Day 312 May 18

Church of Ireland Communications Competition 2018 results announced

The winners of the Central Communications Board’s 2018 Communications Competition for the best newsletters/magazines by parishes, dioceses and church organisations were announced today, Saturday 12th May, by the Most Revd Pat Storey, Bishop of Meath and Kildare and Chairman of the Central Communications Board, at the General Synod held at the Armagh City Hotel.

The competition was run by the Church of Ireland Press Office but externally and professionally judged. This year, the focus has been solely on print media and the prizes were very generously sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

There was praise for all the entrants for their efforts in communicating within their own contexts in each category, with convincing evidence of communication work of a high standard across the island. Constructive feedback is available for all entrants – please get in touch with the Church of Ireland Press Office.

Results

In the Parish magazines/newsletters category, there were, once again, many excellent entries in various different formats, either for weekly or monthly publication:

• 1st Prize: ‘Kilternan Klips’ – Kilternan Parish, Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough

The judging comments stated: ‘Well done! Excellent layout – the use of columns helps to make it clear to read. Good mix of articles on current issues facing Christians today – all linked in to the gospel hope. Nice range of pictures to illustrate parish events.’

• Runner–up: ‘Holywood Parish Magazine’, Dioceses of Down & Dromore

‘Attractive, colourful cover, certainly something that wouldn’t look out of place in a library or community building. Outreach potential boosted by insert to “Holywood Hope”, encouraging readers to pass on to friends and family who perhaps don’t go to church. A strong community feel showing its passion for the local people. Keep up the good work.’

• Highly Commended: ‘Alive Today’ – Bovevagh & Dungiven, Dioceses of Derry & Raphoe

This was singled out for praise for being ‘…neatly laid out with information on local events as well as topical issues. The section for children makes it a family read, with guidance on prayers.’

 In the Diocesan magazines category –

• 1st Prize: Aspire (Meath & Kildare)

The magazine stood out: ‘An excellent publication, well laid out and designed to make it attractive to flick through as well as read in detail. Good quality content including helpful articles (eg. on data protection) as well as news from parishes, not forgetting young people and articles on faith which inspire and encourage. Well done!’

• Runner–up: n:Vision (Derry and Raphoe)

‘A well–presented publication with a clear layout via the content page. Each article is clearly labelled along the magazine’s strapline to inspire, encourage and support, making it a publication keen to help readers. Keep up the good work!’

• Highly Commended: Connor Connections (Connor)

‘Varied content with in–depth features, for example on chaplaincy posts. Well laid out with a good use of headings to break up page spreads.’

• Highly Commended: The Scribe (Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh)

‘Excellent features allowing readers to hear faith stories from clergy and lay people, showing their passion for God and their witness to others. Good use of photography throughout.’

In the Other/Affiliated organisation magazines category –

• 1st Prize: Comun – Cashel, Ferns & Ossory Mothers’ Union News

‘A well put together magazine, with plenty of colour and good quality photographs throughout the spreads and a wide range of content. The report from the Ploughing Championships has an outreach opportunity. Well done!’

• Runner–up: Friends’ News – Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

This was praised for its ‘Good use of content, using coloured backgrounds to break up articles. Wide range of content from historical reflections to recent events and profiles of ecumenical canons.’