Julia retires

In 2008, Whitton Ways was facing a very uncertain future when Julia Goodman from Chilton Foliat stepped up to take over the role of designer. The magazine was a simple production and had been looked after by Steve and Mary Cook but, as strictly temporary caretakers, a more permanent solution needed to be found fast. I agreed to edit, having worked as a journalist and editor throughout my career, but I couldn’t design and at the time it seemed almost a miracle that Julia stepped forward and was happy to design — still, we took on the project with some trepidation! The process of developing the magazine over the past 12 or so years has been hugely satisfying. Our ‘brief’ from the then Rector John Railton was to turn Whitton Ways into an attractive and informative community magazine — one that reflected the role of the Church, but also communicated the breadth of local activity across the villages of the Benefice. Julia has worked incredibly hard to create a more modern and engaging look for the magazine. We increased the number of pages, then went to professional printing, enabling us to include photos; then to full colour production. It is largely down to Julia’s dedication that we now have a community and parish magazine to be proud of and one which has been judged among the top 5 in the country. Julia has handed over the reins of design to David Leake of Ramsbury, so that she can concentrate on her role as Secretary of the Chilton Foliat WI and also managing the village website. She was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers by Rector Beth Hutton at a small ceremony outside St Mary’s Chilton Foliat. We are enormously grateful that David has stepped into the breech. He gained a graphic design degree (from the London College of Printing in 1978.) Having worked in various London agencies, he moved with his wife Gillian to Ramsbury in 1985, when he started work for Allied Dunbar in Swindon. Latterly, having retired from his position as Global Head of Branding for Zurich Financial Services in 2009, he now supports various local organisations and societies including the Ramsbury Roxy (our village cinema) and the Memorial Hall.

We were very saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of Steve Cook. Mary and Steve were instrumental in ensuring Whitton Ways was able to survive: Steve as desk-top designer and Mary co-ordinating content. She has continued to play an active role in supporting the magazine’s production ever since, as our proof reader.