‘There are more stories out there for someone to tell’
AFTER nearly 20 years and 35,000 printed copies, Les Tortevalais parish magazine has closed – at least for now.
It follows the retirement of honorary editor Evan Ozanne.
However, Torteval douzaine will restart the publication if it is able to find a replacement for Mr Ozanne.
He launched the magazine in 2004 as part of a 10-strong team, becoming co-honorary editor with Louise Hayward until she left the island three years later.
‘It was initially suggested by the Rector that we run a parish magazine and I was living in a Torteval farmhouse at the time and got involved,’ said Mr Ozanne.
He moved to St Andrew’s in 2010 but carried on his duties as sole honorary editor until stepping down from the position this month.
‘It’s the right time to leave. It has become a great hobby of mine and it has been a lot of fun but also tiring. I’m 84 years old now,’ said Mr Ozanne.
‘There are more stories out there for someone to tell.’
The magazine was printed twice a year with spring/summer and autumn/winter editions. It contained historical Torteval stories.
The titles were translated into Guernsey-French by Yan Marquis.
‘Its title is also in Guernsey-French – Les Tortevalais – meaning people of the Torteval. We wanted it to be community focused,’ said Mr Ozanne.
It was created by a team of volunteers, designed by Stratagem Design and printed by Melody Press, with all costs being covered by advertising.
The magazine started with 30 pages in each edition and grew to 52, filled with short and long stories, photographs of the parish and information on its officials.
‘It’s delivered firstly to the 450 Torteval households by the douzeniers. Then the remaining copies are taken to various magazine outlets, the library and visitor information centre by me and my wife,’ said Mr Ozanne.
‘It takes about a month to do.’
Copies of the 38th and final issue of the Ozanne-era magazine are currently being delivered.
Anyone interested in taking on the role of honorary editor is urged to get in contact with the Torteval douzaine on 265287 or at constables@tortevalconstables.co.uk
