As you know I edit and publish the village magazine. Contributions come from all sorts of organisations, the local schools and churches and individuals. I make all contributors the promise that I will not censor their work (within reason) nor will I allow them to make fools of themselves as some have declined to write for us because their English is not good or their spelling is poor. I think it a shame that they are afraid to speak out to fellow residents on matters that they feel strongly about so I am always happy to gently correct the glaring errors and not say anything. By doing this I have encouraged contributions from many who would otherwise have remained silent and I believe this is the right way for me to behave.
However ~ today I received an email contribution from the local school head. He boasts a BSc and MEd.
He starts:
Another highly successful term has come to an end during which the children have been involved in a wide range of activities.
and later says
Our Year 6 have been preparing for their transfer to Prestatyn High School in September. We will miss them next year but wish them every success and happiness for the future.
My quandary is should I edit his opening sentence to read "Another highly successful term, during which the children have been involved in a wide range of activities, has come to an end."
and his later howler to read "Our Year 6 has been preparing for their transfer to Prestatyn High School in September. We will miss them next year but wish them every success and happiness for the future."
OR should I allow his poor grammar to stand and let those few who will spot his glaring errors see how ill fitted he is to teach our children.
What would you do?
