The End/Beginning Of An Era
THE END/BEGINNING OF AN ERA
Back in 1988 the Village Youth Club started the What’s On magazine under their leader Vic Reed, working from the Wheelwright’s shop near the Church Hall, using a number of old Roneo hand-cranked printers. Vic moved to Victoria Park in 1993, and with the prospect of losing the magazine, he approached five people to continue producing the useful publication.
The team of five included: Marilyn Case, Colin Jenkins, Ann Miller, Eileen Callely and myself, with each taking on roles writing, editing, assembling, stapling and treasurer. This in addition to the 30+ villagers delivering copies to each subscribing household.
We immediately found a print firm in Penarth and with the aid of cut and paste, DOS and slow typing, we produced a new format magazine. The document was delivered to us as single sheets which were then assembled and stapled before distribution. As the printer grew and invested in better equipment and our computer skills developed, we were able to improve the content to include diagrams and photos.
Regrettably, the Penarth printer closed due to ill health and we transferred to the current printer, Allens, to produce the magazine in its finished form ready for delivery.
The magazine has been produced monthly by a small and dedicated team of volunteers ever since 1988 – Over 38 years without a break. I am proud to have been involved for 33 of those years, and am now the only remaining member of the team.
Unfortunately, due to ill health, I will be stepping down from the team and leave the magazine in very capable hands to continue to develop, providing a way for the villagers themselves to share aspects of village life.
Thank you to all those who have contributed over the years with regular or one-off articles, recipes, jokes and letters, which make up the rich mix of content covering all local life.
It has been a real pleasure working on this project with such a dedicated group for such a long time.
