by Terry Bearpark
Forty years of a village newsletter have been celebrated by many of those involved.
The Beacon, covering news in Ottringham, Halsham and Sunk Island, was first produced in 1985 and over the years has carried essential community information, news, views, memories, celebrations and tributes.
The paper edition is now supplemented by an online publication and remains a valued means of linking the communities of three villages.
At the April meeting of Ottringham Parish Council, chairman Cllr Julia Billaney paid tribute to the many people who were involved in the continuing success of this parish newspaper.
Cllr Billaney described the occasion as a special highlight of her time on the council, thanking all the people who had contributed in any way to the success of the magazine from 1985 to present.
Current editor Heather Croft, who has produced the magazine for more than 30 of the 40 years that the Beacon has been in circulation, thanked contributors and sponsors for their support in keeping the publication in print for so many years.
The founding team, including Nancy Middleton, Nerys Brown, Linda Kelly and Alan Billaney, were involved in launching the newspaper, supported by the many people who over the years have contributed articles, editing content, printing, distribution, deliveries and all the things that make a newsletter and keep it going.
The naming of the magazine was via a competition in which the aviation beacon in Dam Lane was chosen to symbolise communication over a wide area. Competition winner Richard Acklam, who was only 10 years old when the magazine was first published, said he was delighted to share in the celebration of its continuing success.
Tokens of appreciation were presented to Kathleen Acklam, Ottringham Post Office, which has supported the magazine since its inception, Ernie and Jean Oldfield, who have managed the distribution, and Heather Croft, who gives up much of her time and energy to turn contributors’ articles and notices into an interesting and engaging publication.
A special edition of the Beacon has been produced with sincere thanks to Heather, with input from founding editor Nerys Parry (Brown).
The Beacon is produced by Phoenix Design and Print and sponsored by Ottringham Parish Council.