Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Chronicling Oundle



Chronicling Oundle

Tony Blair found it “most enlightening.” Michael Howard was impressed by its range and pleased that it benefits charity, and Times columnist Libby Purves was delighted that it originated as a joint project between the State and the independent sectors of education. And I found it to be a thoroughly absorbing and challenging project during my fifteen years of advising and helping Oundle Chronicle teams. Educational for me as well as for everyone else involved. The failures were as valuable as the successes.

The Oundle Chronicle, which is designed and produced by a team of pupils working as part of Oundle School’s Community Action programme, celebrated its fifteenth birthday in 2006. With items of general news and arts reviews, with features on subjects ranging from house prices to holiday cottages, from dining out to diabetes research, from council elections to conker championships… there is something of interest to every reader with a connection to Oundle.

From the start, under the joint editorship of Jonathan Lane and Natalie Woodcock, sixth formers at Oundle School and Prince William School, the Chronicle was intended as a service to the local community. It has provided news and features over a wide range of subjects, in the form of a tabloid newspaper ranging between twenty and forty pages, and with a print-run of 2,000 copies. In addition it has been run as a business, to provide pupils with an insight into the publishing world, and has clearly been of educational benefit.


A number of former Chroniclers now work as professional journalists and many more work in media-associated careers such as advertising and public relations. Local retail outlets in the town are more than happy to sell the Chronicle, which donates its profits to charity. The original aim was for the newspaper to appear four times a year on a seasonal basis, but this has frequently proved to be too much of a challenge, given academic and other commitments. However the Chronicle tradition is now well-established, and few other British towns can boast a similar publication run as an educational venture.



When the Chronicle started in March 1991, photos were black and white and needed to be pasted manually to pre-press sheets; the production team occasionally found themselves working through the night on achingly slow computers to meet printers’ deadlines. Fifteen years later, the newspaper contents, designed by pupils, are emailed to the printers in seconds. The advent of digital technology has enabled the newspaper to improve its production methods, with pupils using their graphic skills to design advertisements for local traders and with an increasing number of pages in colour.





As the newspaper developed, the Chronicle launched its own website, and this has recently been re-designed and re-located at http://oundlechronicle.co.uk/

Photos from the Chronicle archives can be viewed as follows:

Oundle Chronicle People 1991-1996
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75696&l=28dfe&id=573475659

Oundle Chronicle People 1997-2002
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75924&l=18b1b&id=573475659

Oundle Chronicle People 2002-2007
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76593&l=89ab5&id=573475659

Oundle Chronicle @ Ashton Conker Championships, 2006
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76731&l=4e668&id=573475659
WHAT THEY’VE SAID ABOUT THE OUNDLE CHRONICLE

“Very good to see that The Oundle Chronicle is online and clearly prospering. I have many fond memories of the days (and nights!) spent on the first couple of editions. The experience obviously left an impression on me as I went to write and edit for my university newspaper (The Warwick Boar), and then onto a spell of part-time journalism in Japan. As you've heard. I'm an e-business consultant specialising in web and new media projects (a marriage of sorts of my love of media and technology), but outside work I continue to edit one of the sections of Kansai Time Out magazine in Japan, write a monthly column for them, and publish the odd freelance piece, the latest of which was published in The Press Gazette last year. I also completed a postgraduate diploma in journalism last year, which adds a few more letters after my name!”
(Richard Alderson, former pupil of Oundle School, D 92, The Chronicle’s first page designer, January 2003)

“Clearly a few ‘warts’ as you say, but nevertheless an interesting read!”
(John Allwood, former pupil of Oundle School, Ldr 1970, Executive Director, The Telegraph Group Limited, March 2006)

“I visited the new, improved Oundle Chronicle web page today and would just like to say that I was most impressed. The format looks superb, as does the content of the pages. I think that you have done a great job in orchestrating the transition from the hard copy to the electronic newspaper and would like to take this opportunity to wish you and the rest of the Chronicle team all the best for the future.”
(Ian Anderson, former pupil of Oundle School, L 2001, former Chief Editor, Oundle Chronicle, March 2002)
“Your sixth formers are doing a marvellous job; it’s an excellent training ground for a career in publishing.”
(Debbie Beaton, Editor, Crops Journal, September 1993)

“…the fattest and most newspacked school paper I have ever seen – congrats to the Editor.”
Lindy Beveridge, Author and public relations Consultant, Cambridge, July 2002).

