Argus 2014/2015 by D C Thomson & Co Ltd

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100 CELEBRATING

YEARS of the

January 2014 l For the first time in its very long history, Commando gave away a free gift with every January issue. There were eight A4-sized postercards featuring some great pieces of Commando cover art. The stories themselves were the same actionpacked tales we’ve all come to love and expect from Commando.

Jackie’s 50th anniversary

ackie was first published in January 1964 and over the ensuing decade became one of the best-selling teen magazines in Britain, selling over one million copies at its peak. Jackie was a beacon of hope for teenage girls; the go-to magazine featuring fashion, beauty tips, pop gossip, short stories and those famous agony aunts, Cathy & Claire. The magazine’s posters were hugely popular and pin-ups included Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, The Bay City Rollers, David Soul and many more.

l Puzzler launched a new multiplatform puzzle app called Puzzler World. The freemium app contains 20 core puzzles and 20 bonus games, plus in-app purchase options. l The London Toy Fair saw The Beano Farting Football launch with licensee Golden Bear. To help unveil the product to the world’s press they enlisted the help of the football’s inventor, 11 year-old Cub Scout, Jamie Scott. Jamie came up with the innovative idea during a brainstorming session with his Cub Scout Group and Dave Mapp, Senior Product Development Manager at Golden Bear.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this much loved publication, Universal released Jackie Pinups: The Best of Jackie. The compilation album features over 60 of the most popular pin-ups from the 70’s. Classic hits from all of the above plus The Jackson 5, Boney M, David Essex and Elton John add to this eclectic collection. Carlton also launched a book called 50 Years of Jackie. Featuring specially written articles from former editors on the history of Jackie, the Cathy & Claire column, the fashion, the picture stories and celebrities on the road to stardom, 50 Years of Jackie also includes posters, pop stars and over 100 pages of brilliant original features.

long service 2014 The following staff members received recognition for their long service this year: FEBRUARY Steve Bargeton, Newspapers, The Courier Bill Gibb, Newspapers, The Sunday Post Phil Smith, Consumer Entertainment, The Scots Magazine MARCH Bob Douglas, Newspapers, Evening Telegraph Susan McIntosh, Finance Carol Edgar, Business Services, Mailroom/Switchboard/Reception Dave Gee, Creative, Artists APRIL Helen Conway, Creative, Artists

Neil Ferguson, Newspapers, Advertising (NP) MAY Carolyne Stark, Enterprise JUNE Scott Anderson, Newspapers, Advertising (NP) Stuart Cameron, Creative, Artists Tim Chisholm, CE Operations Karen Gillespie, Newspapers, Advertising (NP) Douglas Mitchell, Production Greig Mitchell, Newspapers, Advertising (NP) David Robson, Newspapers, Advertising (NP) George Stewart, Newspapers, The Sunday Post David Walker, Newspapers, The Sunday Post

JULY Craig Campbell, Newspapers, The Weekly News AUGUST Gayle Anderson, Enterprise Donald Gilchrist, Consumer Entertainment, My Weekly Chris Johnson, Newspapers, Advertising (NP) Alan Lindsay, Production Pam McEwan, Enterprise Bruce Robertson, Creative, Artists SEPTEMBER John Barrie, Newspapers, The Sunday Post Derek Cruden, IT Colin Petrie, Newspapers, Evening Telegraph Derek Davidson, Creative, Artists

OCTOBER Helen Brown, Newspapers, The Courier James Dewar, Creative, Artists Gareth Jennings, Newspapers, Evening Telegraph Calum Laird, Consumer Entertainment, Commando Peter McGinnes, Production NOVEMBER Sally Rodger, Consumer Entertainment, My Weekly Steve Taylor, Newspapers, Evening Telegraph DECEMBER Steve Finan, Newspapers, The Sunday Post Colin MacDonald, Newspapers, Advertising (NP)

Dundee brings ‘Bash Street’ to life

February 2014 l Our Finance team was consolidated to a single-service centre to provide financial support for DC Thomson and our Group companies. The Finance team is now based in Dundee. l The Glasgow office for The Sunday Post, The Weekly News and Scottish Wedding Directory relocated from our Port Dundas Road building to new offices in Glasgow Skypark. l An automated telephone payment line was rolled out to Home News Delivery customers allowing them to make fast, easy payments by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

C Thomson and Dundee City Council joined forces to bring ‘Bash Street’ to life. The official street unveiling came in the same month that the Bash Street Kids celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Named after the mischievous Bash Street Kids, the pedestrianised street is located in the West Marketgait area of Dundee. The street sign features an illustrated design, believed to be one of the first of its kind in the UK. The Beano Editor-in-Chief Mike Stirling said, “The Bash Street Kids are legends of our past, present and future. By reading The Beano, generations have ‘attended’ school with the characters and kids still follow their adventures every week. It’s truly an honour for kids of all ages, everywhere, that a street is being named after the Bash Street Kids.” The sign was designed by the consumer products team at DC Thomson and uses classic Bash Street Kids artwork. The ‘Bash Street’ sign features Plug and Wilfred putting their own spin on street art by leaving a couple of interesting messages for Teacher.

This year’s weddings Cheryl Brown (Telesales Operator, Advertising NP) and Scott Thompson were married in August at Inchture Hotel, Dundee.

