About - The Village Tribune

Dedicated to serving the rural villages of north Peterborough, we aim to be the voice of our community. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and unite our readers by highlighting local achievements, promoting events, and supporting rural life. We are committed to providing a valuable platform for our local businesses and readers, recognising their crucial role in sustaining and enriching our community.

“Your Voice, Your Village, Your Magazine”

The Village Tribune is dedicated to fostering community engagement and delivering quality local news to the villages of north Peterborough. Our vision is to become the most trusted and widely read community magazine in the region.

Established as a quarterly newsletter in 1995, the Village Tribune began as an 8-page A5 flyer in black and white, with a print run of 1,200 copies, serving three churches in a north Peterborough Benefice. Church volunteers ensured that the newsletter was delivered to each home in the Benefice. Initial funding came from local businesses and parish councils.

In 2000, Tony Henthorn took over production of the Tribune, transforming it into a 16-page community newsletter. Increased advertising revenues eliminated the need for parish council support. Over the next five years, the magazine expanded to 36 pages and included the villages of Maxey and Etton. By 2022, the magazine reached 4,500 homes in 14 villages, regularly producing 72 to 104-page issues.

The Village Tribune Limited was formed in August 2022, maintaining a break-even financial status despite increasing editorial contributions and publication size.

Our Keys to Success

Localised Content

The Village Tribune focuses on 14 rural villages in north Peterborough, providing hyper-local content that is highly relevant and tailored to the residents. This deep connection to the community sets us apart from broader publications.

Community Engagement

We actively engage with the community through events, reader contributions, and local partnerships. Encouraging residents to contribute stories, photos, and event announcements fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the magazine.

Support for Local Businesses

Our magazine offers several platforms for local businesses to advertise and reach their target audience directly. Highlighting and supporting local enterprises strengthens community ties and boosts the local economy.

Celebration of Local Culture and Traditions

By showcasing the unique traditions, history, and culture of each village, our magazine preserves and promotes the local heritage, creating a valuable resource for current and future residents.

High-Quality

Commitment to quality ensures that our content is trustworthy, well-researched, and professionally presented. This builds credibility and trust with our readers.

Interactive and Multi-Platform Presence

In addition to the print magazine, maintaining an interactive online presence through our new website and social media channels allows for real-time updates, extended content, and broader engagement. This multi-platform approach ensures accessibility for a wider audience.

Strong Community Relationships

Building and maintaining strong relationships with local organisations, schools, clubs, and councils (etc) ensures a steady flow of content and fosters collaboration on community initiatives.

Dedicated to Community well-being

Focusing on topics such as local healthcare, education, and community development demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of our readers, reinforcing the magazine’s role as a vital community resource. The Village Tribune has, over the past 25 years, made significant contributions to local charities, clubs and not-for-profit organisations.

Reader-Driven Content

Incorporating feedback and suggestions from readers into our editorial decisions ensures that the magazine reflects the interests and needs of the community. Regular surveys and reader polls help guide content planning.

Sustainability Initiatives

Promoting and participating in local sustainability and environmental initiatives positions our magazine as a forward-thinking and responsible community partner, appealing to environmentally conscious readers.

Diverse Advertising Opportunities

Offering a variety of advertising options, from traditional print ads to sponsored content and digital advertising, caters to different business needs.

Flexible Distribution Models

Utilising both print and digital distribution methods allows us to reach a broader audience, including those who prefer traditional magazines and those who favour digital content.

Unique Visual Appeal

Investing in high-quality photography and visually appealing design sets our magazine apart, making it a pleasure to read and share. This visual appeal enhances reader engagement and retention.