This edition of Mass of Ages is the 200th publication issued to members of the LMS since it was founded in 1965. In the archives, stored in our Macklin Street Office, we have copies of all of these, dating back to the very first ‘Newsletter’ issued in July of that year.
It is interesting to see how the ‘Newsletter’, as it was originally called, has evolved since 1965. From being a few sheets of duplicated text, probably produced on a Gestetner machine, (for those not old enough to remember, the duplicator stencil skin had to be produced on a typewriter, fitted to the drum of the machine and the handle cranked as copy after copy came out of the duplicator) to being the full colour, professionally produced publication we have today. See the centre pages of this edition of Mass of Ages. From those very early days, an important part of the publication has been a round-up of news from around the country. Today, this news is submitted in the form of reports from our network of Local Representatives and Assistant Representatives. Reporting on Masses and events in their area is but one (albeit an important one) part of the work of a Representative. They also pass on information, opinions and advice garnered from their local activities to the LMS Office so, at a national level; we can react or offer support. They represent the Society, offer practical and moral support to priests, are available to members and supporters, promote training events, encourage membership, and organise Masses and other events.
We are currently looking for people to act as either full Local Representatives or as Assistant Representatives in different parts of the country, namely: Hexham & Newcastle, Leeds, Plymouth (Dorset), and Middlesbrough (North). If you are interested in volunteering for any of these positions, or if you would like more information, please phone the LMS Office (020 7404 7284) and ask to speak to Stephen Moseling, the General Manager, for an informal chat. The publication of our 200th edition is an appropriate time to thank all those who have, and those who continue, to contribute news, features, regular columns, photographs or letters. We also take this opportunity to thank our previous and current Editor, designer and printer for their work in helping to produce a publication of which we can be proud.