Emma Hassan (Graphic Designer, Girls’ Group) married Alastair Douglas in September at Murrayshall House Hotel, Perth.

l Animals and You, Jacqueline Wilson and The People’s Friend celebrated a year-on-year growth in sales. Following a January to June 2013 period-on-period increase of over 1%, The People’s Friend continued to grow its circulation figures with a 0.1% year-on-year increase. Posting its highest ABC figure since June 2008, Animals and You was up 15% year-on-year whilst The Official Jacqueline Wilson Mag posted its highest ABC figure in the title’s history, up 1.0% year-on-year. l The Speaker of The House of Commons, John Bercow, attended IDEALondon – a partnership between DC Thomson, Cisco and University College London aimed at developing digital and new media start-up businesses. The Speaker visited IDEALondon to gain insight into how start-ups are engaging with their customers using new technologies in order to report back to the Digital Democracy Commission. l UK Regional Newspaper ABC figures for the July to December 2013 period were released and DC Thomson had three titles in the top five paid-for title performances across the UK. The Press and Journal, Evening Telegraph and The Courier all performed incredibly well compared to the other titles in the market.

March 2014 l Denise West was appointed Head of Commercial – Newspapers. Denise manages and develops commercial activities across DC Thomson’s newspaper business including building partnerships and working with newspaper brands to maximise our commercial opportunities.

This year’s weddings Gail Creighton (Account Manager, CIBD) and Fraser Valentine were married in August at Baxter Park Pavilion then celebrated at McManus Galleries, Dundee. They are pictured here with their dog Angus.

Stefan Morkis (Lead Reporter, The Courier) married April Mitchinson at the Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee, in April.

l The Press and Journal held a rugby lunch to fundraise for the Bill McLaren Foundation. Over 300 guests enjoyed lunch at Ardoe House Hotel with some ex-Scotland Rugby stars, while watching a live screening of the Wales vs. Scotland game. An auction and prize draw helped the event to raise an incredible £25,000. l In March we announced that DC Thomson is excited to be working with Elstree Studio Productions – a live action Bananaman movie is in planning! l The People’s Friend picked up the ‘First Time Sponsor Award’ at the UK Sponsorship Awards 2014. The Awards took place on Wednesday 26th March 2014.

Elliot George (Magazine Journalist, 110% Gaming) and Gillian Webster married in April. The wedding took place in Sorrento, Italy.

Maggie Seed (Features Editor, My Weekly) married Michael Swinburne in May. The ceremony took place at Dundee Registry, followed by celebrations at the Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee.

l DC Thomson Family History appointed Darren Makarem as Chief Operating Officer. In this role Darren works closely with Chief Executive Officer Annelies van den Belt. l Chae Strathie, Lead Reporter for The Sunday Post, won The Scottish Children’s Book Awards for his Jumblebum book after thousands of children voted it as their favourite book of last year. Graham Huband (Business Editor, The Courier) married Debbie Kerr at Huntingtower Hotel, Perth, in May.

Scottish Book Trust Awards: Ben Cort and Chae Strathie, winners of The Bookbug Readers Award for their book Jumblebum.

Dawn Walker (Design Editor, Girls Magazines) married Barry Cochlan at Guthrie Castle, by Forfar, in August.

Scottish Press Awards wins

April 2014 l Robert Wight, who was previously Lead Reporter on The Sunday Post, was appointed Editor of The Scots Magazine. l Over 300 employees voted in a survey to select the DC Thomson Charity of the Year. The winning charity for 2014/15 was Macmillan Cancer Support. l The Press and Journal was Highly Commended in the category of Regional Newspaper of the Year (over 25,000 circulation) at The 2014 Newspaper Awards. The Awards, which celebrate the best in print and digital news media production, took place on 1st April in London.

C Thomson was awarded several accolades at the 35th annual Scottish Press Awards. The Evening Express’ Anthony Joseph picked up Young Journalist of the Year (pictured top left) and Ryan Crighton of The Press and Journal took the award for Financial/Business Journalist of the Year. The ceremony also saw Andrew Picken of The Sunday Post take runner-up in the category of Political Journalist of the Year. The Courier’s Andy Murray cover was named runner-up Front Page of the Year. Judges at the Scottish Press Awards made the unprecedented decision to single out The Press and Journal as having had an ‘outstanding circulation success’ in the category of Newspaper of the Year.

l The Beano created a special issue that appeared as a free sampler with The Mail on Sunday, The Courier and The Press and Journal. The special issue of The Beano featured a guest appearance by Bear Grylls. The sampler led to a 25% uplift in sales. l Power Yoga classes were introduced at the Kingsway. Power Yoga is an energising practice which helps boost physical fitness and aid total relaxation. Classes are free with a voluntary donation of £2 which goes to our company charity.

New Arrival

Alison Graves (Features Editor, My Weekly) welcomed Mila Graves to the world on 8th January. Mila weighed in at 6lb 10.5oz, joining her big brothers Calvin and Myles, who are over the moon with their little sister.

DC Thomson Chief Executive Officer Publishing, Ellis Watson said, “Massive congratulations to our winners at the Scottish Press Awards. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to say well done to all of the 16 titles and Editorial staff who were nominated. They work incredibly hard and I’m extremely proud of them all.”

May 2014 l My Weekly supported Breast Cancer Care’s 2014 Strawberry Tea fundraising campaign through a media partnership. The magazine ran a number of articles in print and at myweekly.co.uk throughout the year to support the campaign. It also featured a celebrity interview with Lesley Joseph, a supporter of Breast Cancer Care, in its 24th May issue. l The DC Thomson Manchester office was sold. The Chapel Street office, which closed in August 2012, was bought by a development company and is likely to be turned into residential accommodation. l Scottish Wedding Directory appointed Natasha Radmehr as Editor. In the role, Natasha is responsible for overseeing the magazine’s Editorial direction and managing the Scottish Wedding Directory magazine team. l Mark Smith joined us as Head of Group Procurement. Mark is responsible for managing many of the procurement supplier relationships as well as providing support for strategic buying and sourcing for all of our Group companies. l The Press and Journal launched a new subscription-based website with the aim of providing readers with breaking news as it happens. The website has been designed for optimum functionality across web, phone and tablet platforms and complements The Press and Journal’s print edition. The focus is to provide instant news to readers via a real-time stream of breaking news in the form of a timeline.

