How it all started
During 1997,
over 200 household in the parish were asked to complete a questionnaire as
part of a "Parish Appraisal". One question was whether people wanted a
village newsletter, and another, would they be prepared to help produce one.
Three
quarters of the households said they would like one, and a quarter offered
assistance. So, one of the appraisal team, Charlotte Cox, arranged an open
meeting in the Parish Hall on 26th June 1997 to progress the idea.
Disappointingly, only eight parishioners attended (none of whom were
indigenous Welney people). Four - Karen Fleming, Helen Barry, Tim Bennett and
Margaret Levesley formed a steering committee.
Later, with
the addition of Carol Green, they became the first editorial team and
produced a pilot edition, distributed free to every household. It was widely
acclaimed, and has been followed ever since with bi-monthly issues, starting
with No 1 in Oct 1997.
Helen Barry
was the first editor, a position she held until just before her death. Seven
years later three of the original team are still involved.
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The "Welney News" today
A great community
newsletter.
Full of news
and reports on just about every aspect of Welney - the new Youth Club, the
Cygnets, the WI, the Friendship Club, Church and Teddy Church, the School,
and the Parish Council, to name just a few.
There's an
events diary, puzzles & competitions, even a "Victor Meldrew" column with a
penetrating, sometimes sad, often amusing, view of Welney and the
shortcomings of the few who try to run things, and the many that don't seem
to care.
The "News"
is available bi-monthly from the village shop for 30p, or a years supply can
be delivered to your door for just £1.80.
If you would
like a copy, wish to contribute an article or comment, or place an
advert, please contact the editor,
Rachel Brown, telephone 01354 610459, or any of the committee
members: Karen Fleming, telephone 610523; Marlen Moss-Eckardt, 610344; Tim
Bennett, 610433; Margaret Levesley, 610609 and Christine & Trevor Bray,
610322
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Articles from the past
Selected archives will be
posted weekly during the next few months. Some will be in 'PDF' format,
which may take a while to load. Please be patient.
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