About
The Atherstone Recorder is a totally independent local newspaper, owned and published locally. We are not aligned or connected with any government body, political group or any other company.
Contributions from all sections of the community are welcome. The editors decision on publication of any article is final.
About the Editor
They call me Scoop
It all really began with a school book when I was five ! I was noted at that age for my enormous appetite for books, indeed I was reading fluently before I even started at Infants.
In one of my first reads, there was an illustration of a fearless cub reporter on his bike pedaling furiously to his next scoop. It stuck in my mind, I was going to be that person, take Fleet street by storm and have scoop after scoop.
However the reality of economic life hit me in the sixties when I left grammar school. Money was the important factor in my adoptive parents eyes and I started life in a shoe shop.
My career in shoes led me on a journey full of ups and downs and ultimate sorrow that was to eventually to lead me to Aston College in Birmingham . I signed up as a mature student (47) studying “Broadcast and Print Journalism.”
The course was somewhat thinly populated, indeed it seemed to me that my fellow students were only there because they had nothing better to do!
However a man entered my life who proved to be an inspiration. Morris Price, the tutor was a journalist of many years standing, he was patient and understanding and we became good friends. During my new era of education I was published in regional papers and even hit the front page lead in an evening local. Much to the delight of Morris.
On leaving the college ,without having taken any exam (an administrative cock up) and having been given the honour of “Media Student of The Year” ( Not difficult considering the lack of competition) and a glowing reference from Morris, I plunged headlong into Radio Journalism. I set up news rooms for fledgling radio stations and woke at the crack of dawn to read to my listeners throughout the Midlands.
Again economic necessity kicked in and I was forced back to a “proper job”. But I was now well and truly bitten by the news bug.
The “proper job “eventually got me back on to a level economic keel. I played around with the usual Parish Magazine format, progressed to producing a local magazine and then got bit in the behind by a graphics man who all but stole the title.
I gave up my aspirations for a short time, the newspaper would have to wait. It seemed too much hassle for what could prove to be an uncertain financial return.
Local councillors and others were pressing me however, they had read my reports in my magazine and copy I had submitted to the local evening paper. “Do a local paper,Geoff.” said one . “This town needs it’s own paper.”
I agreed with the sentiment. Atherstone did have it’s own paper in the fifties. Local news had now however become the wrap around of the nearest local title. Five or six stories if we were lucky.
Again a meeting of minds came about. I announced in my local pub , (where I was now known affectionately as “Scoop” ) that despite my reservations I would launch the paper. A complete stranger asked if he could help. “So what do you do?” I asked, “Graphic design.” came back the reply.”My name is John Wosket.”
To say I was less than enthusiastic is an understatement.Memories of the last graphics type person came flooding back, I smelt danger!
But John persevered and here we are now on our third edition and loving every moment of it.
We will probably never make a fortune and Fleet street has long gone. However the technology that Murdoch forced into the industry has made it possible for the little guys like me to have a go.
The endearing thing however is that at least I will never suffer from the dreaded shudders, a common disease described to me by Vince Wetton , a local self made millionaire. “Should have done this, should have done that.” albeit 50 or so years late!
Geoff Wilding
Editor/ Publisher
Atherstone Recorder
Publisher
Merevale Media Ltd
100 Long Street
Atherstone
Warwickshire
T.01827 716575
F.01827 271066
M.07884 390430
email. news@atherstonerecorder.co.uk
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