Gnome News - No 07 -1980

Magazine Overview

Title: Gnome News
Issue: Newsletter No. 7
Publisher: THE GNOME CLUB
Location: West Putford, Devon, England

This issue of Gnome News, the seventh newsletter from The Gnome Club, is dated as being from England and features a whimsical cover illustration depicting gnomes assisting a sleeping Santa Claus during the winter off-season. The main headline poses the question: "WHAT DO THE GNOMES GET UP TO WHEN THE RESERVE IS CLOSED FOR WINTER? THEY HELP AN OLD FRIEND OF THEIRS...". The newsletter includes a variety of content, from reader contributions and poetry to in-depth articles on ecological philosophy and global fairy traditions.

Cover Story: Gnomes and Santa

The cover art humorously illustrates gnomes in action, with one feeding Rudolph, another looking at a list, and others tending to Santa. The scene suggests that even when the Gnome Reserve is closed, the gnomes are busy, this time helping out Santa Claus. The artwork is signed "FLETCH GN 3".

Letters from Readers

The "Letters" section showcases correspondence from club members, highlighting their personal connections to gnomes and the club.

• Bernice McLaren from Derbyshire shares drawings by her children, Alexander and Angus, inspired by a visit to the Gnome Reserve. She mentions their "peeping gnome" Mr. Peepus.
• Edna Little from Lancs expresses her enjoyment of the newsletter and her hope to visit the Reserve. She mentions her interest in vegetarianism, animal welfare, art, music, and food reform, and offers to be a pen-friend for those aged 59-62.
• Chris Dawson from New Zealand writes about his efforts to increase the gnome population there and his work repainting and selling gnomes, aiming to convey a sense of magic and wonder. He also shares his appreciation for the "Gnome News" and mentions various gnome-related terms like "Gnome on the range" and "Metrognome".
• Sandra Kelley thanks the club for her membership and describes her nine gnomes, particularly one named Harry who refuses to wear a sombrero. She recounts a distressing incident where her son, Mark, put pegs on her gnomes' noses and plastic bags on their heads, and requests a warning to be printed.
• Seya McDonald from Surrey, who is Finnish, shares her childhood belief in gnomes in Finland and how Finns would leave food for them. She mentions visiting her father and sister in Finland and provides Finnish Christmas postcards.

Articles and Features

"The Happiness Book" Review

This section reviews "The Happiness Book" by Danny Danziger, with photographs by Nic Barlow. Published by Pan Books at £3.50, the book features contributions from 84 individuals, both well-known and unknown, sharing what makes them happy. The review notes that 20% of the author's royalties will be donated to the Royal College of Nursing. It includes a quote from Alexander Pope and Robert Louis Stevenson on happiness, and a quote from Byron: "All who joy would win must share it happiness was born a twin.". A photograph by Nic Barlow shows gnomes by a stream in the Gnome Reserve.

Poetry

• "At the bottom of the Garden" by Steven L. Andrews is a poem describing a magical dawn gathering of "little ones" in the garden, a dance observed by nature spirits, and their return home.
• "The Glory which is Earth" by Evelyn Nolt is a short poem reflecting on the interconnectedness of matter, from dust to galaxies, and the universal music found in nature.

"News From The Reserve" by Ann Atkin

Ann Atkin reports on the summer's activities at the Gnome Reserve, estimating 20,000-25,000 visitors. She notes the popularity of borrowing gnome hats, which seemed to bring visible joy to visitors. Wishes were made at the wishing well and in the Fairy Ring, with many visitors reporting a profound impact from their visit. Atkin describes her own summer as a "continous delight" despite the demanding hours.

"The Garden as a Metaphysical Symbol" by Ian L. McHaig

This extensive article, an extract from the Royal Society of Arts Journal, explores the concept of the garden as a symbol reflecting a society's underlying beliefs about God, man, and nature. McHaig critiques the traditional view of man's dominion over nature, advocating for an ecological perspective based on understanding and adaptation. He discusses concepts of syntropy and entropy, fitness and misfitness, and health versus morbidity, arguing that an appropriate metaphysic must be consistent with universal laws and also specific to place, people, and time. The article examines how different cultures have expressed their relationship with nature through their gardens and architecture, from Ancient Egypt to Zen gardens. McHaig concludes by proposing a new metaphysic that embraces cooperation with nature, envisioning a future where human impact is regenerative rather than destructive.

"The Gnomes and the Pixie" Comic Strip

A humorous comic strip tells the story of Oscar, who is startled by a pixie and then discovers that the pixies have robbed the larders, leading to a chase and a resolution where the pixie is caught and the food recovered.

"The Hidden Peoples" by David Parry

This article delves into the global traditions of "hidden people" or nature spirits, including fairies, gnomes, sylphs, and undines. Parry discusses their presence in various cultures, from Celtic traditions and the "Green Man" in Britain to the Mimi of Arnhem Land, Adaros of Polynesia, and the Fairy Folk of China. He also explores the Innua of the Eskimos, the elemental beings of North American Red Indians, and nature spirits in India, Iran, Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, Greece, and Japan. The article emphasizes the importance of respecting these beings and nature itself, suggesting that a new age is dawning where humanity may be more open to the supernatural.

