Copy of Media Release - History and Heritage Yorkshire Magazine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yorkshire History Magazine Adopts ‘Pay What You Can’ Model to Make Heritage More Accessible

History and Heritage Yorkshire, the independent magazine dedicated to bringing the rich history of Yorkshire to life, is embracing a new, more inclusive approach to readership. From 18 February, the publication will operate on a ‘Pay What You Can’ model, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent people from engaging with the region’s fascinating past.

Founder and editor John Heywood launched History and Heritage Yorkshire over two years ago with the goal of making heritage and the arts accessible to all. However, after facing personal health challenges and reflecting on the financial struggles many people experience, they recognised the need for a more flexible pricing system.

“When money became tight for me, one of the first things I had to cut back on was subscriptions and memberships,” John explained. “It made me realise that for many people, cultural and historical content can be a luxury rather than a given. That goes against everything I believe in.”

Thanks to a new feature, the magazine’s online shop now allows readers to choose how much they pay for each issue or e-book—starting from free. Readers can adjust their contribution each month based on what they can afford, ensuring that everyone has access to Yorkshire’s stories, regardless of financial circumstances.

The decision has been met with widespread support from contributors and readers alike. “This is about keeping history open to all,” John added. “We hope this move will allow more people to engage with and celebrate Yorkshire’s incredible heritage.”

The magazine also has a new layout and a host of new and interesting writers.

The next issue of History and Heritage Yorkshire will be available on 18 February under the new model. Readers are encouraged to spread the word and help the magazine in its mission to make history more accessible than ever before.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact John at:

historyandheritageyorkshire@gmail.com or

https://payhip.com/HistoryandHeritageYorkshire (from 18 February)

https://bsky.app/profile/handhyorkshire.bsky.social

 

 

Important Changes to History and Heritage Yorkshire Magazine

As many of you know, I’m passionate about making heritage and the arts accessible to as many people as possible. That’s one of the main reasons I launched History and Heritage Yorkshire  magazine over two years ago. The goal was to create something informative and entertaining, covering a wide range of topics related to the fascinating history of our region.

We started with two price levels, and off we went. I hope we’ve achieved our aims so far. However, over the past few months, I’ve faced illness and the financial challenges that come with it. It’s made me reflect. When money became tight, one of the first things I had to cut back on was subscriptions and memberships. I miss some of them dearly, and it reminded me that these extras can be hard to afford for many people.

This goes against everything I believe in and what the magazine stands for. So, I asked myself: what can I do to help? Recently, Payhip (who run my online shop) introduced a system where people can choose what they pay for a magazine or e-book, starting from a free product. That amount can even change each month, depending on what someone can afford or want. 

I’ve spoken to contributors and some readers, and everyone seems to agree with the change. I hope you’ll understand my reasons for making this move.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The next magazine will be out on 18 February, and this new system will begin from then. I hope you join with us as we start this new chapter together and hopefully spread the word about the county's fascinating history and heritage even more widely.