Websites need refreshing every so often and now is the time to review and update the BelSoc site. It needs to be a more dynamic portal for interacting with users and attracting new members. We need to be able to join, pay our subscriptions, book events, learn about local issues and find information more easily. The membership details need to be held on a secure database linked to the site. The Committee needs an area for their business.
We want to keep the site simple, elegant and gimmick-free and also to use some of the wonderful images from the existing site. We also want to keep costs down and will probably use an open-source platform such as WordPress with its wide choice of easy-to-use themes and plugins. We have been well-served by the present provider which has considerable experience providing charity sites very economically. They understand our needs and sticking to an existing provider is usually the most efficient way to get what is needed when good relations already exist.
We also need a social media presence and will first set up a Facebook page and look into other options.
Alan Selwyn and Heather Harte have recently joined the committee and are leading this review and are keen to hear members’ views and suggestions. Send them to info@belsize.org.uk.