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I have done a bit of research into the use of WhatsApp for interest groups through my role as IT and Media officer in the local U3a. My findings, for what they are worth, is that there is not a lot of benefit to be gained. We have the benefit of a forum which everyone is happy to get involved in which leads to protracted discussions at times and also a PM system which is useful. Another level, I feel, would only dilute what we have and may even create cliques within the club. Of course, there is nothing to stop members forming their own WhatsApp groups, for all I know they probably already have. However, although it is a very efficient means of communication and passing photographs, etc, it doesn't tick all the boxes that the forum does which is the organ to which members associate membership of the club with. If members have regular companions with whom they fish or skippers they crew for, WhatsApp away but, there may be occasions when an offer of a trip may not be wanted to be shared with the whole group. For a loose group of friends who do not have the security blanket of a club, WhatsApp is perfect. Horses for courses! Terry.

Hi everyone. It was great to come to the club last night but saddened to see not many people made it out. We talked about how to improve participation and I have a suggestion . A club WhatsApp chat. One person adds every member to a WhatsApp group. Others can join with a link. This could drive participation and is always a good way to communicate. If you don’t want to join in you don’t have to leave the group, just mute it. