As a result of a partnership between Central Queensland University and Capricorn Community Radio 98.5 FM 4YOU, the first of a series of locally produced Memories talking book CDs have been launched at the studios of 4YOU at 51 Murray Street (on Feb 16).

Titled A collection of real stories from Central Queensland's early pioneering days,  the first 3 CDs encompass all of the stories from Book 1 of the CQU-released Down Memory Lane series.  The first of the Down Memory Lane series of 3 enthusiastically received books, was released in 2002.

CQU's Suzi Blair with author Isabel Hoch at the launch

CQU's Director of Development Suzi Blair, who addressed the launch said: "The Down Memory Lane books have been very well received by the local community. Making them available on CD will open the stories up to a new audience and help strengthen CQU's community ties."

With 34 short stories from local people, the stories capture the spirit of the early days of Central Queensland including tales about the war years, early settlement, entertainment and the ordinary everyday way of life in CQ.  They have been voiced by CQU's  Tony Gubbins and CQU/4YOU's Glenys Kirkwood, with editing, production and artwork by Heather Bacon (4YOU) and Lyn Ellerton (CQU).

"The station had been playing these stories to air each week and it became obvious that interest was extremely high, so the natural progression was to use our facilities to produce the CDs,"  said 4YOU  President Doug Allwood.

"Some of the authors are well known people locally and some less well known, but it has been a privilege to be involved in recording all the stories about events and times that will never happen again.  Also, it fits nicely with our Community Radio ethos that proceeds from the sale of the CDs will benefit not only 4YOU but our local community by supporting students at CQU," he said.

The Series 1 Memories CDs are available for sale at 4YOU and at the Kern Arcade Newsagency.

Stories from Down Memory Lane Books II & III are  currently in production and the Memories Series 2 & 3 will be released for sale shortly.

For details contact: Glenys Kirkwood, Editor of the Down Memory Lane books at g.kirkwood@cqu.edu.au or 0412 730 489.

Authors Merril and Brian Smith enjoyed the CD launch
Author Beryl Schneider receiving her CDs from 4YOU President Doug Allwood
Author Margaret Keane receiving her CDs from 4YOU President Doug Allwood
Authors Margaret Keane and Bill Forday
Author Cliff Warkill