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Good News stalwart Peter retires after 22 years

PeterBarnesCF450Good News for Norwich & Norfolk stalwart Peter Barnes has retired from his position as advertising manager and administrator after 22 years' service.

 
The first edition of the tabloid Christian newspaper was published at Christmas 1992 under the banner of Festival Norwich 1990s carrying stories about chaplains in Ritzy's nightclub, Radio Cracker and an interview with broadcaster Adrian Plass.
 
Festival Norwich chairman, John Betts, was quoted in the first edition, saying: "I believe the paper will be a tool for God among the churches, which will give us a better idea of what is happening here in Norwich. Too often as Christians we are unaware of what is going on outside our own circle.  I hope that Good News will help us to see more of the big picture. This newspaper will make a contribution to the advancement of the Kingdom of God."
 
There have been 68 editions of the paper over those 22 years, totalling over 1.5m copies printed and distributed. Every Christmas up to 70,000 homes across Norwich have received copies through their doors or via local newspapers.
 
The paper has carried interviews with two archbishops and countless bishops, mayors and sheriffs. It has also featured well-known Christians such as Tony Campolo, Nicky Gumbel, Roy Castle, Joel Edwards, Jonathan Aitken, Simon Thomas, Rick Wakeman, J John, Steve Chalke, Helen Shapiro, Cyrille Regis, Graham Cole and Lord Richard Dannatt.
 
There have also been some more unusual interviews with lorry legend Eddie Stobart, Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park and American heavyweight boxer Tony Tucker.
 
Peter said: "The aim and objective of the Good News for Norwich & Norfolk newspaper has been to inform, encourage and excite the local Christian and non-Christian community in what God is doing through the churches of Greater Norwich.
 
“It has been a privilege to be part of an outstanding team doing just this over these 20 plus years."

Editor, Keith Morris, said: "Peter has been the rock on which the Good News was first established and then flourished over the past 22 years. It simply would not have been possible to continue over all that time without his efforts and for that I and the rest of the team are forever grateful."
 
Good News said farewell to Peter at a team barbecue on August 16, when he was presented with a card and a small token of appreciation for his work.
 
Taking over the advertising mantle for the paper is Network Norfolk senior content manager Helen Baldry. If you are interested in advertising in the paper you can contact Helen at helen.baldry@networknorwich.co.uk or on 01603 926120.

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper
 
Pictured above is Peter Barnes.
 


Published: 21/09/2014


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