Chrissie is judging Erewash Writers 2015 Memoir Writing Competition – having some lovely afternoons sitting in the sunshine enjoying reading and writing critiques for these 1000 words memoir pieces, some spanning many years, others capturing something which lasted for only one memorable evening.

The variety of styles and memories is amazing. Lots of smiles, some laughs – and it wouldn’t be memoir without a few teary moments too.

Happy school days, a few less happy ones. Home life, teenage angst, migration, the importance of family and neighbours. Vivid memories of food, clothes, holidays and everything in between.

Thank you to all the writers for giving me such a lot of great reads this Spring/Summer – it’s been a pleasure.

Only one winner – tough decision ahead.