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From the desk of life story writer
Sharon McGaffin Moyna is the story of how Moyna and her sister spent many years travelling to almost every corner of the globe. Moyna faithfully recorded their numerous amazing experiences in her diaries over many years. |
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From the desk of life story writer Leane Wheeler & company founder Christine Norton
“We cannot thank you enough for your energy, passion and push to work this through with us. We are very impressed and extremely happy with the presentation of Dad’s memoirs and his life can be even more celebrated with this precious record”. -Jones family |
Iris Gordon's book 'From There to Here'
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From the desk of life story writer,
Samantha Cutler Iris has indicated that she was very satisfied with the way the story was handled and happy with the presentation of the book. She said, “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Samantha." |
Iris and family at the launch of her book 'From There to Here'
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Brian Cotter and friends at his book launch
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy "I was proud to be signing a book of such high quality. I was thrilled with the professional assistance I received in putting together my story. Kate accepted and developed my idea of keeping it light, easy to read and tying together photos and dialogue. Thank you Kate." -Brian Cotter 
Sunlive, 17 November 2019
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Barbara Wilson with her book 'From Tragedy to Success'
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy "When I was first introduced to Kate McCarthy I knew I was going to enjoy working with her in all aspects of the book. Now that it is printed with fantastic feedback, I would recommend Forget-Me-Not Life Stories to anyone." -Barbara Wilson 
The Weekend Sun, 22 November 2019
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy "This whole experience has turned Kate into a personal friend. In compiling the information for the book, her attention to detail, her logic in layout and her choice of photographs have all been exemplary. Kate has my highest recommendation. I am delighted with the result." -Morris McFall |
Morris McFall with his book 'Quiet Achievements'
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From the desk of company founder,
Christine Norton "Reliving it all has been most satisfying and I have found a new friend in Christine during the time we've been working together." -Rita Fendall 
Reta Fendall with her book 'I've had a ball'
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Stage shows Reta appeared in with Malvina Major
Reta's 90th birthday
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David Perrett with his book 'Adventures of a Wiltshire Moonraker'
From the desk of life story writer,
Sarah Ryder
"I have been waiting a long time for this – but well worth the wait. Sarah Ryder did a great job."
-David Perrett
Sarah Ryder
"I have been waiting a long time for this – but well worth the wait. Sarah Ryder did a great job."
-David Perrett
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From the desk of life story writer,
Leane Wheeler Leane completed A LIFE WORTH LIVING for Bruce and Annette Mattison who were both stalwarts and ‘leading lights’ in the Howick, Auckland business community in the 1980s and ‘90s. “A big thank you to Leane for the work she has done to produce this book.” Bruce Mattison. Many community organisations benefitted from the couple’s contributions in the Howick area over many years. Click on the images to view. |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Samantha Cutler "It’s such a beautiful book and I was so enthralled reading Judy’s story. What a thoroughly special person." -Hannah Newman-Watt Community & Events Fundraiser Blind Foundation "I have just received my two copies of Judy's book and I’m extremely impressed. My husband, who is also reading it, keeps saying, “That’s incredible, really incredible." And reading bits out loud to me. Samantha Jayne Cutler, you have done an excellent job piecing together Judy's Story. I also love the format that it’s printed in, ideal for those of us with failing vision. I am proud to call Judy and Utah my 'friends'." -Sue Collier Chairperson for Cambridge Blind & Vision Impaired Support Group |
Waikato Times, 26 September 2019
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An article from the Cambridge News about Judy Hale's book 'Bright Sunlight, Dark Shadow' by Personal Historian Samantha Cutler
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy This book was compiled from journals which belonged to Sister Florence Duckett, a nursing sister on the hospital ship HMHS Galeka in WW1. Memories of Gallipoli is a unique personal collection of autographs, notes, cartoons and poems penned by soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign. Endorsed by the RSA of NZ and with a Foreword by Sir Jerry Mateparae, the book provides a rare glimpse into a war fought long ago. |
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Samantha Cutler and Doreen Lowen with Doreen's book 'Determined to Live Life Differently.'
