What is it like to edit a Parish Magazine?

We hear from co-editor of ‘The Bridge’ magazine, Tom Rippon.

“I’m not normally one to post things like this, but I’m celebrating 1 year as co-editor of our parish magazine, The Bridge, and I felt like I just had to share it!

Replacing Rev Gail Uttley as co-editor was never going to be easy, but with the help of Avril Meakin and Ben Haughie, I’ve learnt so much about what happens behind the scenes at a community magazine. Whether that’s reviewing or writing articles, working with sponsors and advertisers or dealing with admin, I’ve learnt so much and enjoyed every minute of it. Particular highlights include interviewing Longhoughton Community Gardeners about community gardening; Alison Hardy and Christine Sindall on women’s ministry; and, most recently, Julie Roper from The Aln Gift Shop after 20 years in business.

More than anything, I am immensely proud of the feedback that the magazine has received from the local community. It is easy to forget that many people in rural Northumberland rely on print publications in order to stay connected with the rest of the community, especially older people. Not everyone has FB or even email, let’s not forget that! It is also a pleasure to be the recipient of so many articles written by volunteers on subjects ranging from community enterprise and Sikhism to poetry, tourism and local history.

I think our reader feedback says it all:

– ‘Your recent copies of the Bridge have been SO interesting………such a good read and packed with interesting articles which teach and inspire. Thank you!’

– ‘Thank you again for all you do to keep the community connected.’

– ‘It’s such an important part of the local community.’

– ‘Just read the latest Bridge. Well done! A whole new lease of life. Something for everyone. And dates well in advance -I’ve been asking for this since we came!!’

– ‘The Bridge has become something really special recently.’

– ‘It’s so good to have such a conscientious editor. […] Thanks so much for all your help and for your work on behalf of the community.’

And from Rt Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle: ‘I want to commend The Bridge for its engaging and attractive messaging. […] This sort of local information is vital not just for those who live and work and visit but it rightly reflects the vibrancy and challenges of our diverse rural contexts and the links to key services and nearby towns. It is precisely the sort of local story that helps me in my role and also in any work that I seek to do in the House of Lords. […] So, immense thanks to you for bringing this to my attention and my deep appreciation for this publication. Bravo everyone involved!’

I get such fun out of this project and it is truly amazing to see how much is going on in our communities and in the Coastland Churches. To put it simply, this magazine gives me so much joy. Long may it continue!”

The Bridge Magazine is the monthly printed publication of the combined parishes and communities of Howick, Alnmouth, Lesbury and Longhoughton (with Boulmer). If you would like to subscribe for a delivery of this magazine (£6 a year) please contact us. Copies of the latest edition can also be picked up in the churches named above.