Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker talks about some exciting developments for the website…
Sometimes it may appear to be quiet on the face of things – but that doesn’t necessarily mean nothing is happening behind the scenes!
It has admittedly been a quiet few weeks for Aycliffe Today, but I’ve been busy working on a couple of exciting projects in the last three-to-four weeks now.
One will directly improve www.aycliffetoday.co.uk and the service we offer Newtonians, in terms of reporting news and interesting local features. Unfortunately I can’t say too much at this stage, but it involves an exciting new partnership with a major local organisation, and will only improve the website overall. We should be able to confirm everything next week some time.
The other project is even more exciting and something that will not only enhance the Aycliffe Today brand, but will also properly announce our introduction to the people of Newton Aycliffe. Our page views and visitor numbers continue to rise steadily, but our profile out there is still very much a work-in-progress. This new development, which I’m hoping to launch some time in May or June, will certainly cause a stir and get people talking about us, if they’re not already!
Again, I can’t give too much away as we’re still some way from getting this project off the ground, but we’re getting there slowly, and we will get there. And I can promise you won’t be disappointed!
So, in the words of our MP Phil Wilson, just because there doesn’t appear to be anything happening, doesn’t necessarily mean nothing is!
Aycliffe Today is here to stay and it’s here for the long haul. Of course, it will never be a finished article (mainly because I and the professional friends and colleagues who aid me so generously are constantly looking to improve everything we do) but sometimes we have to concentrate on other things behind-the-scenes to make sure we’re continually upgrading the website.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of other “un-seen” work recently, as well. I’ve established a couple of new links with local organisations – getting round to everyone does take time! – which will enable us to bring you more news and events from some of the wonderful groups we have on the town.
I also joined MP Phil Wilson and some of his Labour Party councillors and volunteers on a door-to-door exercise last Saturday morning.
Even the miserable weather didn’t put them off, nor did it deter Phil from pounding the streets of Woodham Village to speak to both Labour supporters as well as the “undecided” in the hope of swaying them to the red.
“What an MP you are!” shrieked councillor John Clare, complete in his long-johns, waterproofs and woolly hat. “Not many MPs will brave this weather, I know.”
One thing you can say about Phil is he’s as down to earth as the next man and his working-class background undoubtedly helps him connect with the average person.
And despite his huge constituency, the graft he has put in behind the scenes for our town alone – Hitachi, the town centre, Woodham golf club and the town’s football club etc – cannot go unnoticed.
Thankfully for us, Phil has embraced Aycliffe Today and is a big supporter of it. He’s up for doing interviews, answering questions from readers, and is now able to stay in constant touch with everything that’s happening in the biggest town in his constituency while he’s in London, just by pressing a few buttons on his swanky new Blackberry!
Now Newton Aycliffe FC’s new president, Phil is guest at Moore Lane Park again tomorrow for their final game of the season at home to Shildon.
He has also agreed to answer more questions from Aycliffe Today readers some time soon – so get your thinking caps on!
In the meantime, keep logging on to the most comprehensive news-providing website for Newton Aycliffe – and I look forward to bringing you news of our exciting new developments in the next week or so.