'Bridge' meeting considers new features

Still a place for a print magazine in the internet ageA meeting about the direction Kilcullen's community magazine 'The Bridge' should take discussed a number of new editorial ideas, writes Brian Byrne.

The magazine has been published for more than four decades, and those attending heard an editorial written on the publication of the 100th issue, expressing concern about the shortage of volunteers to keep it going.

"Thirty-four years later, it's an editorial which is still relevant today," Noel Clare said. He and his wife Frances are among the core group of people who make sure the 'The Bridge' comes out 10 times a year (there's a summer break).

The group discussed the difficulties of being 'newsy' in the internet age, when much information about local events is available immediately by local news and social media sites.

But it was agreed that there is still a position for a printed publication, especially as a way of bringing information about the various communities in the town to each other. Personal and business profiles, and articles about activities in the various estates are potentially rich sources of interest.

The biggest problem is continuing commitment from contributors, Noel Clare noted. He said there have been a number of new contributors in the last couple of years, but he appreciated that it is difficult for people to commit to regular articles in the long term.

After talking through a number of options, it was decided that attempts would be made to have some Kilcullen people working and living abroad to write their stories. A 'Down Your Street' series will also be explored, and a monthly 'Gig Guide' is to be developed, which would include details of what's on in the theatres in other towns in the area.

A suggestion of a 'Day in the Life of Kilcullen' photographic essay will also be done, probably in September, and a special pull-out colour section of the best of the results will be published.

The meeting heard that the current circulation of 'The Bridge' is about 700 copies, sold through a number of shops and other outlets in the town. "At the peak of the Celtic Tiger it was around 1,100," Noel Clare said. "But I remember times in the past when we were very pleased to sell 300 copies."