NEWSPAPERS not only keep communities connected, they form important historical records.

Each edition is a time capsule made of paper, able to transport its reader back to the very day upon which is was printed. Who were the big players in the city? What were the issues of the day? What was the mood of the public? All of these questions can be answered by looking through any edition of the Oxford Mail over the past almost 92 years.

So when Mairi and Norman Summersby found a copy of one of the very earliest editions of the Oxford Mail, what they held in their hands was a slice of history. This is a story which captures, at a pivotal moment for the press, why newspapers are so important.

In 1928, a printed newspaper would have been the only way for many people to stay connected with local and national events.

Fast-forward almost 92 years and whilst so much has changed, the principles behind your Oxford Mail have not.

We may do things very differently (one wonders what the founding editor would have made of the internet). But we are still here for the same purpose – to serve the community, campaign, ask questions on your behalf and keep you updated and entertained.

Oxford Mail:

The Oxford Mail has seen you through many crises, but now we are in one of our own. Advertising revenue has fallen significantly due to the coronavirus crisis. This comes after many years of well-publicised difficulties for the media industry.

Many local businesses are relying on the Oxford Mail to advertise their services in our #StillopeninOxfordshire campaign. But the truth is that we’re a struggling local business too and we are asking for those who value what we do to please consider supporting us.

That’s why we are offering free delivery on all newspaper subscriptions for the next six weeks and a new digital platform. For just £1 a week you have full access to our entire digital archive. Not only that but you know you’re preserving trusted local journalism and in turn, democracy, for the years to come.

Find out more here about subscriptions

We would like to thank Mr and Mrs Summersby and all the dedicated readers like them who continue to support the Oxford Mail.