Editor’s Diary: Signed, Sealed, Delivered!


editors diary

As regular readers of my Editor’s Diary will know, we’re still working from home for the moment.

That means that, like many people, I have got to know my postie an awful lot better over the past 11 months.

Partly because I am working from home and so am around when the mail comes each day. And also because the restrictions mean that almost all my shopping is being done online. That results in a lot of parcels arriving at my door!

And for the most part, postal and delivery services have been utterly brilliant throughout the pandemic. But this week, something went a bit awry.

In normal times, when I used to go to the office every day, the latest copies of all “Friend” publications were delivered straight to my desk from the printers. It’s a vital part of the job, checking that the printed product hot off the press meets our high standards.

Since I’ve been working from home, however, my copies have been coming through the post. Just as they do for our many thousands of subscribers, so I’m in good company!

I can see why so many people appreciate the convenience of having a subscription copy delivered direct to their homes, especially in these troubled times.

But oh, dear, there was a bit of a hiccup this week, as you can see from my picture.

How can two Pocket Novels disappear into thin air?

The paper wrap that should have contained the two latest “Friend” Pocket Novels came through my letter-box in a plastic envelope with a message from Royal Mail.

“We’re very sorry the enclosed item has reached you in this condition,” it said in something of an understatement.

There was no condition, good or bad, as there were no Pocket Novels! Only an empty paper envelope.

But where have they gone? How can two Pocket Novels disappear into thin air?

I can only hope that whoever finds them enjoys reading them!


For more from Angela’s Editor’s Diary, click the tag below.

Angela Gilchrist

Angela is Former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. Her passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. Her favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.