The latest edition of Caerphilly Observer marks a milestone for the newspaper.
It is our 100th edition since we launched four years ago.
Originally established as an online-only publication in 2009, we made the move into print in 2013 – and haven’t looked back.
Since we launched our fortnightly print version, with a circulation of 10,000 copies, we have grown steadily and gone from strength-to-strength winning multiple awards – the latest of which was Independent Community News Service of the Year at this year’s Wales Media Awards.
We received funding to help produce our first four editions from Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd Rural Development Programme Partnership.
The grant was part-funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.
Since the grant funding ended four years ago, we have received no direct grant funding from any organisation.
Richard Gurner, Publisher and Editor of Caerphilly Observer, said: “Four years since we launched the print edition and we are still going strong.
“Being an independently produced newspaper, we are hugely proud of what we have been able to achieve – especially against a backdrop of industry cutbacks and downsizing.
“We are proof that there is still a huge demand from readers for local news and a huge desire from local advertisers to be featured in local media.
“Since launching the print edition, we now have our own dedicated offices on Caerphilly Business Park and have taken on staff.
“I’d just like to thank everyone involved with Caerphilly Observer for our success.
“Without our readers, advertisers, and distribution outlets we would be nothing.
“I am born and bred from Caerphilly and it fills me with pride when people approach me in the street to tell me how much they love the newspaper.
“All I have ever wanted to do was produce a newspaper that Caerphilly County Borough deserves.
“There are so many stories from our communities that need to be told – from the local Scout group litter picking, to the pay scandal at the top of Caerphilly County Borough Council. We try and cover everything, but again, without everyone’s support it would be pointless.”
• If you have a story you would like us to feature, just email news@caerphilly.observer or call us on 029 2125 0855.
• Businesses interested in advertising with us can call the same number and email adverts@caerphilly.observer.
Congratulations. I love the paper with all the local news, and this on line paper is great to catch up. Im still not very good at this on line lark, my age is against me
Well said Edward – I too really enjoy the local news and the interaction.
I’m like you are not very good with these online blogs ( is that the right term ?) – I think we must be what the youngsters call “silver surfers “