Network Norfolk celebrates fifth anniversary

SurefishKM1WebThe Network Norwich & Norfolk website is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its launch back in the autumn of 2005.
 
Since its launch, the website has become the online location to find out all about the latest news, events and features concerning the Christian community across Norwich and Norfolk.
 
It now welcomes over 7,000 different visitors every month and has a weekly e-news bulletin which goes to around 2,200 people.
 
The site was launched by editor Keith Morris (above) as Network Norwich, backed first by Transforming Norwich and then quickly by a whole host of Christian projects, organizations and churches from across greater Norwich.
 
 
Within its first year, in June 2006, Network Norwich won a prestigious award when it was named as the Best Regional Religious Website in the whole country at the Andrew Cross Awards run by the Churches Media Council.
 
HelenBaldryRecognising the links between Norwich and Norfolk, and because of increasing demand, in January 2008 the site was relaunched as Network Norwich & Norfolk extending coverage more fully out into the county as well as greater Norwich. Editor Helen Baldry (right) joined the team to help make this expansion possible.
 
In 2009, a second national accolade was won by the website, when it was named Surefish Regional Church Website of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in London.
 
In December 2009, Network Norwich & Norfolk was declared a website of significance and relevance and of long-term research value by the British Library and is now included it its major UK Web Archive project.
 
Earlier this year an online shop and ticket-selling facility was launched in conjunction with the Norwich Christian Resource Centre.
 
Launch editor, Keith Morris, said: “Accolades are great, but what is of real value to us are our regular contributors, advertisers and readers who, through a common purpose, come together in our virtual meeting place to exchange news, ideas, opinions and encouragement. The fact that more and more individuals and Christian groups are doing this all the time shows the real success of the website.
 
“Because of the way the internet works, the website positively portrays the Christian message and the work of the Christian community much further than just its own readership. Stories from the site often end up in local newspapers, radio stations and even TV news bulletins and, of course, are spread by word of mouth.
 
“So please keep your stories, events and opinions coming and make sure that you sign up for our weekly e-news bulletin,” said Keith.