Our Talking Bull is the last of its type in the Midlands and the envy of many other clubs. Its lineage dates back to the late 1980’s and a very tentative 8-page publication for 50p. It’s older than our players or “been around as long as my Dad” as one astonished community U18 player exclaimed a few years back. (“Oh cheers for that” I muttered to myself).
Yesterday issue 143 went on street sale and pretty much sold out. The last few print copies or a pdf version can be snapped up via the online shop Talking Bull – Online Shop | Talking Bull
“I love this. Nowhere else can I get real insight into our club,” exclaimed one happy customer. Said another elderly buyer quietly. “I don’t have the internet. This means the world to me.” That’s the reality for some folk in Herefordshire. It’s cost or even simple access. An Alfreton supporter wanted a printed souvenir of his day. There are so many reasons why a decent mature supporters publication matters at Hereford.
There are tentative discussions with people who may sit at the front desk next. I’m quietly hopeful. I’m only the current flag waver. There were four before me and three of those are still involved. I want to think that supporters write for the publication for the common good, not because I ask them nicely.
You can help your zine continue by continuing to buy. You’re assisting your club by so doing as any surplus ultimately boosts HFC coffers. Don’t read your mates’ copy.
And by writing in.
Provisionally, the next Talking Bull is out in early April. Don’t wait to be personally asked. I don’t have the time to get around everyone. You don’t have to wait either if your words are timeless. Get your articles, comments, letters, cartoons in now. Email editor@talkingbull.org
We can check facts for you. We can smarten grammar or punctuation discreetly. I can take handwritten notes. None of these issues need be a problem. It’s your ideas that count.
Having that solid customer base matters. It’s sellable. So is a significant contributor base. I can, if pressed, write 14 articles, comprising 10,000 words to make up shortages. Others don’t have the experience or the time. Let’s not put them in that situation.
KEEP PRINT AT THE STREET
Simon Wright
