What's On Newsletter for Weston and Newbridge
Replacing the 'church mag' format - the new dynamic 'What's On' electronic newsletter is set to bring church into the community with an essential service to residents in Weston and Newbridge. Its editor, Bath Christian businessman Peter Heywood asks could it be a model for your area?
Produced by local Christian businessmen, Peter Heywood and designer, Nigel Allen the brand new 'What's On in Weston and Newbridge' is a cross-church newsletter produced for the local community.
Published three times a year - March, July and November it details activities and events happening in the subsequent four months. Aimed at the whole community and including both church related and non-church related events, it is a way of bringing church into the community says Peter.
"This is a great way of bringing the church into the community, rather than being set apart, merging the church activities with everything else that happening in the area – helps people in the area to feel part of the community, of which the church is an important part. Encouraging people to come to our church events."
Felt to be more relevant to people's needs than the individual parish magazine, the new newsletter is a service to the local community by the churches involved.
"But it also includes all the many other events that are planned by other organisations and individuals in the area. This includes pubs, women’s groups, children’s activities, gardening clubs, dancing clubs, police and councillor surgeries, and many many others.
"It’s amazing how much is happening even in a small area like Weston and Newbridge. And What’s On helps everyone in the area to find out and take part." says Peter.
What’s On is distributed by members of the churches door to door to about 7,000 homes – just like the parish magazines used to be.
The first issue was 4 pages, and it has now grown to 12 pages, because there is so much happening in the area.
How is it produced ?
What’s On is produced by two people – Peter Heywood and Nigel Allen. All the communications are done by email.
Contributors email information to Peter, who gathers it all together and edits it accordingly.
Then Nigel does the design.
There is a small team with people from the different churches who provide guidance and advice.
How is it paid for?
'What's On' is paid for by the churches involved, with the cost divided up according to the relative size of their congregations.
A small amount of advertising has been included, to help defray some of the costs as the publication has increased in size.
John Gilmour and David Pendle of Bath Churches Together are approaching local businesses to source advertising as a possible support revenue.
Would it work in your area?
Finally, 'What’s On' could work in any area around Bath - could it work in your area? If you would like to find out more, please contact Peter Heywood on 01225 424443
Download What's On details