I’m a Londoner born and bred (weaned on the Daily Worker). I emigrated to Canada in 1977, an age of no computers, websites, smartphones or apps, and no hope of finding any British quality news anywhere abroad. Occasionally my parents sent me a gift by sea mail, wrapped carefully in old newspapers – so no matter how old the date, I’d avidly read every headline, column and word. I was starved of well written journalism and news from “back home”.
Fast forward to 2015. During a holiday in London, I ventured out in the midst of early morning commuters, grabbed a Guardian, found a small quirky cafe and sat blissfully for two hours reading it. I’d dreamed of this for months and it was even more satisfying than I imagined. I was hooked! And totally bereft when I returned to Canada sans the Guardian.
Back in Toronto the next day, Guardian-less and in complete desperation, I wandered into the last of the large bookstores in the city and inquired if they had any British newspapers, specifically the G. My eyes lit up when she responded: “Oh yes, we get the weekend edition.” I was ecstatic and could barely wait out the next few days to make my purchase. But, with only six copies arriving late Saturday, I knew I had to be quick on the draw – phoning ahead to make sure they were in before rushing on the bus to get there before anyone else snatched them up. And there it was, all supplements included (well, except the TV guide, but that made sense) and worth every penny of the $8.40 (£5).
Now I can take my time over a Sunday morning coffee, savouring every page and section, trying to spread out the pleasure of reading the paper throughout the week. What’s more, I have made addicts of my friends. I pass my finished, crumpled papers to my Australian friend, who eventually gives it to our expat friend outside of Toronto – weeks late but she doesn’t care. So whatever side of the Atlantic I’m on, I can still enjoy some intelligent British writing and opinion.
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh newsprint in the morning – and a good dose of intelligent writing. By Saturday night I’m off to get my next fix and purchase. I’m a Guardian junkie.
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