How and why we remember the events of our past

By John Cheves

This seminar was presented by Rena Feld at a Heritage Plus volunteer forum at the WRVS Centre in Eastbourne. It introduced the group to the ideas of autobiographical memory, of what we remember and what we forget. We discussed when memories begin, which periods of our life are most vivid and what prompts us to remember or to forget.

Rena taught for ten years on a life history course at the University of Sussex. She has trained reminiscence facilitators, as well as running groups herself, and has undertaken many oral history and life history projects including the late 1990's, a research project interviewing women Conscientious Objectors of the Second World War.

The presentation and following discussion was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and proved to be a very illuminating experience. To listen to some extracts from the seminar, please click on the links below.