ALAN Quick, Editor of the Crediton Courier newspaper was the guest speaker for Monkokehampton Ladies Group on Friday, March 20.

The first edition of The Crediton Courier was in December 1974 and cost 5p – the paper is published on a Thursday – now in its 57th year.

Alan told us that he had joined the Courier on work experience from Queen Elizabeth’s School, has been editor for about 20 years and has worked there for many years.

He talked abut the history of the paper, changes in technology and how many emails he receives each day.

Monkokehampton Ladies Group donated £50 to Alan Quick’s chosen charity following his talk on March 20. He is pictured with, from second left, Barbara Pearce, past chairman, presenting the money to Devon Air Ambulance representative Margaret Weeks with Beverley Cook, chairman, right. AQ 6507
Monkokehampton Ladies Group donated £50 to Alan Quick’s chosen charity following his talk on March 20. He is pictured with, from second left, Barbara Pearce, past chairman, presenting the money to Devon Air Ambulance representative Margaret Weeks with Beverley Cook, chairman, right. AQ 6507 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Courier is printed at Weymouth.

Currently there are 24 pages but in April will increase to 32 – which will certainly keep Alan very busy!

He explained how articles are of certain lengths to fit template pages.

The Courier is part of the Tindle Newspaper Group who own newspapers nationally.

It is sent all over the world by mail and as a digital copy and stories are now read widely online and on social media.

He explained that Lions Club of Crediton volunteers read the paper for the visually impaired, a memory stick with the recording sent to people free of charge.

Alan reports on many events, on one Saturday attending four village fetes (enjoying a cream tea at the first and last!).

He met our late Queen as well as Queen Camilla and recently shook hands with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Alan brought along many old Couriers and different cuttings and books.

A welcoming sign at Monkokehampton. AQ 6486
A welcoming sign at Monkokehampton. AQ 6486 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

He has led such an interesting life and we were all absorbed by the tales he had to tell. Thank you, Alan, for such an interesting afternoon.

To thank him for spending so much of his precious time with us, we have made a donation to his chosen charity, Devon Air Ambulance.

Jennifer Gill

Secretary