Pair at heart of the community
TWO community champions who volunteer their time to produce a local newspaper have been rewarded with an Echo Bouquet of the Week.
Steve Duffy and Bruce Porteous volunteer their time editing and producing Grangetown News – a community newspaper that has been running for nearly 40 years.
The pair began editing the newspaper about two years ago after Steve decided the publication needed a fresh look.
Grangetown councillor Ashley Lister nominated them for their dedication to a voluntary community asset, while also committing time to distributing the twice-annual publication to 6,000 homes in Grangetown.
Bruce, 72, is a retired graphic designer who began volunteering his time on the newspaper when he moved to the area.
“We moved here three years ago and got involved soon after that,” Bruce said. “We moved from Norfolk soon after our retirement to be closer to our family.
“It was one of the first things we did was get involved in something in the community.
“I think Steve was responsible for having the vision of doing it in a newspaper format.”
Grangetown News was published as a self-published magazine for a number of years when Steve and Bruce took over, compiling pieces from local contributors.
A former Echo reporter, Steve decided the publication would work better as newspaper, and began publishing pieces online and on social media.
“We got a little team together of people who contribute,” Steve said.
“We have also got an incredible team of deliverers. They do a couple of hours in their street, so it’s a real community effort.”
He added: “We try to reflect the whole community. It’s one of those things that has been a feature of the area for 40 years and hopefully it’s going to be secure for the next few.”
■ If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to: echo.newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk
■ You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominations must agree to be photographed.