A new-look interactive website launched two years ago by a group of local churches has proved to be a big hit with the local community.
More than 5,000 people from across the world have visited the site, which is the online home of St John’s Church Peasedown, St Julian’s Wellow, St James’ Foxcote and St Julian’s Shoscombe, all of which are part of the ‘St J’s Group’ of Anglican churches led by Revd Matthew Street.
With more than 13,500 visits, 5,500 are unique, meaning those logging on have never done so before.
The website, which features regular news updates, recorded Sunday sermons, information about upcoming events, details about getting married and baptised, also has Podcasts available for download and a 3D Microsoft photosynth application meaning web surfers could see fully inside each church building at a click of a button.
Revd Matthew Street said: “Our website is interactive, easy to use and is full of information and details of all the work we are doing in the local area.
“Whether you want to find out about having your child christened, see what holiday clubs we’re running this year or just listen to a talk from the comfort of your own home, please log on.”
In total, 60,000 pages have been viewed and the average visitor spends four minutes on the site.
28% of the visitors come from the Bath area, 18% from Bristol, 13% from London with 41% coming from elsewhere. 4% of visitors originate from the United States.
The St J’s Group was formed in 2010 following benefice boundary changes in the Midsomer Norton Deanery.
Over the last four years all four churches have hosted a variety of events, activities and worked in partnership with other organisations to serve their local communities. As a result, attendance at Sunday services has increased, new people have been appointed as administrators, readers, and worship leaders and money has been raised to support good causes – both in the UK and oversees.
In January 2014 Revd Matthew Street begun his tenth year as a Vicar within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
