Forget Me Not Life Stories Testimonials
Trip down memory lane
The service I received to produce my book was excellent, and Samantha was very good to work with.
My book is a trip down memory lane, and it’s great to have access to the past all together rather than spread around!
Gail Hussey
Life Story Writer: Samantha Cutler
Loved the feedback
I was very pleased with the service I received, Samantha was so easy to relate to, a pleasure to work with. I have loved getting feedback from everyone especially about the cover photo. My niece in Australia phoned when she received her copy and said it was an absolutely amazing story. I can’t fault my book. All the photos are so well done, the paper that was used and the print is excellent.
Never Say Never by Margaret Rickard
Life Story Writer - Samantha Cutler
Community Spirit
Resthaven's celebration of 50 years in the Cambridge community.
From Community Spirit - Resthaven
Life Story writer - Samantha Cutler
My life stories will live on!
My life stories will live on thanks to the excellent service from Forget Me Not Life Stories. Kate was very relaxed, professional, and easy to be with and I’m very happy with my book. When I gave my granddaughter her copy, she stayed up late to read it and cried!
Monika Marr from Matatā - Monika Barker
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Personal contact was invaluable
Testimonial by Steve Ensor: Samantha provided excellent service during the compilation of our book and the amount of personal contact was invaluable while working on the project. The biggest benefit to me is to have Tirau Earthmover’s complete history recorded for future generations and to be enjoyed by past staff.
For Hire or Reward, An Ensor Family Company History, Tirau Earthmovers Ltd
Life Story Writer - Samantha Cutler
Tremendous personal satisfaction
Samantha was a breath of fresh air, made what I thought was a huge job into an enjoyable year of putting my memories into book form. The project gave me tremendous personal satisfaction and brought back memories of my youth, friends, trips, family days and how I kept food on the table. Money received from the sale of my book locally in Otorohanga was donated towards the building of a new dementia centre called The Homestead at the Beattie Home, and to the Otorohanga Charitable Trust. Readers who I did not know got in touch because my book connected with their earlier lives and memories in the King Country. The last available signed copy was auctioned and proceeds donated to the Otorohanga Charitable Trust.Newspaper article Credit: King Country News
There’s Only One Way to Go in Your Eighties by John Oliver
Life Story Writer - Samantha Cutler
An invaluable book
"Working with Kate was amazing. She showed us examples of books that she had already completed and was very clear on the processes that needed to be completed to get the book underway to proof and then final copy. This is an invaluable book with so much of not only Mum’s life story but has included much of her family’s history too, including her children’s. All of the stories of her life will not be forgotten now and are there for the next generation.
The feedback we’ve received from those that have read it, is that it is an “absolutely incredible effort, really beautifully put together and very interesting”, and “I have finished reading the book. Loved every moment of it. What an interesting life Fay has had.”
Ann Russell - Faye's daughter
My Footprint - Fay Crail
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Enjoying the outcome
Sharing my life story has been a good experience and I enjoyed the process. My family appears to be enjoying the outcome. I had an excellent relationship with Kate, who was honest and conscientious. The only negative is the book’s size and weight – but that is entirely my fault!
From Boarding to Boardroom - Graham Cooney
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Patient and understanding
Sharing our life story with family has given us peace of mind and we’re extremely pleased we did it. Kate was so patient and understanding throughout the process and we recommend her excellent service to anyone.
Dean’s Dynasty - By Pat and Derek Dean
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Attentiveness a real pleasure
Choosing Samantha Cutler, with her attentiveness, to help write my story, has been a real pleasure. The writing was important to me and designer Melanie’s choice and flair with presentation has made the book collectable and a perfect gift. People who have already received my book are very complimentary.
Say it with Flowers, Flowers Fun and Friendship - Eileen Beach Kelly
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Listened to correctly
I tried to write my life story myself, but like all good intentions, it was going nowhere. I was very happy with Samantha’s interviews and felt I was listened to correctly and everyone who has read my life story likes what they see.
The Life of Leah Mary Laurence
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Whangamata Bach
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Frank and Ann Overwater on their life stories, a couple of years later, Frank approached me to help him produce another book. The second book celebrated thirty-six years of owning a family bach in Whangamata. Using a combination of photos and pages from visitor books, the story is told about how Frank built the first bach in 1986, the children, and then grandchildren who passed through, and the friends and family members who treasured their visits to Whangamata. - Samantha Cutler, Life Story Writer
Sound advice and encouragement
"Kate was always helpful and professional. She gave sound advice and encouragement when it was needed. I believe we developed a good understanding of what I was trying and wanting to record in the book. It has taken me a long time and many, many hours but I am pleased I have done it. I believe my family will all find it interesting and learn a lot from it. I am delighted with the layout and how the photographs have been presented."
Memories from Yesterday - Bruce MacDougall
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Blown away by the book
Sharing my life story with my family has been very special and now they have a history of my life. Some of my children have not seen the completed book yet as they live overseas, but those that have their copy are blown away with the book and how it is set out. The features are amazing, with added pictures relating to parts of the story throughout. Always in constant contact and up to date with each stage, Kate also suggested some information that I hadn’t thought of and was always happy to add in items that I had forgotten, right up to the end before going to print. Kate was very friendly and helpful, throughout the process.
