Writing your life story can be a fascinating and rewarding project but it’s not always easy to know where to begin. This relaxed one-day course is designed to give you an enjoyable introduction to life story writing, with a seasonal focus on family memories, Christmas traditions and stories to share with loved ones.

In the morning, your tutor, Sarah Lott, will introduce the key principles of life story writing and offer a simple framework to help you begin shaping and structuring your memories. You will look at ways to use reminiscence and think about how memories can be turned into treasured stories. The aim is to build confidence, spark ideas and give you practical starting points for continuing your writing at home.

The afternoon will focus on writing family Christmas memories. Through festive memory prompts, enjoyable reminiscence activities and guided writing exercises, you will be encouraged to recall seasonal traditions, childhood Christmases, family gatherings, food, gifts, decorations, winter rituals or other celebrations that are meaningful to you. The emphasis will be on fun, creativity and capturing memories in a warm and supportive atmosphere. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, other festivals can be explored and enjoyed.

By the end of the day, you will have produced a piece of writing to take away with you, perhaps to develop into a festive keepsake or to share with loved ones. You may also be inspired to start your own life story writing project!

You don’t need any previous writing experience and it will be an enjoyable and relaxed day. Come on your own or bring a friend! You will be sent a short introduction pack before the course, including a memory prompt questionnaire. A laptop is not required, but you are welcome to bring one if you prefer.

Included

Your course tutor will supply reminiscence material to be used during the course.

The College will supply:

• Flip chart and pens for tutor to use
• Audio visual equipment and screen
• A3 paper and coloured pens for all participants
• Lined paper for all participants
• A3 plastic folders to keep their work
• Printing resources for hand outs, including a printed Christmas Memories Booklet to fill in.

What students need to bring

• Laptop – if wanted. Not necessary but some participants might prefer it.
• A small selection of photos of parents, grandparents and other family members.
• A small selection of photos of -themselves from childhood through to late teens, early twenties.
• Any family photos or memory prompts relating to Christmas or the seasonal festival of your choice.

Available to buy

A variety of art and craft materials are available from the Garden's Gatehouse Shop.

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

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