Plugins

Plugins extend and expand the functionality of WordPress.

A plugin needs to installed before you can see it, but in our setup you may activate it or deactivate it in the Plugins menu if it is available.

While there are thousands of plugins available that provide a huge range of functionality, we tend to use a fraction of those available and mainly from within the official WordPress Plugin Directory, which is closely monitored and can be updated by us.

We tend not to add any old plugins that are requested by users, unless we feel there's a common benefit, there are no security implications and there's overwhelming need to do so.Our experience is that many people have a policy of activate and forget, which has unfortunate unintended consequences.

So, in part this is to protect the security of the platform, but also in part to make the burden of managing the voluntary support offer viable and at the same time reducing the palette of infinite possibilities, which reduces you ability to make best use of your website.

Once a plugin has been added to our network, it needs to be ‘turned on’. To do this, click the Activate link to activate it. Depending on the plugin, you might also find that there are settings that need to be configured.

Activated plugins will be displayed with a different coloured background within your list of plugins. They will also be highlighted with a blue vertical bar down the left side of the row.

The following plugins can be activated by users (30 Dec 2024):

NB do not deactivate a plugin outside this list as it will have been activated centrally for you and will no longer be available to you.

Akismet Anti-spam: Spam Protection

Protect your blog or website from spam comments automatically, even while you sleep.

Akismet is a trusted, widely-used solution that scans all comments and contact form submissions for spam. To get started, activate the plugin and configure your API key under the Akismet Settings page.

Classic Editor

Restores the familiar WordPress Classic Editor with TinyMCE, Meta Boxes, and the traditional Edit Post screen. Not recommended unless you are amending a legacy websites that you are otherwise NO LONGER UPDATING.

Ideal for users who prefer the older interface or rely on plugins that extend the classic functionality.

Classic Widgets

Brings back the classic widget management screens, accessible via Appearance > Widgets and the Customizer.

This plugin disables the block editor for widgets, providing a familiar workflow for managing sidebars.

Complianz - Terms and Conditions

Generate legally compliant Terms & Conditions tailored to your website’s needs with this plugin.

Complianz offers an intuitive interface for creating and maintaining these essential documents.

Complianz | GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent

Simplify compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and others. 

This comprehensive suite provides conditional cookie warnings, a customizable cookie policy, and automatic detection of cookies used on your site.

Default Featured Image

Set a default featured image for your posts or pages.

If a specific featured image isn’t set, the default image will be displayed, ensuring your site always looks complete and professional.

Jetpack

Enhance your site with an all-in-one plugin for basic performance boosts, new blocks, sitemaps, portfolios and testimonials.

Jetpack needs to be tailored carefully to work in our environment and can be linked to ourlocality's account (preferred for SD projects) or your own (if you are not connected to SD). Nor do you do need to protect your website from "brute force attacks" or turn on the "firewall", as we already have both operating globally using our Wordfence licenced software.

We do not recommend using WordPress login in most circumstances or the use of automatic posting by email.

Post Type Switcher

Easily change a post’s type without hassle.

Whether converting a page to a post, or switching between custom post types, this plugin simplifies the process in just a few clicks.

Site Kit by Google

Unlock Google’s tools directly within your WordPress dashboard.

Site Kit integrates services like Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, and more, giving you insights and tools to grow your online presence. Remember to update your cookie policy.

The Events Calendar

Plan, organize, and share your events with this robust, feature-rich plugin.

Designed for simplicity and flexibility, The Events Calendar offers a beautiful and intuitive way to manage event listings on your site.

Twentig

Customize your WordPress site with ease using Twentig’s powerful tools.

Whether tweaking existing designs or creating a fresh look, this plugin is perfect for building a site that fits your unique needs.

VS Event List

Quickly create and display event lists with this lightweight plugin.

Ideal for simpler event management needs, it focuses on clarity and ease of use.

Web Stories

Bring your content to life with visual storytelling.

This plugin enables you to create immersive, interactive stories that captivate your audience and enhance engagement on your site.