Today, Central Bylines turns five years old; to celebrate, Simon Ferrigino, Judy Copage, Mark Cunliffe and Julian Greenbank take a retrospective look at the variety of articles published since our launch, where the publication currently stands, and what the future holds

Currently on £14,847... So close to £15K. Please do help us out and chip in, if you value citizen journalism as a replacement for/ complement for top-down MSM. Our roots run deep in communities and we bring you authentic news and commentary from diverse citizens themselves. Much more wholesome! 👇

Today, Central Bylines turns five years old; to celebrate, Simon Ferrigino, Judy Copage, Mark Cunliffe and Julian Greenbank take a retrospective look at the variety of articles published since our launch, where the publication currently stands, and what the future holds

A recent UNICEF report exposes global childhood obesity and the urgent need to safeguard our children's health | Yumnah Shahraiz

3/ Bylines Network articles have been read nearly 20 million times. It costs at least £175,000 a year to help our 2,000 citizen writers speak truth to power and hold democracy to account. Who funds us? No one...except you. Support citizen journalism, donate:

2/ If you wish to get involved with our unique brand of citizen journalism which is about to hit 20 million reads, then you can find your local Bylines here:

1/ Great to see the Bylines Network, and citizen journalism generally, getting a shout-out from George Monbiot in the Guardian @georgemonbiot.bsky.social

Simon Ferrigno, Judy Copage and Mark Cunliffe have just recorded a podcast to celebrate our upcoming 5th birthday, discussing how we started, our journey, and what the future holds. Thanks to Julian Greenbank and Bylines Podcast for hosting. Watch out for it dropping on the 25th of September!

The new proposed giant solar farm will be built on Romney Marsh, land that is environmentally important and crucial to the UK’s food security future | Amanda Farrant

Recent immigration policy changes risk deepening staffing shortages in the UK care sector | Grace Webb

"the room was nonetheless filled with Irish tricolour flags... Seeing his young son’s eyes gleaming at the sight of the flags, Hume’s father looked at him and said simply, “don’t get involved with that, son”. When the young John Hume asked him why, his father replied simply: “You can’t eat a flag”

MMR coverage is falling due to anti-vax claims and other factors. Here’s how we can address it before it’s too late | Yumnah Shahraiz

Visit Kent shuts down: a warning sign for UK tourism The sudden closure of the Canterbury-based tourism agency is a blow to the Kent economy and raises questions about the government's approach | Paul Swallow writes

The Orbán family’s wealth and influence raise questions in Hungary, fuelling anger over corruption and secrecy.  | Magdalena Williams

The crimes of a clever but callous undergraduate are set for a second court date next year, as the law seeks to confiscate £300,000 of stolen funds | Bill Doult

South East residents drive demand for higher-welfare labels like organic, free-range and RSPCA Assured | Charlotte Mbali

September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Karen Avery looks at events and dementia care in Kent #WorldAzheimersAwarenessMonth

After mass closures and changing consumer habits, UK nightlife is on the brink of extinction. What will become of our late night leisure? | Ayomide Asani

We have our fingers in many pies across the land including West England Bylines (Oxford). There is so much history I am sure you can hook us up with. Check out our map and you can put local people in contact if you wish @westenglandbylines.co.uk bylinesnetwork.co.uk/network-map/

Oh that would be superb. One really great writer we would like to highlight is John Heywood who loves this kind of thing. @handhyorkshire.bsky.social @yorkshirebylines.co.uk yorkshirebylines.co.uk/author/johnh...

Hello Kent and Surrey Bylines! We would be very pleased to write for you. We will drop you a line. It is our AGM Weekend tomorrow and over the weekend (Oxford). Once we are back we can do something for you. We objected to this planning application and tried to get the building listed... Lots to say.

Trump’s attack on science funding and role of UK and Europe The current administration of the United States is attacking research funding, opening up opportunities for the UK and Europe | Mike Phillips

Centrica’s investment in Grain LNG paves the way for cleaner fuels on the UK’s way to net zero, but presents new potential safety concerns | Sarah Hadland

Flags and crosses: patriotism or racism? Flags and graffiti on roundabouts and now even churches have made one West Midlands resident angry; when will it all cease? | Mark Cunliffe @markcunliffe.bsky.social

Surrey Police are intervening in the worldwide and persistent problem of cat calling, launching a pilot campaign called ‘Jog on’ | Hannah Thomas