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From the desk of life story writer,
Samantha Cutler “In writing up my life story I am more than pleased with what Samantha has done. She was able to interpret what I told her and research further information, making the story more genuine. My grateful thanks for a job well done." -Doreen Lowen |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy “Kate gave me ideas and advice which in turn gave me this book, Cop's Lot. Kate's support and understanding meant everything.” -Sue Reese |
Sue Reese with her Dad's book 'Cop's Lot.'
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Diane Pete Scott with her book 'As I Say...'
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy “It has been great working with Kate on my book 'As I Say...'. She has gone out of her way and I have appreciated all her work and help.” -Diane Pete Scott |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy “I am delighted with my completed book which is the outcome of what was a major project for me. It was very enjoyable working with Kate from Forget-Me-Not Life Stories, and I am extremely grateful for her assistance for what I hope will be a lasting legacy for our family. The initial marketing promises about the process, the budget and the performance were all met and I have no hesitation in recommending Forget-Me-Not Life Stories to anyone who has an enthusiasm for recording their life story.” -Trevor Kerr |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy “I loved the way Kate talked with Dad. She was respectful and caring at the interviews with him and the book looks great. Thank you for your lovely way of presentation.” Janet-Linda Comins |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy "I experienced excellent service from the start of the project to the successful conclusion." -Barbara Waters |
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Sid Pavett with his book Journey into the Unknown
"My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed A Journey into the Unknown. It is beautifully written and presented and the selection of illustrations and quotations are delightful additions to the prose."
- John & Jane Richards, Buckinghamshire, U K "I found this book, A Journey into the Unknown to be an amazing, compelling read with a good mixture of emotion and humour. The presentation was well thought out and inviting with a good balance of pictures and photographs to word content." - Patti Burt, Tauranga |
From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy "I recommend Forget-Me-Not Life Stories unreservedly to anyone who wishes to do an autobiography, particularly Kate McCarthy for her patience, understanding, guidance and warmth of personality when we worked together on my book, Journey into the Unknown."
-Sid Pavett Reviews of Journey into the Unknown
"Your book, A Journey into The Unknown, has proved a winner with me. It took me back over fifty years to our tour of much of Europe in just three months - a far cry from the successful but less dangerous lives which me, you and John Richards have enjoyed since. We must have been crazy to drive in our little out-of-date van through countries packed with violence and shocking roads fit for only goats and camels. Well, we survived despite some hairy moments. Your story revived some great memories which I had almost forgotten and while I have never met your writer, she certainly captured the feeling of that European trip.
"I know you had a very tough childhood and have done so very well since you arrived in New Zealand but when I read about your early life in your story, it is a miracle you survived without ending up in prison or suffering some equally upsetting fate. I liked the way the writer tells your story without self-pity or exaggeration on your part and leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions." - Warren Kyd, Auckland |
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From the desk of life story writer
Kate McCarthy "I can recommend Kate as a person who can come into your home, make you relax enough to tell your story and be of much help."
- Rosa Cooke |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Sarah Ryder "A Level Playing Field was carefully planned and researched resulting in a quality book of my life which has had a huge impact on me and on others who have read it. I feel that that the book accurately captures the person I am.
My time with Sarah was special not only because her approach was elder-friendly and centred around supporting me to feel safe to share my story, but Sarah acted as the catalyst at a time when my life’s journey needed to go forward, so talking about where I had come from assisted me to move on". |
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"Those who have read the book have said: 'Love the photos especially from your younger days and your children’s younger days' and 'I can just hear you talking about your life' to 'I found the sections prior to your marriage enlightening.'
"The presentation of headings, photos, highlights and sections add up to a book which is a pleasure to look through and the final presentation is something I will treasure for years to come."
