The editor of a new community newspaper for Enfield borough is appealing for financial help to get it off the ground. He is also seeking articles for publication and suggestions for distribution points.
The editor of a new community newspaper for Enfield borough is appealing for financial help to get it off the ground. He is also seeking articles for publication and suggestions for distribution points.Enfield Dispatch is due to launch in early October and will be a monthly print publication run on a not-for-profit basis. Its website went on line this week at www.enfielddispatch.co.uk. It will be published by Social Spider CIC and edited by James Cracknell.
James lives in Southgate and is an experienced journalist who has worked on several local papers in various parts of the country. He also edits another Social Spider newspaper, the Waltham Forest Echo. Enfield Dispatch will be Social Spider's third community newspaper, the second being the Tottenham Community Press.
Support the launch of Enfield Dispatch – the borough’s free community newspaper
Enfield Dispatch is launching in October 2018. It will include local news, features about community projects and campaigns, comment and opinion on what’s happening in the borough, interviews with local people, and previews of local events.
Can you support Enfield’s new community newspaper?
Enfield Dispatch will be free, monthly, and not-for-profit. All money we receive will be used solely for supporting the continuing publication of the paper. Our main source of income will be from advertising sales, but because it can take some time to establish a significant advertising base, we are asking for help in funding our first edition.
You can show that you value community media by making a donation and becoming a Founding Member of Enfield Dispatch. All local people and organisations that contribute will be celebrated in our first edition.
Become a Founding Member by donating today
You can choose to make either a gold, silver, or bronze donation of £200, £100, or £50. Everyone who contributes will have their name listed in the first edition and receive a ‘thank you’ gift following the launch. To support us as an organisation you can also make a £200 donation and in return we will print your logo in the first edition.
All donations are made via PayPal to Social Spider CIC, the publishers of Enfield Dispatch.
Thanks for your support!
Enabling local people to highlight what matters to them
Speaking about his new project, James Cracknell said, "The paper offers a platform enabling local people to highlight what matters to them. We are seeking voluntary contributors to write about projects they are involved with, campaigns they are running, or events they are organising.
"The Dispatch will be available to pick up for free at cafés, pubs, community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, schools, hair salons, and anywhere else wishing to stock it!"
Well established
Social Spider's two existing community newspapers are now well established. The Waltham Forest Echo was first published in 2014 and has now reached issue 41. Twenty thousand free copies of each issue are distributed via cafes, pubs, community spaces, train stations and people’s doors.
Most funding comes from local advertisers, but there is also a membership scheme. For £5 a month members can see their name in print and have the paper delivered to their door. A similar membership scheme is planned for the Enfield Dispatch, but during the launch phase some one-off individual donations will be needed.
The Tottenham Community Press launched in 2016 and is up to issue 13.
Professional products
Social Spider's community newspapers publish online, but their primary medium is print. While most of the content is provided by amateur community journalists, the editors are professionals and this is reflected in the finished product. Contributors are required to adhere to a writing guide and house style.
To enquire about submitting an article, buying an advert or becoming a distributor, please contact .
