Notice board alternatives
Option 1 WhatsApp groups
A simpler, familiar option is available, we could manage match availability and team selection using WhatsApp groups. Many members already use WhatsApp daily, so it feels natural and easy.
👍 Easy for Everyone
- Most members already have WhatsApp on their phones.
- No new apps, accounts, or technology to learn.
- Messages appear instantly, just like any normal chat.
📣 Instant Communication
- Captains can send a message asking for availability.
- Members reply in seconds.
- Everyone sees updates immediately, without needing to visit the clubhouse.
🏠 No Need to Travel
- Members can confirm availability from home, on holiday, or anywhere with a signal.
- Captains don’t need to pin up sheets or make multiple phone calls.
👀 Clear Visibility
- All replies appear in one place.
- Captains can scroll through responses and create their team list easily.
- Members can see who else is available and stay informed.
🔔 Automatic Notifications
- WhatsApp alerts members when a new message arrives.
- No one needs to “remember to check” a notice board.
- Important updates—times, cancellations, changes—reach everyone instantly.
💬 Easy for Captains
- Captains can send one message to the whole group.
- They can follow up privately with individuals if needed.
- Team selections can be posted directly into the group.
📱 Works Anywhere
- Whether at home, in town, or away for the weekend, members can still respond.
- No need for our antiquated outside notice board at the clubhouse.
💰 No Cost
- WhatsApp is completely free.
- No subscription fees for the club.
- No equipment to buy or maintain.
Option 2 Bowlr.co.uk
Bowlr is one of the most widely used solutions, designed specifically for bowls clubs. More than 240 UK clubs already rely on it, and it is approved by both EIBA and BOWLS ENGLAND. Bowlr’s availability module replaces our Notice Board with a single, easy-to-use digital process that keeps selectors, captains and members fully in sync.
1. Faster, Easier Fixture Creation
- Create a match in seconds by entering the name, date, time, location, and match type.
- Fixtures appear instantly in the club diary and on members’ phones.
2. Simple, One‑Click Player Invites
- Notify all members, pre-set groups, or selected individuals with a single click.
- Players receive an email and respond through the Member Portal—no more chasing around the clubhouse.
3. Real‑Time Availability Tracking
- See who’s available, who’s declined, and who hasn’t responded yet.
- Send reminders directly from the system when needed.
- Manual responses can still be logged for members who prefer a phone call.
4. Stress‑Free Team Selection
- Selectors and captains can pick teams directly from the list of responses.
- Mark players as “Selected” and send a group message to confirm the team.
- No spreadsheets, no rewriting team sheets, no confusion.
5. Match‑Day Ready
- Download a printed register or use a phone/tablet to tick off players on arrival.
- Green fees can be paid through Bowlr, reducing cash handling and improving financial accuracy.
6. Built for Bowls Clubs
- Bowlr isn’t generic software—it’s designed around how bowls clubs actually operate.
- Match types are colour‑coded for quick reference.
- Works for all formats: friendlies, KLV, Ashley Baker, S&D league, county matches, and more.
7. Clearer Communication for Everyone
- Captains can manage fixtures and message players in one place.
- Members always know what’s happening—no crossed wires, no missed notices, no outdated sheets on the board.
- Adopting Bowlr would streamline our entire selection process, reduce administrative workload, and improve communication across the club. It keeps the personal touch—members can still phone in their availability—but removes the inefficiencies of relying solely on noticeboards and manual lists.
8. Cost to Club
- £20 per month, it offers a simple, reliable way to modernise how we manage fixtures, availability, and team selection.
- FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, see their website at WWW.BOWLR.CO.UK