The Bircham Times Background

Late 2023 we came up with an idea to reinvigorate our local newsletter that covers the villages of Great Bircham, Bircham Newton and Bircham Tofts and has a hard-copy circulation of about 300. The result was the Bircham Times. The aim is to both entertain and inform, while helping to bring the community together.

It is an entirely non-commercial publication, only made possible by the volunteers who donate their time and skills for the cause. From writing, editing, DTP and printing through to distribution, they all give their input for the benefit of the local community. We also mostly use open-source software in its production, so we are also indebted to those worldwide who offer up their time and skills for the greater good.

Ongoing Developments

There has been some criticism that the Bircham Times arrives through people's letterboxes too late i.e. after some of the advertised events have happened.

This was one of the key reasons why we applied to take over the editorship: we were ourselves frustrated by the lack of timeliness.

We have come a long way since taking over responsibility in November 2023. Since we took over, we show events from the middle of the month to the middle of next month (and beyond where practicable). However, things are still not perfect. Being linked with the Parish Council, we are dependent on receiving its content following the monthly meeting, which usually happens around mid month. On average this takes about a week. We have all the other content prepared before that, so we are ready to go as soon as we receive that info. Then, after that, there may be another delay as we wait for printing to happen. Lastly, we are dependent on the distributors delivering the printed version. It is therefore still possible that some of the Diary Events may have passed by the time it is received.

In an effort to get information to parishioners as soon as possible, we also produce an online version. This is published at www.thebirchams.uk. We aim to get it online by the 15th of every month (at which point none of the events will have passed). If you know someone without internet access who may be interested in the online version, we would urge you to print off a copy to share with them.

Rest assured that the printed version will continue to be produced and delivered as previously.

Current Issue

Past Issues

You can contact us by email at news@thebirchams.uk

Last updated January 15, 2025

© 2023-25 Bircham Times