The Collectors Digest.
The Collectors Digest first appeared in November 1946 priced an one shilling plus a penny postage. You can read the very first issue here.
Herbert Leckenby produced the CD every month until 1959 when it became apparent he was no longer able to do so due to his failing health. Herbert had persuaded Eric Fayne to take over the CD but died days before the handover leaving Eric to pick up the pieces. Herbert was a real enthusiast of the Old Boys Books but he was no book keeper or administrator!
Eric edited the book for the next 27 years before 'retiring' in 1987 to be succeeded by Mary Cadogan who edited the journal until it ceased publication in 2005, some 59 years after the first issue.
Eric was Headmaster of Modern School, Surbiton for a number of years. On the anniversary of what would have been his 100th birthday the newsletter of the former pupils association (The Old Modernians) published a tribute to Eric. You can read the newsletter here.
I have uploaded a number of articles from the CD. Most of them can be found in the story paper sections, the articles which don't particularly fit into any particular story paper category are listed below.
Funeral of Frank Richards. A moving account of the funeral of Frank Richards by Eric Fayne. This article appeared in a Collectors Digest supplement from January 1962.
Highcliffe in the Boys' Friend Library. Frank Richards only wrote two stories centred around Highcliffe but they were both 'Jewels'.
Charles Hamilton Tag list. Have you ever wondered where the Charles Hamilton quotes come from? This tag list by Tom Hopperton and Gerry Allison should provide the answers. Worth a Guinea a box!
Fleetway House is no More. Amalgamated Press occupied Fleetway house from 1912 until the early seventies. In an article from the CD in 1978 Bill Lofts describes his many visits.
Memories of the Magnet office by GR Samways. Samways is perhaps best known as a Hamilton sub writer but his output for the Companion papers often rivalled that of Hamilton himself. In this article he describes life in Fleetway house.
Frank Richards Christmas Greeting. In 1940 Charles Hamilton broadcasted a Christmas message on the BBC world service. A transcript was later published in the Collectors Digest.
The Mystery of Jack Nobody. Three Jack of all trades books appeared in the 1950's then there was no more! In this CD article Derek Adley look at the the three books and wonders if the other manuscripts will ever see the light of day.
Appreciation of Eric Fayne. Eric Fayne inherited the role of Editor of the CD in 1959 following the sudden death of Herbert Leckenby. He held this post for 27 years before 'retiring'. Roger Jenkins published an appreciation of Eric's work in the CD.