A FORMER Malvern councillor is appealing for people’s help in his latest project to pen a new a book about his childhood life.
Martin Lawrence, who stood on Malvern Town Council for two years before deciding to call it a day, has just started writing his first ever book which is titled ‘Ice Inside the Window’.
The book, which is expected to be published later this year, tells the story of Mr Lawrence’s childhood life between the 1950s and 1970s.
But while in the early stages of writing, the 67-year-old has appealed for help so he can develop characters into his story.
“Compared with other pensioners of my age I guess my memory is not as sharp as it needs to be, I therefore need help from readers in respect of their recollections of that era,” Mr Lawrence said.
“Anything will help, for example what was life like at school, corporal punishment, life before central heating, food and clothing poverty, the Saturday morning matinée at the flicks, the first black and white television, life without a home telephone, hot subjects discussed at school, school bullies and playtimes.
“Whilst the book is based upon my own childhood, the experiences of others will add weight to the historical environment and bring in other characters. I will obviously not use the actual names, appearance or characteristics of any individuals but their help will be appreciated.”
Mr Lawrence, who now helps people in Malvern who suffer from loneliness with his weekly ‘Zest For Life’ meeting sessions, said he has enjoyed spending time looking at old photographs for researching the story’s contents.
He added: “I’ve always wanted to write a book and I’m glad I’ve got to a stage where I can now sit down and start planning it. There’s a saying everybody has a story to tell and I hope mine will be worth reading.
“I started writing it in November and since then have fully enjoyed doing it. Recalling one memory has sprung another into life which has made it a lovely experience so far.”
Anyone who would like to help Mr Lawrence with his book project can email him on [email protected].
