When I first set out on this slightly mad adventure of starting a local magazine, I wasn’t entirely sure where it would take me. What I did know was that I wanted to create something rooted in the community, something that celebrated local people, stories, and businesses. After the warm welcome of THAT LEEDS MAG (in north Leeds) and seeing how readers there got behind it, I knew I had to bring the same energy here to Morley. And so, THAT MORLEY MAG was born.
This is now the eighth issue since I launched in October 2024, and I’m really excited to finally take a moment to properly introduce myself. After all, this isn’t just my magazine – it’s yours too.
Who am I?
My name’s Deby Jackson, and like many people, I’ve had a winding road to get here. I’ve had jobs I’ve loved, jobs I’ve tolerated, and jobs I’ve lost. In fact, it was redundancy that gave me the push to try something new. Rather than sitting still, I thought: why not use this opportunity, and my 25 years in graphic design, to build something that matters to me – and hopefully to others too?
I’ve always loved stories. Not just the big ones splashed across national news, but the small ones that often go untold: the café serving generations of families, the charity quietly helping people, or the artist creating from their spare room. Those are the stories that knit a place together, and I want THAT MORLEY MAG to be where you find them.
Why Morley?
Morley is a town with its own strong identity, history, and pride. It’s not just a suburb of Leeds – it has its own heartbeat. Although I don’t live here, I’ve spent a lot of time in Morley over the years, and what’s always struck me is the strong sense of community. Whether I’m walking down Queen Street, browsing the market, or stopping for a coffee, there’s a real feeling that people look out for each other. And that’s exactly the kind of place where a local magazine can thrive.
My hope is that this magazine reflects what makes Morley unique, and maybe even surprises you with things you didn’t know were happening in your own community.
A community project, not just a magazine
One of the best parts of producing this magazine is hearing from readers. Your ideas and feedback are what keep it fresh and relevant. I don’t want this to be a magazine that talks at you – I want it to be one that grows with you.
Another thing that matters to me is sustainability. THAT LEEDS MAG is proudly carbon neutral, and I’m making sure That Morley Mag follows the same path. From the way I print to the way I distribute, I’m committed to keeping our environmental impact as low as possible. I want this to be a magazine you can feel good about picking up – not just because of what’s inside, but because of how it’s made.
That’s why I’d love to know:
- Which local businesses deserve more attention?
- Are there groups, charities, or clubs I should feature?
- Do you know someone with a great story to tell?
And here’s the practical bit: producing a magazine isn’t free. To keep it going, I rely on advertising from local businesses. That’s where you, the readers, can make a huge difference.
Advertising in THAT MORLEY MAG isn’t just about buying space. It’s about joining a conversation. It’s about showing support for the community, while also getting in front of people who live, work, and shop here.
And here’s the thing: readers listen. I’ve seen it happen time and again. Someone spots an ad, gives that business a try, and a connection is made. That’s how local economies grow – through trust, recommendation, and visibility.
So if you know a business, big or small, that could benefit from reaching people in Morley, please show them this mag. It might be your favourite takeaway, hairdresser, local plumber, or the shop you’ve visited for years. For many small businesses, affordable, targeted advertising in a local magazine can be a real lifeline. And for us, it keeps the stories coming and the pages turning.
Looking ahead
Eight issues in, I feel like we’re just getting started. Each month brings new connections, new stories, and new opportunities. But I can only take this so far on my own. Whether this magazine becomes a long – term success depends on all of us pulling together as a community.
So my invitation is simple: keep reading, keep talking to me, and keep spreading the word. Share the magazine with friends, mention it to local businesses, and let me know what you want to see in future issues.
Together, we can make THAT MORLEY MAG something truly special – a magazine that reflects the pride, spirit, and creativity of Morley itself.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community, and here’s to the next chapter.
Do say hello if you see me around town, Deby
07399 887 798
[email protected]