Changes to the DC Thomson Board

t was announced that Director Murray Thomson would retire from the business at the end of May 2014, with Chief Operating Officer David Thomson being appointed to the Board of Directors.

Murray Thomson joined the firm in 1957 and was appointed a Director in 1974. In his earlier days, he worked in the company’s Glasgow, Manchester and London offices. For much of his career, he was based in the company’s Bank Street premises, where he was particularly involved in the Advertising and Circulation areas. In 1992 Murray moved to the Kingsway premises when printing moved to the site. He played a major role in many other parts of the company’s operations, including newspaper production, magazines, gravure printing and contract printing, and was also a nonexecutive director of Central TV for 10 years. David Thomson combines his new role as Director with his current role as Chief Operating Officer, which he has held since 2011. David joined DC Thomson from PricewaterhouseCoopers in October 2003. He is also a non-executive Director for Design Dundee Limited, the company set up to build and develop V&A at Dundee. The Board of Directors now comprises Andrew Thomson, Christopher Thomson, Richard Hall and David Thomson.

Fleet Street In May, London employees returned to the newly refurbished offices at 185 Fleet Street. Everyone is pleased to be back in the building that has been owned by DC Thomson for over one hundred years.

Findmypast buys Mocavo

indmypast, DC Thomson’s family history company, announced it has acquired Mocavo, the fastest growing genealogy company in the US.

Findmypast has been at the forefront of the British family history market for over a decade. It has an established collection of 1.8 billion historical records and an extensive network of partners including the British Library, the Imperial War Museum, the Allen County Public Library and Family Search. Founded by Cliff Shaw in 2011, Mocavo is a technological innovator in the genealogy industry. Its highly sophisticated search engine brings together a diverse range of sources, such as family history record indexes, school and college yearbooks, church records and biographies, which help millions of family history enthusiasts to fill the blanks in their family trees and add colour to their family stories. This acquisition, coupled with the recent tender win of the 1939 Register for England and Wales and the purchase of Origins.net, forms an important part of the growth strategy set out by Annelies van den Belt, CEO of Findmypast, and her new team. Annelies said, “Findmypast’s strategy is about growth and the US market is key. Our purchase of Mocavo, combined with our existing US customer base, gives us an excellent platform for expansion in the world’s number one genealogy market. Together we can provide a dynamic family history experience that offers customers the opportunity to make a real connection with their family heritage.”

June 2014 l Consumer Insight and Brand Development won a bronze award in the strategic category for The Game Generation at the Marketing Society Star Awards. Furthermore their Your View K panel was also a finalist in this competitive category, which also featured the likes of The Scottish Government, McEwen’s, The Commonwealth Games and Courvoisier. l The Press and Journal launched a new supplement, thebusiness. The monthly section is distributed as part of The Press and Journal, and complements the newspaper’s other monthly business-focused supplement, Energy. l Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray guest-edited an issue of The Beano. l Consumer Products partnered with the family restaurant chain, Brewers Fayre to feature The Beano brand in its sites across the UK. Brewers Fayre ran a dedicated Father’s Day promotion, in which fathers dining at the restaurant were offered a free limited edition of The Beano comic. l Branding of the Kingsway building commenced this month. It features iconic DC Thomson characters and Newspaper titles.

colleagues reunited Four ex-DC Thomson employees come together regularly at the Pilot Garage, on Miln Street, Dundee. Dennis McCarthy, who runs the garage, and two of his old colleagues, Bill Reid and Ed Barrie, all used to work in the transport department at West Ward Works. Between them they served a staggering 78 years with the company, taking with them a lot of happy memories. Dave Ritchie, previously of the engineers department, often joins them for coffee and a biscuit, bringing the total years of service to 115! Occasionally visited by Murray Thomson, you can find them sharing old stories and reminiscing about the old ERF lorries and Morris Minors that used to make up the company fleet.

Fond Memories of... Albert McFarlane died on 1st May, 2014, aged 81. A former Artist, he had worked with the company for 28 years from July 1964 until his retiral in June 1993. Alexander Fleming, formerly of the Caseroom, died on 16th April, 2014, at the age of 78. He joined the company in March 1951 and had served the company for 39 years when he retired in September 1990. Alexander Fraser died on 8th November, 2014, at the age of 79. A former member of The Courier Editorial staff, he had worked for DC Thomson for 41 years from April 1958 until April 1999. Alexander Hutcheon, formerly of the Art Department, died on 13th May, 2014, aged 79. He joined the company in October 1970 and had accrued 22 years’ service at the time of his retiral in May 1993. Alexander I. Grieve, a former member of the Gravure Pressroom, Kingsway, died on 22nd January, 2014, aged 64. He had worked for the company for 36 years when he retired in July 2006. Alfred Leslie died on 11th September, 2014, at the age of 71. A former member of the Caretaking staff at Meadowside, Alfred had worked for the firm for 38 years when he retired in May 2008. Archibald Kerr, a former member of the Caseroom at Bank Street, died on 28th June, 2014, aged 88. He joined the firm in July 1954 and had 35 years’ service at the time of his retiral in December 1989. Arthur Hay died on 8th April, 2014, aged 63. Formerly a member of the Transport Department in Kingsway, Arthur worked for DC Thomson until 2009. He was born and schooled in Tealing and his first job was on his dad’s farm. Arthur joined DC Thomson in 1983 and was a Transport staff member for 26 years before taking early retirement in 2009. After his retirement, Arthur took on a part-time job driving a hearse with Selwood Funeral Directors in Carnoustie. He was a keen golfer, runner and hillwalker, having completed two Dundee marathons and numerous half-marathons as well as scaling 283 Munros and 89 tops.

