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Editor’s appointment prompts reshuffle at sister weeklies

Sophie DayA group of sister weeklies have undergone an editorial reshuffle after a new editor’s appointment.

Newsquest has unveiled a number of new appointments at its titles in Hampshire, where Kimberley Barber has become its regional editor.

Kimberley has taken on the Hampshire Chronicle, Romsey Advertiser, Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser after joining Newsquest from her previous role as business editor at Portsmouth daily The News.

Newsquest has now announced the promotion of the Winchester-based Chronicle’s senior reporter Sophie Day to head of news at the Gazette.

Sophie, pictured, takes over from Ryan Evans following his move away from Basingstoke to become court and crime reporter at the Swindon Advertiser.

Reporter Frankie Rudland is also due to join the Chronicle from the Worcester News, while two new reporters are also being sought in Hampshire.

The moves were revealed in a piece introducing Kimberley to Chronicle readers.

She said: “It’s every reporter’s dream to become the editor of their local newspaper. When I saw the role advertised, I knew it was the right role for me.

“Not only am I proud to take on such responsibility, but I am also proud to be able to represent my community on the issues that matter most.

“I am also proud to take on a newspaper that has been part of its community for 250 years.

“Over the years the Hampshire Chronicle has been a voice for countless people and groups, it’s championed Winchester and it’s held the powerful to account.

“I intend to continue in its long-standing traditions, as well as enhancing the newspaper’s offer online and on social media.”

The mother-of-two will be based at the Chronicle’s Winchester office with chief reporter Andrew Napier and reporters Toby Oliver and Harvey Lindsay.

She joins the Chronicle after the retirement of Bill Browne, who was editor-in-chief of Newsquest’s Hampshire titles.

Kimberley, 35, added: “I appreciate that with any change in a business there will be a short period of uncertainty while everyone settles in, but I am confident that these changes will be for the best.

“I thank the loyal readers of the Hampshire Chronicle for their patience, and I welcome any feedback on what they would like to see done differently.”