A Journey from Glastonbury Tor to Cherished Memory Books
Years ago, I found solace in the serene beauty of Glastonbury Tor. Regular visits, at least once every two months, became a ritual for me. I would climb the Tor and sit atop, watching the sunrise over the Isle of Avalon—an unforgettable spectacle.
During this period, my mother was immersed in writing two books, one about the local history of Bromley Common, Kent. Her first book, From the Workhouse to the Pye House: A History of Bromley Common, was successfully published by a local history publisher, with over 1500 copies printed and distributed in and around Bromley.
The second book, Drinks All Round: The History of Many Public Houses in Bromley, Kent, was my responsibility to prepare for publication. Though this book was never published, it sparked an idea in me—to start my own publishing business, Tor Publications. However, life had other plans, and the business remained a dream until now.
With retirement, I now have the time to pursue my passion. Though my mother passed away in 2006, and her book is too outdated to publish, I cherish the one proof copy we created. Her ashes rest on the sunny side of the Tor, a place that inspired so much.
My initial foray into memoir writing involved recording conversations with friends, using software to convert spoken words into text. However, this method proved challenging with strong accents, leading me to realize that my true skill lay in transforming words and pictures into print-ready formats.
When my friend Lesley, a professional memoirist, sought to expand her business, I eagerly offered my help. I designed a basic website, yourmemorybook.co.uk, which launched in September 2020. Lesley, already successful with several completed books, asked me to assist with printing. Given the high costs of printing one or two copies, I suggested Print On Demand (POD), a solution that has proven effective.
Together, Lesley and I have completed around fifteen books, with more projects on the horizon. For those looking to immortalise their memories in print, Lesley at Your Memory Book is the perfect partner.
If you’re writing your memoirs but have hit a roadblock, let Your Memory Book polish your work and transform it into a professionally produced book that your family will treasure.
Contact Lesley at yourmemorybook.co.uk and let us help you preserve your memories in print.
