Today marks the fourth anniversary of the launch of Stroudtimes.com, providing free-to-view independent news devoid of a clickbait agenda and pop-up adverts.
Encompassing the Stroud District, the team is dedicated to publishing engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, supporting and championing local businesses’ success, and leading the way with high-quality photography and video.
On turning four, co-founder and editor Ash Loveridge said: “We say a huge thank you to our readers and advertising partners who have supported us during the last four years, and understand the value of a truly independent news outlet, which doesn’t expect you to subscribe to a paywall like many of the multi-national owned local papers do.
“Our online audience has grown significantly during this time through our multiple media platforms and we look forward to the next four years as we go from strength-to-strength.”
Happy Birthday Stroud Times – from our readers and advertising partners
Tom Berry, owner of Sound Records and chair of Stroud Chamber of Trade: “We’re very lucky indeed to have independent journalism in our town. At a time when the conglomerates are constantly hitting us with clickbait and adverts we need Stroud Times more than ever.”
Jack Russell MBE, ex-Gloucestershire and England cricketer: “Congratulations Stroud Times, 4 not out! A wonderful achievement. The connections you make with the community and the content you circulate is so important for Stroud and the surrounding valleys. With the great team you have there, I’m sure you will continue to bat on for many years to come. Keep up the good work please.”
Dale Vince, Ecotricity and Forest Green chair: “Congrats to the Stroud Times on its fourth anniversary of bringing insightful local news to local people.”
Dr Simon Opher MP: “Stroud Times contributes enormously to life in the area. They are Stroud through and through, and I’m delighted that they chose to launch when they did. Setting up a local news website which focuses on the positive and doesn’t go down the clickbait/pop-up route took real courage and determination.
“The team are open, passionate, fair and a pleasure to work with.”
Dame Jilly Cooper, acclaimed author: “Happy fourth birthday, Stroud Times! You’ve certainly brought much knowledge and illumination to the area.”
Dom Joly, award-winning comedian: “No other news outlet would lure you to a remote location, put you in a beaten-up caravan, not make a porn film, and then send you on your way with presents for your dogs. Top experience all-round.“
Susan Lynch, actor: “Happy birthday Stroud Times. You’re a magnifying glass into our community… supportive of local businesses and arts …. but most importantly you are supportive of all its people.”
Stirling Gallacher, actor: “Happy Birthday Stroud Times, what a wonderful news outlet you are! And bravo Faye Hatcher, you capture all things Stroud with a big heart and such great energy, you are a power-house.”
Tom Herbert, Long Table co-founder: “Congrats on four years. Four years is magnificent. These are the days, these are the times – Stroud Times. It wouldn’t be Stroud without you. Celebrating things we are proud of. Protecting the things that we love. Always there connecting us with news that matters. Thanks Ash, Faye and Matt, we love what you do and congratulations again.”
Stroud Mayor Tony Davey: “I would like to wish all the team at Stroud Times a very happy 4th anniversary. Communities like Stroud and the surrounds are passionate about their area and what happens within it.
“There’s much to celebrate, much to learn about and much to be aware of. Stroud Times is an important part of the channel to bring the happenings in the area to the fore, and it is great to see how the team has grown and thrived in a time when local media is a very challenging space to work within. It is a testament to its quality and delivery that it continues to do so. Well done all and thank you for what you do.”
Paul Cooper, actor: “Congratulations to Stroud Times. I love the content and the brilliant Faye Hatcher in the caravan. Great fun and some banging interviews.”
England Over-70s cricket captain John Evans: “A massive thank you to the Stroud Times for keeping us updated on everything happening in the Five Valleys. A special mention to Ashley Loveridge for his coverage of sport in the area.”
Wes Birch, Managing Director of Birch Catering, events and pubs: “Four years of Stroud Times! It’s great to have independent journalists who take pride in showcasing local events and people. They’ve helped boost our business, which has enabled us to employ more people. They’re a vital and much needed asset to our local community.“
Clare Honeyfield, Made In Stroud owner: “Congratulations Stroud Times on four years of bringing the vibes to the valleys. Being part of this journey has been an absolute honour and pleasure. I particularly love the caravan interviews, the arts and music news and the emphasis on community in this wonderful neck of the woods. There isn’t anywhere I’d rather live.“
Nick Ponting, Montpellier Legal Chief Operating Officer: “Congratulations to Ash and the team at Stroud Times on their 4th birthday! Keep up the great work.”
Joseph Trinder, Managing Director, Wotton Auction Rooms: “Happy Birthday Stroud Times. Having returned to my native Cotswolds around 18 months ago, working with Stroud Times has been one of the greatest pleasures and best decisions I’ve made since returning to this area and taking on the business I once trained in.
“Here is a team with clear connection to and a passion for the wider community they serve and represent. It’s apparent in everything they do, seen through the initiative and ‘extra mile’ they always travel to ensure our campaigns are more successful than I can ever hope for.
“Their ease of working in often testing scenarios and quality of content creation is second to none. Working with Faye, Matt and Ash truly has been a dream with professional collaboration and friendships I know will continue long after the next 4 years! So congratulations ST and here’s to the future.”
Chris Pockett, Renishaw Head of Communications: “Congratulations to Stroud Times on reaching this milestone. As the largest private sector employer in Gloucestershire, Renishaw is committed to investing in our local area and delivering credible and relatable news content is a vital part of community cohesion.”
Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now: “Happy 4th Birthday Stroud Times! It’s brilliant to see local journalism thriving in Stroud, and especially a publication that focuses on what matters to our community. The Stroud Times has really championed Meningitis Now and our work not just in Stroud, but across the UK. Thank you. Many happy returns!”
Fiona Hughes, Marketing Manager at Randall & Payne: “It’s always a pleasure working with the team at Stroud Times. Faye and Matt are skilled at putting their interviewees at ease when doing videos, getting the best out of them and helping to bring their stories to life. Sharing video interviews and articles with their readership featuring our experts’ accountancy knowledge and advice, plus good news stories for our corporate charity, Teckels, helps to maintain our presence in Stroud.
“It’s no surprise that they are a leading community-based news provider and are going from strength to strength. Congratulations on your 4th anniversary celebrating all things Stroud!”
Louise Harris (Assistant Principal), Head of Marling Sixth Form: “The team at Stroud Times bring such a positive approach to issues that matter to local people. They are a joy to work with.”
Erica Malpass, Centre Manager at Five Valleys: “Happy birthday Stroud Times, such a great addition to the town over the last four years.”
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Where it all started – click the story link below.
