Website 3rd Birthday
| Introduction Yes the website has been going three years now, it has grown again this year, but, in many ways this has been the most disappointing year yet. I haven't had so many visits or help from outside the village, but there is always a random element in those. The main problem I must admit is help from the village, I do seem to be down to a small 'hardcore' of helpers now. We have had 10000 hits this year a drop of 2000 over last year. Why I write the website I don't think I've ever explained why I write the website, it does cost me a round £200-£300 ( about £300 this year) a year and many hours, but I would happily spend more time and money of I thought it was worth it and I got enough new stuff to add to the website. I passionately believe that it is a great benefit to people's lives to live and participate in an active community; I believe that being a part of a community makes us stronger as individuals. So I willingly write the website to help build the idea of Withernwick as a community. I actually believe that everyone who has ever lived in the village is a part of that community, I know the old photos so well that I feel I know some of the people personally, if we allow it to be so history is a living thing. What I would like to see Well, firstly if you don't like things about the website or think new headings could be added, then don't hesitate to tell me. The only thing I won't do now, due to it being such a mammoth task, is to redesign the overall appearance of the website. Within the exisiting limits of the website, I do think there are simple ways in which everyone can help: 1 - I am very short of interesting photos from the 1970's to the 1990's, and I am sure many of you have a box of old photos somewhere, so have a look, scan them in and send them to me. So long as they represent the village or people in the village they will be of interest. 2 - There must always be opportunities for interesting latest news and photos. Mobile phones now have very good cameras, so while you're out walking the dog or whatever and you see something interesting, snap it and send it in, I reject very few items that I'm sent. 3 - I'm sure there are many of you out there that have interesting hobbies and pastimes, the people of Hatfield have a great set up called the Crafty Villagers and I'm sure we could do something similar. 4 - My personal favourite, because I love music so much, is the Desert Island Discs. It always fascinating to see other people's taste in music, so send in your favourite top 10, it wouldn't take long and it would be good fun. 5 - The Items For Sale page has not been used much over the year which is a pity as it always seemed to work so well. Do have a go this year, it's free, so nothing to lose. The future I will keep the website going whatever, it would be so good to feel I got a bit more help with it. I still believe it is the best village website around for many a mile, I do check out a lot of others for ideas, but I am anxious to keep it fresh with new ideas. It will be a great lagacy for the future but we can keep building it up now. Remember I don't need money, I just need your help.
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