So, let's tell you more about the team: ​

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There is me Laura O'Rourke, Editor-in-Chief:

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When my daughter Ellen—our brilliant founder—passed me the broomstick to steer this magical publication, I never guessed how much joy it would bring me.

 

For me, it’s not “work”—for me, kindness, connection, collaboration, and community are key foundations of who we are. Over the past five years, I’ve had the honour of connecting with so many inspiring souls, and together we’ve built a coven-like circle of creativity.

 

So what does my role look like? Well, every quarter I conjure 92 blank pages into a seasonal spellbook of your submissions and artistry. From curating content, stuffing envelopes, daily visits to the post office, organising giveaways, developing our stockists’s base, working to support small businesses through ads, and stirring the social media cauldron—I wear many hats (pointy ones, naturally). Oh, and yes, I brew my own witchy tea to keep the magic flowing!

 

When away from the magazine, I’m knee-deep in clay, making studio pottery, dancing the Argentine Tango, and wandering through the wild with my camera. Being at one with nature is a priority for me. Rainy days call me to the piano, or practising yoga and meditation. There’s never a dull moment at Witches HQ!

 

 

Vanessa Tait, Editor:

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"Hello, I am Vanessa. I am the Editor of Witches Magazine. I edit all the magickal article submissions before they make their way into the beautiful magazines.

I am also a multifacted healer, coach, author, and poet with a love of weaving together psychology, spirituality, and a dash of magic. 

I’m passionate about sacred ecology, ancient wisdom, and celebrating the many ways witches connect with nature and each other.

I absolutely adore working for Witches because the community is truly beautiful! It feels like joining a coven where inspiration, magic, and laughter are always bubbling in the community cauldron. Plus, there’s plenty of broomstick parking (a definite bonus!), and my wing woman Laura is an absolute legend."

@themeditative_mermaid

Well, she had to say that really! But thank you Vanessa. You're a breath of fresh air, and so gifted and talented at what you do. I appreciate and value you so much.

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Putting a face to a name, let me introduce you all to Vanessa.....

 

 

Gabby Marshall, Sub Editor:

"Hi, I'm Gabby, I copyedit and proofread for Witches Magazine! 

I think my favourite part about working for Witches Magazine is all the fascinating witchy things I get to learn. 

My Mum is a witch, but also a private person, so even though I'm familiar with some iconography, I still learn so much every time I interact with this magazine. It makes me feel closer to her, and I love that. 

Fun fact: when I told someone my Mum was a witch once, they asked if she worshipped cows. I don't know where that came from!"

Gabby has completely undersold Gabby here. For those of you who know me well, poetry isn't my strong point, this is where Gabby is marvellous. So I'm able to give feedback to those who submit their poetry to us. And ... such attention to detail when proofing. Not a lot will get by Gabby. 

A marvellous addition to our wee team.

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Harry Davies, Sub Editor:

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​"Hello! My name is Harry, I’m currently studying Creative Writing at Liverpool John Moore’s University, just going into my third year! When I’m not procrastinating uni work, I’m working on several writing projects, playing video games (my favourite game is Dark Souls 1), listening to Marillion, or reading! Anything from Clavel’s Shogūn to Allan Poe’s various stories, and quite a lot in between. 

When I first started volunteering for Witches, I was both very excited, and very nervous. However, Laura immediately put me at ease, and I absolutely love the sense of community, and I’m delighted to be a part of it! The diversity of contributors and fascinating subject matters means I’m always learning something new. 

Despite the long hair and love for Marillion, I don’t moonlight as a guitarist in a rock band!" 

I personally think he's the lead singer! 

It's so wonderful to have both Gabby and Harry volunteering within the team. I'm super keen to help young adults with work experience, helping to develop their confidence and skills, and help them to learn where they'd like to be in the future. Who knows, one day, one may want to take over Witches from me! But for the foreseeable future, I'll still be at the helm!

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David Whalley, Art Editor:

​..last and not least ... let me introduce you to David, our Art Editor and double partner in crime!

"Hello, I am David,Art Editor for Witches Magazine.

By day, I’m a time-server carpenter and joiner—a wizard with wood, you might say. In my younger years I could have built a house, but I don’t bounce as well as I used to, so these days I keep my feet closer to the ground.

I love photography, and whilst an amateur, I have watched as many YouTube clips to hone my skills as I’ve had hot dinners. Many of my photos find their way into the magazine and our social media, and I always cast the final editorial eye before the issue goes to print—no crooked columns or mischievous misaligned images escape my keen eye!

As Laura’s partner in both life and magic, I get the joy of sharing this journey with her. When launch week arrives and a mountain of magazines appears at our doorstep, my trusty van and I swoop in like a gallant famili–err, delivery wizard. I was also involved with the scouts, and ran groups for more years than I care to mention, so always happy to offer a helping hand, it’s the cub scout code! This includes tech support, as Laura openly admits it's not her strong point! 

When not working, you’ll find me walking, birdwatching, cooking, and dancing. I’m in my element at this time of year, as a keen fungi photographer and just love the outdoors and being out in nature."

So, I do hope you've enjoyed our introduction to the team, and feel you know a little bit more about each of us.

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