Competition and Young Author Features

• Competition: An open competition invites members to submit a short story, drawing, or painting about a "dream" journey with a gnome. Prizes are concrete fishing gnomes.
• "A Competition winning entry" by Steven Andrews is presented, featuring "Emerald Ed ward" and "Gareth the Green", two garden gnomes who protect the herb garden from pests and spirits.
• "Young Author" Michael Cook from Dartford is featured for his 10-page book "The Way Gnomes Live". He shares facts about gnomes, their enemies (Trolls, Snotgugles, Goblins), and their habits, quoting from the book "Gnomes".
• "WHO IS THE WORLDS SMALLEST YACHTS WOMAN?" is answered with "GNOMEY JAMES."
• **"How Do You MANAGE TO KEEP YOUR HANDS SO SOFT."
• "WHY I USE FAIRY OF COURSE"** is answered by "Micky".
• Katherine Lambert, age 11, contributes a piece about a gnome named Albert.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Gnome News" revolve around the magical and mystical world of gnomes and nature spirits, their connection to the natural world, and the importance of appreciating and protecting nature. There is a strong emphasis on community and shared experience, evident in the "Letters" section and the club's activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a deeper connection with nature, folklore, and a sense of wonder, encouraging readers to engage with these themes through creative contributions and personal reflection. The article on "The Garden as a Metaphysical Symbol" suggests a philosophical underpinning that values ecological balance and a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment.

This issue of Fortean Times, dated January 24, 1981, is a compilation of advertisements and small notices related to paranormal phenomena, crafts, and collectibles, with a particular focus on gnomes and UFOs.

Gnome Advertisements and Club Information

The cover prominently features an advertisement for "2 Individually Hand Carved & Painted Gnomes for only £12 Post FREE!". These gnomes are created by Maurice Jones and are sold only in "happily married couples." Each gnome is individually hand-carved from wood, painted with nautical Brummer (a waterproof stopper), and treated with creosote to withstand British weather. The average height is 11 inches. Orders are to be sent to S. Wade at 37 Davis Road, Acton, London W.3.

Another advertisement mentions that £5.15 each was paid for metal Gnomes by BRITAINS Ltd., also directed to S. Wade.

"EM" is described as an inspired, mediumistic lady artist specializing in commissioned art work, including gnomes, fairies, and space-people. Original water-colours range from £15 to £20, arranged via Steven L. Andrews.

A section titled "A Message from Hierodat" addresses members of the "Gnome Club" before August 1979, reminding them that "Gnome News 8" is due and that their yearly subscriptions are due for renewal. It mentions that members will receive a small pottery one-year-old baby gnome for a year of membership, or a toddler gnome for two years.

The Gnome Club of G.B. & Gnome International, located at West Putford, Devon, promotes itself as a source of "GOOD NEWS". Membership costs £2.50 in GB and £3.50 abroad, and includes a club badge and "Gnome News" (published three times a year). The club's reserve houses about 1,500 garden gnomes and receives approximately 25,000 visitors annually during summer. "Gnome News" is described as the publication linking gnomes worldwide via their human friends, featuring articles on gnomes and related subjects, photographs, cartoons, and stories.

Other Advertisements and Notices

W. KING from Belvedere, Watford, offers to make moulds or castings of gnomes and can provide Leytex for flexible moulds.

FORTEAN TIMES is advertised as a quarterly journal of strange phenomena, covering monsters, UFOs, PSI powers, ghosts, and unusual events. A sample copy costs 75p, and a one-year subscription (4 issues) is £3.00.

LADY SONGWRITER (39, Laling) seeks a friend, possibly for creative partnership, interested in painting, writing plays for Television, and Gnomes, UFOs etc. Contact is via Mr. Graham Long.

PYRAMID GUIDE is a bi-monthly newsletter covering pyramid power, free energy, ancient mysteries, and occult phenomena. A sample copy costs 80¢.

SKYWATCH is featured as a publication for newcomers to the UFO mystery, providing national and international UFO news, sightings, and articles. Single issues are 30p, and a subscription/membership to Mapit is £2.30 for 6 issues.

Fletch, an international cartoonist and book illustrator, offers to paint favourite gnomes in acrylics on canvas board for £15, requiring a photo and suggestions.

A notice invites people interested in LEY LINES and EARLY ENERGY to join a world-wide directory. Participants are asked to send a letter with their interests and a self-addressed envelope.

THE CAULDRON is described as a pagan journal of the old Religion, with single copies at 25p and an annual subscription at £1.00.

'EM' is an artist specializing in mediumistic art, including gnomes and space-people.

Stephanie Bishop is seeking material for a book about astral travel or altered states of consciousness, respecting anonymity.

YOUNG UFOLOGISTS are encouraged to contact Crystal Hogken, editor of "Magic Saucer," a bi-monthly magazine priced at 25p.

Advertisement Rates

The issue also includes a rate card for display advertisements, with prices ranging from £1.50 for a 1/8 column to £15 for a full page. Small ads up to 30 words are free for members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are gnomes as collectibles and artistic subjects, UFO sightings and related paranormal phenomena, and alternative interests such as paganism and ley lines. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publication name "Fortean Times" and the content of the advertisements, is one of interest in the unusual, unexplained, and fringe aspects of science and culture. The "Gnome News" section, in particular, suggests a lighthearted yet dedicated community around the theme of gnomes.