People's Friend Annual 2023

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With Queen Victoria on the throne, and Prime Minister William Gladstone in No. 10, Downing Street, a publishing revolution was underway in the Scottish city of Dundee. This culminated in the launch of “The People’s Friend” on January 13, 1869. Harry isn’t pleased when he’s asked to help with a beach clean. But then he finds something special that changes everything. “Seal Of Approval”, by Alyson Hilbourne, A Charming And Traditional Read Diane loses her beloved climbing rose, and struggles to find a replacement in “A Rose By Any Other Name”, by Patsy Collins. Artwork, Ruth Blair. Norma’s husband starts bird-watching in his retirement, but the calm descends into mayhem when squirrels invade the garden! “Driving Me Nuts” is by Kate Hogan. and a young lass is encouraged by her English teacher to enter a writing competition, in Sharon Haston’s “The Write Stuff”. Artwork, Ruth Blair.

Recognised as the longest-running women’s weekly magazine, you’ll be surprised at the momentous events and anniversaries that have taken place around the world since “The Friend” was first launched. Since 1869, the magazine has witnessed social upheaval and amazing inventions, seen monarchs come and go, men set foot on the moon and women gain the vote – but it has never lost its instinct for what its readers want from their magazine. In 1969, “The People’s Friend” celebrated its 100th birthday and a special centenary tea towel was available for readers to buy. Official recognition of the magazine’s achievements and contribution to the world of publishing came with a string of awards, including Magazine Of The Year.

A Charming And Traditional Read

From the start, the “Friend” was intended for the whole family. The Children’s Corner was a regular feature of the “Friend” for over a century, with stories, puzzles and general knowledge for the little ones. Stories for the annual are bought and illustrated all the way through the year, and I’m already starting to plan for our Annual 2026.

During the 1870s the “Friend” set about establishing its place in the hearts of its devoted readers. and in “Everything Changes”, by Alyson Hilbourne, a WW2 bombing raid leads to an extended family. Artwork, Ged Fay. Dundee became known as the “City of the 3 Js”– jute, jam and journalism, reflecting the importance of these three very different industries to the prosperity of the city. Village newcomer Alice hopes to make new friends by sharing her “Damsons In Distress!”. By Jane Bettany, with artwork from Andre Leonard. When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, almost overnight the “Friend”, like the women who loved to read it, was plunged into a new and challenging role in a fast-changing world.In April 1870, a new tagline was added to the magazine’s masthead: “A Weekly Miscellany of Popular and Instructive Literature”. In the short years of Edward VII’s reign great things would happen, and great events unfold. In 1908 the “Friend” marvelled at man’s conquest of the skies by men such as the Wright brothers and Bleriot.

stories for our annual are perhaps the most traditional of all our fiction, and often reflect the passing year, so seasonal submissions are welcome. To Buy A Copy Our opening story is “The Perfect Resolution” by Eirin Thompson. Dorothy has a New Year’s Resolution – but it’s not concerning herself, it’s concerning her son! The millennium marked a fresh optimism as the world celebrated. Looking to the future, the “Friend” embraced the digital world while holding strong to traditional values.

The People’s Friend 2023 Annual

We also take a look “Through The Manse Window”, with thoughts and reflections from cherished contributors. Next Year’s Annuals When an English couple take in a student for six months, they soon realise he’s become part of the family. “The Empty Chair”, by Glenda Young, is illustrated by Sarah Holliday. In 1981, “The People’s Friend” introduced a new “filler” feature to the magazine. It was called “The Farmer And His Wife” and was a series of couthy tales told by a fictional farmer named John Taylor. Jenny receives an invite to her sister’s 30 th, but after an incident in their past, can she “Forgive And Forget”? By Barbara Dynes, with artwork from Ruth Blair.

We’re in 1980 for our next story, set around a college quiz night. “A Little Knowledge”, by Gwen Rollinson, is illustrated by Philip Crabb. The People’s Friend Annual 2024 is available now, and the stories for PFA 2025 are with our Production Team. We’re “Out On The Moors” in our next story, and according to legend, the former inhabitants of one house are reputed never to have left…by Shona Partridge, with artwork from Sailesh Thakrar.

An imaginary pet leaves one little lad “In The Dog House”, in Becca Robin’s short story. Illustrated by Pat Gregory. The Love Darg, The People’s Friend’s own charitable appeal, started in 1895. The name came from an old Scots phrase meaning “a day’s work done for love”. In time it transformed into a major nationwide charitable appeal where readers would make thousands of gifts which were donated annually to over 80 hospitals, children’s homes, care homes and hospices across the UK in time for Christmas. It’s still going today, with readers knitting or crocheting items or giving cash donations each year. William Crawford Honeyman had a column in the magazine entitled “For Violin Players” which ran between 1897 and 1909. Two friends enter the Best Garden competition every year, but is one of them destined never to have “Green Fingers”? By Christine Bryant; artwork Ruth Blair. If you’re new to the blog, I post here on Thursdays, with advice for writers hoping to submit fiction for publication in “The People’s Friend”.