In the year that “Jackie” magazine turned 60, many of the staff who worked on the iconic teen magazine have come back together to share memories of this very special publication . . .
We caught up with Tracey Steel from “The People Friend” fiction team, as she remembers the magical “Jackie” days, when she first came into the magazine industry.
Tracey Steel
“Back in October 1987 a young lassie with wide eyes and a bad perm walked through the very impressive doors of DC Thomson ready to embark on a journey that she would never forget,” says Tracey. “I was excited and terrified! This was the home of not only ‘Jackie’, but ‘Blue Jeans’, ‘Patches’ and ‘The Beano’!
“The ‘Jackie’ office was buzzing and everyone seemed so cool and confident. It was amazing. The Pop Ed was blasé about interviewing stars and waltzing off to London all the time and here I was, straight out of school, the new office junior!
“You learned on the job. You got to do a bit of everything and I couldn’t believe that as well as photo-copying, opening mail and never having to buy records or make-up again . . . I got to write the horoscopes!
“It really was a magical time and it suddenly became the norm to be interviewing pop, film and TV stars, working on the photo stories and going on regular trips to London.
“Life on the third floor was one big party . . . you always got your copy in though! Three teenage magazines meant that the place was full of people your age who couldn’t wait for nights out. I still have so many great friends who I first met on that floor.
“Pop stars would come up to Dundee as part of their press obligations and I can remember a very boozy lunch with Aswad . . . they were so lovely and really wanted to join the ‘Beano’ fan club! After that lunch we all trooped back to the ‘Beano’ office – much to the surprise of the lads in there – and they were formally enrolled!”
“Jackie: 60 Years Of Magic” Bookazine
For many teens who grew up in the 60s, 70s and 80s, “Jackie” will also have a very special place in their hearts. The pages of the magazine were the guidebook of their younger years, with advice on everything from boys to make-up, gossip and fashion trends.
And who can forget the pop pin-ups that decorated a whole generation of teen girls’ bedrooms?
To celebrate this really special time, there’s now a beautiful bookazine that takes a look back at “Jackie” in all its glory, written by the staff who were there.
Packed with amazing archive material, and exclusive features, prepare to be taken back to a world of pop, glitter and hairspray.
“Jackie: 60 Years Of Magic” is available to order now.
Allison Hay I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
