Hello! This week marks my eighth week as regional editor for Kingston and Teddington so I thought I would introduce myself with a note. 

Originally from Hull (don't worry, I don't have the accent) I moved to Surbiton last year to do my MA in Journalism at Kingston University. Currently writing my dissertation as well as working, I can't wait to full concentrate on Teddington Nub.

You will often find me sitting in a coffee shop with an extortionately expensive oat flat white, tapping away furiously on my keyboard.  

One of those horrendous breeds of 'morning people', I go to the gym to weightlift at 6:30 before getting on with writing my top stories of the day. 

I'm vegan, much to the disappointment of a fancy seafood restaurant I was asked to write feature for. There's nothing more embarrassing than having a waiter explain the menu to you in intricate and delicious detail only to ask for some variation of vegetables. 

Full disclosure: the only time I had been to Teddington before taking on the role was for the Nub News job interview. However, I think it has worked out rather well. 

During my first week I covered the RNLI at work with London Fire Brigade and the Met Police on World Drowning Day. Despite my nerves it was lovely to meet people so passionate about water safety and working within the community. 

Still getting to know the nooks and crannies of Teddington High Street, my interests piqued when I stumbled across Shambles Bar and Restaurant's cottage-style exterior. I reached out to them for an interview, and Massimo Langella took me through the enchanting story of the family-run restaurant, the history in the walls, and the characters of Franco Langella. 

From this story, I met the delightful Maurice Press who told me about his exciting life as a spin instructor, businessman as well as pianist and vocalist- making me feel quite inadequate with how I spend my time. 

As news goes, it is never really 'my time'. Coming home from the gym one Saturday morning was the breaking news that Ham Gate has been crashed into by a car. I spent the rest of the morning scouring Twitter and ringing press rooms for more information. 

Following a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) I covered the devastating story of Hampton Wick Pavillion being set ablaze by suspected arson. The flurry of messages and support coming behind the club after the incident was staggering. 

What keeps cropping up again and again, is that Teddington is the first village-y feel outside of London. The sense of community, belonging and identity is incredible. I have been particularly struck by how individuals and communities support each other. 

I have covered heartwarming stories of Nigel Cole and Lara Parker, fundraising for their beloved Teddington Theatre Club's home at Hampton Hill Theatre through weird and wonderful ways. 

Most recently, I watched the collation of the new vicar of St Mary and St Alban's Parish church. For such a quaint little church, it packed a punch with around 250 people squeezed into church pews on another sweltering evening. Still, the community spirit and the genuine excitement to having a vicar back in robes was beaming out of the congregation. 

A campaign I am interested in reporting more on is the Teddington Lock Scheme with the Save Ham Lands campaigners. I attended the protest last week and- despite the awkward experience of being mistaken as BBC and a Guardian correspondent- was in awe of the strength of feeling and the variety of character at the demonstration. It was not a homogenous group of activists but locals who cared deeply about where they live. 

Of course, it has not always been plain sailing. In my first proper journalism job I am still learning the ropes. I couple of weeks back I wrote a quick article on Bushy Park having restricted opening times due to culling season; without thinking I used an inappropriate picture of a dog chasing a deer. I quickly realised my mistake and changed the photo. The crucial element of journalism is to be truthful and accurate; this picture was misleading, and I apologise for any offence or distress caused. 

Another error I must confess to, is my coverage of the RNLI boat naming ceremony graciously given by Hilary Saw. In the original article I wrote the new boat was named the 'Penny Alderman Shelton', when it was in fact 'Alderman Penny Shelton'. I had one job at a boat naming ceremony, and I could not even do that right. 

Still only a couple of months into Nub News and my career, I am learning what the Teddington community wants from me and how I can report for you. 

Thank you for bearing with me and for the lovely comments, criticisms and tweets. 

My inbox is always open: [email protected]