Parish magazine becomes Tesco Café favourite in Quedgeley

Tesco Café has become the latest place to stock the hugely popular Around the Spire Magazine, set up five years ago by Father Hugh Broad, former journalist and now Associate Priest in Quedgeley.

It has become a popular source of entertainment for those taking a break from their shopping, alongside a relaxing cup of coffee.

Fr Hugh said, “When I agreed, with enthusiasm, to undertake a magazine for the parish of Quedgeley, I made sure that it was to be a publication which would create an interest that would be far more than just a church membership.

“It has now attracted a growing readership, not just by the printed product, but also by electronic means. Whilst it is a magazine for the Church of St James, we are increasingly  aware that its content attracts a much wider interest.

Tesco’s Café, schools, uniform groups, Mothers Union, Quedgeley Town Council, the British Legion and other local groups all contribute stories.

Father Hugh has a background working as a journalist for a local newspaper. He shares what he considers to be at the core of the magazine’s popularity.

1. Make sure the subject matter will arouse the interest of the reader.
2. Present it in a way that shows you are enthusiastic (little chance otherwise of making an impression).
3. Use an economy of words.  The average reader of such a publication is not likely to read long articles.
4. Ensure the text is presented in shortish paragraphs, well-spaced. This appearance can make all the difference.

All the preparation for the magazine is done by volunteers. A team of deliverers take copies to homes, organisations, shops and schools across the parish.

Sue Swattridge, a local resident and former maths teacher at Severn Vale School, said, “It is a worthwhile read. I love the focus on the community and it is great to see the input from schools.”

Carol Bratty, also a local Quedgeley resident, said that she enjoyed reading the magazine, taking a keen interest in the work of the local church and community news: “I do enjoy reading the magazine, and it’s really good that it’s now available in the café at Tesco.

“The copies seem to fly off the shelf.”

An additional 250 magazines are in the process of being printed, and the church has plans to fundraise next year to help with printing costs.

The Revd Mark Siddall, Priest-in-Charge of Quedgeley said, “The colourful magazine is a great way of communicating with people. Because Tesco is Quedgeley’s ‘corner shop,’ so to speak, the magazine is read by many people who wouldn’t normally have access to it.”