Shire
The Shire Team
Renee Slater - Chairperson
I’m Renee Slater. I joined Shire in 2008. My first issue featured the closure of Woolworth’s on the front page. I became Chairperson in 2014. The paper has changed enormously since then, moving to full colour and a more professional layout. We are so proud of the wide range of articles which you, our readers, contribute. That is what makes Shire a real community newspaper which it’s been a privilege and a joy to work on.
Judy Helme - Secretary
My name is Judy Helme and I was invited to join the committee of 'Shire' by the then Chair, Jean Archer, around 18 years ago. I was very soon not only roped into editing but also became Secretary, as my predecessor wished to retire, and I was in those dual roles for many years. I relinquished the editing about 5 years ago when a new electronic system was introduced and my then ageing computer and equally ageing brain couldn't cope!! I feel privileged to be part of this amazing local paper and hope to continue for many more years.
Ed Amphlett - Treasurer
Hi my name is Ed Amphlett I have been volunteering for “Shire” since 2020 when I took over the advertising brief. I oversee advertising and finance for the moment. I have been involved with other organisations in Shire, on the Public Hall committee, and for many years putting together the annual Craft Exhibition with my wife and other volunteers. “Shire” has always been an important factor in all the work we have done around the village and it’s good to put back some of the support they offered us.
Paul McMillan - Acting Advertising Manager
Hello. I’m Paul and I joined the Shire team recently, having moved to the village in September
2022. I was immediately struck by the sense of community and the regularity with which strangers
greeted me in the street with a smile and a hello. This reminded me of growing up in my native
North East of England where the sense of community was strong, in a real and practical way. When
the opportunity to join the “Shire” team arose, I was happy to accept. Why? Because I believe that
the paper plays a vital role in strengthening and maintaining the Shire community.
Marilyn Gorry - Archivist and Social Events
My name is Marilyn, a Shirehampton girl. I can remember the excitement waiting for the first edition of 'Shire' 1972 and I can remember all members of the administrative committee.
I was transferred to Shirehampton Library from Sea Mills in 1987 and I volunteered to help Jean Archer with local History. I didn't officially join the team until 2008 first as an editor and then the Archivist and Local Events. My main role is to keep the 'Shire' copies safe in Shirehampton Library for future Binding, which is done every 5 years. 50 years of bound copies are on a shelf in the Library, do have a look , you might see some photos of yourself or members of family and friends.
Bobbie Perkins - Distribution
I am Bobbie and I first volunteered as a Shire paper deliverer in the seventies, and soon made many new friends on the round. When Brian Blandford, our Chairman at the Cotswold Community Association sadly passed away, I offered to take his place at Shire committee meetings.
I immediately found myself on the Editors rota, courtesy of the then Chairwoman, Jean Archer. A thankfully short interval of copying and pasting was followed by becoming one of the paper’s counters, which was more up my street! (No pun intended!). I then took on the role of Delivery Co-ordination which I still very much enjoy.
Lucy Bradley - Website Manager
My name is Lucy and I am very new to the Shire team, having only started volunteering in early 2022. I have been working on designing and developing a new website for the paper. I always enjoy reading the Shire when it is delivered through my door each month, so when I noticed that they were looking for volunteers I jumped at the chance to contribute towards such a great community asset.
Fiona Grinham - Editor
My name is Fiona and I began as a volunteer Editor for the Shire after retiring from the World Bank in Zimbabwe in 2001. My reason for joining was to feel part of the Shirehampton community after 30 years in Africa and because I enjoy writing and editing. I am so pleased and proud to be working with such a great team and an excellent newspaper.
Jill Williamson - Editor
Hi Readers. My name is Jill and I joined the Shire team as a volunteer editor about 10 years ago. I find it very enjoyable and rewarding and love seeing my finished paper in print. I’ve lived in Shire for 50 years and enjoy being part of the team ensuring we continue to provide this valuable asset to the village.
Sarah Matthews - Editor
My name is Sarah and I have lived in Shirehampton for 13 years and have been a Shire editor for just less than 10 years. I enjoy working with local people who send in content and our publisher to produce the Shire every few months. I fit in the editing around my day job and looking after my family. The committee is a lovely team of volunteers to work with, and the newspaper is a rewarding community resource to be a part of.
Vanessa Evans - Editor
I recently moved back to Shirehampton. It has been lovely to come back here as I feel this area has the best of both worlds - you feel you're in the countryside plus there are the good transport links to the city centre. The place also has a good community spirit.
Having recently moved back to the area, I found the Shire a great local paper. It helped me to connect with the community and learn about what is going on in the area. I've found it such a useful source to find local tradespeople and also find out about the leisure and sporting facilities and action groups in the area.
It's been great to join the team and make me feel more connected with the area.
I hope that by helping out with the local paper I can do my bit for the community too!
Iain Chaffey of Crimson Goose Design - Artwork
Hi, my name is Iain and I joined Shire as the designer for the paper in July 2019. Even though I do not live locally, I love working on the paper and seeing the events that are happening, so much so that I really get a strong sense of the community in Shirehampton.
Bob Pitchford - Photographer
Hi my name is Bob, I have lived in Shire for over 40yrs. My role in the Shire is as a Paper Deliverer and Photographer. As photographer I get out and about locally to provide the Editors with photos of local Functions, People and Places etc. The Editor of the month reviews the photos and selects the appropriate images prior to publication to ensure GDPR compliant.
Kathryn Courtney - Photographer
Awaiting Bio.
Sue Husher - Shire by Post
My name is Sue and I have been organising Shire by post for about 30 years now. It is my job to send papers to people who may have moved away from the area but are still interested in news from the Shirehampton Community.
We also have a fantastic team of many volunteers who work to sort and deliver the papers to your door every month.
Many thanks to them all.
