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  • Margaret Fraser

TLC ‘Good News’ – a newspaper to ‘warm the soul’

Updated: Jul 15

A newspaper to ‘warm the soul’ was the description given by attendee Evelyn Gibson as the first edition of TLC Good News newspaper was formally launched in Saracen House by Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren to a large crowd in Possilpark on Tuesday 18th June.

 

The FREE monthly newspaper, which will initially cover Glasgow and Renfrewshire, is produced by Together Leading Communities Ltd, a company with community at the centre of its approach.  The concept of producing the paper was from company founder, Margaret Fraser with the high-quality design and layout of the paper produced by co-director, Julie Layden.

 

Gerry Facenna (Allied Vehicles), Julie Layden (TLC), Margaret Fraser (TLC), Lord Provost, Jaqueline McLaren, at the launch of TLC ‘Good News’ newspaper) [Photograph by Stewart Campbell]

Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, was highly impressed with TLC Good News newspaper and said:


“The launch of this new platform is a fantastic way to highlight the extraordinary and inspirational stories coming from the heart of our local communities. It is wonderful to see the commitment of TLC Good News to sharing positive and uplifting stories which champion those who make a real difference, every day, to many in their community.  Congratulations to all those involved, and I wish them the best of luck with their venture.”

  

Attendees at the launch celebrating the First Edition of TLC ‘Good News’ newspaper [Photograph by Stewart Campbell]

The TLC Good News first edition has brought together a wide range of stories of the amazing work of individuals, groups and local businesses are carrying out in their communities.  It also highlights the courage and resilience of individuals who have overcome personal challenges and make a huge positive impact on their communities.  An example of this is the courageous story of Cor Hutton, who is a quadruple amputee, and the founder of Finding Your Feet charity.  Despite her life changing experience, she has a ‘no limits’ attitude and successfully completed the Machu Pichu trek, with some of her staff, to raise funds for Finding Your Feet.

 

Other stories included ‘In Conversation with Karen Dunbar, Rapping Grannies from Possilpark, St Mirren Foundation ‘Menopause Goals – Celebrating the second half’ and many more.

 

Karen Dunbar, Amy Rew and the Rapping Grannies celebrating the first edition [Photograph by Stewart Campbell]

Tony Fitzpatrick, ex footballer, is a regular Feature writer and shared his first article – These boots are made for running!  His view of the newspaper is that ‘there is nothing so powerful than an idea that comes at the perfect time and there is no time like the present for this’!

Feature Writer Tony Fitzpatrick, Lord Provost, and Possobilities at the launch [Photograph by Stewart Campbell]

Margaret Fraser said;

 

“Having worked at the heart of communities for over 30 years, I have been privileged to have an insight into the many wonderful, inspirational and at times unseen stories and kindness taking place constantly in our communities. The aftereffects of the Pandemic, ongoing cost of living crisis, national and world affairs continue to have an impact on the psyche of individuals with 24/7 news coverage.  As I continue to work closely supporting people and local organisations, I feel that there is a need to bring a stronger focus on community kindness, volunteering, community connections and support that people are showing with and for each other despite some of their own personal challenges.
I would like to thank Lord Provost for supporting the launch of the paper and also to Gerry Facenna at Allied Vehicles for his support.  A huge thanks to our Feature writer, Tony Fitzpatrick, designer Julie Layden and all of those who have contributed to the first edition.”

  

Allied Vehicles were the first to step up to support the production of the 24 page newspaper and were on hand at the launch to see the final result.   Gerry Facenna, owner and founder of Allied Vehicles, said:

                                                      

“I’ve known Margaret for many years and her commitment to the community and kindness is an inspiration for us all. I was delighted to support the Good News Newspaper – it’s lovely to see the positive stories in print!” [Gerry Facenna, owner and founder, Allied Vehicles]

 

Printed copies of the newspaper have been distributed across Glasgow and Renfrewshire and a digital version is available on TLC website – www.togetherleadingcommunities.com  and on various social media platforms.


The energy in the room for the Launch of TLC Good News, which was attended by community members and groups, was certainly at a high level and they were keen to give their verdict on the newspaper.  

 

 

“Lots of great positive and amazing stories.  I love the fact that every story is positive about people and places”
 “Visually stimulating and varied stories”.
 “Love the size, colours, print size and love the layout and pictures. I’m dyslexic and find it easy to read.”
 “Really attractive and draws you in right from the front page.  Excellent and shows everyone is relevant to the community.”
 “The front page and layout of the paper is first class, the colours make a huge difference and a great variety of stories, something for everyone”

 

When asked what they would like to see in future editions they said:

 

“More of the same please.  Also, including notable folk from ‘days gone by’ and ‘local heroes”
 “Any positive and good information about what’s going on in communities – I like that it goes across a wide area – we can learn from each other”. 
 “It would be good to see a bit on events happening in local areas covered by the newspaper”.
 “Consider small snippets of ‘home/personal safety’ or scam awareness from Police Scotland Engagement events”.
  “A crossword please and maybe a sudoku grid”.
 “What’s happening locally and achievements of local people”.
 “Stories from different cultures including food and traditions”.
Frank McGowan, Executive Producer of Bad Pony Media Productions with Margaret Fraser and Spirit of Springburn members at the launch of TLC Good News Paper [Photograph by Stewart Campbell]

 

We have taken the feedback above and included some of this within this edition.  We will continue to highlight stories across Glasgow and Renfrewshire so please send your stories to us for sharing, or send your ideas in to news@togetherleadingcommunities.com

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