Folklore Frontiers - No 049

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: Number 49
Date: April 23, 2005
Publisher: Paul Screeton

FOLKLORE FRONTIERS is an independent magazine dedicated to exploring various aspects of folklore, with a particular focus on contemporary legends, urban belief tales, ancient and modern traditions, and lore. It is edited and published by Paul Screeton from his address in Hartlepool, UK. A subscription for three issues is priced at £6.

Contents and Commentary

The issue opens with 'COMMENTS AND THE DIARY', offering a diverse collection of observations and brief mentions. These include speculation on Rod Stewart's personal life and pursuits, a celebration of Edith Nesbitt's 'The Railway Children', a note on Dolly Parton and breast fetishism, an endorsement of a call for a day off on St George's Day, and a humorous take on the claim of an actress's breasts being worshipped by an African tribe. There's also a mention of Guinness in relation to St Patrick's Day and a 'Did You Miss?' section featuring three pieces on lightning strikes, with the amusing explanation that men are more likely to be struck because they 'get out more'. Other brief mentions cover employee mischief, a rumour about a birth at Harvey Nichols, names for condoms, and dinosaur droppings.

The front cover artwork is discussed, featuring Helen Chadwick's 'Piss Flowers', which provoked laughter from grandchildren. The 'HUNTING LEY MISUSES' section, written by the former editor of 'The Ley Hunter' magazine, critiques the lazy journalistic use of 'ley-lines' to denote the 'dippy', citing an example from The Times Magazine concerning Alan Titchmarsh and Finchley Road.

Feature Articles

'Please don't shop until you drop' by Stephanie Marsh

This article from The Times reports on an unusual phenomenon at the department store Harvey Nichols, where heavily pregnant women were loitering for hours, drawn by a rumour that they would receive £500 in gift vouchers if they went into labour on the premises. The rumour, spread in antenatal classes, led to women calling the store from their cars on the way to the hospital. While staff tried to scotch the rumour, the surge of pregnant women waiting in the store became a problem. Harvey Nichols stated that while they might consider giving vouchers, it would not be if the intention was to deliberately give birth in the store. A spokesperson for Mothercare confirmed a birth had occurred there, but stated there was no official policy on gifts, leaving it to the discretion of the store manager.

'Birth in store' - Letter to the Editor

Barry Hyman writes in response to a previous report about expectant mothers hoping to claim gifts by having a baby in the Harvey Nichols store. He recounts an experience at a Marks & Spencer pre-opening event where a woman went into labour, and he humorously hoped for twin boys to be named Mark and Spencer. He notes that a woman went into labour at Harvey Nichols, and the store expressed concern as their first-aiders were not trained in childbirth.

'Whipping up a stink, the £10,000 poo' by Stephen Hull

This article details a £10,000 bronze sculpture of dinosaur stools (coprolites) that caused a stir in the village of Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. Mounted on a plinth, the artwork, designed by teacher David Billings, was inspired by the historical mining of coprolites for fertiliser. Parish councillors defended the sculpture, suggesting it would be popular with children and boost tourism, while some villagers and a student criticized it as a waste of money and a distraction from more important issues.

'FAITH NEWS'

This section reports on criticism directed at the Royal Mail for including a stamp of glamour model Jordan (Katie Price) in a set featuring eminent British Jews. Leonard Riskin, President of the Jewish Philatelic Association, expressed dismay, stating Jordan did not epitomize the values they wished to encourage. A Post Office spokesperson defended the choice, explaining the aim was to include someone from all walks of life, with Jordan representing a younger, more relatable figure.

'Waving at trains: A Life of the swinger Edith Nesbit' by Paul Screeton

This extensive piece by the editor explores the life and work of Edith Nesbitt, the author of 'The Railway Children'. Screeton recounts his own library experiences in trying to research Nesbitt and 'The Railway Children', finding limited information. He delves into Nesbitt's unconventional life, including her marriage to Hubert Bland, their open relationship, her affairs with prominent figures like George Bernard Shaw, and her adoption of children. The article touches upon her prolific writing career, her role as a breadwinner, and her adoption of 'advanced woman' ideals. It also mentions the 1970 film adaptation by Lionel Jeffries and discusses the Freudian interpretations of 'The Railway Children', particularly in relation to actress Jenny Agutter's portrayal. Screeton concludes by noting Nesbitt's creation of a prototype 'under-class single mother chav' a century before the term became common.

'Dolly Parton's big rumours' by Paul Screeton

This article examines the public persona and persistent rumours surrounding the iconic singer and actress Dolly Parton. Screeton details Parton's extensive cosmetic surgery, her views on her appearance, and the media's focus on her physical attributes, particularly her breasts. The piece includes quotes from Parton addressing rumours about her surgeries and her willingness to joke about her appearance. It also touches upon her background, her early influences, and the development of her Dollywood theme park. The article notes a doctor's warning about the potential for severe spinal strain due to the weight of her 40DD breasts and her recent comments about her breasts 'killing me'.

'Rod the Mod (el railway fanatic)' by Paul Screeton

This feature focuses on the rock star Rod Stewart's passion for model railways. Screeton contrasts Stewart's obsession with his model trains with his relationships, particularly with his ex-wife, model Rachel Hunter, who reportedly found his hobby more compelling than their marriage. The article details the elaborate model railway layouts Stewart has built, including one in his Beverly Hills home. It explores the origins of his interest, stemming from his childhood fascination with trains, and quotes him on how his hobby is a significant part of his life, even describing it as a 'fabulous hobby' that is 'three-dimensional'. The piece concludes by questioning whether Stewart is 'Hornby or horny'.

'Employees' mischief'

This section presents a collection of humorous anecdotes about disgruntled employees seeking revenge on their bosses or employers. Examples include a sperm bank technician swapping semen samples, a postman sending pornographic material to dignitaries, a sacked sales rep mailing gay magazines to his boss, a Maxis Inc. programmer inserting images of men kissing into a game, an underwear factory worker putting itching powder into knickers, and a factory worker stamping 'Fuck The English' on piccalilli jar lids.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a blend of folklore, contemporary legends, and cultural commentary, often with a humorous or satirical edge. The editorial stance, as reflected in Paul Screeton's writing, appears to be one of critical observation, often highlighting the absurdities and ironies of modern life, celebrity culture, and human behaviour. There is a recurring interest in the unconventional, the bizarre, and the anecdotal, presented with a distinctive journalistic style that mixes factual reporting with personal reflection and witty asides. The magazine seems to champion the overlooked, the quirky, and the 'urban myth' as valid subjects for exploration, often drawing from newspaper clippings and personal accounts to illustrate its points. The overall tone is informal yet insightful, aiming to entertain and inform readers about the less-explored corners of culture and society.