched.
So, why do people join us? Typically, they want to commit their own memories or family history, whether it’s to paper, a laptop or a memory box or album before it is too late.
Many of us have said we wished we had asked our own grandparents or parents more about their lives: now these people have gone and their stories have died with them.
Through a selection of themes and topics, we try to encourage our group to draw on their memory muscles to recall events, and significant people in their lives. Each session also includes a writing exercise - and the only things you need to have with you are pen and paper, or a phone or laptop, if you prefer. Whatever you find easier.
Whether you’re a confident writer, or have hardly written anything substantial since you left school or university, if you’ve ever thought of sharing your family’s story, why not join us?
Since March 2020 we’ve been meeting on Zoom which may not be quite the same as meeting in person but, apart from keeping us Covid compliant, there are distinct advantages to staying in when it’s dark and cold outside!
Hearing other people’s stories has proved fascinating and the group is an opportunity to enjoy sharing those stories in a warm, constructive and supportive space. Between us, thousands of memories have been discovered, discussed and written over the last few years. Wonderful memories that are fascinating, poignant and often funny.
If you think you might be interested and would like to know more, do get in contact. You can find details here, and email frs@frs.org.uk for more information.
Barbara Elton & Michele Simmons