Bill Stirton, former Art Department Manager, died on 27th June, 2014, aged 94. Bill joined DC Thomson in December 1946 and had completed 37 years’ service. Mr Stirton saw active service during the Second World War and was in the retreat at St Valery where he escaped the advancing Germans by plunging in to the English Channel and scrambling up a net to board a rescue ship. Born in Birkhill and educated at Muirhead and Logie Central schools, he joined the Territorial Army in 1938. On the outbreak of hostilities, he was called up into the 237 Highland Field Company, Royal Engineers. Bill joined DC Thomson after the war and, in 1956, moved to the art department of the Daily Express in London. Homesick, Bill returned to Dundee and to the company within a year, becoming Studio Manager in 1974. He was involved in producing artwork for many publications, and also tutored young artists. He took great pride in seeing them develop their skills and abilities. Mr Stirton retired in 1985. Cyril Glynn died in 16th February, 2014, at the age of 84. Formerly of Manchester Despatch, he had worked for the firm for 18 years when he retired in December 1989. David D. Robertson, a former member of the Transport Department, Dunfermline, died on 16th October, 2014, at the age of 93. He had completed 35 years’ service at the time of his retiral in October 1986. David McColl died on 16th December, 2013, aged 69. He worked as Editor on magazines Story World and Annabel amongst others, and had accrued 37 years’ service when he retired in April 2002. Dave Torrie, formerly of Children’s Publications, died on 16th May, 2014, aged 73. Dave joined the firm in 1961 as a junior sub-editor in the juvenile publications department and then became editor of The Dandy and The Beezer. He covered Scottish league football matches for The Sunday Post at weekends. Mr Torrie retired in 2006 after 45 years’ service with the company.

Derek S. Black died on 10th February, 2014, aged 86. A former member of Manchester Pressroom, he had served the company for 32 years when he retired in December 1989. Douglas Spence, a former Photofiles Manager in Kingsway, died on 30th April, 2014, at the age of 83. Mr Spence, a former pupil of Morgan Academy, joined the company in 1952 after a spell with the Dundee Savings Bank. He began work in the photo and cuttings library and progressed to take over as manager in 1963. As the person in charge of the company’s archives with newspapers dating back to 1801, Mr Spence was instrumental in recovering and restoring the oldest film of the printing of a newspaper in Britain entitled “The Courier in 1911”. Mr Spence retired in 1995 but maintained an active involvement in sports, golfing at Downfield up to 2012 and continuing to play badminton with former DC Thomson colleagues. Elizabeth C. Williamson died on 8th December, 2013, aged 74. Formerly of Tele Ads, Kingsway, she had 12 years’ service from October 1986 until January 1999. Frank Anderson, formerly of Commercial in Meadowside, died on 2nd October, 2014, at the age of 92. Frank joined DC Thomson in February 1938 and had completed 50 years’ service when he retired in August 1988. Frank Stapleton died on 18th September, 2014, aged 96. A former member of Despatch in Manchester, he worked for the company for a period of 47 years from December 1934 until his retirement in October 1982. George Ross died on 11th April, 2014, at the age of 81. A former member of Advertising Accounts in Kingsway, George served the company for 26 years from March 1971 until he retired in August 1997. George Slater, formerly of the Pressroom in Glasgow, died on 15th October, 2014, aged 93. George joined the firm in May 1952 and had completed 34 years’ service when he retired in May 1986.

Grace Neilson died on 25th July, 2014, aged 79. A former member of Circulation in Kingsway, Grace worked for DC Thomson for 38 years from December 1956 until her retirement in March 1995. Harry Anderson, a former member of Gravure Plating, Kingsway, died on 29th April, 2014, at the age of 76. He joined the company in May 1962 and had completed 39 years’ service when he retired in November 2001. Ian Coutts died on 25th January, 2014, aged 70. Formerly of Offset Despatch in Kingsway, Ian had worked for DC Thomson for over 40 years, having joined the company in October 1964. Isobel Duncan died on 27th March, 2014, at the age of 82. A former member of Subscribers, Bank Street, Isobel served the company for 24 years from May 1967 until June 1991. Jacobina Wilson, formerly of Kingsway Advertising, died on 20th November, 2014, aged 83. Jacobina had 16 years’ service when she retired in 1996. James Black, formerly of Glasgow Engineers died on 24th January, 2014, aged 75. He joined the firm in May 1967 and had completed 35 years’ service when he retired in March 2003. James D. Alexander died on 4th January, 2014, at the age of 84. A former staff member in Offset Despatch, Kingsway, he joined DC Thomson in February 1950 and had served the company for 44 years when he retired in August 1994. James Glen, a former member of Gravure Engineers, Kingsway, died on 1st June, 2014, at the age of 83. Jim had accrued 32 years’ service at the time of his retiral in May 1996. James Gourlay died on 5th April, 2014, aged 83. A former Caretaker, he had served the company for 17 years when he retired in July 1995. James R. Proctor, a former member of the Evening Telegraph, died on 3rd December, 2013, at the age of 90. He joined the firm in May 1940 and had completed 48 years’ service when he retired in August 1988. Jim Petrie died on 25th August, 2014, aged 82. Jim drew more than 2,000 strips of Minnie the Minx in The Beano after taking over from original artist Leo Baxendale. His first strip appeared in The Beano on 6th June 1961. Mr Petrie also drew The Sparky People, Sneaker for The Dandy, Says Smiffy and “What to do with a

