THE BRIDGE MAGAZINE - PRESENT PAST AND FUTURE

Friday 3rd March 2023

THE BRIDGE MAGAZINE    —  PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

By Paul Weatherhogg                      

THE HISTORY

When Rosemary and I moved to Lerryn in the autumn of 1995, we both wanted to be involved in the Community and its activities.                                                                   

Having taken a little while to settle in, Rosemary was invited by Fred Stevens to attend the initial meeting in April 1997. Using her experience as the Fund Raiser for St Giles Hospice in Whittington, Staffordshire where we used to live, she was asked to try and obtain advertisers to provide finance for the venture.

Representatives were sought from each parish in the Benefice, and 3 editorial teams were appointed. 

The first magazine was produced in late June 1997 using Fred Stevens’ Roneo machine, and collated at Elizabeth Parmenter’s home. This method of production was used for some time, but eventually it was suggested that we should consider an actual printed magazine. Pippa Lloyd’s husband Chris offered the use of the printing facilities at his premises on the Trading Estate in Lostwithiel, and production moved there.

Around this time, Dick Stearn offered his knowledge as a printer, and his experience helped considerably in the setting up process for the magazine. Commercial Printers then took over, firstly Palace Printers in Lostwithiel, then Phoenix Print in Bodmin, and then again Palace Printers in Lostwithiel.

THE PRESENT

As you will see from the front page, this March edition is Number 298 so fast approaching our 300th.

The magazine alternates between 16 page and 20 page printed editions, and an online version is also available. A coloured printed version was produced for Queen Elizabeth 2nd’s Diamond Jubilee.

Despite increases in inflation over the years, the price remains very reasonable at 60p per copy, and £5.00 for an Annual subscription. This is partly sustained by advertisers, and our thanks goes to them for their support over many years.

Up until recently, there were 3 editorial teams taking it in turns, so once every 3 months. Unfortunately, we are now down to 2 teams, Rosemary and myself, and Sue Daw.

THE FUTURE              

Rosemary and I are both in our 80’s, with underlying health problems, so extra help is urgently needed if the Bridge Magazine is to continue.

There are various jobs that need filling –

Editing --   for this you need a computer, laptop or tablet, and the ability to work in “Word” or “Publisher”.

Online Magazine – converting the copy to the online version and sending it to subscribers.

Advertising – Keeping records of each month’s adverts, and sending out Invoices every quarter.

Help and training will be given, so if you can spare some time, please contact me on 01208 873621, the Church Admin Office, or email thebridge3@hotmail.co.uk