The first issue of the Aston Abbotts parish magazine - The Chronicle - appeared in September
1983. Its first editor was Graham Parker, who felt “the principle reason for the dubious honour
is probably that I was not at the meeting when the position was discussed”.
Since then there have been over 350 issues and it has remained a popular publication with
villagers.
The Chronicle has always striven to fulfil a number or roles: chronicling village life as it
happens in this little corner of England, making people aware of forthcoming events and
other important information, and seeking to entertain its readers.
Around 200 copies are printed of each issue and these are delivered free of charge to
every household in Aston Abbotts - also to local Doctor's surgeries, libraries and Wing
police house. This free distribution is made possible by the support of our advertisers, a
contribution from the village fête proceeds (decided at the Annual Parish Meeting), and
fund raising activities.
It has always been, and will always remain, a firm principle that distribution is free to
village residents.
Popular regular features are supplemented by local restaurant reviews, contributions
from villagers, jokes, humorous articles and special features.
In 2015 the then editor Phil Corrigan improved the magazine by introducing colour
front and back pages and changing to an A5 format.
1983-1989
Graham Parker
1989-1994
Caroline Lane and Gordon Smith
1994-1995
Rota system with ‘guest’ editors
Chris and Bridget Brandon,
Simon and Helen Dowling,
David de Silva and Barbara
Bellingham, Deirdre Whyte,
Andy Bystra, Gordon Kemp and
Ann Goodman, Janet Biddle,
Margaret Chesher, Margaret
Kent , Jeremy Bale, and
Caroline Lane
1995-1998
Andy Bystra
1998-2000
Andi Swain
2001-2005
Phil Spooner
2006-2009
John Hardcastle
2010
Janice Issitt
2011-2014
John Hardcastle
2015-2016
Phil Corrigan
2016- …
Pete Lucas