A biography writing business has clocked up a successful first year following an unexpected mention on BBC Radio 2.

Carolyn Thomas seized the opportunity to appear on Jeremy Vine’s lunchtime show after he announced that one of his daily topics was about how ordinary people could have their life-stories turned into a book.

The former Bournemouth Daily Echo journalist said: “I launched Our Family Memories from my home in Southbourne during the first lockdown.

“I’d always wanted to write down my parent’s memories and family stories but never found the time.

“Then, suddenly, we couldn’t leave home or go to work and I needed a project.

“I interviewed my parents over the phone, wrote up what they told me and put it all into a book, together with lots of family pictures.

“After a couple of my friends saw what I’d created, they commissioned me to write similar books for their families.”

Carolyn realised she had found a business opportunity and, with husband Huw, put together a website for Our Family Memories but she was unsure how best to market the new enterprise.

Then, earlier this year, Carolyn was driving home with Radio 2 playing in the car when she heard Jeremy Vine mention the day’s topic declaring that biographies were not just for the rich and famous.

She immediately parked and emailed the show.

Jeremy Vine. Picture: BBC.

Within 30  minutes Carolyn was on air and being heard by millions of people as she chatted to the radio host about how people love seeing their life-stories in print.

She said: “I was only on the radio for about 90 seconds but I made sure I mentioned my business name.

“After the show, we suddenly had hundreds of hits on the website.

“This immediately resulted in several confirmed projects so I ended up having an extremely busy year and the business has taken off.”

It means Carolyn’s career has come full circle.

In 1989, she graduated from the Dorset Institute of Higher Education (now Bournemouth University) with a degree in Media Production.

Over the next two decades she worked on local newspapers as a reporter and news editor.

In her 40s she had a complete career change and became a teacher of English as a foreign language working in Portugal initially then at schools back in Bournemouth.

Carolyn, 54, married Huw Thomas, a fellow journalist, in 1999.

The couple met when they worked on sister newspapers in Hampshire.

Huw helps with the editing and production of the books and also created the website for Our Family Memories.

Carolyn said: “I love the fact I’m writing again.

“I encourage people to think about their earliest memories, and to remember facts about their parents and grandparents.

“We talk about people’s childhoods, school days, family holidays, how they met their partners as well as their experiences and careers they have had as adults.”

Once the clients are satisfied with the story, they then send Carolyn their favourite photos to illustrate the book.

The books are not for general sale but just for the family concerned.

Prices start from £900 which includes up to:

• Eight hours of interviews
• 60 pages
• 12,000 words and 40 photographs
• Three paperback copies of the book

Other more expensive options are available.

Carolyn said: “Most have bought copies to give to children and grandchildren and some of the recipients have been surprised about what they’ve discovered.

“I have found it fascinating hearing the social history of those who grew up during the Second World War.

“My dad clearly recalls having his first banana at the age of 11 and how he couldn’t believe how big it was!

“Two of my customers were women aged 82.

“Their lives couldn’t have been more different.

“One never moved from her home town, the other one emigrated to Australia and travelled all over the world.

“But both life-stories were equally intriguing.”

Satisfied clients include Julie Moore, who commissioned Our Family Memories to write her parent’s book.

She said: “Mum and Dad loved reminiscing with Carolyn about their childhoods and how they met.

“My sister and I enjoyed reading about them in their younger days and also contributed some of our own memories.”

Our Family Memories is now taking on new commissions.

Carolyn is also keen to give talks to community groups such as Rotary Clubs, the WI and U3A with advice on how people can go about writing their own life story.

To find out more, contact Carolyn on 0740 111 4168 or visit our-family-memories.com