- Ruby Aberhart
"The presentation of headings, photos, highlights and sections add up to a book which is a pleasure to look through and the final presentation is something I will treasure for years to come."
- Ruby Aberhart
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy "This book is just what I wanted to leave my family and friends. They have all commented on how well it has been put together. Thank you Kate for everything you have done."
- Fay Leach |
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From Christine Norton
VET ONLY: A vet’s journey through life – from horse and dray to horse and sulky. Charles Roberts "Vet Only is my father’s own account of a very full life and represents the fruit of many years of handwritten endeavour. How fortunate were we then, when a good friend referred us to Christine and her Forget Me Not team to assist us through all stages of completion, editing and production. Thank you Christine for everything – it means so much to our whole family." - Mary L Kenny (Charles Roberts’ daughter) |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy “I am most grateful for the help given to me during the preparation of my book by Kate. The cross checking and editing was really superb and the completion of the design by Melanie and production of maps and references were exceptional. All work was appreciated."
- Alex Emeny |
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From the desk of life story writer,
Kate McCarthy A LOCAL LAD by Jim Simmonds
“Kate put together Dad’s story in a manner that truly portrays my father.We will always be grateful to Kate for her work to preserve Jim’s story. You do a great service for families Kate.”
- Elaine Gooding 
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PICK & SHOVEL TO CARAVANS
Hurst Bros – Early Years in New Zealand’s Caravan Industry “I take this opportunity to confidently recommend Kate McCarthy of Forget-Me-Not Life Stories for her impressive documentation of the script we provided. We appreciate her tireless efforts to ensure that the many photographs/design was of the highest quality.” - Val & Graham Maplesden |
Val & Graham Maplesden
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Horowhenua Chronicle, 10 November 2017
Click article to enlarge
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Click article to enlarge
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From the desk of Personal Historian, Kate McCarthy
Video brings community history to life
Today, storytelling can be delivered in many forms, including video. The subject of a story can range from a person in a family, to the journey of a corporation or the growth of a town. Recently I worked with a passionate team at Western Bay Community Archives, part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council on a project to capture stories from the past about the Katikati community. During 2017, two short films were presented featuring the memories of Katikati as recalled by two of the town’s most active and well known long term residents, Sally Henry and Pat Pamment.
Sally’s humorous and informative recollections of various events include; the Queen Carnival, which raised funds to build Katikati’s Memorial Hall, the Farmers’ fire, and the Katikati picture theatre. Sally’s recollections present an eye-opening account of Katikati in the late 1940s and 1950s. Pat’s insightful recollections of Katikati life in the late 1930s and 1940s include her Catholic family’s arrival into the heavily Protestant township, fundraising to build a Catholic Church and the impact of World War Two on her family. Pat’s recollections capture some of the significant changes faced by the Katikati community over the years. Please enjoy the films - Memories of Katikati - Sally Henry and Pat Pamment. |
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Training for Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty life story writers
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We felt privileged to conduct a one-day training for the life story writers at the Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty based in Whakatane and were happy to donate our time for such a worthy group. Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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"Dear Colin and Irene
I have just read the book on your lives and your family. What a magnificent effort and congratulations! It was probably the most interesting book I have ever read and I just couldn’t put it down until I had finished. I recently spent three weeks in Paris with my family and took the book with me. Everyone read it and all remarked, even though they don’t know you, on how interesting it was. Again, congratulations on an outstanding effort. Regards." - Name withheld for personal reasons |
Growing Up in the Real World
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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From Christine Norton
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Jackie Stifter
"I loved discovering more about my grandfather and the amazing life he has lead to this point. I particularly like the fact that sections can be inserted into the book for when we add additional chapters to his story, or want to include our own." Jackie Stifter
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Diane Harper
"Forget-Me-Not Life Stories has produced a beautifully bound book full of memories which will be a real family heirloom. This is a first class presentation, exquisitely illustrated and printed. I also learned a lot of things about my father's life which I hadn't been aware of." Diane Harper
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