“Working with Amanda has made a huge difference to Surviving Bereavement. We were struggling to get the word out there to let people know we actually existed and could offer support for those in need. In particular we have now been inundated with requests for our Memory Boxes and Bags which we give free of charge to children and young adults coping with grief. Amanda’s press and radio contacts certainly made this happen. I do not hesitate to recommend her to others.”  

“I have always found Amanda to be the consummate professional and admired how she turned the Stratford-upon-Herald around from being largely irrelevant to become a true reflection of the concerns of Stratford’s community– no mean feat in these days of social media.

I greatly appreciated her accessibility and willingness to listen to thoughts, ideas and stories. One of her greatest skills, and which is why she was so well trusted as editor, was her ability to recognise when a subject was ‘on’ or ‘off’ the record and how to use that for mutual benefit without compromising her source.”

“I have always been impressed with Amanda’s commitment to honest journalism that connects with the community it seeks to serve. We have developed a professional relationship based on trust, which means that we have been able to discuss sensitive issues without me having to be guarded about what I say, for fear that it will be put in print! Amanda is organised and professional and understands the value of good networking and communication.”

“Amanda has moved the Herald to its rightful place as the voice of the community, for many communities within the community.”

“Media relationships can be somewhat turbulent, especially when it comes to press coverage of controversial or unpopular rulings by local authorities. As editor of our local newspaper, Amanda Chalmers was scrupulous in ensuring unbiased and balanced reporting on all aspects relating to the Town Council and rarely sought to sensationalise. However, that is not to say that Amanda would ever sanction coverage that was dumbed down. 

She took a lively interest in all matters that were important to the town and was helpful and proactive in getting significant messages across that were of interest and of benefit.”

   

“I have found Amanda to be a fair and balanced journalist who was keen to understand the true picture and ensure that all sides of the argument were heard.

She always acted with integrity and professionalism in our dealings with her.”

   

“It has always been a pleasure working with Amanda. She has always shown a passion for sharing important health news with the public and offered fantastic support for improving local services in Stratford. The Herald were closely involved and very supportive of the Stratford Hospital Cancer and Eye fundraising appeal, helping us to raise over £1 million to make the new facility the best it can be for the people of Stratford and surrounding communities.”

   

“I have known Amanda in her capacity as editor of the Stratford Herald for the past two and a half years. During that time Amanda has always been very helpful, open and honest and willing to work with the District Council to provide balanced reporting. This constructive relationship has provided the basis of much closer and amicable working with the Stratford Herald which was not always possible before Amanda became editor.”

   

“Amanda Chalmers is a highly professional journalist. She has excellent judgement, an eye for what is newsworthy and the ability to decipher the importance of a story. Her interpersonal skills are a major strength; she has the ability to ask tough questions whilst retaining genuine empathy for a particular circumstance. As an editor, I always found Amanda to be not only approachable, but a stickler for accurate facts and quotes. This approach instilled trust and the confidence that you would always be treated fairly.”