Meet our Team!
Karen-Emma White
Editor
Karen-Emma White, Editor of About Thetford magazine, has deep roots in the town. Although her family’s connection to Thetford began in the 1960s, when her grandparents and aunt moved to the town closely followed by her parents who worked for designer Terence Conran, Karen herself grew up and attended school locally. She was among the first cohort to progress from Year 1 through Year 5 at the newly established Rosemary Musker High School, before going on to study at Great Yarmouth School of Art, York School of Art and then to university in London.
Karen brings a rich and varied background to her role. She is passionate about connecting with both the local community and businesses, and she takes real pride in creating engaging content for the magazine. Her previous work with the Norfolk Museums Service, based at Ancient House Museum in Thetford, gives her a solid foundation in local history, something that’s evident in many of the magazine’s historical features. In addition to her editorial role, Karen is the Chair and lead organiser of the well-loved Thetford Open Gardens and a Director at Leaping Hare CIC.
With her background in design, Karen has made it a priority to ensure that About Thetford is visually appealing and accessible to readers of all ages. She is always happy to advise on advertising. Whether you’re a new advertiser or looking to refresh your current ad, and can help tailor a campaign to suit your needs. Karen also welcomes contributions and feature ideas. If you’re part of a local group or organisation and want to raise awareness about what you do, she’s the perfect point of contact. She was the creative force behind the popular Out & About column and Thetford Faces series and developing About Thetford’s digital offer. Under her leadership, About Thetford has grown into one of the most highly regarded community magazines in the region. Her enthusiasm for celebrating and sharing what’s happening in Thetford and the surrounding area is at the heart of everything she does as Editor.
George Cooke
Deputy Editor
George joined the About Thetford team in November 2024, fresh from his graduation from the University of East Anglia, where he studied Broadcast Journalism. Whilst completing his studies he covered a variety of stories across TV, radio and online, as well as spending 6 months working at BBC Radio Norfolk.
His family have lived in Thetford and the surrounding area since the 1970s (his Mum had pregnancy scans in the old Cottage Hospital!) He attended Norwich Road School, and has been a member of The Thetford Players since he was nine years old, where you may have seen him as Tootles the Lost Boy, the Tin Man, or even the pantomime dame!
George was brought on board to keep About Thetford up with the times, and is in charge of managing the website and our social media platforms, which continue to grow from strength to strength. Whilst it’s important to stay up to date with modern techniques and technology, he thinks that the joy of working at the magazine is its commitment to classic free-to-access print journalism, which he views as a really valuable local resource.
“The town is very important to me, and it’s brilliant to feel so connected to the community,” he said. “I hope the magazine helps our readers feel the same way.”