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Why we joined Waltham Forest Echo

Find out why some of our wonderful members decided to take the plunge and support their local paper… Jean Anderson “I became a member because I feel […]By Waltham Forest Echo

(Credit: Sue Gibson)
(Credit: Sue Gibson)

Find out why some of our wonderful members decided to take the plunge and support their local paper…

“I became a member because I feel it is important to have an independent voice in the borough. I see the Echo as the people’s paper – open to everyone to contribute articles and letters.

“During lockdown, I volunteered to distribute a bundle of papers. This gets me out and gives me exercise, too. It’s a chance to bring the paper to people who may never have heard of it. 

“Finally, as a not-for-profit organisation, they need the money and we need them!”

To sign up for just £5 per month, visit walthamforestecho.co.uk/join

“For the past year, I have been a volunteer helping to deliver the Echo in my local area and the feedback from those on my paper round has been that this is a free paper worth reading. It is also a newspaper worth supporting.   

“Its stories are interesting and relevant to the community and when my volunteer role ends I will look forward to receiving it in the post.”

“As soon as I first came across the Waltham Forest Echo it was love at first sight. Three reasons for this immediately spring to mind: it is attractive, it is informative and it is local.

“For these and other reasons I became a reader. And I became a member because I wanted to make sure I always got my copy and because I wanted to help towards it financially, to keep it afloat.”

“I’m a member of Waltham Forest Echo because I believe that, at a time when much of the press is overtly biased, an independent newspaper is essential, and worth supporting.

“I also value a paper that welcomes contributions from the community. I want to hear what my neighbours have to say about their local area, because the issues that affect them affect me too.

“Waltham Forest is changing rapidly. The Echo keeps me up to date on what is happening in my neighbourhood. By doing so, I can get involved and have my say.”

“I really value quality reporting on local issues and Waltham Forest Echo does exactly that!”

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“It has been so refreshing to read what’s happening locally, from youth club Project Zero to housing projects, the E17 Art Trail and more.”

“I was delighted when I found out that we had a local independent paper in Waltham Forest! Vibrant local independent media strengthens democracy.

“I also love reading about news, campaigns and initiatives happening in the neighbourhood, and learning how I can get involved. Being a member allows me to support the Echo and have a stake in this brilliant community initiative.”

David Boote has lived in Waltham Forest since 1977 – in Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone and Chingford – helping to raise a family here. 

He has taken an interest in community activity, and from 2005 he has enjoyed researching and communicating aspects of the borough’s local history, particularly through local walks.

He has valued the unique voice of local newspapers. David wanted to support the Echo in its truly independent journalism, by becoming a member, and also by distributing copies door to door, as there are fewer places like libraries to collect them.

Want to support us? To sign up for just £5 per month, visit walthamforestecho.co.uk/join

Already a valued member? Email [email protected] with your story about why you joined!


No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

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