A community notice should answer four questions quickly: what is happening, who it affects, when it happens and what the reader needs to do. These examples give you a starting structure. Replace every bracketed placeholder and remove anything that does not apply before publishing.
Use a full date and a clear time range. “Tomorrow morning” becomes confusing when someone returns to a notice several days later. If your community spans time zones, state the relevant zone.
1. Planned maintenance
[Service or area] maintenance on [day, date]
Maintenance will take place at [location] from [start time] to [expected finish time] on [date].
This affects [people, buildings or facilities]. During the work, [explain the interruption or restriction].
Please [specific preparation or action]. For questions, contact [name or role] at [contact details].
We will update this notice if the arrangements change.
2. Temporary closure
[Facility] closed from [date] to [date]
[Facility] will be closed for [reason] from [time and date]. It is expected to reopen at [time and date].
During the closure, [alternative arrangement or instruction]. If you have an existing booking, [explain what to do].
Contact [role and contact details] if you need help.
3. Committee meeting announcement
Committee meeting: [day, date]
Our next meeting is at [time] on [date], at [venue and address or joining instructions].
The meeting is for [intended attendees]. We will discuss [main topics].
The agenda is available at [link]. To suggest an item, contact [role and contact details] by [deadline].
[Include any relevant access instructions.]
This is an ordinary announcement template. Check your organisation’s own requirements for formal meeting notices. In PutBoard, an Event gives the meeting a structured date, time and location.
4. A change to a regular service
[Service] changes from [date]
From [date], [describe the new arrangement]. Previously, [briefly state what is changing].
This applies to [affected people or area]. Please [action needed].
The current arrangements are available at [link to the lasting information page]. Questions can go to [contact details].
5. Work completed
[Facility or work] is complete
[Work] was completed on [date]. [Facility or service] is now [open or operating normally].
[Explain any remaining restrictions or new instructions, if applicable.]
Thank you for [specific cooperation]. If you notice a problem, contact [role and contact details].
Check the notice as a reader
- Can someone understand the main point from the title and first paragraph?
- Are all placeholders replaced, dates confirmed and links working?
- Is the next action explicit, including when no action is needed?
- Are the contact details suitable for the Board’s audience?
- Who will correct the notice if plans change, and when should it stop appearing?
For a lasting change, update the reference information as well as publishing the announcement. Otherwise the new notice and the old instructions will disagree.
Try creating a notice in the practice editor, or read how to keep notices current.