Bucks Free Press:

Dear reader,

We’ve written a lot in recent weeks about the pressures on our community and the difficult times facing the UK.

There’s no doubt the crisis, as it stands, threatens many aspects of our lives, but together we can beat coronavirus. For more than 160 years, the Bucks Free Press has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our great residents. Just like all the times before, we will be #ThereWithYou.

Your weekly printed newspaper (out every Friday) will carry just as much news as before, but will now include vital advice and information, plus entertaining supplements and freebies to keep you motivated.

I hope to write to you on a weekly basis to keep you informed of how we’re going to continue to be with you every step of the way and what you can find in the latest edition of the paper - out now!

Covid-19 latest: 

There’s no getting away from the topic that continually dominates everyday conversations and headlines. We’re working hard to create the right balance, with vital, public interest news and government advice a major part of our key role in disseminating information to your doorsteps. This week we have news on celeb chef Tom Kerridge’s £100k bid to feed the vulnerable, an apology from The Guardian newspaper to the family of 21-year-old Covid-19 victim Chloe Middleton and police investigating reports of a rowdy street party.

Positive news near you:

Here’s where we want to make a difference. We must report the facts and figures, but we want to remain upbeat too – this community is great and strong and will come out fighting. Let’s talk about the great work – from NHS clapping, dancing firefighters and heart-warming messages of support. We’ve also got the latest bus and train timetable information, important contact numbers, news of a new hospital unit coming together in just three weeks and a look at how Dominic Raab has gone from Amersham schoolboy to de facto Prime Minister.

Hospital campaign:

We’re more than just reporting the news at the moment and regular readers will know we’re campaigning to raise money for the NHS. This week’s newspaper will carry great news as we’ve already achieved our target of more than £6,000! Plus, you can get a cut-out NHS poster for your window to show support.

Janet Brown:

Our front page leads on the 25-year anniversary of the horror murder of nurse Janet Brown from Radnage. A £20,000 reward remains in place to find the killer at-large as new information is revealed. Five years ago, I reported on the case reopening and met her devastated daughters. They need answers. Someone out there knows what happened – I’m pleading for them to do the right thing and call 101. On top of this, we have a feature looking back at Bucks’ other unsolved murders.

General news:

There’s plenty more to keep you informed without leaving your front room. We’ve got features on the new Wycombe police chief’s bid to catch drug dealers, a hunt for a mystery fly-tipper, concerns over HS2, new café plans for the Rye and much, much more.

TV, Puzzles & Horoscopes:

Being locked up indoors is not fun – my team and I know this all too well. In the last week, we’ve been working on your Bucks Free Press and 11 other publications across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire from our homes! But, we think we’ve got everything you need to keep the boredom away. Inside your BFP, you can now find an 8-page puzzles supplement, a 7-day TV guide and we’ve got Bucks resident Russell Grant on hand with your star signs.

Nostalgia:

Mike Dewey and the team are working hard to look through the history books, with pictures and reports on everything from Wycombe’s war evacuees to 1950s Stokenchurch, the changing face of West Street (Marlow Free Press) and Chesham’s temperance movement (Amersham, Chesham & Little Chalfont edition).

Opinion:

Don’t take my word for it, the people of Bucks are coming out in full force with their views. This week’s letters pages are awash with opinions from readers and politicians on topics including community spirit, littering and police action.

Sport:

The sporting calendar has been severely hit and whilst our pages have been reduced to allow for new TV and puzzles supplements, we’ve still got all the top news and views. This week we have a report on Wanderers’ owner Rob Couhig answering fan questions in a special Q&A, plus news on former Sandhurst Town manager Michael Herbert joining Penn & Tylers Green.

Gardening & DIY:

Finally, the weather has been great! And we want to make the most of that with lots of tips on how you can create your own garden paradise in a four-page homes special.

What next?

We want to hear from you! My team is working hard to keep you informed and entertained, but what else do you want from your Bucks Free Press newspaper? Get in touch by emailing andrew.colley@newsquest.co.uk or call 01494 755089. And don’t forget your elderly neighbours – where possible, please get them a copy of the BFP for their weekly shop. For many people, certainly those without the internet, Friday’s title will be an essential guide to everything going on around them. For new readers, the Bucks Free Press costs just £1.10 and is available at all good local newsagents, supermarkets and convenience stores.

From myself and everyone at Bucks Free Press, we wish you and your family well. Keep safe!

Andrew Colley Editor, Bucks Free Press