“I, of course, remember David McMurray very well – and my days at Fettes – and found your article most enlightening!”
Tony Blair PC, MP, Prime Minister, November 1997)

“With great joy I held the current issue of the Oundle Chronicle in my hand a couple of days ago and started reminiscing about how exciting it was seeing the paper in the shops when one was writing for it, so thank you very much for sending the issue along. I had completely forgotten about my article never making it into a paper during my stay, and it is interesting to see that it is still not out of date, although it was written half a year ago. The paper I have to say looks great - very professional designand layout, more pages in colour, a new section, so congratulations on keeping to drive the paper forward.”
(Chris Blaum, former pupil of Oundle School, C 2006)

“...I found The Oundle Chronicle extremely interesting. I am sure it provides all concerned with valuable experience of the blood, toil, tears, and sweat which inevitably accompany creative enterprise. Of equal importance is the euphoria of success when hard work is suitably rewarded (or not, as often happens). Excellent training for anyone who aspires to a career as a writer.”
(Christopher Bond, former pupil of Oundle School, B.1937, script editor, television director and producer, writer of shows including To the Manor Born and Keeping up Appearances, November 1994)

“The Chronicle was an excellent journalistic starting point. It made me think seriously for the first time about how a newspaper is put together, not just in terms of writing and copy-editing, but in terms of planning, design and advertising too. Most importantly of all, though, it was great fun.”
(Nick Briggs, former pupil of Oundle School, LS 1998, former Oundle Chronicle Chief Editor, Sub Editor, Smart Investor Singapore, January 2002)

“...a splendid read and it is a credit to all those involved in its production.”
(Professor David Carpanini, University of Wolverhampton, August 1992)

“You have outlined with great clarity and interest the pros and cons of your amazing and important venture. […] From a careers point of view, from the point of view of leadership, of teamwork, of fresh community perspectives, this is an outstanding project for us and a brilliant idea of yours. […] From time to time one comes across something quite outstanding in our schools. This is definitely one of them.”
(Tommy Cookson, Headmaster, Sevenoaks School, August 2000).

“Our congratulations to all concerned for the excellent new site. I feel sure this will become a vital part of the community.”
(Steve Cunningham, Webmaster, St Peter’s Church, Oundle, March 2002).

“Thank you very much for sending me the ‘circus’ issue of the Oundle Chronicle. It is a very impressive publication. It is also nice to see the circus getting a fair deal for once.”
(David Davis, Editor, Big Top, January 2000)

“...the paper has excellent qualities and fills a real need for current local news.” (Barbara Ding, Clerk to Oundle Town Council, January 1992)

“I worked as Sub Editor on The Oundle Chronicle when it had just begun. It really gave me a feeling that I would like to be more involved in the daily running of a business within the media.”
(Miles Eames, former pupil of Oundle School, LS 1993, Operations Manager, BBC Radio One, January 2002)

“...most impressed...I am delighted that we continue to be involved.”
(Stewart Francis, Managing Director, Hereward Radio, July 1991)

“The Oundle Chronicle goes from strength to strength. […] As fairly recent newcomers to Oundle, my wife and I particularly appreciate the wide coverage of people and events in the Town.”
(Commodore K.A. Gadd CBE, August 1999)

“I know from personal experience what a worthwhile project The Oundle Chronicle is because I was one of the pupils involved in the original newspaper. Back in 1991, as a sixth-form pupil at Prince William School in Oundle, I had already decided I wanted to be a journalist when I finished my education. As well as writing articles for the publication, it also gave me my first taste of radio. Together with a pupil from Oundle School we went to Hereward FM studios in Peterborough to record and advert for the newspaper. Eleven years on, I can still remember the jingle. ‘It’s Oundle’s own. It’s Oundle’s first. Oundle’s own and first newspaper. It’s kids serving the community. For local issues, events and personalities. It’s The Oundle Chronicle. And it’s out on Friday!’ And I can still remember my embarrassment in the sixth-form common room when my peers heard my dulcet tones over the airwaves for the very first time. I’m still cringing now…”
(Rachael Gordon, former pupil, Prince William School, 1992, Features Editor, Peterborough Evening Telegraph, April 2002)

“extremely well produced and entertaining to read”
(Sir Max Hastings, Editor, The Daily Telegraph, May 1994)

“Very good... I wish there had been something like it when I was there.”
Anthony Holden, former pupil of Oundle School, Lx 1965, author, royal biographer, March 1993)
“I have been consistently impressed with the quality of journalism and the standards of production of the Oundle Chronicle. It provides a great opportunity for the students to learn the skills of producing a paper and is a reliable source of local news for residents in and around Oundle. Going on-line is a welcome innovation, making it easier for many people to access the Chronicle, and helping the paper to set a new standard in the information age.”
(Phil Hope MP, March 2002)

“I was impressed by the wide range of subjects covered by the Chronicle, and delighted to see that it benefits charity.”
(Michael Howard, QC, MP, Secretary of State for Employment, January 1992)

“I’ve had a look at the website – most impressive. Makes me feel quite nostalgic. I do miss Oundle. It was so nice living in a small community – and the Chronicle helped me to get to know that community even better.”
(Charlotte Hubback, ex-Oundle School pupil, Editorial Co-ordinator, Authentic Media, October 2005)

“An absolutely splendid effort. I think that we have not yet won the battle regarding the Station Road site, but good coverage of the issues here. Congratulations to all concerned on an excellent Election Special.”
(Cllr Glyn Hughes, member of Oundle Town Council, April 2003)

“Just had a quick peep at The Oundle Chronicle, it looks great.”
Sam Hughes, former pupil of Oundle School, W. 1997, radio/television producer, BBC Southern Counties Radio BBC, January 2000)

