News archive: July to December 2008

November 2008
Balksbury is buzzing with young reporters!

Rhian has been helping children at Balksbury Infant School in Andover to put together their own newspaper, The Balksbury Buzz. Published once every half term, the paper is written entirely by the pupils who are showing great noses for news!

"I got my first newspaper job after several stints of work experience whilst I was at school," says Rhian. "So it's great to encourage the next generation of news hounds from an early age."
Catch up on the Buzz here.

Little Red launches Christmas collection

Southampton-based accessories designer, Little Red has launched a collection of limited edition handbags that are simply too good to dance around this party season. 
 
“Little Red reflects my passion for vintage design, texture and a love of all things kitsch. I want my designs to stand out from the crowd and break free from mass produced accessories, in fact I only craft items that I love and treasure and many are one of a kind creations,” explains Little Red owner, April Mawhinney. 

Rhian is working with Little Red to promote the new range of handbags, purses and cute corsages to its key market - professional women who want to inject a little individuality into their office outfits with splashes of colour to brighten up the most boring of board rooms! She is also developing the 2009 communications strategy with particular emphasis on reaching influential buyers from niche boutiques. Read Little Red's Christmas campaign press release.

October 2008
Europe's mapping minds meet in Romania

More people than ever before are regularly using information about location to boost business and make the most of their free time says EuroGeographics, the membership association and official voice for the European Mapping and Cadastral Agencies. Meeting this increased demand for geographical data is the theme of its 2008 General Assembly being held in Sibliu, Romania from 5 to 8 October.

The conference, which brings together 50 members from 43 countries, is the ideal opportunity to launch EuroGeographics' annual review and promote members' expertise to the media. Rhian wrote the report covering the achievements of the past two years. She also put together a press release showing how members' data can be used in times of economic uncertainty to forecast trends and analyse statistics. Watch Romanian television's report on the conference.

September 2008
Turnaround project heads for the top

Andover's Turnaround project, which is improving life for people living in one of the town's most deprived areas, has been shortlisted for two awards at this year's Neighbourhood Awards. It will battle for the coverted top spot in the Local Engagement and Involvement and the Peaceful and Better Neighbourhood awards.

The project is part of the Test Valley Partnership comprising Testway Housing, Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, the police, health authority, Andover Family Learning, local faith groups and charities and residents.

Rhian worked with Testway to keep residents up to date on Turnaround's progress and in planning the wider communications campaign to put people at the heart of improving their community. It's a great scheme that not only has a positive effect on people's everyday lives but has also inspired them to take ownership and get involved - let's hope the judges feel the same way!
The winners will be announced on 18 September.

July 2008
Campaign highlights the costs of countryside living

Rhian has been working with the Commission for Rural Communities to promote its state of the countryside report, the definitive picture of rural England. The report found that whilst people in rural areas generally enjoy healthier lifestyles and a better quality of life, it comes at a cost – higher house prices and lower wages. Rhian
co-ordinated the south eastern media activity for the CRC, writing eight bespoke county press releases and following up journalist enquiries. View the media coverage here.