sleeping dad” for The Beano and Billy Green and his Sister Jean, which appeared in The Dandy annuals of 1993 and 1994. His final strip in 2001 consisted of Minnie the Minx meeting her former artist and bidding farewell. Although Mr Petrie was retired, he returned to DC Thomson to work on a nostalgic piece in 2011 — The Tummy Returns featuring Fatty Fudge. Joe Watson died on 6th March, 2014, aged 43. Joe was farming editor for The Press and Journal. Joe was passionately proud of being a ‘Turra loon’ and lived in the Aberdeenshire town with his mother, Mirren. Joe started his journalistic career in 1987 with The Courier in the Montrose office, moving to the Banff office of The Press and Journal two years later. He then moved to the farming desk of The Press and Journal in 1997 and, using as a springboard the contacts and knowledge he had built up as a member of Turriff Young Farmers Club, he soon became one of the best-known faces on the farming circuit not only in the North-East but also across Scotland. John (Jack) Taylor died on 9th April, 2014, aged 87. Formerly of Despatch, Bank Street, he worked for DC Thomson for 38 years from February 1950 to November 1988.

Mary Smith died on 13th March, 2014, aged 69. A former Typist, Mary had 22 years of service with the company from April 1980 until June 2002. Norma Tragham, a former member of Commercial, Meadowside, died on 27th September, 2014, aged 68. Norma joined DC Thomson in February 1964. She worked as Secretary to the Editorial Manager, and latterly in the private room, during her 43 years with the firm before retiring in March 2007. Richard Weaver died on 6th March, 2014, at the age of 80. Formerly of the Pressroom in Bank Street, he accrued 22 years’ service from September 1969 until February 1992. Robert Davis, a former member of Offset Despatch, Kingsway, died on 7th May, 2014, aged 84. He worked for DC Thomson for 35 years from March 1957 until October 1992. Robert Poustie died on 10th November, 2014, at the age of 86. Formerly of the Caseroom in Bank Street, he had completed 37 years’ service at the time of his retiral in September 1990. Stewart Carmichael, a former Overseer in the Photosetting department at Meadowside, died on 17th January, 2014, aged 88. Stuart joined the firm in June 1940 and had completed over 50 years’ service when he retired in January 1993. Thomas Ross, a former member of the Machine Room, West Ward Works, died on 26th July, 2014, aged 74. Mr Ross retired from DC Thomson on 18th December, 2004, after 30 years’ service.

John (Jack) Harrison died on 9th October, 2014, at the age of 81. A former member of Manchester Editorial, he had 44 years’ service when he retired in March 1998.

William Glasson died on 18th September, 2014, aged 61. He had worked for the firm in the Caretakers department at Kingway for 15 years from September 1995 until November 2010.

Mark Hopkins, formerly Head of Commercial (Newspapers), died on 16th January, 2014, at the age of 50. Mark was born in Welwyn Garden City and grew up in Hertfordshire, completing an apprenticeship as an electrician before moving to Australia, where he began his career in newspapers. Upon his return to the UK he worked for various newspapers before joining DC Thomson in 2011. A keen cook and tennis player, Mark was also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

William Leishman, a former member of Despatch in Glasgow, died on 10th April, 2014, aged 87. William joined the company in October 1948 and had accrued 43 years’ service at the time of his retiral in November 1991. William Robertson died on 2nd September, 2014, aged 78. Formerly of the Gravure Pressroom, he worked for the company for 25 years from December 1966 until October 1992.

July 2014 l This month, we launched two new systems; an intranet and an HR system to all staff. MyView, the HR tool, gives employees access to the new electronic Performance Review process, as well as secure personal details and pay information while the intranet houses general company information, policies, who’s who, and the latest news. l We concluded a deal with EE to supply our mobile and data lines. This was a great collaborative effort resulting in a significant saving. l Jackie magazine featured at the Southbank Centre, as part of the Heartbreak Hotel exhibition. The installation was a recreation of a 1970s-style office, featuring a typewriter and sacks of Agony Aunt mail. Cathy & Claire’s replies were displayed on the walls, alongside Jackie Valentine’s issue covers from the 1970s. l The London office held its Summer Fun Day in Hyde Park. Teams took part in a game of rounders and finished off the evening with a small awards ceremony and dinner. l We teamed up with the Ryder Cup to give our readers the opportunity to purchase tickets which were no longer available to the general public. This featured in The Sunday Post, The Courier and The Press and Journal. We also gave away 100 tickets to the practice days at Gleneagles, which were allocated through a staff prize draw. l The People’s Friend team held their annual Strawberry Tea at the Kingsway building and raised a magnificent £880 for Breast Cancer Care.

dundee leavers Gina Adams, Events Manager, Advertising (NP) Bruce Allan, Sub Editor, The Sunday Post Simon Allbutt, Head of Group HR Gayle Anderson, Enterprise Manager, Enterprise Furqan Baig, Customer Sales Executive, Enterprise Alastair Bennett, Deputy Editor, The Sunday Post

Oor Wullie and Desperate Dan head to the Commonwealth Games

or Wullie and Desperate Dan featured in the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony along with a giant Nessie and some dancing Tunnocks teacakes! Here’s what Oor Wullie thought of the experience… “Did ye see me at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony? I was there, near bursting my dungarees wi’ pride at being in front o’ the whole Commonwealth on TV! “I was awfy nervous beforehand, right enough. My stomach wis doin’ all sorts o’ funny things – or at least I thought was until I realised it was just ma wee mouse Jeemy birlin’ aboot inside my dungarees. (I sneaked him in so he didnae feel left oot). “My hero Sir Chris Hoy presented the baton tae the Queen and she looked really pleased. Nae wonder – it had been 120,000 miles awa roond the Commonwealth and could easy hae got lost. “I cheered ‘til my tonsils went numb – especially for Scotland. I reckon aw thae athletes will dae a grand job for the country, although I would hae suggested some late additions tae the team. I’d hae Hen Broon daein’ the high jump – he’d just hae tae step ower the bar tae win. And Daphne would be a fair shout for the shot putt. “My big pal Desperate Dan was with me and he thought the highlight o’ the show was the giant Tunnocks teacakes. “He tried tae eat twa before he realised it was dancers inside them. Come tae think o’ it the giant kilt that was behind Karen Dunbar on the stage micht hae fitted Dan.”