“Your paper is a most professional document and a great credit to its production team.”
(Stephen Keynes OBE, former Oundle School pupil, Lx 1945, Chairman, Whitechapel Gallery, London, merchant banker and television producer, January 1995)

“I have read it with great enjoyment, and it brought back many happy memories of the villages and happenings round about.”
Denis Lacy-Hulbert, former pupil of Oundle School, B. 1928, April 1997)

“I should like to say how much we all enjoy reading this local publication - keep on with the good work!”
(Nina Lloyd, Chairperson Oundle & District Care Committee, March 1993)

“Many thanks for your recent letter, copy of The Oundle Chronicle and cheque for £100.00. We really appreciate your continued support, and I enjoyed reading the latest edition. […] Please also pass on my compliments to the editor and all the pupils who contributed to putting the latest edition together. I hope they feel all their hard work has been rewarded, and wish them luck with their ventures in 2005.”
(Craig Linton, Fundraising Manager, Sue Ryder Care – Thorpe Hall Hospice, January 2005).

“This is an excellently produced journal which I much enjoyed reading, and you and your young journalists are to be congratulated.”
(Sir John Lowther KCVO CBE JP, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, September 1997)
“I am delighted to see that the paper is thriving, which obviously reflects the enormous effort you have put into it.”
(Sir Cameron Mackintosh, West End impresario, January 1995)

“Thank you so much for the splendid piece in The Oundle Chronicle! And what a great paper it is. There’s so much to read, whether you live and work in Oundle or not.”
(Ann Mallinson, gardens historian and journalist, December 2006)

“What a lovely surprise to get your e mail and furthermore to see that you now have The Oundle Chronicle on-line!!! It looks really good and I am sure is yet another outlet for nurturing those IT skills at Oundle in both a fun and practical way. In publishing, web design seems to be invaluable!! As you may have gathered, I am out here in Munich working for Nature which, although difficult, is now all turning out to have been a great decision. I am selling advertising for the whole family of journals which means I learn all about what is going on in the scientific world, and get to improve my fluency in German. I also get to travel all over Germany, Austria and even into Switzerland which is a great bonus. You will be pleased to hear I even had the chance to practise my French last summer as we all went on a conference to Paris. It is amazing how purely by being in a country a language becomes so much easier and enjoyable. Anyway, thanks again for sending me link to The Oundle Chronicle. You should advertise it in the OO magazine so that old pupils can keep up to date on the latest developments in Oundle.”
(Catriona Morgan, former pupil of Oundle School, K 1995, European Account Manager, Nature Publishing Group, former Chief Editor, Oundle Chronicle, April 2002).

“How wonderful to read a newspaper full of wholesome constructive matter, telling us about good people and their achievements. National press, please copy!
(Monty Moss, President, Moss Bross Group plc, December 1993)

“I was very impressed with The Oundle Chronicle: a well rounded, informative paper obviously fulfilling a local need and displaying confidence and direction. Congratulations to the editorial team.”
(Sally O’Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief, Good Housekeeping, January 1995)

“I'm glad The Chronicle is still prospering - good to see it is now online,too. It was one of my first springboards into journalism and anything thatcan get budding writers to scribble must be a good thing! Any pupilsconsidering a journalism career will quickly find that editors wantexperience, whether it be on a school paper or a work placement. Speaking ofwhich, the stint you arranged for me at Performance Car stood me in verygood stead...”
(Tim Pollard, former pupil of Oundle School Sc 1993, Autocar magazine, April 2002)

“...it just shows what can be done when people co-operate together....If only all newspapers in the country were as well produced, well edited and as informative as this one.”
(William Powell, MP for Corby, January 1992)

“I thought it was very impressive and am delighted that it includes the town’s schools. Keep it up.”
(Libby Purves, author and journalist, feature writer, The Times, November 1997)

“The Chronicle was and is a phenomenally useful institution for Oundle’s budding journalists. I got my first film reviews published in its pages, and though of questionable relevance to the readership (Oundle has no cinema) I certainly had a great time writing them. There could hardly be a better way of learning the ropes about every aspect of putting together a newspaper, from commissioning to layout to editorial decisions. And as a town paper run by students it must be just about unique.”
(Tim Robey, former pupil of Oundle School, Ldr 1996, film critic, The Daily Telegraph, former Oundle Chronicle Chief Editor, January 2003)

“I was very impressed with all the hard work which has gone into the creation of the Oundle Chronicle Online. Thank you for inviting me to its launch last Friday. The event went off very well and I greatly enjoyed meeting many of those involved.” (Richard Potter, former pupil of Oundle School, Lx 1954, Oundle resident, March 2002).
“I think the Chronicle’s a brilliant idea... Altogether, it is a lively product, well-rooted in its area and with plenty of talking points. Warm congratulations.”
(Charles Wintour CBE, former Oundle School pupil, Ombudsman, The Sunday Times, author of The Rise and Fall of Fleet Street, editor of The Newspaper Publishers’ Handbook, January 1995).

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