Down and Dromore garners honours in communications competition
The Diocese of Down and Dromore has garnered honours in the Church of Ireland Communications Competition run by the Central Communications Board. The results were announced on Saturday 14th May by Archbishop Harper.
Holywood Parish won the parish website prize with Seapatrick in second place and the diocesan site came joint first in its category, tying with the Diocese of Connor. We had a second and third place in the parish magazine category (St Columba's and St Gall's respectively) and Belvoir Parish came second in the social media category. Congratulations everyone!
Here are the judge's comments:
Parish website
Holywood Parish www.holywoodparishchurch.co.uk
This was considered to be an engaging site that's clearly there to attract seekers/visitors to the life of the church. There's even an 'I’m new here’ tab. It’s an extension of the church’s mission, not simply a digital snapshot of the church building and business. Videos, photos and social media are used to good effect.
Seapatrick Parish
www.seapatrickparish.com
It takes courage to use cartoons/animation on a church website, but the risk pays off. This site is fresh and appealing. It says 'church is enjoyable’ in a way that’s believable. Navigation is clear and the content is interesting. Great job.
Diocesan site
Down & Dromore’s is a site with a modern feel that understands how to attract the visitor through movement, visuals and news. It gives a good impression and is informative, engaging and current.
Parish Magazine
For the third year running, 'The Columban’ maintains its impressive position as an exemplar monthly publication. The magazine is engaging, with a very good use of images and colour; simple, easy-to-follow written content and an impressive mix of material for all ages.
Carnalea’s monthly magazine stands out as a fine publication with clear information on events, appealing and topical content and pointers as to how to get involved. This magazine portrays a vibrant parish life very well.
Most innovative use of social media
Belvoir Parish Facebook
click here
Both FB pages, particularly the Belvoir Church of Ireland page, capitalize on the way that this social media platform allows a parish to share the best of its life and ministry, e.g. podcast links, information about overseas mission and Alpha Courses. The youth section is dynamic and includes videos of activities.