Tribute to The Collectors’ Digest

What a sad day it was on Friday last week [as a confirmed triskaidekaphobic it could only have been the 13th May 2005]. I received my expected issue of Collectors’ Digest – to discover that it is the last issue ever.

The journal was founded in 1947 by Herbert Leckenby, and produced under primitive conditions by an enthusiastic (not to say obsessive) fan of Old Boys’ Books. He laboured away whilst working at the telephone exchange of Northern Command. His book-keeping skills were next to none! But, he did not do it for money – it was entirely for love of the Hobby. When Eric Fayne took ever the Editorial Chair in 1959, after Herbert’s sudden death, he little realised that he would adorn the office for so many years. He ‘retired’ in 1987, to be succeeded by Mary Cadogan who has faithfully produced the journal to the end.

How many private publications can claim a ‘life’ of 665 issues over 58 years, monthly until the end of the year 200, and quarterly since? In addition, there was the Annual – a yearly treat of a feast of material about our hobby. This became The Christmas Special in 2002. I have made no attempt to calculate the number of words printed over the years; but I do know that there are over 10,700 entries in my database for the Collectors’ Digest Monthly and Collectors’ Digest Annual. When I have indexed the remaining issues (Quarterly issues plus Christmas Specials), I fully expect there will be almost 11,000 entries. This statistic in itself speaks volumes for the longevity and scope of the journal. More importantly, it tells of the enthusiasm of the readers, writers, and, above all, the dedication of the Editors who laboured unseen (and largely unsung) to ensure the continuation of a vital tread in the study of our Hobby.

I am lucky to possess a complete run of both CD and CDA. They are an invaluable research tool – as well as full of readable, well-presented articles. The archive this ‘little paper’ forms is to be cherished. Sadly, I do not believe that it has an ISSN, so that, unlike our offerings [The Friars' Chronicles], it is not kept in the British Library. Something, I feel strongly that should be put right; perhaps the Old Boys’ Book Club could enquire about this; and, if the response is favourable, create a complete set for inclusion in one of the world’s largest collections of journals. For one thing is certain, this journal must not be allowed to ‘fade into the sunset’. It deserves a fitting epitaph – surely, this would be a just memorial.

Both Sarah Batchelor and I who have edited all the Friars’ Chronicles know the sheer amount of work involved in such undertakings. And, not just work – more importantly, time! So, as ‘fellow editors’ we salute Herbert, Eric, and Mary for all their labours over almost six decades. Even Hercules did not have to work as they! Mary especially deserves our thanks, not only for the CD and Annual, but also for all the other excellent Hobby writing that she has done (and will continues to do) as well as her indefatigable support of so many clubs connected with various aspects of Old Boys Books.

Finally, may I make an appeal for Friars’ Club members who are members of other Old Boys’ Book Clubs to persuade them to take out a subscription to The Friars’ Chronicles to ensure that this body of aficionados still have a vehicle for their writings – and the ensurance that their work can be shared by fellow-enthusiasts?

Peter McCall

[Reprinted from The Friars' Chronicles, Volume 23, Number 102, Page 29, with permission of the Editor.