iCambria - The Blog of Wales » Cambria Editorial

Cambria Editorial

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LOOKING AT THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ROYAL WELSH is a cheerful reminder that we did actually have some sun earlier this summer despite the feeling that there has been nothing but endless downpour.

In spite of this greyness, in the Cambria offices we are celebrating: Cambriapolitico (our political blog) is now ranked number 7 in Wales and in the top 40 for the whole of the UK; a big thank you to Chris Jones, Clive Betts and all those who contribute, participate and visit. The purpose of the blog is not only to provide more immediate comment on what is happening within and to do with Wales but to encourage debate and thought. We also have a main article entitled ‘ The State of the Welsh Blogosphere’ published in the annual Guide to Political blogging published by Total Politics.

I have never been to a political conference before but following an invitation and with a bit of persuasion I did spend a few hours at the Plaid Conference. It was fascinating and, I was surprised to discover, very much a family affair with plenty of young children running about the place. Listening to speeches, debate, recommendations and amendments there was much I found to agree with and much I didn’t, but I did come away with one concrete suggestion. Over the years the subject of the lack of postal stamps depicting things Welsh has frequently been raised. Until recently, I hadn’t realised that if you buy your stamps at the post office you can request Welsh stamps, but these are not available if you buy them in books at the supermarket, newsagent or wherever. The fact that these are available but very few sell is apparently taken as proof that there is no real, no sizeable, interest in Welsh stamps. We can make a difference. If we all make sure we always request these stamps that may be a way of making the Royal Mail take notice! Perhaps one day we will have our own stamps, like the Isle of Man.Take a look at the set they brought out in celebration of the Interceltique Festival at Lorient.

We understand from many of you that Cambria is, in some areas, difficult to find. Cambria is supplied to all the wholesalers, every single outlet throughout Wales selling newspapers and magazines should be able to get copies within 24 hours. Demand has far more influence with the wholesalers than our calls to them. Over the last few years we have seen a proliferation of magazines, mostly free and fairly localised, aimed at soaking up advertising.These publications come and go. We cannot currently compete with their advertising prices or their print runs, and they, for the most part, cannot compete with the quality of our content. Our survival depends upon you, our readers, from whom we get wonderful support and encouragement.

And lastly, in response to popular demand, the ‘Myfyrdod’ of the old-style issue is back!

Frances Jones-Davies
Editor