Editors Letter

Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk

Holly Keates Tracey Redfern Design & Production

Thomas Brian General Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 252693

Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk

Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk

Cover Photo:

End of an era

Wow, well I can’t believe we are now at Issue 27 of Newcastle Life magazine.

We’ve come a long way since our very first issue came out at the start of 2016 – at that time, none of us would have anticipated that in the next four years we would see Brexit, Donald Trump become the American president, the extraordinary impact of the #MeToo movement, horrific wildfires in the Amazon rainforest and Australian bush, and not forgetting of course, a global pandemic!

For me personally, the last four years have also been eventful, with both ups and downs. And one of the biggest ups was the launch, and continued success, of this magazine. I have met so many fantastic people along the way in Newcastle under Lyme –what a wonderful place we live and work in.

That’s why it is with a heavy heart that I am saying goodbye –this is my last issue! I am off to pastures new and becoming a student again, undertaking a postgraduate research degree. (Wish me luck!) Rest assured this isn’t the end of the magazine and I am handing over the reins to colleagues who are very much looking forward to carrying on bringing you positive, uplifting, exciting, community stories – watch this space and please do keep in touch.

So I hope this issue makes you smile, in a year where we have all been through so much and smiles are so important. It’s very fitting that as I write this, it is World Kindness Day – and I think that is what I will remember most from my time as Contents Editor of Newcastle Life - a town, and people, with so much kindness, spirit and positivity. Thank you all for your support.

So pull up a chair, pop the kettle on and I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. Laura

CONTACTS

Samaritans – 116 123, jo@samaritans.org Mind – www.mind.org.uk NHS – 111 (dial 999 in an emergency) www.gov.uk – information for businesses during Covid-19

Thank you to all of you who have been in touch with your stories and events for Issue 27. Remember, Newcastle Life is YOUR magazine and we want to hear from you! Perhaps you have a story to tell or a photo to share; maybe you’d like to promote your event or your talent; or you may have exciting snippets of local history to interest our readers! Simply get in touch by emailing laura@timesandecho.co.uk