I have worked as a local journalist and freelance writer for around 20 years. I’m passionate about local journalism, and believe it has an important role to play in supporting local communities to grow and develop. I founded In Common after being made redundant. I didn’t want to stop...
CONTRIBUTORS
Catherine Collins – deputy editor
As a former feature and entertainments writer for the Daily Echo and various other publications (and now working in communications and PR) – I believe everyone has a story to tell… it’s just a matter of helping them to tell it. I’m really looking forward to being involved and...
Katie Isham – writer
Born and bred in Southampton, I try to escape but it always seems to pull me back. Maybe it’s something to do with the pull of the sea; I’m always happier near the coastline. Life working with teenagers in a Southampton school keeps me busy and fortunate to see...
Spring Wise – writer
I’m an artist, home educating parent, foster carer and roller derby coach born and bred in Southampton. I’m also a queer autistic wheelchair user with a passion for disability rights, accessibility and social justice. I love to grow and nurture things of all kinds and am a passionate pursuer...
Martin Davis – website designer & writer
I do the techy/nerdy bit as website designer and builder (still-moving.co.uk). I haven’t promoted this kind of work for a while because I have been too busy, but when Sally Churchward first announced her ideas about this project it caught my eye! Having previously worked in media I confess...
Laura McCarthy – writer
I have taught English and Film for years, writing in my own time. Not only do I write for In Common, where I mainly discuss anything bookish and personal experiences, but I also write fiction. I have diverse reading tastes, willing to give everything a chance. Some of my...
Mabel Wellman – writer
I am a call centre agent who lives in Aldermoor. I have lived in Southampton my whole life, first in Northam Estate and spent most of my childhood and teen years in Bitterne. I am an avid fan of the outdoors and love walking around Southampton and Hampshire. My...
Vicky Greer – music writer
I’m a music journalist originally from Northern Ireland. I moved to Southampton for university in 2018 and decided to stick around for the music scene here. I have a degree in French and Spanish and spent a year living in Toulouse where I studied multilingualism in the local alternative...
Martin Brisland – amateur dramatics editor and heritage editor
I was born in Southampton in 1953, educated at Freemantle Juniors, King Edward VI School and the University of London, where I gained B.SC Econ. Later I gained an MA from the Open University. My working life was in further and higher education. I also had a parallel career...
Nick Mabey – writer
I often describe myself as a father, partner or brother and sometimes a coach, teacher or mentor. I rarely say I am a writer even though I do write a lot, personally and professionally. Most of my writing is self-published and so In Common is a new experience for...