June Haye recently shared her memoir A Century of Memories with family, friends, and residents at the Willowmeade Aged Care residence in Kilmore.
The biography captures early 19th century events and experiences beautifully, and all through Ms Haye’s eyes. It begins with her parent’s epic war time love story and leads up to the present day with even the potential for a part two.
Ms Hayes was nominated for the memoir by Leisure and Lifestyle Activities Coordinator Alison Murphy who said she enjoys hearing all the stories told by the residents.
“It’s like I have a movie in my head,” she said.
Once Ms Hayes and her family agreed, volunteer author from Beyond Words Duncan McGann came with his trusty voice recorder for weekly visits, and in his own time collated the book.
Beyond Words is a not-for-profit organisation of volunteer biographers who visit people in aged care residences and nursing homes. Their volunteers listen to residents share their stories, and then write and publish their life stories.
Mr McGann said writing the book was an enjoyable process and is honoured to be given an opportunity to record a part of history that might otherwise be lost.
“It gives me something worthwhile to do, and it combines two of my greatest loves, language and history. It gives them a chance to reflect on their achievements, their families, and all those wonderful things. In 100 years hopefully, someone will pull it out of the bookshelf and say, ‘wow’,” he said.
Mr McGann hails from nearby Heathcote and is a former English teacher. It is his second book in under two years, with his first being for Paul Strickland, who is also a resident at Willowmeade.
When presented with her book, Ms Hayes was especially impressed with the colour photography and the finer details captured about her life, and she encouraged everyone to take a turn.
Beyond Words would like to continue to provide a free service, but they need donations to make this happen. Donations are tax deductible and will go towards supporting the highly dedicated team and the costs associated with running a publishing house.
To donate, visit www.beyondwords.org.au/donate.
Cash, cheques, and Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) are accepted.
Individual fundraising efforts and volunteering are other ways to help. To learn more, visit www.beyondwords.org.au/biographers/get-involved.
