Dear Editor – Chronicling, Numbering & Lettering
Chronicling, Numbering, & Lettering
Three local “happenings” have been linked in my mind recently:-
1) the editorial on page 2 of the last Chronicle 2) a recent sermon in Kibworth Methodist Church from a former President of the Methodist Conference dealing with trends in media reporting, and 3) back to last month’s Chronicle , the final page, which unusually was headed 28.
Numbering
I believe a 28 page Chronicle has only occured twice before. (Editor: I believe you are correct)
Moving from the 10 pages of April 1978s issue 1, upwards to what the front page termed ‘bumper 16 pages edition’ in May 1979 ; later, 20 pages regularly, then very occasionally a 22 – ( not being divisible by four it upset the fold!), to the present ‘norm’ of 24 and then last month’s 28.
Chronicling
20 pages indicate, (22 feels odd but isn’t), 24 emphasise and 28 confirm a community monthly happily living alongside (rather than giving up because of) social media, real time, instant 24/7 news, indicating a monthly whose local advertising and local news feeds are reliable enough to maintain such growth.
Lettering
In Chronicle issue 1 the Editorial column noted one reason for the new monthly was “to provide a forum for village matters of all kinds.” However, as page numbers have been enjoyably increasing, the Dear Editor section appears to be decreasing. October Chronicles of 20, 30 & 40 years ago (2004,1994,1984 – the three issues together ) noted 30 letters, (one from a junior reader in verse! ), whereas letters in the ten Chronicles since last October averaged between just two and three per issue. This is in no way a criticism of anyone or anything, and certainly not of the Chronicle. Rather of course, it reflects the massive change over the decades in how we now correspond ; social media, snail mail to email, various platforms available. However I’m not suggesting a ‘hi ed imo’ page Dear Editor, In my opinion.. etc.), but I am encouraging….
The Pen Of A Ready Writer. (Psalm 45 v.1 )
Indeed several pens and several writers!! I am suggesting there’s something distinctive about a considered. Dear Editor letter to a community newspaper well worth encouraging – local natters about local matters delivered to every local dwelling, including those households which for various understandable reasons are not on line, and then maybe anticipate replies in the following issue. Positive discussion . Someone once said “A spoon that doesn’t stir gets rusty,” but, of course, amicably agreeing to disagree “keeps the spoon sparkling!”
Roger Garratt.
New Head Coach at Kibworth Tennis Club
