ALAN Quick, editorial manager at the “Crediton Courier”, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of Crediton MS Group.

He spoke about the history of Crediton’s newspaper, how it functions and his involvement since he first started writing for it while undertaking work experience while a pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s in Crediton almost 40 years ago.

He talked about amusing incidents such as the occasion he visited Spreyton where the wheel of his car was removed and would only be returned until he had paid a donation to charity!

Alan said that sometimes he would attend several events in one day on behalf of the newspaper, including fetes, prizegivings and presentations, which meant dashing from one to the other.

He commented how he once proudly attended five village fetes, all in one afternoon!

Alan explained how the “Courier” is produced and about its distribution and sale locally.

He took along some of the photographs he had taken over the years and members were particularly interested in those of his coverage of Royal visits, including meeting Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, the Duke of Edinburgh and on several occasions, the Queen.

He explained that advertising by local businesses and local news content was important to the newspaper and he said that the “Courier” was an integral part of, and an asset to the community.

Alan talked about how the “Courier” is “digital-lead”, meaning that many stories now appear on the newspaper’s website, “Facebook” and on “Twitter” before the newspaper is published each Friday.

In addition, he mentioned that the newspaper is also enjoyed by many visually impaired people who receive the Crediton Talking Newspaper, courtesy of Crediton Lions Club and volunteers, read from copies of the “Courier”.

He also spoke about technological changes in production methods, interesting stories he had covered over the years and about memorable people and events.

Mr Quick said that the newspaper “had come a long way” since it began as a monthly publication, before it changed to fortnightly and then weekly.

He said he was proud to serve the Crediton community, adding that he types “the equivalent of a book” every few weeks.

Crediton MS Group, for anyone affected by multiple sclerosis and their family, friends and carers, meets on the first Monday of every month from 2pm to 4pm in the Meadow Suite at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre.

Further information is available from Maureen Greenwood on 01363 775482 or Shuana Miles on 01363 772943.