Writing your life story is a fascinating project and one that often fires people with enthusiasm. However, it can be tricky to know where to start or how to structure your story and manage a narrative flow. You might have written bits and pieces over the years, but they are now hiding in the back of drawers, together with family documents and old unlabelled photos, never to see the light of day. Perhaps you know precious family stories or have important information that has never been written down?

Sarah Lott is an expert in her field and has been a life story writer and creative reminiscence practitioner since 2010. Over two enjoyable and relaxed days, you will explore how to bring memories to life, celebrate family and be on your way to creating a lasting legacy for your loved ones and for future generations. Each day will include practical teaching, enjoyable reminiscence and solo writing.

Day one will provide an introduction to life story writing and explore ways to get those memory juices flowing. There will then be an opportunity to learn about structure, indirect memories and to write about your family background and domestic history.

Day two will focus on younger years and using your senses to remember. Find your inner child and have fun with capturing the memories of your youth.

In advance of the course, the Bookings Team will send you a short memory prompt questionnaire and a ‘getting to know you’ form, on behalf of the tutor, to be returned before the course starts, to help the tutor with her preparation for the course.

Included

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

The college will supply:

• A3 paper and coloured pens

What students need to bring

• Laptop, if you wish to bring one(optional)
• Two A4 lined notebooks and a pen
• Folder to keep work in
• A small selection of photos of parents, grandparents and other family members
• A small selection of photos of yourself from childhood through to late teens, early twenties

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

In advance of the course, the Bookings Team will send you a short memory prompt questionnaire and a ‘getting to know you’ form, on behalf of the tutor, to be returned before the course starts, to help the tutor with her preparation for the course.

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  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions