1963 - 2013 50th Anniversary Edition
2013/14
75 Years of The Beano
January 2013 ● Planned power and service disruptions take place at our Kingsway site as part of the project to refurbish our printing facility. The company will also undergo a refurbishment of our Aberdeen offices. The end result is a better layout, improved furniture and lighting – particularly in Aberdeen’s editorial area. Our district offices in Elgin and Inverness are also upgraded.
Scottish Wedding Directory
● A programme celebrating 75 years of The Beano airs on BBC Radio 4. “A Menace to Society” is presented by author, broadcaster and lifelong fan of The Beano, Danny Wallace. The programme looks at the history of the anarchic comic and features interviews with the Editor and some of its artists and writers. ● It is announced that we intend to print Aberdeen titles The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Citizen and Scot-Ads at our new facility in Kingsway. This means that our papers are no longer printed in Aberdeen and are transported and distributed directly from our single print centre in Dundee. The move is undertaken to respond to the challenges of the industry and to create a sustainable future for our business. ● Our Consumer Insight and Brand Development Team carries out a fun and interactive workshop with girls aged between five and eight years old as part of research into LEGO Friends. Launched in 2012 to appeal primarily to girls, LEGO Friends is a product which centres around five characters who live in Heartlake City.
dundee leavers Derek Allan Despatcher, Operations Stuart Anderson Head of HR Policy & Engagement, HR Services David Bain Head of Digital, Magazines Timothy Barr Sub-Editor, The Sunday Post William Baruah-Young HR Administrator, HR Administration Valerie Benvie Photofiles Assistant, Archives Stephen Brooks Head of Group IT James Brown Despatcher, Operations
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n January a major deal was struck by DC Thomson to purchase the wedding magazine, Scottish Wedding Directory. Scottish Wedding Directory is the longest established, market-leading wedding magazine in Scotland and its award-winning website is the one-stop-shop for weddings, with a comprehensive directory of venues, services, events and fairs.
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Scottish Wedding Directory strengthens our business portfolio and fits well with our existing brands, in particular our mature and women’s titles. Lorna Leckie, Managing Director, said, “This has been a great opportunity for Scottish Wedding Directory and there are real benefits for our readers and clients alike. DC Thomson's extensive experience, combined with our industry knowledge, has improved our brand exposure and the accessibility of our magazine and of our presence online." Laurie Burns Telesales Operator, Advertising (NP) Michelle Burns Purchase Ledger Assistant, Finance Jillian Caseby Senior CIBD Executive, CIBD Valerie Cavellini Telesales Operator, Advertising (NP) Claire Cheape Trainee Business Analyst, Advertising (NP) Stuart Chmylowskyj Distribution Assistant, Transport Kevan Christie News Editor, Evening Telegraph James Cochrane IT Helpdesk Analyst, Service Delivery Brian Cook Despatcher, Operations
Martin Cooper Despatcher, Operations Thomas Costello Despatcher, Operations Susan Dailly Photofiles Assistant, Archives Michael Donachie Deputy Production Editor, The Courier Rory Duncan Creative Assistant, Commercial Sarah Fielden Reporter, Evening Telegraph Grant Garden Logistics Manager, Operations/Promotions Stuart Gillespie Reporter, Evening Telegraph Erin Grant Consumer Insight Administration Assistant, CIBD
“Wake up and smell the coffee!” he Press and Journal achieved a first for a Scottish newspaper with a scented advertisement.
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Readers of the printed edition on 6th February opened their newspaper and experienced the aroma of coffee. The magenta ink in the full-page advertisement was infused with the smell of coffee. Our Advertising and Creative Teams came up with the idea after being commissioned by an Aberdeen-based IT company.
● Kingsway becomes a one-stopshop for advertisers after the installation of a new inserting function on our state-of-the-art press. The all-in-one mailroom solution allows us to trim, fold and stitch inserts of commercial quality. We currently publish eight titles with a total print run of over 700,000 which gives our advertisers an attractive new opportunity as well as the ability to reach a large audience in an effective way. ● Health and Safety updates are made to the weekly fire alarm and to working practices to keep all staff members safe at our office locations.
Editor of The Press and Journal, Damian Bates said, “Previously, newspapers have had ‘scratch and sniff’ type advertisements, but the ink being used in our advertisement is actually impregnated with the scent of coffee. We’re very excited to be leading the way like this.”
● A Business Continuity Plan is developed. This ensures that DC Thomson can respond effectively to any adverse circumstances that may affect the business and can respond to maintain critical services. amous story magazine The People’s Friend was announced as the new sponsor of ITV3 Afternoons in February.
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CEO Publishing Ellis Watson said, “ITV3 is an ideal partner. Our title complements the treasured, timeless drama aired by ITV3 admirably.” The broadcast sponsorship began on 18th February. The partnership increased sales for the title and engaged readers in a new way.
Gerald Hanlon Digital Artist, Digital Douglas Hill Sub-Editor, The Courier Mark Hunter Digital Projects Manager, Digital Deborah Kerr Reporter, Evening Telegraph Lauren Knight Graduate Digital Content Producer, Digital Craig Lamb Digital Designer, Digital Pamela Low Senior Account Manager, CIBD Tanya Lyall Wm Thomson & Sons Euan MacDermid Despatcher, Operations Ian Main Senior Operations Manager, Operations Paul Malecki Procurement, Finance
February 2013
Susan Matthew Telesales Operator, Advertising (NP) Andrew McDiarmid Collections Backlog Assistant, Archives Colette McDiarmid Referendum Assistant, The Courier Rebecca McGuggon Customer Sales Executive, Enterprise Derek McKimmie Shift Manager, Operations William McTavish Transport & Distribution Manager, Transport Michael Meach Photographer, Evening Telegraph Angela Merrilees Learning & Development Consultant, HR Talent & Reward
● The Team Briefing is adapted to become a fortnightly email that is sent to all staff. The newsletter provides business updates to employees thoughout the year. ● The Board sets aside an increase of 2% for the salary bill. The decision is brought forward and will begin on 1st April 2013 so that staff members will benefit from this earlier in the year. ● A sustained period of snow and bad weather means that staff members who live in more remote areas around our Dundee and Aberdeen offices stuggle to travel to and from work.
Scott Milne Distribution Assistant, Transport April Mitchinson Business Partner, Communications Caroline Mitford Archive Manager Susan Mulholland Financial Account, Finance John-Paul Murphy Brand Marketing Manager, Commercial Lorraine Murray Telesales Operator, Advertising (NP) Martin Nicoll IT Senior Solutions Consultant, Solutions Judith Pogorzelec Senior CIBD Executive, CIBD Jonathan Porter Management Accounts Assistant, Finance
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March 2013
● It is announced that staff members will benefit from a paid day off on their birthday from April 1st onwards. ● Ruby Loves, a new crafts magazine for girls, launches. ● The Evening Express teams up with a local media company to launch a pioneering marketing campaign using digital technology, social media and adverts to encourage readers to interact with the title. ● The Beano launches a free, official iPrank App in time for April Fool’s Day. Readers of The Beano are also encouraged to choose their favourite from the 16 greatest pranks of all time.
london leavers James Boughey Classified Sales Executive, Advertising (CE) Daniel Giblin Sales Executive, Advertising (NP) Sarah Jones National Accounts Manager, Circulation (CE) Anisha Unzia Sales Executive, Advertising (CE)
branch office leavers Alix Christie Lesley Mackay
dundee leavers cont. Iain Ritchie Graduate Digital Content Producer, Digital Ian Sansam Head of Circulation (CE), Circulation Peter Scobbie Head of IT – Strategy & Architecture, IT Lisa Shek PA, IT Jillian Sim Administration Assistant, Advertising (NP)
UK Press Awards n investigation by The Sunday Post won national recognition from the newspaper industry in March. The paper’s exposé, that resulted in a record fine for a prize puzzle promoter, was ‘Highly Commended’ at the UK Press Awards in London.
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Churchcastle advertised wordsearch competitions in many newspapers around the UK - including The Sunday Post. They invited readers to complete simple puzzles and phone in answers for the chance to win a prize. But after handing over personal details, entrants were bombarded with further puzzles, all assuring them they were a step closer to an elusive win. After complaints from readers, the paper dropped the adverts and launched an investigation into Churchcastle, which revealed the company’s dubious “sales” techniques. The result was that regulators PhonepayPlus - a division of Ofcom - launched their own probe into the firm, resulting in an industry record fine of £800,000. The success saw The Sunday Post nominated for the prestigious Cudlipp Award, which recognises excellence in campaigns and investigations. They were the only Scottish newspaper nominated at the UK Press Awards. Judges praised The Sunday Post for a “brave” campaign and for “being fast on its feet to investigate and campaign against an errant puzzle promoter, despite the firm being a major advertiser”. The Sunday Post Editor Donald Martin said, “Our readers’ best interests are at the heart of everything The Sunday Post does. This campaign illustrates that. Our success at the awards isn’t just a fantastic achievement for The Sunday Post; it’s a victory for our readers too.” Kevin Smith General Hand, Operations Alan Stephen General Hand, Operations Jamie Stephen Customer Sales Administrator, Enterprise Christopher Stevenson Financial Accountant, Finance Alan Stewart Despatcher, Operations Kenneth Stewart HND Canvasser, Circulation (NP) Steven Stuart Number 1 Printer, Operations Grant Sturrock General Hand, Operations
Daniel Veitch Customer Sales Administrator, Enterprise Debbie Waddell Purchase Ledger Assistant, Finance Allan Walls Direct Sales Executive, Circulation (NP) Simon Walton Assistant News Editor, The Courier Louise Ward Photofiles Assistant, Archives Alison Watt Sales Manager, Advertising (NP) Dax White Digital Lead Designer, Digital Lauren Witherspoon Reporter, Evening Telegraph
The Scots Magazine he Scots Magazine – one of the oldest magazines in the world – unveiled a striking new look in April. The magazine increased in size by 50% (from A5 to B5), in one of the biggest changes in its 274 year history. It also benefited from a sympathetic redesign, bringing class and simplicity to its stunning photographs and quality editorial.
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Hollywood actor Brian Cox appeared on the cover and it featured an exclusive interview with Scots musician Ricky Ross. Editor-in-Chief Sally Hampton said, “The Scots Magazine has been redesigned for today’s audience. The striking new look comes after an extensive programme of research into the interests and lifestyles of contemporary Scots. “Close collaboration between our editorial and design teams has produced a magazine that’s both clean and classic, and allows us to showcase the best that Scotland has to offer. I’m absolutely delighted with the results and thrilled to have such high-profile interviewees as Brian Cox and Ricky Ross.” The Scots Magazine will stay true to its traditional values, with regular features about wildlife, nature and scenery, and authoritative insights into Scotland’s rich heritage from the nation’s leading commentators. Four new editorial categories will help the title to reach its younger, more city-based audience. The monthly printed edition goes hand-inhand with The Scots Magazine website.
glasgow leavers David Alexander Minder, Operations Harry Burns Engineer, Engineering Maintenance Andrew Delvin Minder, Operations Euan Duguid Lead Reporter, The Sunday Post Michael Eccles Technician, Engineering Maintenance William Firth Engineer, Engineering Maintenance
Campbell Gunn Political Editor, The Sunday Post Christopher Hurst Oiler, Operations Ian Kirsop Minder, Operations Robert Kynoch Technician, Engineering Maintenance Robert Langan Minder, Operations Charles MacWhirter Despatcher, Operations Paul Marshall Technician, Engineering Maintenance Peter McCallum Team Leader, Operations John McDonald Minder, Operations Allen McFarlane Engineer, Engineering Maintenance
April 2013 ● The Sunday Post wins the coveted Scottish Newspaper of the Year prize at the Scottish Press Awards. All titles do well in the nominations; our Evening Express and Evening Telegraph receive multiple runner-up distinctions. The Sunday Post’s former Political Editor Campbell Gunn is recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Three nominations are also awarded at the Society of Editors’ Regional Press Awards.
● Muirfield Contracts Ltd is awarded the contract to refurbish our Dundee headquarters. The project, which includes a complete internal renovation and new roofing, is expected to be completed in late 2014. ● It is announced that the pay date across the company will change from the 8th to the 14th of the month for all staff members from July 2013. ● The Courier unveils its stylish, new-look website. The fully responsive website has a number of technical features, allowing the title to interact better with readers. ● IDEAScotland – a pioneering innovation centre supporting start-ups in the digital, technology and creative media sectors is launched. It is a collaboration of brightsolid, DC Thomson, University of Abertay Dundee and University of Dundee.
William McLennan Team Leader, Operations James McMaster Team Leader, Engineering Maintenance Scott McMillan Despatcher, Operations Derek Patrick Storeperson, Stores Iain Porter Engineer, Engineering Maintenance Thomas Roseman IT Operations Analyst, Service Delivery Peter Smart Team Leader, Operations Robert Stevenson Oiler, Operations David Young Team Leader, Operations
May 2013 ● The Communications team works with colleagues in Digital, Publishing and Planning to build and deliver a new DCT corporate website that is both functional and stylish, and that matches the standard of our new title websites. ● Energy Voice, an offshoot of The Press and Journal’s monthly Energy supplement, launches. The website www.energyvoice.com offers unrivalled independent coverage of the UK and international energy industry via online editorial content, photographs and video. ● The Evening Telegraph redesigns its website. The newlook site, www.thetele.co.uk, gives readers a lively and easy-to-use taste of what’s going on in Dundee and the surrounding areas. As well as the usual mixture of news and sport, there’s a Dundee Life section that aims to capture the happier side of living in this fantastic part of Scotland. Evening Telegraph Editor Richard Prest said, “The website has a really fresh and vibrant look. We’re delighted by the response so far. There’s been a high number of page views and visitors. We hope these numbers will grow as the site develops.”
Beanotown he Beano celebrated 75 wonderful years of rebellious fun this year and a real-life “Beanotown” popped up at London’s Southbank Centre from May. As part of a Festival of Neighbourhood, the hometown of Dennis the Menace was recreated for the first time.
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The Beano Editor-in-Chief Mike Stirling said, “It’s a dream come true to see Beanotown coming to life at London’s Southbank Centre. For me, the coolest thing is that, along with the depths of the oceans and some parts of the rainforest, Beanotown was the last great uncharted territory on earth – I feel like Christopher Columbus! If you thought you knew The Beano then think again… this exhibition provided all the anarchic fun of the comic with plenty of extras.” Previously unseen artwork was unveiled at the exhibition that featured pieces by The Beano illustrator David Sutherland; a legendary artist who has the unique claim of having worked with all six editors since the comic’s birth in 1938. Further laughs were provided by clips from the successful TV show Dennis and Gnasher. Other highlights included The Beano Social Club, where you could play Table Dennis, The Beano Breville Bar, where you could munch on comic-themed food and drink, and The Beano Studio, where you could have a go at creating your own comic masterpieces. Mike added, “Boris Johnson must be overjoyed that we brought a bit of the old Beanotown magic to his ’hood! It was a joy to hear the laughter and mischief of the hundreds of thousands
of children who visited - and great that entry was free for everyone. The reason The Beano is so fondly thought of is because we always put kids first and I’m so glad we’ve maintained that aim with this special celebration.” n May, The Beano printed a Doctor Who special issue, with a complete reprint of The Beano 1981 Summer Special that appeared on the hit BBC TV show.
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The Beano’s eagle-eyed fans spotted Doctor Who reading the summer special in The Rings of Akhaten episode, which screened on BBC One this year. After being inundated with messages, The Beano team decided to reprint the entire 32-page summer special inside the main edition.
Royal Visit for DC Thomson The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (known as The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland) officially opened our new printing facility in June. On Tuesday 11th June, Their Royal Highnesses visited our Kingsway offices for a tour of the presses and a “meet and greet” session with members of staff from our publishing business, in particular Production.
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An open invitation was extended to all staff members who wished to be part of a crowd to welcome Their Royal Highnesses. Three children of staff members were selected by ballot to join our Dennis the Menace costume character in meeting Their Royal Highnesses. Chairman Andrew F. Thomson said, “By securing this visit from Their Royal Highnesses we are pleased to strengthen our commitment to the industry and to the communities we are proud to represent.” The Duke of Rothesay wrote an introduction for both The Press and Journal’s and The Courier’s new Farming supplements. In the foreword, His Royal Highness acknowledged the importance of the supplements to the rural and farming communities of the north, north-east and east-central Scotland.
Both newspapers re-launched their existing specialist weekly coverage in two, new, larger pull-out supplements from 15th June. The Press and Journal Editor Damian Bates said, “We couldn’t have been more delighted that His Royal Highness wrote a foreword to our new weekly Farming supplement. The Press and Journal is an informative and influential
voice at the heart of the farming industry, and we’re very proud of that.” The Courier Editor Richard Neville added, “We’re absolutely thrilled that His Royal Highness took time out of his busy schedule to prepare an introduction to our Farming supplement. He has an unrivalled knowledge of the industry and we welcome his contribution to The Courier.”
special edition of The Beano was published to celebrate the Royal Visit. The story received significant media coverage, and appeared on satirical news TV programme Mock the Week.
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The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay made guest appearances in the VIP issue which featured strips on healthy eating and literacy. His Royal Highness starred in The Bash Street Kids strip where, following a monumental school dinner food fight, H.R.H. sets about educating The Bash Street Kids on growing and preparing their own lunch. Meanwhile, Her Royal Highness appeared in a Dennis the Menace and Gnasher strip, visiting Beanotown to open the new school library and to highlight the importance of reading.
Fond Memories of... Albert Powell, a former employee in Circulation, Kingsway, died on 5th April, 2013, at the age of 85. Bert Powell joined the company in November 1942 and had served the company for 49 years when he retired on 4th April 1992. A Dundonian, Bert was educated at Hawkhill Primary School and Harris Academy. He joined the firm in November 1942 and his first role was within Children’s Publications where he worked on The Beano and The Adventure. In 1946 Bert was called up to do his National Service in the R.A.F. On returning to DC Thomson in 1948, Bert transferred to the Circulation department where he served until his retirement. Albert J. Smith died on 27th June, 2013, aged 86. Formerly of West Ward Works Bindery, Albert had accrued 42 years’ service at the time of his retiral in December 1991. Alexander Walker, a former member of staff in Gravure Engineers died on 26th June, 2013, aged 74. He had worked for DC Thomson over a period of 28 years from October 1974 until July 2003. Alexander Gowans died on 12th August at the age of 77. Formerly of Glasgow Engingeers, Alexander had accrued 20 years’ service at the time of his retiral in March 2001. Allister H. Kennedy, a former Overseer in the Bank Street Caseroom, died on 23rd January, 2013, at the age of 84. He had worked for the company from January 1944 until November 1990. He grew up in the Blackness area and was educated at Mitchell Street Primary and Harris Academy. Ally joined the company in the Despatch department. He went on to train as a Linotype Operator before finishing his career as Caseroom Overseer. In 1946 Ally was called up to the Black Watch. He was later seconded to the R.A.O.C. to serve in Singapore, and then to the Government Printing Office. On his return, Ally settled back in Dundee. A keen footballer, Ally was involved in Windsor Amateur Football Club for over 44 years as a goalkeeper, committee member, official, Life Member and President.
Annie Thompson, formerly of The Sunday Post, Meadowside, died on 27th April, 2013, aged 75. She joined the company in October 1965 and, when she retired in 2002, had served the firm for 36 years. Brenda Kiani, a former member of staff in the Meadowside Canteen, died on 4th February, 2013, aged 66. She had worked for the firm for 14 years from March 1986 until August 2000. Charles Roberston, formerly of Gravure Helio, Kingsway, died on 19th October, 2013, at the age of 86. Charles joined the company in June 1974 and worked with DC Thomson for 17 years until his retiral in May 1992. Daisy Stewart, formerly of Patterns, Bank Street, died on 23rd April, 2013, at the age of 92. On her retiral in May 1981, she had served the company for 13 years. David Whyte died on 1st September, 2013, at the age of 72. A former member of West Ward Works Litho staff, he had worked for DC Thomson for 27 years from March 1972 until February 2000. Derek Small, a Graphic Designer in Art Services, died on 15th August 2013. He had worked for DC Thomson for over 40 years, having joined the company in August, 1970.
Dorothy Bannister, a former member of the Manchester Circulation Department, died on 9th May, 2013, aged 82. She joined the company in 1946 and had 44 years’ service at the time of her retiral in September 1990. Her retirement brought to an end 85 years of combined service from her late father, Bill Craig, and herself. Dorothy moved South from Scotland when her father was transferred from Dundee to become Overseer of the Manchester Stereo department in 1945. The following year Dorothy joined the company as a Typist in the Counting House, later becoming a Shorthand / Typist for the manager and then the Circulation Manager. Dorothy was also heavily involved with annuals, in which she took a keen interest. Eric Arnold, a former Glasgow Caretaker, died on 28th January, 2013, aged 86. Eric had nine years’ service from April 1984 until September 1993.
Ernest Clark died on 21st August, 2013, aged 85. Formerly of Despatch, Glasgow, he accrued 34 years’ service with the firm from May 1957 until his retiral in November 1991. Esther Fairweather, formerly of Advertising, Bank Street, died on 3rd January, 2013, aged 84. She had worked for the company for 12 years from December 1972 until May 1988. Francis Anderson, a former member of Offset Process, Kingsway, died on 16th June, 2013, aged 70. Francis joined the company in February 1958 and had completed 45 years’ service when he retired in April 2003. Francis Dailly, formerly of Gravure Despatch, Kingsway, died on 27th September, 2013, at the age of 72. He had worked for DC Thomson over a period of 26 years from March 1979 until February 2006. Frederick Campbell died on 1st January, 2013, at the age of 84. A former staff member in Despatch, Manchester, he had 36 years’ service from March 1953 until December 1989. Frederick W. Minter, formerly of London Editorial, died on 27th December, 2012, at the age of 85. He joined the firm in October 1941 and worked for DC Thomson for 49 years. Fred retired on 3rd November, 1990. He had worked in Dundee, Glasgow and Manchester across many of our titles including The Courier, Evening Telegraph, The Sunday Post and The Weekly News.
George Strachan died on 23rd June, 2013, at the age of 85. A former member of staff in Offset Engineers, Kingsway, he joined the company in July 1972 and had completed 21 years’ service when he retired in 1992. George Morton died on 27th October, 2013, aged 87. George was a former Manchester Editorial staff member and had 49 years’ service from January 1942. He retired from The Weekly News on 2nd November 1991. His career started in January 1942 when he joined the Advertisement department. In 1947, he became an Evening Telegraph Sports Sub. In 1950, George moved to Glasgow to work on The Weekly News and The Sunday Post. Four years later he became Sports Editor in Manchester, a position he held until his retiral. George upheld the family tradition of long service as his father and grandfather had 37 years and 50 years respectively as Linotype operatives in the Bank Street caseroom.
George Swan, a former deputy editor of The Weekly News, Meadowside, died on 15th August, 2013, aged 78. He joined DC Thomson in September 1961 and had 34 years of service at the time of his retiral in March 1996. Originally from Glasgow, he joined the Fiction department in 1961 and later transferred to the newspaper title. He was first a Sub-Editor before being appointed to Deputy Editorship. He had attended Whitehall Secondary School in Glasgow and one of his fellow pupils was the renowned author Alasdair Gray. The two were life-long friends and Mr Gray based a character in his novel, Lanark, on Mr Swan, whom he depicted as a young man who went to work for publishers in Dundee.
Ian P. Brown died on 15th June, 2013, aged 72. A former staff member of Evening Telegraph Editorial, Kingsway, he joined the firm in December 1955 and had 49 years’ service on his retiral in 2005. He was just three months short of completing 50 years’ service. A former pupil of Clepington Primary and Morgan Academy, he joined the company as an Office Boy on Boxing Day, 1955, and went on to serve an apprenticeship as a Compositor in the Meadowside Offices. He was involved in all the revolutionary changes in newspaper printing, seeing the end of the old hot metal linotype machines and moving to the new computerised system. In 1988, Ian transferred to the sports desk where he worked as a Sub-Editor until his retirement. Irene Malloch, formerly of Photofiles, Kingsway, died on 6th April, 2013, at the age of 84. She started with the company in January 1974 and worked for DC Thomson until she retired in November 1993. James McKenzie died on 15th January, 2013, aged 80. A former member of staff of the Gravure Pressroom, he served the company for 18 years from October 1978 until January 1997. James Townsend, a former member of staff of Gravure Process, died on 5th March, 2013, at the age of 92. James completed 49 years of service from January 1937 until March 1986. Educated at Butterburn and Rockwell Schools, James started with the firm as an Office Boy and served in the Caseroom, Readers, Despatch, Pressroom and Process Planning. He moved to the Kingsway printing works when it opened and, for the last 15 years of his career, was a planner in the process department. He served in the R.A.F. for five years during the war.
James A. Young died on 30th August, 2013, aged 83. A former staff member of Meadowside Photosetting, he worked for the company from July 1945, retiring just 18 days short of 50 years’ service on 3rd June 1995. John Petrie, a former member of Transport, Meadowside, died on 8th July, 2013 at the age of 88. He joined DC Thomson in June 1951 and had 38 years’ service at the time of his retiral in April 1990. John C. Stirling died on 18th August, 2013, aged 82. A former staff member of Process, Meadowside, he had served the company for 33 years from October 1957 until April 1991. Kenneth Dick, formerly of Offset Despatch, Kingsway, died on 25th March, 2013. He joined the company in November 1958 and had completed 35 years’ service when he retired in August 1994. Kenneth McKinnes, a former member of staff in Gravure Despatch, Kingsway, died on 29th July, 2013, aged 85. He joined the firm in November 1964 and worked for DC Thomson for 27 years until his retiral in October 1992. Kenneth Done, formerly of Manchester Engineers, died on 15th October, 2013, aged 89. Kenneth worked for the company for a period of 36 years from March 1953 until April 1989. Matthew Smith died on 18th December, 2012, aged 87. A former staff member of Outside Circulation, Inverness, Matthew joined the company in November 1950 and worked for DC Thomson for 39 years until April 1990. Pauline E. Ashton, formerly of Manchester Editorial, died on 20th January, 2013, aged 58. Pauline worked for DC Thomson for a period of 21 years from July 1988 until May 2010.
Robert Cuthill died on 25th December, 2012, at the age of 92. A former member of Circulation staff, he joined the company in 1935 and retired 50 years later on 16th February 1985. Bob worked for one week beyond his 65th birthday, just to complete his halfcentury. Ronald Walker, a former member of staff in Offset Process, Kingsway, died on 17th December, 2012, aged 74. He worked for DC Thomson for a period of 49 years from January 1954 until April 2003.
Ruby Forbes, formerly of Kingsway Commercial, died on 26th December, 2012, aged 79. Ruby had worked for DC Thomson for 18 years from April 1974 until April 1993. Victor Wilson died on 29th December, 2012, at the age of 86. A former staff member of Transport, he joined the company in April 1954 and had completed 35 years’ service when he retired in December 1989. William Cook died on 13th April, 2013, at the age of 87. A former Caretaker at Kingsway, he had 14 years’ service with the company from January 1976 until September 1990. William Crosby died on 15th June, 2013, at the aged of 92. A former member of Manchester Caseroom, he served the company for 30 years from April 1950 until April 1980. William Hutcheson, formerly of Gravure Despatch, Kingsway, died on the 8th August, 2013, aged 84. He joined the firm in February 1973 and had completed 20 years’ service when he retired in October 1993. Thank you to all those who contributed to The Argus this year. We are always looking for story ideas and suggestions. If you have any feedback on what you would like to see in next year’s edition, please contact the Communications Team. You can get in touch in the following ways:Phone: 01382 575604 Email: communications@dcthomson.co.uk Post: Communications Team DC Thomson 80 Kingsway East DD4 8SL.
July 2013 ● Guy Forester is announced as Head of Operations (Newspapers). He will take charge of all aspects of our printing operation including Production, Transport and Logistics, and will work closely with colleagues across the Newspapers business.
The Beano’s th Anniversary he 75th anniversary of The Beano is celebrated and publicised in July. A special edition of the comic is published, featuring a host of celebrities.
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The Beano Editor Craig Graham said, “The Beano celebrated its anniversary this year and we worked hard to put together an extra special issue packed full of menacing, pranks and jokes!
● Marketforce is appointed distributor for the DC Thomson magazine portfolio, effective from Monday 1st July 2013. ● Elements of Beanotown, Southbank, appear at the Vintage Festival, part of the Merchant City Festival, in Glasgow.
Murray vs. Minnie the Minx
“The issue featured special guest writers and illustrators, celebrity contributions and a young comic genius’ debut Beano strip. It was a real honour to work on this extra special issue.” The Beano Editor-in-Chief Mike Stirling said, “We listen to what our readers say and feature people that they want to read about. “I think that the anniversary issue is possibly the most celeb-packed issue we have ever produced! 75 years of The Beano is a landmark worth celebrating and we hope that it appealed to readers of all ages.”
imbledon winner Andy Murray was one of the stars of the 75th anniversary issue of The Beano, which was published on Wednesday 24th July.
Our new 100% Official Dennis the Menace and Gnasher MEGAzine also launched in July, to coincide with a new series of the popular CBBC animation show Dennis the Menace and Gnasher.
Andy Murray is the first British men’s Wimbledon champion to appear in The Beano. In this special edition, Murray faces off against Minnie the Minx in a game of tennis that he will never forget.
Bash Street School knocked down
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The Beano Editor Craig Graham said, “We always planned to include Andy Murray in this amazing issue – but we reworked the strip to reflect his historic Wimbledon win.”
The 60-page monthly magazine includes a 32-page ‘Complete Comic Adventure’ section and a free retail-quality branded gift.
v celebrities Ant and Dec featured in the 75th anniversary issue of The Beano.
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In this special edition, Ant and Dec appeared in both the Numskulls and The Bash Street Kids strips. A fight breaks out between Ant and Dec's numskulls sending the pair in to autopilot mode and on course to Bash Street School with some dramatic consequences. The Beano Editor-in-Chief, Mike Stirling, said, “The Numskulls strip in this 75th anniversary issue is pure comic genius. Ant and Dec’s most talked about attributes worked perfectly and, in The Bash Street Kids strip, Ant’s head knocks down Bash Street School. The shock, the horror - this has never happened before! Where will the kids go to school now?” The 75th anniversary issue also featured celebrities such as David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson,
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Harry Hill, Bruce Forsyth, Holly Willoughby, Simon Cowell, One Direction (in the Bananaman Strip), and Jessie J.
Circulation Success
August 2013
n August, The People’s Friend announced an increase in sales. The title has bucked the trend of declining sales and recorded a period-onperiod sales growth of 1% from January to June 2013.
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Throughout the past twelve months the title has undergone a significant redesign, which includes increased pagination and the introduction of new editorial themes. As a result, sales figures have grown. The magazine recorded sales of 243,133 copies from January to June 2013. The People’s Friend Editor Angela Gilchrist said, “This is a fantastic result, and one that rewards all the hard work put in by everyone associated with this wonderful magazine. For over a year, we’ve been working towards this goal with a long-term plan involving increased pagination, enhanced content and design, superb subscription offers and a carefully focused campaign to raise awareness of the title through TV sponsorship and retail promotions.” She added, “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, which is even more remarkable given the difficult challenges currently being faced by the market.”
● The Courier launches a bigger and better Saturday package on 24th August. As part of a major investment in the title, the DC Thomson newspaper unveils a new magazine, Courier Weekend.
DC Thomson continues to invest in The People’s Friend, including the development of its sister titles The People’s Friend Special and The People’s Friend Pocket Novels.
Magazine sales for The People’s Friend have also received the support of a cross-platform marketing campaign. This includes the one year sponsorship deal with Storytelling on ITV3 Afternoons, a subscriptions marketing campaign and enhanced in-store pointof-sale marketing promotions with leading magazine retailers and supermarkets.
gold watches The following staff members received their gold watches in 2013 after achieving 37 years’ service.
● The ABC figures for UK Regional titles are released. The average daily sale for the 68 paid for daily titles was 1.85M copies per day. This was down 10.2% against January to June 2012. When ranking in volume The Press and Journal and The Courier are the 4th and 5th largest sellers in the UK. The Press and Journal is also the 4th best performing. Our evening titles performed better than our Edinburgh and Glasgow equivalents. ● A number of changes are made to the business structure of our Group company brightsolid. Annelies van den Belt is appointed to the new role of CEO of DC Thomson Family History. Richard Higgs continues as Chief Executive of brightsolid online technology. Chris van der Kuyl takes on a new role as Strategic Adviser to the DC Thomson Board. ● Aberdeen Journals Family Fun Day takes place at Elphinstone Hall, The University of Aberdeen.
AUGUST David Duff, Newspapers, Operations, Dundee SEPTEMBER Lynn Docherty, Consumer Entertainment, Administration
MAY John Stevenson, Newspapers, The Courier
OCTOBER Andrew Argo, Newspapers, The Courier
JUNE Elizabeth O’Rourke, Consumer Entertainment, The People’s Friend
NOVEMBER James Masson, Newspapers, Evening Telegraph
● The Evening Express relaunches Green Final. The weekly sports insert includes match reports, pictures and results from the weekend’s sporting action from across the north-east of Scotland. It is distributed free with the title every Monday. ● The Evening Telegraph runs a campaign aimed at improving the safety of children as they arrive and leave school. Local police, politicians and head teachers have backed the initiative.
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September 2013 ● Work begins to decommission our Aberdeen Production Plant. The four-week project is completed according to schedule. ● A number of roadshow events are held in Dundee and Aberdeen to help staff members understand new UK Government autoenrolment Pensions legislation. The sessions are hosted by Mercer, advisors to the Trustees and administrators of the Defined Contribution section of the Thomson-Leng Provident Fund. ● The Press and Journal launches two new lifestyle supplements, Elegance and YL. The quarterly glossy magazine Elegance and weekly Saturday supplement YL launch on September 14th. ● The Beano wins Best Classic Licensed Property at the Licensing Awards. ● Around 500 staff members take part in press tours at Kingsway. Staff members see the investment in the press, view a bespoke exhibition about the company and hear about our plans for the future. External dignitaries including local and national politicians, academics and businesspeople also attend. ● A Staff Fun Day is held at Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort near Dundee. Current local and regional staff members and their families are invited to the event. An array of outdoor activities is lined up. The clear favourites of the day are the photo-booth, face painting, the bucking bronco and the sumo wrestling suits. The live band and barbeque go down a treat. All in all, a fantastic, fun day, with a great turn out.
ackie The Musical began in September at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee. The musical marked the beginning of anniversary celebrations for Jackie magazine which turns 50 in January 2014. The production attracted over 6000 visitors during its run and the Gardyne’s Theatre Manager, Alan Dear, was thrilled with the musical’s success.
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Alan said, “It was the event of the year at the Gardyne and has attracted new and regular theatre goers from across Scotland. The help and support we have had from past and present DC Thomson staff members was invaluable. We’re now working hard to ensure the production is revived in 2014.” Jackie The Musical, produced in association with DC Thomson, told the story of recent divorcee, Jackie, who sought advice on how to get a boyfriend from the pages of her old Jackie magazines. Support for the musical came in the form of rave reviews from The Scotsman theatre critic Joyce MacMillan, who said the script is “witty and thoroughly theatrical” and fans online who posted, “Second time at Jackie tonight; great show, great atmosphere and absolutely fantastic cast and production team”. October saw the release of 50 Years of Jackie. Published to celebrate the anniversary of the muchloved publication, the book is a new anthology taking a walk down memory lane with stories, articles and practical advice galore. It features exclusive articles from former Jackie Editors on the history of the magazine, the Cathy and Claire column and the fashion, picture stories and celebrities. A compilation CD is also due for release in the coming months.
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Marriages & New Arrivals
October 2013 ● The Courier, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and Wellgate Shopping Centre team up to bring a free classical music performances to the people of Dundee. The RSNO Brass Quintet, led by RSNO Principal Trumpet John Gracie, performs a selection of popular tunes at the Wellgate Shopping Centre in October. ● The Mature Insight Conference 2013 takes place in the Love Darg Room at our Kingsway premises. Attendees learn how our Consumer Insight and Brand Development team has segmented the lucrative over 50s market into mature “tribes” and how this information can be used to the benefit of our titles.
Anna Kennedy (Editor-in-Chief of Animals & You, Wendy and WWE Kids, Kingsway) married Stuart Gunn. The wedding took place at Maryculter House Hotel.
Gina Ellingford (Events and Exhibition Manager, Kingsway) married John Adams. The couple tied the knot at Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on 10th August.
● The sold-out Press and Journal Energy Ball attracts a record, 1,485 guests and raises thousands for charity. It takes place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre’s GE Oil & Gas Arena. The annual event is hosted by Aberdeen Journals Editor-inChief, Damian Bates, and features performances by BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian Rory Bremner and 1980/90s pop sensations Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
● My Weekly, launches its 14th Helping Hand Appeal. In conjunction with Scottish-based charity Mary’s Meals, the campaign will support children living in poverty in Kenya.
Pete Watt, Evening Telegraph Editorial. Nicholas Alexander McCormack Watt was born to parents Pete and Mary on 1st April. He weighed 8lb 2oz.
Jeni and Mike Fallone, Programme Office, Kingsway. Guilia Fallone was born on 21st March 2013 to project managers Jeni and Mike. She weighed 8lbs.
● Aberdeen’s Evening Express gives away a record £20,000 cash prize. Golden wallets are inserted in to every Evening Express on Thursday 31st October with some copies containing golden ticket prizes of £50, £100, £500, £1000 and one top prize of £20,000.
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Editorial Awards ur second annual Editorial Awards Ceremony for Newspapers was held on Saturday 26th October. The Awards are a celebration of outstanding achievement across our editorial teams and recognise the contributions of the journalists, photographers and production teams on all of our titles. Prizes, including reporter of the year, feature writer of the year, sports reporter of the year, scoop of the year and unsung hero of the year, were presented to staff members by TV Presenter Cat Cubie.
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The Sunday Post was recognised as DC Thomson’s newspaper of the year, thanks to its radical change over recent months, improving the layout and enhancing the coverage of news and sport. Editor-in-Chief Donald Martin said, “I’m delighted that The Sunday Post’s fantastic evolution and continued improvement has been recognised by fellow editors. I’m very proud of all that we’ve achieved in the past year. The team has worked tremendously hard and the newspaper continues to go from strength to strength.” Awards were also presented to staff members from The Press and Journal, Evening Express, The Courier and Evening Telegraph. Damian Bates, Editor-in-Chief for Aberdeen, hosted the evening. He said, “It has been another challenging year for us and all of our titles have successfully undergone substantial change. Our staff members continue to give their all to ensure we produce some of the best - and most successful - products in the market place. The awards celebrate all the good work and the success of our newspapers’ teams.”
The full list of winners is: ● REPORTER OF THE YEAR: Philip Sim, Evening Telegraph ● SCOOP OF THE YEAR: “Mafia” – Evening Telegraph ● NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Kami Thomson, The Press and Journal ● PRODUCTION JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: Sonja Cox, The Press and Journal ● SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: Daniel Stewart, The Sunday Post ● SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Steven MacDougall, The Courier ● FRONT PAGE OF THE YEAR: The Courier – Andy Murray ● FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR: Alison Kirker, The Sunday Post
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● COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR: Joe Watson, The Press and Journal ● CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR: Broken Heart, Evening Express ● SPECIALIST REPORTER OF THE YEAR: David McKay, The Press and Journal ● YOUNG REPORTER OF THE YEAR: Anthony Joseph, Evening Express ● TEAM OF THE YEAR: The Sunday Post Re-Design Team, John Wilkie and Kenny McBride ● UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR for Aberdeen: Annette Cameron – Evening Express ● UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR for Dundee: Peter Watt – Evening Telegraph ● BILL ANDERSON AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT – Catriona MacInnes, The Courier
Business Awards inners of the inaugural Courier Business Awards were unveiled at a sold-out black-tie event in November. The Awards took place at Fairmont St Andrews and were hosted by broadcaster, writer and former MP, Gyles Brandreth.
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The Courier Editor Richard Neville said, “This is the first year we have held these awards and the response has been absolutely fantastic. More than 500 business men and women came together at the Fairmont St Andrews to celebrate everything that is vibrant and exciting about The Courier country economy. “I am convinced that these awards will grow and grow every year, especially given the wonderful opportunity they present to businesses to show the rest of the country how innovative and adventurous they can be.” Alliance Trust Chief Executive and Chairman of The Courier Business Awards Katherine Garrett-Cox added, “It has been an honour to Chair the first Courier Business Awards which have been a huge success. The strength of applicants was exceptional and the category winners very deserving. Congratulations to them all.”
November 2013 ● Dudley D. Watkins is honoured in the first year of a Commemorative Plaque Scheme for Scotland, designed to celebrate the life and achievements of significant historic figures. Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, unveils the Historic Scotland “blue plaque” in November. Dudley D. Watkins (1907-1969) is recognised for his contribution to Scottish popular culture through his work for DC Thomson. He is best known for iconic Scottish characters Oor Wullie and The Broons which he drew for The Sunday Post from 1936 until his death in 1969. Dudley’s illustrated characters include Lord Snooty for The Beano and Desperate Dan for The Dandy. ● TV presenter Richard Hammond stars in and guest edits The Beano. The special issue, on sale Wednesday 6th November, has a Grand Prix theme and follows the Top Gear star as he attempts to uncover the identity of The Stig with the help of The Beano gang.
he Courier published its 50,000th issue on Monday 4th November. The publication launched on 20th September 1816, starting out as The Dundee Weekly Courier and Forfarshire Agricultural and Commercial Advertiser, a Friday paper that was often a single sheet of two pages. For nearly 50 years, it was published weekly or bi-weekly but in 1861 it became one of Britain’s first daily newspapers.
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Throughout the newspaper’s history it has held the belief that ‘local matters’. The Courier successfully fought for Dundee’s own university, campaigned for the Tay Road Bridge and battled to preserve Fife as a single local authority. In more recent times it led campaigns to scrap road bridge tolls, supported moves to prevent ship-toship oil transfers in the Forth and drove forward the successful campaigns to dual the A9 through Perthshire and return Perth to a city.
“Of course, the publication has changed somewhat since 1816, not least by shortening its name! The Courier has moved with the times, ensuring that readers receive news when and how they want to. Our printed title is still very much at the heart of The Courier operation but is supported by our popular website and growing social media channels.” He added, “This is a momentous occasion – here’s to another 50,000 copies.”
The Courier Editor Richard Neville said, “We are proud to boast that 50,000 issues on, The Courier is still bringing local and national news to the people of Dundee, Fife, Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire, Perthshire, Angus and The Mearns.
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December 2013 ● Minnie the Minx is 60 on 19th December. To celebrate 60 years of the world’s wildest tom boy, The Beano dedicates its Christmas cover to the mischievous Minnie. Minnie the Minx stars alone on The Beano’s cover; a first in the magazine’s history. The bumper Christmas issue on Wednesday 11th December features Minnie, up to her usual high jinks, exclaiming, “It’s my birthday and I’ll Minx if I want to!”.
Anniversary for The Argus
● Over 80% of staff members participate in a survey to have their say on how they feel about working at DC Thomson. The results will be shared and acted upon over the coming weeks. ● The PPA Scottish Magazine Awards take place. DC Thomson secures four of the seven nominated spots in the Consumer Magazine of the Year category for My Weekly, Shout, The People’s Friend and The Scots Magazine. Our titles and staff members are on the shortlist for Backstage Star, Brand Extension, Consumer Magazine Design, Consumer Magazine Editor, Magazine Cover, Online Presence and Sales Performance. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 12th December. ● Visitors to Dundee’s new Malmaison will be confronted by an unexpected guest when the hotlyanticipated hotel opens. It is announced that images of Dennis the Menace will appear in all 91 bedrooms in the £15M venue.
2013 marks the 50th anniversary of The Argus. First launched in January 1963, The Argus grew from suggestions that a staff magazine would be a good thing. “Courier Crack” and other DC Thomson wartime booklets had kept staff in touch with each other and with friends at home. The Argus was a first shot at a peacetime issue and was welcomed “for the staff by the staff”. In his first introductory message W. Harold Thomson advised that, “Personal matter and photographs must provide the backbone, but there will be room for a dash of sparkle.” He concluded, “I hope this Argus will never close more than two eyes and that one of them will keep winking!” Now acting as a round-up of the year’s business events for former staff members, The Argus still contains the
personal matters from births and marriages, to gold watches, leavers, retirals and deaths. Interestingly, in the 1963 issue, there was an article on “The New Building”, which described the extension to Meadowside. Fifty years on, in 2013, we are renovating the original 1905 offices. Refurbishment is progressing well. Building works are currently taking place, including the removal of the roof and structural modifications that are required to convert the building into an open plan office space. Energy saving measures will include Photo Voltaic panels on the roof to capture solar energy, low voltage LED lighting throughout and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption. Staff members are expected to move back in late 2014.
Christmas with The Broons Christmas With The Broons, an album produced by The Music Kitchen in association with DC Thomson, is in the running for the Christmas number one! The compilation CD features over 50 festive favourites including hits from original artists such as Bing Crosby (White Christmas) and Dean Martin (Let It Snow). Scottish style versions of timeless Christmas classics like Jingle Bells and Silent Night will also feature on the album. This is The Broons’ second Christmas album. In 2010 the first album ‘went gold’ after reaching number two in the Scottish charts. Maw Broon said, “With a big happy family like oors, Christmas is filled with music. Whether they’re ben the hoose or in the kitchen, somebody is aye singing along or humming tae their favourite. Granpaw gies the ballads big licks, nae matter if he kens the words or not. The CD is a braw wee taste o’ Christmas wi’ the Broons.”
© D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. 2013