David Bloomfield, Inserts Sales Manager, Advertising (NP) Barbara Briggs, Archives Assistant, Archives Kate Brown, Customer Sales Administrator, Enterprise Lyn Bryce, HR Partner Nicola Callison, Accounts Assistant, Finance Rod Cameron, Deputy Editor, The Weekly News Stuart Cameron, Creative, Artists Jenny Cattermole, Advertising Manager, Advertising (NP)

Beth Cherryman, Reporter, Evening Telegraph Clare Chinnock, HR Co-ordinator/PA Helen Conway, Creative, Artists Chris Cosgrove, Graduate Digital Developer, Digital Philip Crabb, Colourist, Artists Derek Davidson, Creative, Artists Alison Davies, PA to Head of Commercial, Advertising (NP) Anne Dickson, Colourist, Artists Amanda Dixon, Creative, Artists Kirsten Dunn, Marketing, Group Marketing

Energy Voice breaks Sir Ian Wood story

August 2014 l Internal press tours for staff were carried out at the Kingsway building. They were a great opportunity to see what we do at the printing press in Dundee and a fascinating and useful insight into the production of our newspaper titles for staff in all areas. l Weekly women’s magazine, The People’s Friend, launched a partnership with leading charities that form the Age UK network. The joint venture saw a range of cross promotional activity taking place, including copies of The People’s Friend magazine being stocked in the charity’s shops with a portion of the cover price going directly to the charities in the Age UK network.

berdeen Journals’ online energy title, Energy Voice, published an exclusive interview with Sir Ian Wood in which he questioned Scottish independence.

The interview shed light on new research into the North Sea oil industry that stimulated debate on the Referendum. Energy Voice spoke with industry expert, Sir Ian Wood, who has previously produced a number of research papers on the energy industry including the Wood Review. In his interview, Sir Wood suggested that previous North Sea oil reserve predictions are inaccurate. He stated the reality is that only 15 billion barrels of oil are left to be extracted from the North Sea. Sir Ian Wood said, “Based on the research and conversations within my review, and across the industry, I believe, that even with a more sympathetic tax and regulation framework, the likely best outcome, without new hydrocarbon regions being discovered, is between 15 billion and 16.5 billion barrels.” He added, “However, much more relevant to Scotland’s independent debate is how long offshore oil and gas production will last.” Energy Voice Editor-in-Chief Damian Bates said, “Sir Ian Wood’s interview with Energy Voice was a game changer and a massive coup for the title. “In it, he called into question the Scottish Government’s predictions for funding an independent Scotland and the future lifespan of the sector which was shocking to say the least. “It’s clear that Energy Voice is the platform people are turning to for the big interviews.”

Elizabeth Elder, Customer Sales Administrator, Enterprise Craig Ferguson, Magazine Journalist, The Beano/D&G Steven Flanagan, Deputy News Editor, Evening Telegraph Martin Flynn, Reporter, Evening Telegraph Michelle Flynn, Business Support, Scottish Wedding Directory Stephen Flynn, Sub Editor (Sports), Evening Telegraph Cathy Frossard, Brand Marketing Manager, Editorial (CE)

Anne Garmory, Finance Operations Manager Rod Gauld, Graphic Designer, The People’s Friend Dave Gee, Graphic Designer, Advertising (NP) Liza Giffen, Archive Manager, Archives Alasdair Gill, News Editor, Evening Telegraph Thomas Glen, Direct Sales Executive, Newspaper Sales Jan Gooderham, Supplements Editor, The Sunday Post

l The Beano launched a new app - Dennis & Gnasher’s Prank Sticker. The app is available to purchase and download for iPhone and iPad, to make photos fun with our characters. l The AJL Family Fun Day took place at Elphinstone Hall in The University of Aberdeen with nearly 400 people going along. The weather was kind, and everyone enjoyed the many activities on offer including a bouncy castle, magician, balloon artist, nail bar and much more. l DC Thomson had three of the top ten performing titles in the UK in regional ABC results release in August. The Press and Journal and The Courier were two of the highest selling regional titles, ranking fourth and fifth respectively for volume of sales. The company’s regional titles also came out well year-on-year. The Evening Telegraph was the best performing year-on-year of any daily in Scotland. l A number of staff received qualification certificates this month. The qualifications were; Allison Hay, Level 5 certificate in leadership and management – ILM; Gregor Morris, Level 5 certificate in leadership and management – ILM; Bette Smith, Modern Apprenticeship in Management Level 4 (SVQ); and Alison Stewart, Business and Administration Level 3.

