15 March 2020 - Village rumour
Dear all,
The village grapevine is alive with the news that at the SP Society AGM in April, Chris Hubbard will be relinquishing his role as editor of the village Newsbites and Newsletters. With more knowledge of Chris than anyone else, I was asked to provide – well, not exactly asked, but nobody said no, or to be more exact, the subject wasn’t even mentioned – I have chosen to put together a few words to cover the history of the last twelve years or so of village communications.
Prior to this time Chris was famous for his factual, hard hitting and occasionally humorous articles in the premier publications of the day, notably the Dorset Evening Echo. Well, to be more exact, only the Dorset Evening Echo. In turning his carefully honed skills to the service of the village he did not let the power and authority of the role go to his head. He reported even-handedly on all village matters, never looking for a ‘bung’ for a spot of bias or false information. Just as well, for these turned out to be non-existent because, as everyone in Weymouth believes, Sutton Poyntz is a deprived area inhabited by impoverished folk.
During his dedicated service there have been over 700 Newsbites, thirty or so Newsletters and an unlimited number of spelling and grammatical mistakes. Quotes from village readers of the Newsbites demonstrate the high esteem in which his literary efforts are held. These quotes range from “Chris who?” through “Never read the things myself” and “Thought they were spam” to “Waste of time if you ask me”. What higher praise could a writer expect?
When I approached him for words on his own swansong, he was characteristically modest in his usual brief, witty and informative manner (his words, not mine). He said that it had been a pleasure and a privilege to serve those who had the village of Sutton Poyntz in their hearts and a concern for their neighbours, and he wished everyone all the best for the future, including of course his successor.
So it’s goodbye from me (soon)