Published - January 22nd, 2005 - The Fremantle Herald

Context : The editor, Brian Mitchell, received a letter from a reader who has a habit of sending in unflattering and acerbic
letters ridiculing him. The letter published reads as follows:

"SPEAKING of rumours, is it true the Herald editor Brian Mitchell is donating the cost of one of his daily meals to the tsunami relief effort?

And then there is the other rumour that Brian Mitchell's gym club is asking him to "take his business elsewhere" because his presence is bad for their image? ANd best of all I was told Brian Mitchell was seen on a moped imitating Krusty the Clown from The Simpsons on his teensy weeny bike and that Against Cruelty to Mopeds Action Group is going to picket the Herald's office.

If there is any substance to this rumour I would love a photo of Brian on his moped! I would place the photo on my fridge door to discourage those "between meals snacks" - hey maybe Brian could sell fridge magnets of that photo and donate the proceeds to the tsunami relief effort.

As you can see, Warren, Fremantle is full of rumours. But I confess I have not heard the one about me coordinating anything with anyone - not to mention Helen Hewitt - such a rumour could only be thought up by the Herald's "news team" over lunch.

~ Frank Acocella
Joslin Crt, Hilton

Editor's note: Herald reporter Warren Hately had emailed Frank after hearing a rumour he'd teamed up with Helen Hewitt for the council elections. Hey! It's a Vespa, not a crummy moped!

REJECTED BY EDITOR

REASON REJECTED: Needed to be more detailed. Not entirely crucial, but time was on our side. See detail of letter above.