Modernising Community Heritage Online

Overview

The 1st Cheslyn Hay Boys’ Brigade had been operating with a severely outdated website that no longer served their community effectively. As someone who attended the organisation as a child, I recognised the importance of their work in the local community and decided to volunteer my services to help modernise their digital presence.

Their old website was difficult to navigate, not mobile-friendly, and didn’t reflect the vibrant, active organisation they truly are. The challenge was to create a modern, accessible platform that would help them connect with parents, recruit new members, and showcase their activities while maintaining their traditional values and heritage.

The Solution

I developed a comprehensive WordPress solution that completely transformed their online presence while respecting their rich history and community focus. The new website serves multiple purposes: information hub, recruitment tool, and community showcase.

Key Features Delivered

• Mobile-First Design: Fully responsive layout ensuring accessibility across all devices
• Content Management: Easy-to-use WordPress admin for staff to update activities and news
• Member Information: Clear sections for different age groups and programmes
• Event Calendar: Integration for showcasing upcoming activities and meetings
• Contact Integration: Simple forms and contact information for enquiries
• Heritage Section: Dedicated area celebrating the organisation’s history and achievements

Technical Implementation

Platform: WordPress with custom theme development
Hosting: Reliable, secure hosting setup with regular backups
Performance: Optimised for fast loading times and SEO
Security: Implemented robust security measures and regular updates
Accessibility: Built to WCAG guidelines for inclusive access

Community Impact

The modernised website has significantly improved the organisation’s ability to:

• Attract new members through improved online visibility
• Keep parents informed with regular updates and clear communication
• Showcase activities with photo galleries and event highlights
• Maintain community connections during challenging times
• Professional representation that matches their quality programmes

Personal Connection

This project held special significance as it allowed me to give back to an organisation that played an important role in my own childhood development. The Boys’ Brigade’s focus on community, leadership, and personal growth aligns perfectly with supporting local organisations through technology.

Results

The new website has provided the 1st Cheslyn Hay Boys’ Brigade with:

• A modern, professional online presence
• Improved member engagement and communication
• Better visibility for recruitment
• Easy content management for ongoing updates
• A platform that will serve them well into the future

This pro-bono project demonstrates our commitment to supporting local community organisations and using technology to strengthen community bonds.