Our new Editor Stuart pays a visit to beloved “Friend” writer Polly Pullar…
I always knew that becoming Editor of “The People’s Friend” would be an adventure. But if you were to tell me that one of my first tasks would be to take a sheep called Ronnie for a walk, I may have raised something of a quizzical eyebrow in your direction.
Yet on one sunny Monday morning in May that was exactly what I found myself doing.
The Biggest Challenge Yet
Before I tell you that story, though, let me back up a bit. The first thing I want to say is it is my absolute pleasure and privilege to be the new Editor of such a wonderful brand as “The People’s Friend”.
Having been a journalist for almost a quarter of a century, but it’s fair to say this is my biggest challenge yet. It’s also one I am very happy to be faced with. The months and years ahead will be exciting. I can’t wait to get to know you, our wonderful readers, as we embark on this journey together.
If I’m being entirely honest, the other emotion I am feeling is a vague sense of terror! “The People’s Friend” is not just a magazine; it is a way of life and has been for generations of readers. The weight of history on my shoulders is something I’m fully aware of. You have my word that everything I do now as Editor will be done with that in mind.
I have worked alongside the brilliant Angela Gilchrist for many years now and as she moves on to pastures new, I want to pay tribute to the amazing job she has done as Editor. I have some very big shoes to fill! Fortunately for me – and I hope, by extension, for you – Angela has been extremely generous with her time. She has spent the last few months filling me in on everything I need to know about our fantastic magazine.
A Rite Of Passage – Meeting Ronnie
Former Editor Angela walks Ronnie back in 2021. Photo courtesy of Angela Gilchrist.
That brings us on to Ronnie! Ronnie is one of many farm animals who wiles away his days on the croft of “The People’s Friend” contributor Polly Pullar. I know you are all familiar with Polly and love hearing about her life in the rolling hills of Perthshire. So I am sure you will appreciate how much I was looking forward to paying her a visit.
It was a beautiful day when Angela and I drove to her home, so my wellies remained in the boot of the car. Instead, I went in with my trainers on, and in retrospect that was probably a good thing! It wasn’t long before we were out to meet some of the animals. Soon I was being handed a lead on which the end was a rather lively sheep called Ronnie.
As we began strolling around the land, Ronnie began to pick up the pace. This meant that the chances of Polly and I having a meaningful conversation were receding by the moment! Eventually, I gave up trying to speak and concentrated on holding on to my rather lively furry friend. I am pleased to say I managed to not lose one of Polly’s precious animals on my first day! And so I have started off my editorship with what I regard as a win.
A Furry Fellow Guest
When I got my breath back, we returned to Polly’s postcard-perfect cottage. There we sat down to coffee, salad and bread that was freshly baked by Polly’s husband, Iomhair. It was time to have a chat about all things “The People’s Friend”.
We covered a lot of ground, but some of that conversation I can share with you now. I wanted to reassure Polly that I was committed to continuing the proud tradition of our magazine. It will always be the place to go for great reading, with all the stories and features you enjoy. It is worth noting that as we chatted, Polly was feeding a baby red squirrel that she had rescued. There really is never a dull moment!
A little later, after one final pat of Polly’s gorgeous collie Maisie, Angela and I drove away. But not without a couple of boxes of farm eggs in the boot and memories of a happy day on Polly’s farm.
I hope it will be the first of many happy days for all of us as we enjoy “The People’s Friend” together. I’m looking forward to the journey.
Editor Stuart ready to get to work. Photo by Eve Conroy.
Read Former Editor Angela’s farewell blog.
Browse our latest subscription offers.
Alex Corlett I am the "Friend's" Features Editor, working with the talented Features Team to bring you everything from cryptic crosswords to financial advice, knitting patterns to international travel and inspirational real life stories. Always on the hunt for a new feature idea, I also enjoy cycling and love a good tea room.
