Hello! You’re looking at the new editor of your magazine, The Local Answer!

My name is Emma Luther and while I’ve been fortunate enough to introduce myself to members of Cheltenham Business Luncheon Club recently, there’ll be many of you who wonder who I am.

Firstly, I have to say I’m absolutely delighted to be here. When I began my career in journalism more than 20 years ago, I had bold aspirations of one day becoming an editor, so this position at the helm of such a wonderful community magazine is a huge honour and privilege.

What are my local connections? Well, I’ve been a Gloucestershire girl for most of my life and I love living and working here. I especially adore the beautiful landscape we’re so lucky to call home.

Nothing sets my spirits soaring like a wander through the county’s best-looking backdrops. From the heady heights of Bredon Hill and Cleeve Hill, to the dreamy dips of Laurie Lee’s valleys in Stroud and picturesque Cotswolds villages, through to the magnificence of Gloucester’s historic Docks, each meandering path offers a wealth of wellbeing and escapism as we navigate the challenges of these tumultuous times we’re living through.

If you’re curious about my credentials, beyond a deep love of the county, they stretch over many years from a reporter’s notepad to the whizzy top-speed media world we’re (mostly) all connected to via our phones and computers.

My journalism career began as a trainee reporter at the Gloucestershire Echo covering all kinds of stories, from inspirational business leaders and charity workers, to heartbreaking court cases and everything in between.

I moved on to a stint of sub-editing The Gloucester Citizen newspaper for many years before I went on to sub-edit regional newspapers across the south west, relishing the rich details of local life.

Most recently, I’ve spent the last four years in digital media, working at SoGlos – another proudly independent publishing firm – as a senior staff writer, covering business and lifestyle news across Gloucestershire.

In my new role as editor of The Local Answer, my goal is to give a fantastic flavour of the best bits of county life.

I’ll be getting out and about to shine a spotlight on new openings, introducing you to some of our most interesting local personalities, highlighting what you can get involved with in and around the county, and generally sharing an honest opinion and insight into some of the most fascinating things going on in Gloucestershire.

Celebrating positivity in the community is a really important focus for us at The Local Answer, so I’m really looking forward to discovering what’s going on around our wonderful county.

I want this magazine to be a true reflection of the kindness we know exists within our communities, but that so rarely makes the headlines.

I’m very much looking forward to embracing this fresh chapter and getting to know you, our readers, along the way.

After all, a community magazine is only as strong as the people it represents, and it’s a privilege to help tell the stories that make this county so special.

Whether you’re a long-standing resident, new to the area, or simply passing through, I hope The Local Answer becomes something you look forward to picking up – a trusted companion that informs, inspires and uplifts.