JanineWe usually report the news, not make it. But today, we’re celebrating a milestone! East Side Story turns one, and we’re thrilled to share our story and keep shining a light on yours.
Your local news site East Side Story marks its first anniversary today, proudly reflecting on a year of amplifying the voices and stories of East Leeds. Founded by Natalie Tharraleos, Janine Griffiths, and Jonathan Lawrence, the online platform has quickly become a go-to source for hyperlocal news, community events, and resident perspectives.
From Chilly Skate Park to Vibrant Online Voice:
The idea for East Side Story sparked in Natalie Tharraleos’ mind while waiting for her daughter at a chilly South Leeds skate park car park. Inspired by a local news publication South Leeds Life, she envisioned a similar platform dedicated to her own community within Harehills and East Leeds. Throughout 2022, she tirelessly assembled a passionate team, culminating in the official launch in February 2023.
A Year of Growth and Impact:
In its first year, East Side Story published an impressive 133 stories, garnering over 8,600 views from 3,600 unique visitors. The blog features contributions from aspiring journalists and guest editors, including the enthusiastic young writer Danny Wilkinson, Eva Peros, environmental champion Clarrie Ramsden, and the youngest regular contributor, Izzah Ammara Khojah.
From the Digital to the Physical :
In June 2023, we leapt from your screens into a printed form. It was part of the Leeds 2023 Gipton and Harehills event at Compton Community Centre and the Old Gipton Fire Station. We were supported by Georgie at People for Places with a donation and her tireless encouragement. It was a new and unique challenge to find the stories we wanted to share for our first print edition and then edit them down. Being an online news source, we are quite indulgent with word counts, however, it was worth the effort to see our communities words in print:
Highlighting Local Heroes and Issues:
The team takes pride in every story published, but some stand out as testaments to their commitment to giving a voice to the community. These include:
- Carrie Ramsden’s “Craftism: A Gentle Protest”, showcases creative activism for local causes.
- Danny Wilkinson’s interview with Chris Bamber of 100% Digital Leeds, signposting support and training opportunities for the people of Leeds, with a focus on the Old Fire Station at Gipton.
- Eva Peros’ has provided invaluable editing, research and writing contributions to many pieces, a big high being Natalie’s interview with Chloe Hudson about the memorial to David Oluwale, keeping his memory alive.
- Izzah Ammara Khojah passionately shares with us organisations trying to change the world for the better like Action for Conservation
- Natalie Tharraleos’ interviews with local artists for the Quick Chat series have been a regular and very popular highlight.
- Janine Griffiths’ launch piece, “Policing and Public Safety under the Spotlight in Harehills“, sparked important conversations.
- Jonathan Lawrence’s “Saving Crossgates Library“, advocates for the preservation of a beloved community landmark.
We would also like to thank John Baron, editor of West Leeds Dispatch, and Jeremy Morton, editor of South Leeds Life, who encouraged us from the beginning and are still reaching out to support our fledgling news site. John Baron provided a six-week course for local journalism which really helped kick things off, and gave several ESS members vital tools for local journalism.
Looking Ahead, Amplifying East Leeds Even More:
As East Side Story celebrates its first year, the team is brimming with ambition for the future. Their plans include the following:
- Encouraging more citizen journalism: They aim to empower residents to share their stories and perspectives. There is a “Submit a Story” option on the menu bar, or you can email us at editor@eastsidestory.uk
- Expanding reach and engagement: They seek to attract a wider audience and foster deeper community connections.
- Remaining a “Voice for East Leeds”: They remain committed to reflecting the unique character and concerns of their community.
- Defining our organisation: We are truly committed to making this a vital service for the people of East Leeds, so we will be publishing editorial guidelines, complaints and feedback processes and other documents as we seek to define who and what we are this year.
With its dedication to local storytelling and community engagement, East Side Story is sure to continue its impactful journey in the years to come. Join them in celebrating their first year and stay tuned for the exciting stories they will tell next!
