A New Chapter Begins

Thirty years ago, to the month, in March 1995, the first edition of The Village Voice rolled off the rudimentary printing presses. Little did we know at the time, how important it would become to the life of Tideswell and its surrounding villages. The success of The Voice (remember when it was briefly called ‘Nah Then’?) was largely because it became the voice of the village, reflecting what you wanted to say and to hear.

It doesn’t happen by chance, of course, as the many people who have been involved in contributing, editing, printing, folding, and delivering over the past 30 years will testify.

When the last iteration of the Voice closed last year, I was keen to see it revived and to regain its role in village. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone and a fine team stepped forward who over the past few months have been steadily putting everything into place.

We live in different times to 30 years ago and costs are significantly higher than they were, which is why it’s launching initially as a quarterly publication. The plan is to go monthly once the bank balance, and available copy, builds up to sustain it. However the team urgently need advertising, or sponsorship, to be truly sustainable. And of course we need your support, to contribute articles and to support those businesses who do advertise.

Having moved from Tideswell at the end of last year, The Village Voice for me will now take on a new meaning; as a way of keeping abreast of Tidza and District and I will look forward to it popping into my inbox.

I wish it, and the whole team involved, every success.

Pete Hawkins