The Book in You – A Memoir Group – join the club

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine November 2011

Often thought about writing your memoirs, but never quite managed to get around to it? Well, this month’s featured club, The Book in You – A Memoir Group, which meets once a month in Guildford, could be just what you need to get you on your way...

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Name of club: The Book in You – A Memoir Group
Location: The library of the Guildford Institute in the heart of Guildford
In a nutshell: ‘People join to hear about the latest news and trends in memoir writing but, most importantly, to read their own work, listen to the work of others and receive constructive feedback in a mutually supportive environment.’
Person interviewed: Terrie Rintoul
Role in group: Leader
Member for: Since establishing the group last year.

When was the club set up?
In September 2010. I have been running courses in life story writing at the Guildford Institute since 2008 and past students would often ask me whether I could run some sort of ‘work in progress’ sessions. The Memoir Group was set up in response to these requests. 

How many members do you have?
At the moment, we have 27, but new members are always welcome.

Where and when do you meet?
On Thursday afternoon, once a month, in the Guildford Institute’s historic library.

What’s the best thing about being a member of the club?
Listening to people’s stories and seeing their writing getting better and better as each month goes by. 

Do you find being surrounded by like-minded individuals inspiring?
Absolutely! It confirms my long-held belief that there really is no such thing as an ordinary life.

Have you got links with other clubs as well?
Not yet. We know that there are memoir groups in America, where life writing has really taken off, but as far as we know there don’t appear to be any in the UK.

What’s the most interesting story from the group’s history?
Last year’s 65th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe brought out some amazing World War Two stories. These ranged from one member working as a secretary in Winston Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms to another whom as a little boy was reaching into the biscuit tin seconds before his family home was hit by a doodlebug bomb.

…and the funniest?
One from the Swinging Sixties. A member recalls going to see The Beatles play live in a South London cinema. As a ‘top mod’, she and her friends were too cool to even clap, let alone scream!

When is your next event that is open to potential new members?
Our next meeting is in January 2012 as we don’t meet during December.

Describe your club in five words...
Informative, supportive, inspirational, celebratory, fun!

• The Book in You – A Memoir Group can be contacted via the reception desk at the Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4LH. Call 01483 562142; e-mail info@guildford-institute.org.uk or visit the website: www.guildford-institute.org.uk.

• NEXT MONTH: We meet the members of Guildford Harmony.

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