Celebrating One Year!

By Lindsey Bidwell

Country & Coast Magazine started without any funding, grants, crowd-funding or anything else. It was a gift for our local business community to help them out of the Covid lockdown. Although I had contemplated launching a magazine, the decision was made after walking into a local shop owned by a friend.

The shop owner was crying, unsure how to pay the rent, with no sales and more strict lockdown rules. It was an impossible situation, and they had no way of affording promotions to get customers back in and understand they were doing the best they could. That they were a person, up all night sick with worry, with a family to feed, staff to look after, community groups and sporting events to support. What did they cut to cover the bills and still feel positive about their life. So it may seem ridiculous given the current challenges, but I used some savings and decided to produce a magazine that cared about the community, offering free advertising to any local businesses interested, struggling, or unsure of their future. I received so many nominations for local small business; it was amazing. The community really stepped up and wanted to be involved in thanking this group of incredible business, that we are all in awe of their continuing can-do attitudes.

From our second edition, advertisers generously supported the printing costs of the magazine. The magazine has grown such an incredible, loyal following, with readers and advertisers understanding the importance of local positive news. The magazine is not full of big corporate business, who could easily purchase multiple pages, but instead full of local small business owners that matter most! They support other business, our community groups, charities and sporting clubs. They also live here; they are our friends, family, neighbours, the parents volunteering at local school and community events. These are the people that matter and who we as a community need to appreciate because their job is hard, they are a tough breed, and we need to make an effort to support them in return.

The businesses and individuals featured within each edition are so inspirational. I draw strength, and I hope our readers also do, from their courage and the never give up attitude that appears to resonate so strongly in our community.