Thursday , March 28 2024

The history of Zakynthos Informer and its Admin team

This month Zakynthos Informer is Ten Years Old!

Started by Bobby Gee on 01 May 2010, a dedicated team of admins have worked hard to grow the Informer into what it is today. Over that time it has transformed from merely a Facebook group, to a company that now serves both locals and tourists on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and a dedicated website. 

Originally a free paper newspaper called “Island Independent”, the paper ceased in 2009, and the idea moved online, run by Bobby Gee and Roz Mills.

Who are the Zakynthos Informer Team?

So who are the team behind the current Zakynthos Informer, and what made them become a member of the Admin team? 

Bobby Gee

Bobby Gee created the Zakynthos Informer in May 2010. He works as a DJ, hosting the very popular Bobby Gee Breakfast show on the islands English-speaking radio station, Island FM. Bobby is also Station Manager, and actively works with the Zakynthos community.

“Back in 2008/2009 I was running an island newspaper with Roz Mills called Island Independent. The newspaper was produced by the islands Radio Station and part of Go Zakynthos and it contained local news and information. In 2009 the newspaper ceased circulation and I liked the idea of something to keep people informed so created the Zante/Zakynthos Informer in May 2010. Roz Mills who I had worked with on the newspaper joined me and Ailsa Burns who was one of the DJs at Island FM also joined us as admin.

The aim of the new site, Zante/Zakynthos Informer was to get news and information to everyone on the island whether it was locals, business owners or tourists. 

Over the years the Informer has grown, it has taken on more admins and a few have left, and we have created a local Residents page to concentrate on island based issues. It’s always hard to strike a balance and certain subjects worry tourists but residents want and need to know what’s going on, so the Residents page gives them a place to learn all the news without visitors getting worried about things that may be everyday life to locals but that probably won’t affect them whilst on holiday. It’s been a great ten Years and I never expected it to grow so big or become so popular!”

Louise Inzk

Louise works as a TESOL teacher on the Zakynthos, and has deep cultural ties with the island, often writing about Zakynthian Traditions and Culture. Her love of the island and all it offers saw her joining the Zakynthos Informer admin team in 2014.

“I first joined Zakynthos Informer after Ailsa  [Burns] recommended me as an extra administer. That was back in 2014. Then, I mainly did admin work and added posts about Zakynthian traditions. Now through the page not only do I report local news, blogs and articles in regards to Zakynthos, the page has allowed me to do a lot of Volunteer work.  All of which has the support of our members too. We’ve achieved quite a lot in regards to helping Zakynthos.  I’ve enjoyed working with a great team of people. We all work well together. I think Zakynthos Informer is a great way to communicate.  Through our blogs people get educated on our customs, traditions and our general way of life.  I have met some wonderful people over the years. All of which has been owed to Zakynthos Informer.”

Chrissie Parker

Chrissie Parker joined the Zakynthos Informer Team in 2014. Chrissie’s first experience of the island was a combined birthday and wedding celebration, Zakynthian style. Since then she has been able to combine her love of the island, its history and culture, with her love of writing.

“In 2012 I joined the group as a member, to keep in touch with family and friends on the island and stay up to date with what was going on. In 2014 Ailsa [Burns] added me as an admin to assist as member numbers were growing. I was very proud to be asked to join as an admin and I’m lucky to be able to work with a really great team. Loving history, I’ve dedicated my time to posting about historical aspects and archaeological discoveries across Greece, as well as the many interesting places to visit across the island such as villages, sites and museums. Highlighting the variety of great things to see and do on Zakynthos is so important, as Zakynthos is more than just beaches and the Shipwreck. The expansion of the Informer from just a facebook group to an online brand, that now includes a Website, Twitter and Instagram, has been incredible and I’m proud to work with such a great team.”

Lesley Paterson

Lesley has been living and working on the island for over twenty years and joined the Zakynthos Informer Team in 2017. She learned Greek by trial and error (causing some raised eyebrows along the way), and has lived through many phases and adventures. Lesley has a wealth of hard-earned knowledge and experience to share with those who love Zakynthos

“I had been a member of the Zakynthos Informer facebook group for several years, and also a member of the sister page for Residents Only. In the summer of 2017 we had a LOT of local news happening at a very fast pace, including but not restricted to, many horrific forest fires breaking out. I started to translate some local news articles and post them, mainly on the Residents Only group, as I realised that there were a large number of local residents who don’t speak Greek and would not have access to much up-to-date news. Bobby noticed that I was obviously capable of doing my own translations and asked if I would be willing to join the admin team. I love Zakynthos very much, and was very happy to join a group of like-minded people doing their best to support our local community. Over the last few years the group has expanded into many areas, on and off Facebook and what I love most about being on the admin team is the community spirit and mutual support, as we all have the same aim in mind.”

Dennis Anastassiou

Born in Athens, Greece, Citizen of the World, Dennis has travelled in 146 countries, lived in the US (and got a post-graduate Degree in Management), the UK, Scandinavian Countries, and returned to Zakynthos – where his family originated from – with a dream to make a difference.  Life has strange ways, after serving the Hospitality Industry for many years as a Hotel General Manager, Dennis decide it was time to move on, and he plans to relocate to the UK and to run his Consulting Business from there, whilst keeping Zakynthos in his heart.

“It’s been eight years since I had the pleasure to become a member of this VERY special group on Facebook! As the years went by, the group not only grew to become a vibrant and huge gathering place for “all about Zakynthos” news, comments, information, and stories about the people but for me a dear place from where dozens of people became true lifelong friends! Short “how are you” messages, very often, made dull days bright… as bright as the blazing Summer days on the island! As life unfolded for me both on a professional and personal level, in times of distress (yes, maybe not obvious but EVERYBODY has these times) the support and kind words of my friends here at the “Informer” carried me through it all! I felt humbled! For this, I am profoundly grateful! For this 10 year anniversary, I wish to extend my gratitude to all, and although I am keeping a low profile on FB (because of this important and transitional period of my life) I promise to return one day and give you ALL a huge hug (with the best way I can – my photos of this wonderful Island) For those not already members, please join, for active members, embrace the “Informer” Let’s make difference! Happy anniversary to all!”

We would also like say a huge thanks to Roz Mills, Ailsa Burns and Angela Spinou-Smith, past admins who worked extremely hard to run and build up the Zakynthos Informer and do their bit to ensure that it ended up being the best it could possibly be. Thank you ladies, your contribution hasn’t been forgotten and we hope that you can enjoy this important celebration with us today.

 

About Chrissie Parker

Chrissie Parker joined the Zakynthos Informer Team in 2014. Chrissie’s first experience of the island was a combined birthday and wedding celebration, in true Zakynthian style. Since then she has been able to combine her love of the island, including its incredible history, tradition and culture, with her love of writing.

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