Bohemia Village Voice

Bohemia resident writes (Mar 2009)

Dear Sir,

I think the Voice is boring. There’s too much small print and not enough pictures or interesting stories. It seems aimed at the older generation. Let’s have more items which appeal to younger people. If you did a survey, I think you’d be shocked if you knew how many people just can’t be bothered to read it.

Bohemia resident (name & address supplied).

What do other readers think? Are there topics you’d like to see covered?

COMMENTS

Paul Rummery writes (May 2009)

Dear Sir, all the people I collected books from praised your magazine and said how they look forward to it. I would particularly like to mention one elderly Scottish lady, Mrs Leyland, who lives in ‘The Cloisters’ just off St John’s Road. She wanted me to tell you how much she disagreed with the letter [March 2009]  that said the Voice was boring. She believes that it is thoroughly worthwhile, loves the historical articles, and thinks that you all do an excellent job. My personal opinion is that the mag is patently not a ‘teenzine’ but also not just aimed for the elderly. They should just read the Gardeners’ Questions to appreciate some abstract off-the-wall humour.  I think it is a fact that there is a very high percentage of elderlyish people in our area and your magazine helps, in a very positive way, to keep them in touch with what is going on. You are doing what your title suggests, you are giving people a voice. More power to your elbow and you should all be proud of what you are doing. It is working. Paul Rummery, co-organiser of St Peter’s Book Fayre.

Patrick Vickers writes (May 2009)

Dear Sir, regarding the Voice being boring, the magazine cannot please all of the people all of the time. For example, I do not like the number of times that references to Councillor Cartwright appear, but no doubt you have your reasons or excuses . . . Patrick Vickers, Church Road.

Brian Hughes writes (May 2009)

Dear Sir, I find the Voice is not boring and I know I and other people in and outside of Bohemia look forward to it coming through the door. Think of the people who cannot get out – the Voice is their eyes and ears for what’s going on in and around Bohemia. I think it’s brilliant. Well done and thank you. Brian Hughes, Newgate Road.

Sally Hick writes (May 2009)

Dear Sir, I was amazed to read that someone found the Voice boring.  Usually when I pick it up off of the mat I flick through, intending to read it later, but find myself sitting on the stairs having read it from cover to cover. I find the format just right. Reading about our own area, the people, the shops, the comings and goings, the issues that effect us here, its history; it makes me feel at home and gives me a sense of belonging. I don’t think it has anything to do with age, it’s just a matter of taking an interest in what’s going on, on our doorstep. Sally Hick, Aldborough Road.
Peter Winder writes (Jul 2009)

Dear Sir, I noticed that you had a snivelling letter from an anonymous young person, complaining about the supposed age target of the Voice – nothing in it for young people. Presumably he (or she) does not have rubbish or use local shops or services?  Perhaps they expect you to run some articles on where you can get the best dope, or the cheapest booze, how to illegally download or where the best dark corners of Bohemia are for fixing or sh*gging? Peter Winder (name & address supplied)

Hayley Relf writes (Sep 2009)

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to Peter Winder’s letter ‘The Voice is Boring’. I would like to say that not all young people are as he has described. I was born in Hastings and have lived in the Bohemia area my whole life, and I am offended that he would think all young people are looking for “where you can get the best dope, the cheapest booze, or where the best dark corners are for shagging.” Not all youths are like this and I feel it is disrespectful to myself and many others in the surrounding area. I enjoy reading the Voice each month and certainly don’t find it boring. I hope Peter Winder takes note of this for his next letter regarding young people. Hayley Relf, age 17.

Dymphna Lonergan writes (Sep 2009)

Hello B V V!! ,  I feel compelled to write to you because, I love this magazine. It encourages people to invest in their local community and educates about its history, as well as informing us about local personalities. It also looks attractive and interesting, and appeals to different age groups. This is a great community, and B V V makes it better! Well Done!! Carry on the good work. All the best, Dymphna Lonergan, Aldborough Rd.