Oldie contributors have written to the board of the magazine asking that Richard Ingrams (pictured) be reinstated as editor.
The letter has been signed by two of the oldest Oldie contributors, agony aunt Mavis Nicholson and columnist Edward Enfield, on behalf of “many more”.
It comes after Ingrams resigned as editor on Friday when he was summoned to a disciplinary hearing following a disagreement with publisher James Pembroke.
Ingrams indicated yesterday, though, that he would be willing to take his job back under the right conditions.
The letter has been sent to members of the board, Pembroke, Richard Beatty, Rosie Boycott, John Brown and Mark Ellen. Ingrams himself is also a board member.
The Ingrams camp has said that so far Ellen, who has edited a number of music magazines, is the only board member to respond. He has put forward Ingrams’ suggestion for a "possible settlement".
The letter said: “We want you, the Oldie board members, to change your minds and bring back Richard Ingrams as editor of the Oldie. Surely both he and James are capable of forgiving and forgetting?
“What matters is the Oldie magazine, which can't be edited by just anybody. Richard founded it and carved out its unique formula. James has been its saviour more than once. They are a powerful combination.
“We can't bear to see our magazine unravelling before our very eyes, and fear for its future.
“Richard has indicated that he would be willing to continue as editor if certain conditions were met. Please: we think you owe it to both readers and contributors to find out what these conditions are – on both sides – before it is too late.”
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