Mecca News
‘The Mecca News’ was The Society's award winning journal published three times a year. It contained members’ news, amusing snippets, requests for help or offers of help, member updates, and Metcalfe stories of interest past and present. Since Covis, we have published our eNewsletter 6 times a year, carrying the same information and articles of interest.
The attached is a list of the major content of past issues of Mecca News, although that is only the tip of the iceberg. Also included in most issues are Comments from the Chairperson of the day, Editorial Comments and Archivists reports from the incumbant of the day and Birth Briefs as they have been submitted by you, the members. Article included have been submitted by members and cover a wide variety of interests and topics. The very early issues may not have copied or printed well, and for that we apologise.
Why is it called The ‘Mecca’ News? What is the relevance of the name ‘Mecca’?
On this occasion Mecca has nothing to do with religion or playing bingo .... Mecca is the shortened slang nickname that was used by many men called Metcalfe in the Yorkshire Dales, who were therefore known as ‘Mecca’. Once in a while it can still be heard today in the area!
Even in today’s online world, so many looked forward to receiving their Mecca News journal to sit down, relax and have a good read! That is maybe why the journal had been both commended and won the Elizabeth Simpson Award for one name family history society magazines in the past. Unfortunately, following the resignation of the Editor, and the onset of the pandemic, we changed the format to an electronic newsletter, which we now send out bi-monthly to all members with an email address. Those members without emails are sent hard copies each quarter. The Newsletter has similar content to the Mecca News and is full of interesting items.
Have you got a good story or snippet?
The Editor of the Mecca Newsletter is always keen to hear from members with a good story, comment, feedback, snippet that may be of interest to other members. Maybe you saw a comment or story about a Metcalfe in the newspaper, on television, or the internet. Do take a moment or two and send any suggestions to our Editor (see Contacts).
Back Issues of Mecca News are available online.
Take a look at the list of contents in back issues below and see the varied and interesting articles and don't forget that in addition to the posted contents, we have also had lots of additional very short snippets over the years. They can be accessed online by clicking on the download button alongside each Issue