After 27 remarkable years and 140 issues, we are sad to announce the retirement of Dave Roe as Swan Supping editor. Working alongside Bryan Spink (now sadly deceased) in the early days, Dave has established Swan Supping as a local institution - our deliverers often have copies eagerly snatched from their hands the moment they enter pubs!

As well as managing the editorial content, Dave's contribution has gone far beyond; he's managed everything from advertising and invoicing to typesetting, printer liaison, and providing a point for magazine distribution. His retirement is very well-earned.

This milestone also marks the retirement of the magazine's current format and its distinctive title. While Swan Supping itself may be irreplaceable, we're excited to announce plans for a new branch magazine.

We are now therefore seeking a new editor (or possibly joint editors) whose primary responsibility will be to coordinate articles, photos and local news. There would be some other tasks involved in producing the magazine, such as proofreading and overseeing distribution but it’s possible other members can assist with this.

Recent years have presented challenges, with both the COVID pandemic and shifts in the advertising market affecting free CAMRA branch magazines across the country. Since the pandemic we have moved the production of Swan Supping to an established commercial publisher who currently handles several other CAMRA branch magazines. The new branch magazine will be produced in a similar way, except that the publisher will also format and typeset the magazine. This will allow our branch to focus on providing editorial content.

This represents an excellent opportunity for someone with publishing experience or looking to gain it - indeed, a neighbouring branch's former magazine editor went on to secure a position in the publishing department at CAMRA HQ. If you're interested in shaping this exciting new chapter in our branch's history, please email ku.gro.armac.wva@tcatnoc.hcnarb by Sunday 1st December.

With the retirement of the Swan Supping title, we're running a competition to name our new publication.

Submit your suggestions via our Survey Monkey link below or email ku.gro.armac.wva@tcatnoc.hcnarb.

Branch Magazine Name suggestions

We hope to give a special prize (to be announced) to the winning entry and the best entries will be featured in our inaugural edition, planned for March 2025. Deadline for entries is midnight, Sunday 1st December.