Harleston Grapevine is a town magazine distributed each month to every household in Harleston, South Norfolk. It is compiled and produced entirely by volunteers and printed professionally in Norwich. The printing costs are covered by advertising and the magazine is available free of charge. For most residents, as well as keeping them informed of local news and events, Grapevine is the first port of call when looking for a supplier.
It began publication in 1998 following a survey of residents which indicated that there was a demand for a local publication devoted to the town, its people and its events.
A small team of volunteers was assembled and the first edition compiled, printed and distributed.
Each edition comprises either 56 or 64 pages, depending on the number of submissions, and includes some in colour. The content is around half local news and half advertisements from local suppliers of goods and services. A typical month will contain news of forthcoming local films and theatre productions, events and activities within the next few weeks, gardening advice, church news and services, recipes, club and society reports. There are also items submitted by residents who have an interesting story to tell.
The total printed distribution is over 2,500 copies, with an electronic copy available on line. This is particularly popular with former residents, who, if they do not have Internet access, can subscribe to a postal edition. There is also a small run of a large-print edition in A4 size.
When the new edition arrives from the printer, about a week before the month end, the magazines are packed into separate batches and distributed to volunteers who then deliver to their allocated houses. Everyone in the town should have their copy delivered before the first of the month.
