The Court Circular - free community magazine

The Court Circular is a place to positively promote the efforts of community groups and small businesses in the local area for free. To date, we’ve produced three issues, and we’ve supported over 100 businesses, and highlighted community activities including the Elmbridge Food Bank, Made in Molesey and signposted local mental health support.

The Court Circular came to life in November 2020, following a conversation about the brilliant ways our local community responded to the news of the pandemic. We wanted to help those who had helped others, to find a way to support the small businesses, community groups and people who’d been hit hardest by restrictions, and to showcase the amazing community projects and activities who were still finding ways to connect people and keep them well. We’d love to continue this work, to produce and distribute the magazine for free, and start to build out The Court Circular to include events (when possible), a local small business network, an online opportunities hub (for both volunteering and paid opportunities) and a calendar of events. We believe this work will continue to support local people, the economy and help with continued cohesion after one of the toughest periods in our living history.

Why Support The Court Circular

• It's uber local! We distribute 10,000 copies within a 2.5 mile radius of East Molesey and all the content reflects that
• Community spirit and supporting others is at the heart of what we do
• Editorially we prioritise smaller businesses, independent makers and community groups who may not have budgets (or time) for PR and advertising
• We provide a good quality free read for people to enjoy
• We intend to become a Community Interest Company, with all profits to be re-invested into the initiative

What our community says about The Court Circular

“Customers seem to really enjoy it, its definitely creating a community feel. It's honest and genuinely cares about the local shops.”

“A high quality magazine with a diverse mix of content from fashion to culture, all supporting local businesses which I am sure will continue from strength to strength, but has certainly made a big impact and is well respected since the first issue was published. As an advertiser, I can personally confirm good results on revenue from advertising in this beautiful magazine.“

“I like the size of this magazine and the fact that it is focused on local issues and current social improvements that can be made.”

http://www.thecourtcircular.co.uk/testimonials

What we will do with the money raised

We've already managed to raise funds through securing advertising to print the first three issues of The Court Circular. The team have donated our time for free (working around our day jobs) to create, write, promote and distribute the first three issues.  However, for The Court Circular to be a long-term sustainable initiative, and for us to be able to develop supportive events and resources for the local community and businesses, we need to secure further funding.

The money raised through crowdfunding will be ring fenced towards the development and printing of issues 4 to 6 of The Court Circular in 2021. This will help us to keep the magazine free and we can continue to use a majority of its pages to support local small businesses and community groups who would not otherwise have access to this kind of uber-local large scale visibility.

We intend for the initiative to become a Community Interest Company operating for the Court's residents and business owners and all profits will go back into The Court Circular initiative. Beyond 2021 we are looking at options for long-term financing so that we can roll out events and more hands-on support beyond the magazine and website. 

Who we are

Janine Macqueen was born and bred in Molesey and is a proactive Molesey Carnival committee member, Janine has over 20 years’ marketing experience and is managing The Court Circular, leading the publication strategy, roll out and income generation, marketing and advertising to ensures that it evolves into a long-term community-driven initiative.

Kim Craig has been a resident of Molesey since 2005 and is a graphic designer with over 20-years’ experience. She currently runs her own studio, working for local businesses. Kim is our Creative Director with oversight on the design and visual content, whilst supporting the editorial and marketing aspects, and encouraging the local community to get involved.

Lucy Donoghue moved to Molesey in 2015 and had been deeply impressed by the generous community spirit. Lucy is a writer, podcast host and event organiser for a national mental health magazine and has over 20 years’ experience in PR and marketing. Lucy writes, edits, develops the content strategy and manages online community growth.

Read more about The Court Circular team 

http://www.thecourtcircular.co.uk/post/introducing-team-court-circular