September 2014 l The Dundee Family Fun Day took place at Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort. Hundreds of people went along to the event and a great time was had by all. l Board approval was given for a brightsolid data centre to be built in our AJL office. The new state-ofthe-art facility is due to open in 2015. l DC Thomson Ventures and Nesta announce £1.75 million funding round investment in CogBooks, an education technology platform.

branch leavers Rachel Barnsley-Ryan, Reporter, The Sunday Post Martin Dalziel, Reporter, The Courier

london leavers Charlotte Higgins, Classified Sales Executive, Advertising (CE)

dundee leavers cont. Des Grant, Project Manager, Programme Management Office Anna Gunn, Editor-In-Chief (Animals and You/Pony Stories/WWE Kids) Trudy Guthrie, PA to Head of Commercial, Advertising (NP) Liz Hain, Direct Sales Executive, Newspaper Sales Becky Hain, Executive Assistant to CEO, Publishing Iryna Hapuk, Payroll Assistant, Finance Kirk Houston, Creative, Artists Kenny Hutton, Creative, Artists Robin Hynd, Direct Sales Executive, Newspaper Sales Bert Iannetta, Distribution Assistant, Newspaper Sales Blair Kemp, Direct Sales Executive, Newspaper Sales

DC Thomson covers the Referendum

D titles.

C Thomson covered the Referendum through a number of its newspaper and magazine

CEO of Publishing, Ellis Watson, said, “The referendum was one of the biggest challenges our editorial teams have faced. Keeping coverage fresh for two years whilst balancing conflicting editorial and reader views is no mean feat. They produced superb coverage in paper and online winning sales plaudits and friends across the UK.” The Sunday Post provided neutral coverage to readers througout the campaign, coming out in support of Better Together the week before the vote. The August issue of The Scots Magazine focused on the Referendum and featured comment from First Minister Alex Salmond and MP Alistair Darling. We also launched a weekly digest magazine. The Stooshie was launched in May and provided readers with ‘Scotland in 7 days’, offering the top Scottish news, views and opinions from across the week. It also featured a regular weekly column from comedian and BBC Scotland presenter Fred MacAulay. The title ran for 20 editions and received great reader feedback.

Donald Kerr, IT Senior Solutions Consultant Shirley Kilcullen, Creative, Artists Tracy Kydd, Graphic Design Manager, Advertising (NP) John Leatherbarrow, Digital Development Manager, Digital Mark Leiper, Direct Marketing Executive, Enterprise Jill Lingard, HR Co-ordinator Mark Lori, Direct Sales Executive, Newspaper Sales Vera Lowson, Graphic Designer, The People’s Friend Lesley Mackay, Customer Sales Administrator, Enterprise Nadiya Manir, Field Sales Representative, Advertising (NP) Jillian Mannion, Magazine Journalist, The People’s Friend Jim McBride, Technical Manager, Production (NP)

Brian McGinley, Page Planner, Advertising (NP) Susan McGlone, Graphic Artist, The Sunday Post Iain McLaughlin, Magazine Journalist, The Beano/D&G Alicia Melville-Smith, Sales Executive, Advertising (CE) Bradley Middleton, Customer Sales Administrator, Enterprise Tina Mitchell, Category Manager, Advertising (NP) Deryck Mitchelson, Head of IT Lesley Munro, Direct Marketing Manager, Enterprise Mandy Murray, Creative, Artists Angus Nicoll, Direct Sales Executive, Newspaper Sales Michael Owens, Reporter, Evening Telegraph David Paton, Graphic Designer, The People’s Friend

The Sunday Post celebrates its centenary

ational newspaper title The Sunday Post celebrated its centenary on Saturday 4th October 2014. To mark this milestone, the title published a free Souvenir Special on Sunday 5th October.

l DC Thomson held its third Editorial Awards Ceremony on Saturday 25th October 2014 at the Apex Hotel, Dundee. The evening celebrated the achievements of the journalists, photographers and production teams on all of DC Thomson’s newspaper titles.

Classic comic strips from Oor Wullie and The Broons also appeared, alongside a reprint of the first ever ‘Fun Section’, and a page dedicated to the comic strips’ guest stars, from Sir Alex Ferguson and Andy Murray to Alex Salmond and Gordon Brown.

l The Press and Journal Energy Ball once again lived up to its reputation as a fantastic night out for the Energy sector in the North. Nearly 1,500 people came to the event, donning their finest glitz and glam before being wined, dined and entertained.

The Sunday Post Editor Donald Martin said, “We are very proud to celebrate 100 years of The Sunday Post. The paper’s place in Scottish society and the affection felt for it is unique, so we’re delighted to share this momentous occasion with our readers.” On Sunday 12th October, The Sunday Post also launched a new magazine supplement, In10. The 48-page lifestyle magazine has been created around the idea of top 10s. Reflecting the busy lives of its readers, In10 is full of ideas for ‘living the life you love’. The magazine features an Entertainment and What’s On section, Food, Homes and Gardens, Travel, Days Out, Celebrity, Shopping and TV. It is also the new home for The Sunday Post’s man in Hollywood, showbiz guru Ross King.

Katie Pavid, Reporter, Evening Telegraph Sue Petrie, Telesales Operator, Advertising (NP) Mark Pirie, Reporter, The Courier Amanda Richardson, Graphic Artist, Evening Telegraph Nash Riggins, Reporter, Evening Telegraph Andrew Rose, Customer Sales Executive, Enterprise

l Scottish Wedding Directory unveiled the results of its first wedding census. The Scottish Wedding Census 2014 reflected spend and trends from the 2013 wedding market. Results were published in the magazine’s October issue. l Sophie Holt re-joined the London office team after maternity leave. Scarlett Amelia Holt joined the Thomson family tree.

The 96-page centenary magazine told the extraordinary history of the newspaper and featured news, campaigns and fun from the last 100 years. It included iconic front pages and pictures, fascinating stories from The Sunday Post’s archives and heart-warming tales from every decade.

dundee leavers cont.