My Life As I Lived It - Jenny Arrowsmith with her Life Story
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
"An appreciation of the simplicity and openness of my book"
Contact with Samantha has been excellent at all times. Samantha is positive and keeps things moving. Family members were unaware of many of the things I had done in my life. They appreciate the simplicity and openness of my book.
The final putting together of the book far surpassed my expectations.
Take Every Opportunity - Pat Lowry
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Received great feedback
My book is exactly me – it has made me think about my life and has been well designed with many memorable photos. I’ve been able to give the completed book to my family and friends and have received great feedback. Samantha was excellent and easy to work with.
From Far Off Grassy Plains - Ian Bickle
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Testimonial:
Bright Sunlight, Dark Shadow
A book written to not only detail her story - but to help others.
Judy Hale, a 78-year-old Cambridge grandmother lost her senses of sight, smell, and taste 32 years ago and with the help of Samantha Cutler of Forget Me Not Life Stories captured the journey of facing the future without sight.
Wanting to help others, Judy will donate proceeds of her book to Blind and Low Vision NZ and specifically its Guide Dog Services.
"Samantha 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
Always on time and accurate
Kate was extremely professional to work with, always on time and accurate in her reporting throughout this project. While the family haven’t received their copies yet, we are very proud of the finished book and The team at Forget Me Not Life Stories couldn’t have done better.
Our Journey - The Cresswell - McLean Story
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
A champion job all round
I’m very pleased I did it (Like That! My Life Story by Jock Elvin – Ed). The family have found some of the content to be quite fascinating. I’m also pleased with Kate from Forget Me Not Life Stories' service. A champion job all round.
Like That! - Jock Elvin
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
Working with Kate was delightful
Overall I’m very happy with all aspects of the effort and time that went into this production. Working with Kate was delightful – she was always understanding. My family say that they are enjoying finding out about the early lives of their parents and grandparents. It has been a joy to see the book presented.
Pages Turned Over 90 Years - Isabel Weenink
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Professional and pleasant service
Sharing my life story with my family has meant more than I anticipated – what great memories! I’m very pleased with the finished book and its features. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience working with Kate who provided a very professional and pleasant service.
Swift Sure - A Whale of a Tale - Margaret McNaughton
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
A lovely publication
I always had the inclination to have my life story put onto paper, but having never been a great scribe I never got motivated to do it. Kate was very helpful with interviews, of which there were a few, and it all came together. It’s a lovely publication, and Kate has done a great job for me.
I owe it to my family to give them copies so my grandchildren and great-grandchildren who don’t know a lot about my life will have something to refer to.
John Whiteman
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
"For my whole family, now and forever"
The service provided by Forget Me Not Life Stories was excellent. Kate was encouraging but not imposing, and I am proud of the finished printed book. The biggest benefit has been able to express my thoughts and feelings without discrimination.
The finished book is excellent, the appropriate photos are all displayed in the right place, and my uncle’s poem included with professional display. The benefit of this book will be for my whole family, now and forever. Thank you for your expertise and professionalism.
Margaret Houghton
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
Pass to future generations
Kate was very easy to get along with and I enjoyed her visits. She was easy to talk to and good at suggesting things that helped prod my memory.
The sharing of my life story has meant I now have a record of it, particularly as my grandfather and great-grandfather left a record of theirs.
My finished book is very nicely presented and I will be happy to pass it on to future generations.
My Journey Through Life - Muriel O'Driscoll
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
Worked collaboratively
Kate and I worked collaboratively to achieve the final result which I am very happy with. We molded the book into a good, easy read. It is well designed and the photos have added well to the text. Kate was very patient with me!
The Sweet and Sour of a Life - David Hoyes
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
First class service
The service I received was first class. Kate was easy to talk to and on the same wavelength during our discussions. My grandchildren and great-grandchildren will now know what we did during our working life and before.
Ted Parker
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
Exceeded my expectations
I had for some time wanted to share my story with my children, and now I have adult grandchildren and great-grandchildren growing up.
Kate quickly gained my confidence and as a result it became easier and easier to talk about my life with her. The production of my book went more smoothly than I had expected, and the end result was very professional and exceeded my expectations. Overall the presentation was excellent.
Tom Russell
Life Story Writer: Kate McCarthy
Love what you do
Barbara Wilson, a weaver and spinner, has written 'From Tragedy to Success' with the help of Forget Me Not Life Stories, telling a personal story of great tragedy and loss, and how she managed to overcome it and rebuild her life.
"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
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Thrilled
"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."
Too Bloody Busy to Grow Old! - Brian Cotter
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
In Retrospect
Kate McCarthy is very professional in all aspects of bringing together a book.
She is a good listener, while giving confidence and urging the progression along i.e. requesting homework and research between meetings. The co-ordination and timing with the design company and then the printing company was exemplary.
Kate’s patience and diplomacy throughout the eighteen months it took to complete made the process enjoyable.
I have no hesitancy in recommending Kate.
In Retrospect - Diane Comber
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
I'd recommend Kate unreservedly for her patience and warmth of personality
"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
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Rare Glimpse
Memories of Gallipoli was compiled from autograph books 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.