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“A Touch Far Vetched!” began
as an idea way back in October 2004. Despite the success
of previous
Swansea
City
fanzines, which included Jack Plug,
Jackanory and Black Swan, the Swans had not had a fanzine as an alternative/compliment to the match day
programme for many years.
The growth of the internet
had maybe to a degree rendered fanzines slightly defunct but it was felt
that with the Swans looking forward to an exciting future in a new stadium
that the fan base would appreciate the concept of a new fanzine.
A working group of around 15 people, led by Phil Sumbler and Nigel Davies,
was formed and contributions invited from fanzine enthusiasts old and new to
piece together a 32 page fanzine to commemorate the Swans moving from the
Vetch Field.
The initial edition went on sale before the Cambridge United game at the
Vetch on April 2nd 2005 and “A Touch Far Vetched!”
was officially born.
Much has
changed since that inaugural issue; original Editor Phil Sumbler stepped
down after the first two editions to take up the position of Supporters
Trust Chairman and his deputy Nigel Davies stepped up to assume editorial
control, a position he still occupies today.
Contributors have come and gone and
resident artist Ian Simmons replaced Nigel’s brother Michael as the
fanzine designer, resulting in subtle changes in style. Regular columns and
features have been spawned, and replaced, as the seasons have gone by.
But there are two things that have remained constant since the very first
issue rolled off the press…the cover price of just £1 and
the donation of all subsequent proceeds to youth development at
Swansea
City
Football Club and local good causes within the community.
“A Touch Far Vetched!”
has always been, and always will be, a
non-profit making publication.
The
fanzine currently has two main fundraising campaigns – "Pounds for Pennock"
and the "Community
Chest Initiative"
– and has given away more than £5,000
in cash and equipment since its inception.
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