Viktor Orbán faces a real challenge from Peter Magyar, whose Tisza party is shaking up politics in Hungary | Magdalena Williams

Far-right protesters in Perth opposing asylum seekers in a local hotel were outnumbered 2-to-1 by anti-racism campaigners "The far-right protesters claimed they were there to “protect women and children” .... However, tensions rose when we witnessed one man harassing a woman called Charlotte"

Viktor Orbán faces a real challenge from Peter Magyar, whose Tisza party is shaking up politics in Hungary | Magdalena Williams

Today is #WorldLakeDay - a chance to celebrate the beauty, biodiversity & vital role of lakes across the globe. From the Lake District to Lake Victoria, these waters sustain life. Let’s protect them for future generations. 🌊💧

As chosen by two of the UK’s best-known poets, Ian McMillan and Kate Fox, the winners of the first Bylines Network Sky Hawkins Poetry Prize will be announced today at 6pm. Join us here to watch the big reveal live www.youtube.com/@bylinesnetw... @katefoxwriter75.bsky.social @imcmillan.bsky.social

‘Remoralisation’ of young people – what does this mean? Polls indicate that many young people are unsure about complex issues. Encouraging them to read may be better than trying to instil national pride | Tetiana Toma writes

The winners of the inaugural Bylines Network national poetry competition will be announced by livestream tomorrow night, with the winner being chosen by two of the UK’s best-known poets, Ian McMillan and Kate Fox. 6 pm, Wednesday 27 August, via our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/channel/UC3r...

Barbed wire, bunkers, minefields, even a “drone wall” – Europe’s frontline nations are preparing for the day Moscow turns its firepower on them. @eastangliabylines.co.uk

Sussex children deserve clean air in their classroom From scrubs to schools – indoor air quality is an education issue | Nathalie Pearson @sussexbylines.co.uk

Durham Reform UK leader Andrew Husband has seen three of his companies collapse since May, leaving debts of about £1.7mn

It's International Dog Day today 🐾 We would love to see your canine companions Pop your photos below 👇

From raising a child to running a business, one Surrey family poured everything into their home. But with soaring rents, impossible income rules & landlords cashing in, they now face losing it all. @gemmagould.bsky.social This is the human cost of Britain’s housing crisis ⤵️

Another poem shortlisted for the @bylinesnetwork.co.uk poetry prize. Winner announced on Wednesday. open.substack.com/pub/bylinesn...

The winners of the inaugural Bylines Network national poetry competition will be announced by livestream next week By Jimmy Andrex

From raising a child to running a business, one Surrey family poured everything into their home. But with soaring rents, impossible income rules & landlords cashing in, they now face losing it all. @gemmagould.bsky.social This is the human cost of Britain’s housing crisis ⤵️

Discover how knives seized from crime are being transformed into gyms, turning violence into vitality and forging strength from steel. Read more about this amazing community initiative 👇

We are so lucky to have such wonderful spaces to enjoy. Every year there are wildfires on our heathlands and commons caused by thoughtless behaviour. Please enjoy the green spaces responsibly

New data reveals Bromley ranks among London’s lowest for borough-wide climate action, trailing on transport and net-zero targets - despite ambitions. #ClimateAction #London #Bromley

You know you're not welcome when even the Cotswolds revolt against you 👀😏

Guess who doesn’t advertise on GB News 😏

🚢 All aboard history! The magnificent Galeón Andalucía, a full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, dropped anchor at Dover Marina - bringing six decks, a 500-ton wooden hull, and centuries-old seafaring magic right to our shores! #Dover #SpanishGalleon #GaleonAndalucia

Kent County Council shake-up is stalled - with Reform UK blocking fast-track devolution. The council faces a November deadline to make their case which Reform UK says is impossible to meet. Meanwhile residents wait for overdue change. Less reform and more roadblock Read the details below 👇

In Gaza, survival is a daily lottery of hunger, fear, and grief. Behind each statistic is a family desperately trying to survive. This heart-wrenching article drags you into the urgent, unflinching truth the world must confront now. 👇 #Gaza

In Gaza, survival is a daily lottery of hunger, fear, and grief. Behind each statistic is a family desperately trying to survive. This heart-wrenching article drags you into the urgent, unflinching truth the world must confront now. 👇 #Gaza

Kent County Council shake-up is stalled - with Reform UK blocking fast-track devolution. The council faces a November deadline to make their case which Reform UK says is impossible to meet. Meanwhile residents wait for overdue change. Less reform and more roadblock Read the details below 👇