Just thought I'd post an update to let you all know where we are up to with the web site.

As you may have seen, the main web site at https://www.weavervalleycc.org.uk/ has been growing steadily with new content here and there, and a dramatic upload since day 1 of gallery images (already over 500, and about 100 more still to go on!!)

The next major job is to integrate a replacement forum (to replace this one), at the new web site address.

This will mean that ll of our web content will sit in one place, and be easier to find.

I've already programmed the new forum code and posted it in place. Not much to see at the moment at https://www.weavervalleycc.org.uk/forum/ but this will be where the nre forum will live.

Why move the forum?

A few good reasons.

1. This forum hasn't been updated for a long time, and is hosted on a free forum hosting service, which means that we have to put up with adverts for one, and 'unwanted' traffic for another.
2. The forum has many areas of discussion, some used, many not used at all. The areas need redesigning, and a bit of organisation given to them, so that you can a) more easily find topics of interest, and b) find an appropriate place for YOUR contribution. Most members are keen to see more use of the forum and site.
3. Spam. There are the odd posts from 'guest' members who just want to post adverts for stuff that no-one is interested in, and the new forum will be designed to stop this.
4. Moderation. The forum isn't currently moderated, and the new one will be. At that time, there'll be willing volunteers (!) who will help in maing sure topics stay -on-topic' and to monitor use and mis-use of the forum.
5. Updates. The forum software will be easier for me to keep up-to-date, when we are in control of the software and database.

I've already locked some areas of the forum that weren't being used, and at some stage over the next few weeks, I'll stay up late, run a program to save all of the content from this forum and get it onto the new one, in an 'archive area'. I'm keen not to lose data for historic reasons (as I did with the blogs on the main site).

Unfortunate consequences of this will be:

1. Users will have to provide new passwords. This isn't as daunting as it may seem, and is a good security measure. I'll be emailing all users to start this process off.
2. In some cases, user accounts won't be transferred at all. This will simply mean that you will have to re-register. This should only happen where a user has never posted a message on the board hough.
3. Private messages (pm) will not be transferred.
4. I'll have to stay up very late to backup all of the data(!)

At this point, I'll lock the old forum whilst everyone gets on-line, sorts out their passwords etc

Following this, I hope to then be able to grant members, member status, and allow guests 'guest' status. Some areas of the forum can then be dedicated to club-only matters etc (such as minutes of meetings etc), whilst keeping the forum as 'inclusive to all' as possible.

Hope that all sounds okay. Watch this space and your email inboxes for notices!

Thanks.