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Morning everyone, forgive us for being indulgent, but as the weather is terrible, we just wanted to say a couple of things as it's #JournalismMatters week (we're not still using typewriters, don't worry)
Firstly, it is a privilege to live and work in Dorset and represent everyone living here. Reporting the stories which matter most to our communities is an honour. #makingadifference
We work extremely hard to bring you as much local news as is feasibly possible (sleeping permitted), and during this strange, strange year have worked harder than ever to do that in unprecedented circumstances.
You’ve been loyal supporters of us through all of this, and for that we thank you. We believe local journalism is key to a thriving community and we will continue to give you that important voice.
In 2020, we’ve brought you news on what’s happening in your town centre – from shops opening – and sadly closing – to the ultimate high street loss when Beales closed it’s doors in Bournemouth for the final time.
Our dedicated business editor @echodaz was at the forefront of breaking this sad news which has left a large void in the town centre https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18177969.everything-must-go-beales-website-announces-closing-down-sale/
When armed police descended on Bournemouth University earlier this year, we were the ones giving you the verified information - not wild speculation. Our reporters on the ground reported on what was ACTUALLY happening. https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18152955.bournemouth-university-lockdown-suicide-vest-runner-fitness-gear/
News about coronavirus started to become more and more important throughout February, as we did our utmost to present facts – as well as the local situation. From the schools closed, to the businesses shut before the official lockdown was ordered, we were there with you.
Our first known case in Dorset was reported in March. From then, we began to produce our paper and online coverage from our homes as the country went into lockdown https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18313666.coronavirus-latest-live-updates-across-dorset/
From concerns about social distancing, to the issues being dealt with by your local police officers and businesses, we covered a vast amount in those first few weeks, sifting through data, verifying information and basing stories on facts https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18374539.throop-overrun-visitors-exercising/
From the incredible sight of Bournemouth Airport effectively becoming a British Airways car park, to the cruise ships floating in the sea off Bournemouth beach - it's been the strangest of times https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18343840.bournemouth-airport-unprecedented-amount-planes-parked/
As well as all of our coronavirus coverage - which of course is ongoing - our dedicated court and crime reporter @JasonDailyEcho has been bringing you reports from the courts - the cases which might otherwise have gone unreported https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18591536.rspca-inspector-thought-stricken-dog-dead-poole-home/
And local democracy issues have never been more important to you. @JoshGWright and our team broke the story about the Baden Powell statue removed from Poole Quay over public disorder concerns https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18509310.baden-powell-statue-removed-poole-quay/
And among so many other important issues, we've kept you up to date on the two votes of no confidence in the leadership of BCP Council - the latest one ousting Cllr Vikki Slade from the leader's role https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18723729.vote-no-confidence-ousts-bcp-council-leader-vikki-slade/
June brought one of our busiest ever months when hundreds of thousands of people flocked to our beaches, with a 'major incident' declared. Our reporters @BenW_DailyEcho @Echo_Maya @sarahcartlidge @GregLuckhurst worked tirelessly to ensure full coverage https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18541911.bournemouth-beach-bcp-council-declares-major-incident/
And our reporters were there covering the Black Lives Matter events in the town - and will continue to do so https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18490789.george-floyd-demonstration-spreads-bournemouth/
Our team also explained why there were issues with coronavirus testing centres, days before the national media reported the same findings https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18704866.coroanvirus-tests-no-sites-found-message-booking-website/
And of course, when Cherries legend Eddie Howe made the shocking decision to leave AFC Bournemouth, our sports team @EchosportDan and @TomCrockerEcho ran coverage into the early hours to ensure you had the latest https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18622712.eddie-howe-leaves-cherries-mutual-consent/
From the stories from the heart of your community which matter the most to you, to the decisions the council is making which WILL affect you, we are proud to represent you.
Thank you for your support - we'll get back to writing some stories now. #JournalismMatters
Thank you for your support - we'll get back to writing some stories now. #JournalismMatters