October 2014

Sharyn Ross, HR Administrator Sanjay Samani, Senior Project Manager, Programme Managament Office Russell Scott, SEO Manager, Digital Stuart Sheils, Management Accountant, Finance Philip Sim, News Editor, Evening Telegraph Gillian Smith, Direct Marketing Executive, Enterprise Grant Smith, Reporter, The Courier Phil Smith, Editor, The Scots Magazine Jamie Stephen, Operations Assistant, CE

l DC Thomson launched a new magazine title. An innovation drive produced 110% Gaming, a great new magazine for the boys market. The title went on sale in midOctober, launching in GAME stores nationwide. l The Beano takes over St Pancras Station in London bringing pranks and fun to millions of commuters and visitors.

Kris Stuart, IT Senior Solutions Consultant Peter Swindon, Online Editor, The Courier Malcolm Taylor, Procurement Manager Jamie Vincent, Customer Sales Executive, Enterprise Tracey Wallace, Customer Sales Executive, Enterprise James Williamson, Business Reporter, The Courier Simone Yarwood, Telesales Operator, Advertising (NP) Stuart Young, Direct Sales Team Leader, Newspaper Sales

November 2014 l The Courier Business Awards, in association with Henderson Loggie, crowned 12 local business winners at the second annual event. The sold-out awards ceremony took place on Friday 14th November at Fairmont St Andrews. l The Beano partnered with Dogs Trust, for the first time in the comic’s 76 year history, to microchip Dennis the Menace’s furry friend Gnasher. After years of the infamous dog giving Beanotown residents the runaround, will this mark a change in his naughty ways? It’s unlikely!

The Courier supports £2 million fundraising initiative

l DC Thomson Consumer Products has expanded The Beano adult fashion in a collaboration with N16 Vintage. A new Beano ‘Reclaimed Vintage’ menswear collection launched, exclusive to ASOS. The range celebrates the best of British and taps in to the trends of punk heritage, 80’s rebellion and boyish nostalgia whilst uniting with The Beano’s rebellious and menacing spirit. l Dundee United stars lent their support to the Tele’s #maketherightcall campaign. The initiative was launched this year with a bid to raise awareness for suicide prevention and encourage those who are considering taking their life to speak to someone. l Colleagues from across Publishing, Group Services, brightsolid and DC Thomson Family History got together for a big Dundee Christmas Party. The event was held at the Apex Hotel in Dundee. l The Communications team won Best Corporate In-house Team at the Institute of Internal Communications ICon Awards.

n November, The Courier partnered The ARCHIE Foundation for a fundraising initiative that will see the charity raise £2 million for the Tayside Children’s Hospital.

The pledge followed an exclusive by The Courier which detailed a £4 million NHS Tayside investment for Tayside Children’s Hospital. A new suite at the Ninewells Hospital facility will include two paediatric operating theatres. The money raised by The ARCHIE Foundation will be in addition to NHS Tayside funding and will be used to help make the suite a welcoming, comfortable environment for children and their families. Editor Richard Neville said, “We are delighted to support the appeal which will deliver a world class paediatric theatre suite in the heart of Courier country. The care of children and dedication of the staff at Tayside Children’s Hospital is already second to none but this project will help deliver an altogether more friendly and calming environment for the children who are unfortunate enough to have to undergo an operation.” The Courier will cover The ARCHIE Foundation’s Tayside Children’s Hospital Appeal in-title. Coverage will include information about the charity, details on previous fundraising initiatives in the North of Scotland and a number of case studies. In the longer term, the title will bring readers exclusive progress updates on the suite at the Tayside Children’s Hospital and details of The ARCHIE Foundations ongoing fundraising initiatives.

Christmas gallery T

his year the DC Thomson staff Christmas party returned and was a massive success! But it’s not the first party we’ve thrown…

We’ve raided the Argus archive to give you a snapshot of Christmas parties past and present. Spot anyone you know?

December 2014 l Aberdeen employees enjoyed a Christmas Party night at the Albyn, with a hot buffet and disco. Meanwhile the London team celebrated with lunch and a quiz at The Happenstance, St Pauls. l Over 84% of staff took part in the second annual DC Thomson staff survey. Results will be shared in January and an action plan to address issues will be implemented. l Five of DC Thomson’s magazine titles were shortlisted for PPA Scotland’s Scottish Magazine Awards 2014. The Official Jacqueline Wilson Magazine, Scottish Wedding Directory, Shout, The People’s Friend and The Scots Magazine have been nominated across five categories including ‘Consumer Magazine’. l DC Thomson has successfully secured the publishing rights to ITV Studios Global Entertainment’s action adventure series ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’. A monthly magazine will be published as well as an annual which will be aimed at children aged five to 11. l This year sees The Scots Magazine’s 275th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, BBC Scotland’s Landward team and presenter Dougie Vipond visited the DC Thomson archives and interviewed Editor Robert Wight.

Meadowside

s with any grand design, there’s always a delay and challenges to overcome. Anyone who has walked past the Meadowside building in the centre of Dundee recently will have seen that it’s still a building site. It’s expected that the construction will be completed in autumn next year. At that stage, the rebuild will be finished and it will take a further three months to fit out the technology, furniture, gym, meeting rooms etc. There will be a plan for staff to return to the building in 2016. All Dundee staff members will relocate to Meadowside except staff in our Production teams. Printing and operations will continue at Kingsway on the presses installed in 2013. Since last year, the Meadowside building has been completely gutted. Building works have included removing and replacing the roof and making structural modifications to convert the building into an open plan office space. We’ve replaced windows, lifts, heating, electricity and technical networks. Many measures have been taken to make the building energy efficient. Bad weather before the building was wind and water tight meant some slow progress on the site. Throughout that time, we made the most of the delay in the schedule to review plans and make improvements where we could to ensure the building will fit the company’s needs. The project team has worked hard to respect the heritage of the building and the layout will be planned to ensure all departments can work together in an effective way. We want to ensure there’s a bright, spacious, flexible and open-plan office to create a modern working environment.

Artist’s Impression