These are worrying times for us all, with the coronavirus sweeping the world and life as we know it changing all around us.
It’s no wonder we’re all feeling anxious and unsettled.
If I may, I’d like to offer a little reassurance.
I know that, for many readers, the “Friend” is a lifeline — a part of their weekly routine that brings them entertainment, comfort and companionship. I’m determined it will continue to be so.
We fully intend to continue to bring you your regular magazine throughout this crisis. Thanks to modern technology, we have the ability to produce the magazine even if we cannot access our offices here in Dundee.
Now more than ever, we all need the optimistic, feel-good reading that the “Friend” has long been famous for.
Planning is key
This week, I received an e-mail from a reader surprised that we hadn’t mentioned the virus outbreak in this week’s issue. There’s a good reason for that!
Magazines are planned, produced and printed several weeks ahead of their on-sale date. The March 18 issue that went on sale today was finished long before the scale of the outbreak was known.
What that means is that the next few issues are also far advanced in the production pipeline. And we’re on track with our production process for the foreseeable future, too.
It does mean that, occasionally, details in articles might have changed after we’ve gone to press. But we’ll do our best to get things right.
Many of us might end up working from home, but we can cope with that.
For us, the message is very much business as usual. We know that many people stuck at home and unable to socialise are depending on us.
If you’re worried about getting out to buy your copy, remember that you can subscribe. We have a really good offer at the moment aimed at making this as affordable as possible.
You’ll find details here: https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/subscribe/
Stay safe, everyone.
For tips from the UK’s National Health Service on helping prevent the spread of coronavirus, click here.
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
