The Story of the Fox Magazine

The origins of the Fox Magazine date back to 1939, when the Works Council first proposed the idea of a publication for the employees and families of the Company, coinciding with the outbreak of the Second World War. However, due to the wartime paper shortage, the magazine’s launch was delayed, and it eventually debuted in the spring of 1946.

The magazine’s mission was clear: "for employees, about employees, the Company and its achievements, and as far as possible, by employees." In his introductory message, Mr. S. A. Jackson, the General Manager at the time, expressed hope that the magazine would "foster and develop a spirit of co-operation and good-fellowship, and encourage interest and enthusiasm in this business of earning a living."

Over the course of 20 years, The Fox Magazine produced seven volumes, each with 12 editions, culminating in 84 issues. Its circulation grew steadily, from 3,800 copies in its early years to 7,500 by its final edition. The magazine reached not only the Company's active workforce, but also 900 retired employees and many former workers now spread across Britain and the world, carrying with it the Company’s image and goodwill.

Regular contributors included employees at all levels, from the General Manager to new recruits who submitted cartoons. Local poets, too, contributed their work, with many fondly remembering Mr. Albert Hirst, whose poems of wisdom and local charm were cherished by readers both near and far.

In 1967, the Company shifted its focus to a weekly newspaper, a move in line with other divisions of the Group. The new publication was intended to provide more immediate news and updates, marking a significant shift towards faster-paced communication. This shift ultimately led to the end of The Fox Magazine, though it is worth noting that Samuel Fox & Co. Ltd. allowed both the quarterly and the new weekly to coexist longer than any other division of the Group.

The Fox Magazine served as a cherished record of the Company’s community spirit, achievements, and the people behind its success, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to be remembered today.