Dear Editor – WOT?
WOT?! – NO LATE NITE?
Whilst Kibworth’s late night Christmas street event has rightly had to be cancelled for a combination of a variety of reasons, it reminds us of the increasing rules, regulations and requirements with which community and parish events now have to comply to gain permission. These increasing bureaucracies, (whether for what is termed ‘best practice’ or the expanding areas of ‘health and safety’) combine to affect various activities and events which ticked all the boxes a decade ago – but not now.
Thankfully, Remembrance Sunday is still publicly observed locally, but so many one time regular community events have gone – the Carnival, the very extensive Play Scheme, Wheelbarrow race, tug of war, the Parade of decorated vehicles, the bi-annual Kibworth half marathon, one time established pubs, the Club?, your local bank – all gone. Looking further back there was Kibworth feast (in October) with the fair within living memory bringing its goodies, finally, to Smeeton Road Rec. – but no longer.
“WOT”?!-IN KIBWORTH? 46 YEARS AGO?
It’s interesting to look back to the last century via the online Chronicle archives (issue 4, pages 7, 8, 9 and 10 – Kibworth Carnival 1978). Of course, one can’t just upload 46 years ago and expect it to work in 2024; indeed we may not want to – but thankfully the pages of this publication are still ‘monthly’ bursting with interest groups, volunteer groups, churches, sports and hobbies and offers of practical help, all contributing to keeping community life alive. However, communities are now increasingly on line. Whereas even 30 years ago…
“WOT”?! – 20 LETTER IN ONE ISSUE ?
It’s interesting to note in one Chronicle 27 years ago, December 1997 issue 197, various topics produced 20 letters from 25 signatories!!) Further, three years previously in June 1994 (issue 163, first issue with the now regular 24 pages ), as well as a letters page the whole front page was itself two “Dear Editor” letters. (Both these issues in the Chronicle online archive).
“WOT”? – WRITE A LETTER?
I’m as keen as most about the speed, aid, immediacy offered by texts /emails /apps keeping in touch etc. – invaluable. However, having a community newspaper available offering a chance to share community views about community issues with over 5,400 community households in 30 community villages – and to all, whether ‘tech savvy’ or not, whether online or choosing not to be… and there’s something tangible about feeling the paper, almost smelling the news print. So….
SO “WOT”? – WRITE? – RIGHT!!
As the Chronicle advances towards its 500th issue, may “Dear Editor” continue to be supported by readers’ letters maintaining discussion and lively debate in print, always agreeing to disagree, but available to all the community in an increasingly digital age. OK, spoons can stir, but past Chronicle correspondence (some very lively!) has shown that with the understanding to amicably agree to disagree, the sense of community is even further strengthened as we positively share opinions.
Roger Garratt.
Main Stage Theatre Company
