Everyone has a story in them says Peter Smith

There is not one person on earth that does not have a story locked up inside them whether it be growing up, some adventures or simply a story of fiction deep inside them ready to leap out onto a blank page, according to Leith Park resident Peter Smith.

He should know. He has written and published three books over the years: ‘Not Just the Destination (England)’, a full colour book on his move to England with his wife Karen, ‘The Good Old Days and Other Short Stories’ about growing up in the early 1900’s, and ‘The Adventures of Wazza at the North Pole’, a story about how a young boy named Wazza who helped set up a computer system for Santa.

Peter’s love of writing began in primary school when he shamed his mother in a story about the ruins of her Sunday roast. Whether she ever forgave him, he does not know but the experience propelled him on to enter a short story competition in Hurstbridge which inspired a collection of ten short stories. The rest, as they say, is history.

A newcomer to Leith Park, Peter and Karen moved in January and have not looked back. They love their new apartment and the surrounding gardens.

“It really has been a wonderful place to come to, especially in this strange period”, Peter said.

They moved into the village for many reasons but having their own space was a major deciding point.

“We were sharing a house with our eldest daughter, her husband, a five and two-year-old, and it was a tight squeeze. We initially heard about Leith Park from a friend of ours who had friends living in the village. Through interviews, several private tours of the apartments, and having lived in the general area it was easy to make the decision to move in,” Peter said.

Both Peter and Karen love the people in the village, the village layout, their unit, their garden, the facilities and the caring nature of all the staff.

“It is like being in the happiest place on earth. Well almost, Disneyland still wins that one,” he said.

Before retiring Peter enjoyed life as a spare-parts sales person, spent 20 years as a full-time national serviceman, owned a printing business, pastor, worked for the University of Oxford and finally worked in the manufacture of light fittings. He has always loved work so life has been very rewarding.

Not that he has stopped since retiring.

He still has plenty of stories in him including more adventures for Wazza, and then there is a granddaughter and another grandson to be introduced to the world. Short stories about his growing up, which he has written in a collection of short stories which need illustrations to complete it ready for publication.

And then there is the short story competition he has introduced into Leith Park as a catalyst to starting up a writers’ group.

His advice to anyone who wants to write is to go ahead and do it.

“The important thing is to simply start. You do not have to be a good story writer. Just jot down your thoughts and then put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write. It is so self-satisfying to see the words flow and the story grow. And don't be restricted to stories. Try poetry also for that is such fun,” he said.

The new apartments at Leith Park are getting closer to opening. They are spacious, inviting, and well appointed. Anyone ready for a tree change in a wonderful retirement village get in touch with Karen on 9433 1100 or karene@ocav.com.au.