That's 10 issues under our belt!
Who wants a half-price coffee to celebrate?
A message from Rhiannon, founder and editor:
I can't believe that we're now on Issue 10 of the magazine.... what a journey it's been. When we launched Greater Govanhill, three years ago it was just me working at home during the pandemic, squeezing it in into my evenings and weekends, between my other two jobs, and then launching the print issue when on my maternity leave.
I was blown away by the level of support the project got from the community right from the off. It would never have got going without contributions from so many people, from the Crowdfunder for the first issue to people writing articles, proofreading content, sharing ideas, joining the board, taking photographs and providing illustrations. And, of course, all of our members who got behind it with a monthly contribution.
To say thank to our members, we’ve sent out a half price coffee voucher for the Radio Buena Vida Cafe with the latest issue. It should be arriving in the post today. If you like the magazine, can afford £3 a month, want to be the first to receive each issue in the post, and support us to continue to grow, become a member by clicking the button below. Any sign ups this week, will also be sent the new issue of the magazine and half price coffee voucher!
We have now produced 10 magazines, won 4 awards, been highly commended for 3 and shortlisted for a further 4. And... we have opened up a community newsroom in the heart of the neighbourhood, where we now hold regular events, training and workshops.
Over the course of three and a half years, I have moved from being a volunteer, to a freelancer, then working part-time, and now full time. We continue to work with so many amazing volunteer contributors, and freelancers, but now also have this amazing core team (pictured above from left to right above):
Laura Hurst, our incredibly talented (and incredibly patient) creative director, who has been with us since the very first issue and works her magic to make each article shine.
Devon McCole, who recently started with us as a trainee journalist after completing work experience with us earlier this year, and just completing a multimedia journalism degree as a Robertson scholar.
Samar Jamal, who also just started with us as a trainee and came through our our Young Voices journalism skills for under-represented voices programme last year, writing some brilliant articles.
Jack Howse, who began with us as an editorial assistant in November 2021 through the Kickstart programme with no prior journalism experience and has recently been shortlisted in the Scottish Press Awards local feature writer category!
And not pictured here is the ever-inspiring Juliana da Penha, founder of Migrant Women Press. I’m delighted that she is working with me on setting up a new Scotland-wide news collaborative, The Scottish Beacon - launching soon!
