THE Tenby Observer and community news came under the spotlight when reporter Patrick Ovenden was warmly welcomed to Carew WI’s June meeting.
The ladies had taken the trouble to prepare a table displaying their many crafts and accomplishments, including needlework, preserves, art and competition prizes.
After a tuneful chorus of Jerusalem, president Edith introduced Paddy to the 20 or so ladies gathered at Carew Memorial Hall.
Starting with the ’paper’s Victorian origins as a list of visitors, he continued with the story of how Frank B Mason, having failed to gain access to a council meeting - even bringing his own chair - brought a case against them and lost, thereupon highlighting a deficiency in the law and bringing about the Freedom of the Press Act.
He then told how, in 1978, the then-titled West Wales Weekly Observer was saved from closure by Sir Ray Tindle, founder of the group that still owns the ’paper today, steering it towards a more local focus, restoring the ‘Tenby’ title and ensuring that it has never missed an issue in its long history.
Paddy described how the pages were put together when he first joined the staff in 2001, looking after the Tenby Times and Summer Guide alongside production tasks. Then he took members on a whistlestop tour of the many changes as the local newspaper has adapted to changing trends, improved connectivity and the prominence of social media.
Using a real example, he demonstrated the process of gently editing a submitted report, with several members noting the positive difference it made.
The ladies made it clear they were very invested in the Tenby Observer and their questions conveyed loyalty to a ’paper that puts local community first. They expressed an earnest desire that it should still be available in a printed form and agreed that, despite thinning down and costs going up, it was still worth the cover price when you consider the work that goes into it and the value of the content.
Ruth asked Paddy if there were any standout moments. He mentioned what a pleasure it had been to attend the Armed Forces Day celebrations at Pembroke Dock recently, remembering also the first sighting of Wally the Walrus.
Tea and delicious homemade Welsh cakes and sponge followed, after which the meeting continued with business.