Swanage Railway News in 3rd place for 'Steam Railway Award'

NEWS RELEASE From: Andrew P.M. Wright. Swanage Railway Press Officer: 6th November 1997

David Clifford - Editor Swanage Railway News

AN ACCLAIMED volunteer-produced colour members' magazine - not just mailed to 3,500 people across the country and around the world but also sold to the public in retail outlets across south Dorset - has been highly praised by a team of national judges in a top publications competition.

The quarterly 'Swanage Railway News' has come third place in the coveted 'Steam Railway Award' organised by the AIRPS - the Association of Independent Railways and Preservation Societies - judges saying it was "difficult to find fault" with the magazine which was "lively and enjoyable".

Now a glossy A4-size colour 38 page magazine that comes out every quarter and is produced by a team of dedicated volunteers, 'Swanage Railway News' started life as a couple of photocopied sheets back in the mid-1970s when the fledgling steam railway first started out.

The judges praised 'Swanage Railway News' as being "an excellent mixture of news attractively and arrestingly presented" while the A4 format was "attractive".

They liked the "clear attempt" to make the magazine "appealing to general readers rather than those already sold on steam miways" and said its content was "varied, lively and informative".

The format was "modern and go-ahead" and the magazine "does not take itself or railway enthusiasts too seriously - a definite plus," added the judges who praised 'Swanage Railway News' for "a good choice of illustrations" that were "consistently well reproduced".

Edited by David Clifford of Swanage, the magazine's assistant editors are John Villers of Wool, Steve Kerley of Poole and Andrew Maltman of Parkstone who is also its designer. 'Swanage Railway News' is part-financed through advertisements gathered by Douglas Manning of Corfe Mullen. If you would like to advertise in the magazine then please contact Mullen. If you would like to advertise in the magazine then please contact Douglas either via email at dg.cm.manning@cwcom.net or by post at 12 Field Way, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne Dorset BH21 3XH tel/fax 01202-698006 or via Swanage Station address given on the contacts page.

'Swanage Railway News' was praised for "good quality photographs" including "several very nice photos" by Swanage Railway's long-time official photographer and national railway author, Andrew P.M. Wright.

Analysing the Summer 1997, edition of 'Swanage Railway News', Judges liked "the impressive centre spread" impressive with a dramatic two-page centre spread photo of the May, 1997, 'Dorset Coast Express' tribute train storming across Corfe Common with the Medieval ruins of Corfe Castle rising above.

"We are very pleased," said editor David Clifford who - in addition to producing Swanage Railway News - with fellow volunteer and assistant editor John Villers of Wool runs Finial Publishing, a highly successful publishing venture based in Swanage.

"Although we came third in the competition - and there were some 25 entries from across the country - we came just three points behind the winner which is a great achievement.

"A lot of work, thought, imagination and commitment - more than perhaps people generally realise - goes into producing the magazine which is a taxing commitment for everyone involved, who all give their time and expertise completely free of charge to the Swanage Railway.

"I'm very lucky to have a first-class production team for 'Swanage Railway News' and the judges' praise wouldn't have been made without them. The magazine is very popular with members and the buying public alike who eagerly look forward to it every quarter.

"The judges' verdict confirms what our readers have been telling us," added David who has been editing `Swanage Railway News' since 1989 - a period that has covered some 34 issues.

Swanage Railway chairman Bill Trite paid tribute to 'Swanage Railway News' and not only its close-knit production team but also the railway members - active and armchair - that contribute to its success by filing reports and letters.

"It's a first class magazine of which everyone is justly proud. Many railways would be more than pleased to have a magazine of that quality working for them," said Mr Trite.