Three years ago, David Geraint Thomas approached us to write his life story. Having been left with many questions about his heritage following the death of his parents, David was inspired to record what he knew of them and the extended family for his children and grandchildren. He wanted to help fill in any blanks that they might have about their family history. The project was to be kept a secret from his loved ones until it was published, but little did any of us know that this trip down memory lane was going to become an epic journey spanning three volumes.
David’s life story and LifeBook
David’s first book, The Long and Winding Road, began with his family’s history in the valleys of South Wales and followed the course of his life up until the birth of his first child. David was always very prepared for his interviews and put a good deal of work into painting a picture of the village community he grew up in, and the changes he had seen there. Pictured in the book are the maps he drew to show where all of his childhood friends lived in proximity to his family’s home.
Shaking, rattling and rolling
The first volume also told the story of how he met his future wife at the church youth club, where they first danced together to Shake, Rattle and Roll. David went on to recall how he worked at a holiday park (which he likened to that in Hi-de-Hi!) to save up for a trip to Rome for the 1960 Olympic Games with his brother. Despite his parents’ financial struggles, his mother was insistent that he still go to university to study history and economics, rather than stay in the village and get a job to help them. Education was the making of David as he would later go on to become a lecturer and head of department at several universities.
However, those stories would largely have to wait. By the time we were nearing the later interviews, it was becoming clear that David wanted more time to go into the details of his first 25 years, and that the remainder of his life would need another book if we were to visit it in the same depth as he had recounted his early stories.
We delivered the first volume in time for David and his wife’s 63rd wedding anniversary. It was a pleasure to hear that Mrs Thomas had enjoyed having her husband’s recollections read to her, a chapter per night, until we were able to deliver the second volume, Home on the Range, so that they could continue their lovely new routine!
Now, with the addition of Together After the Storm, David’s family have three affectionately and engagingly written and beautifully crafted linen-bound volumes of his life story that they will surely treasure for years to come. David’s time spent working with us highlights the very best attributes of what a LifeBook Memoirs project offers: a rewarding storytelling experience with a creative team, the joy of giving a loved one such a personal gift and a legacy preserved for ever.
Written by Isabella Samuels, LifeBook Memoirs editor
