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Box Parish Magazine: History of the Village Publication Brian Hatton January 2015 Past copies of the Parish magazine are to be found in bound volumes in Box library. These date back to 1897, with the first being copy no 7 of volume 1. With illustrations of front covers over the years Left: A modern full colour cover from September 2013 |
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Early Days
Box Parish magazine existed from Victorian times but it has changed dramatically in recent years. In the early days, and up to 1994, the magazine was edited by various vicars of St Thomas and comprised a page or so of local items, but they consisted mainly of a magazine produced in London, The Church Monthly, an illustrated journal for home reading. This changed at various times to The Dawn of Day, The Sign and The Sentinel. In 1967 the magazine saw a change of format with all of the content being local to Box. It was priced at the pre decimal amount of 6d. Right: The magazine in April 1946 with the front cover illustrtion which lasted unchanged for several decades (courtesy Stella Clarke) |
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Under New Management
In July 1981 an article appeared under the heading Under New Management – Roger Eaton & Co Unlimited. The team comprised Rev Tom Selwyn-Smith, Roger Eaton, Andrew Jackson and Elizabeth Devon, with Mary Rumble typing the text on long galleys of specially coated paper. The magazine was printed and produced ready for distribution in the Devon’s cellar with the help of a cast-iron and brass folding machine. Martin Devon was the maintenance man.
This continued for some seven years until technology dictated that outside printers should be used. Printing was passed over to Christopher James Printers, based in Corsham. When this business closed down in 2009, Steve Noizet, an employee, set up on his own and has been printing the magazine ever since under the name of EGB Print.
Mrs Porter’s Diary appeared for the first time in February 1983 and has been in every issue since, in recent years moving to the centrespread due to the large number of events which take place in the village every month.
In July 1981 an article appeared under the heading Under New Management – Roger Eaton & Co Unlimited. The team comprised Rev Tom Selwyn-Smith, Roger Eaton, Andrew Jackson and Elizabeth Devon, with Mary Rumble typing the text on long galleys of specially coated paper. The magazine was printed and produced ready for distribution in the Devon’s cellar with the help of a cast-iron and brass folding machine. Martin Devon was the maintenance man.
This continued for some seven years until technology dictated that outside printers should be used. Printing was passed over to Christopher James Printers, based in Corsham. When this business closed down in 2009, Steve Noizet, an employee, set up on his own and has been printing the magazine ever since under the name of EGB Print.
Mrs Porter’s Diary appeared for the first time in February 1983 and has been in every issue since, in recent years moving to the centrespread due to the large number of events which take place in the village every month.
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Cox's & Walkers
It was in 1994 that Jane Cox was persuaded to take over as editor; her first issue was in June of that year. She introduced Box Person of the Month in January 1995, the first one being the late Liz Porter, followed by Norman Haines and Jill Banks. Over 200 villagers have appeared in this spot to date. Assistant editor to Jane was Sylvia Walker. In 1997, Jane and Sylvia swapped roles, with Ronnie Walker acting as page setter. This arrangement remained until January 2004 when after more than six years they all decided to hand over the reins to a new team. The price of the magazine at that time was 35p. |
Sylvia’s
final entry in the
January 2004 edition Scratch and squiggle, scream and giggle What else can poor editors do? When all is such a ballyhoo. Church news must have pride of place, But village matters need more space. So bruised and battered trying her best, The editor just craves some rest. |
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Later Years
The new editor was David Brown, with Steve Wheeler as his deputy. They produced the magazine until David and Heather decided on a change of career and upped sticks and moved to North Wales where they run a bed and breakfast business. Towards the end of 2006 Brian Hatton was asked to take on the editor’s role. Never having done anything like it before he decided to take up the challenge, so in February 2007 produced his first edition. Steve stayed on as deputy until Chris Jones took over that position. After four and a half years Brian felt that it was time to hand over to a younger editor who, hopefully, would bring some new ideas to the magazine. Crispin Northey became editor in June 2011, again with Chris as his Deputy, but Brian and Susan agreed to continue to manage the advertising which they have been doing to date. Unfortunately Crispin was unable to continue as his work took him out of the village and he produced his last edition in 2012. |
Chris Jones initially became acting editor but has now taken on the role of editor full time. Chris has introduced some interesting changes. The main one has been, with the help of advertising revenue, a number of issues with covers in full colour.
In addition to the editorial team, there are some 40 other villagers involved with the magazine who proof read and arrange for the distribution of the magazine to some 500 households.
In addition to the editorial team, there are some 40 other villagers involved with the magazine who proof read and arrange for the distribution of the magazine to some 500 households.
Committee as at 2015
This Parish Magazine is published by The Parochial Church Council of St. Thomas à Becket
Managing Executive: Paul Thomas
Editor: Chris Jones
Email for copy: [email protected]
Advertising Managers: Brian & Susan Hatton
Email for advertising copy: [email protected]
Email for Mrs Porter's Diary: [email protected]
Printing: EGB Print
Distribution and Subscriptions: Nicky Krikorian & Denise Brighten
This Parish Magazine is published by The Parochial Church Council of St. Thomas à Becket
Managing Executive: Paul Thomas
Editor: Chris Jones
Email for copy: [email protected]
Advertising Managers: Brian & Susan Hatton
Email for advertising copy: [email protected]
Email for Mrs Porter's Diary: [email protected]
Printing: EGB Print
Distribution and Subscriptions: Nicky Krikorian & Denise Brighten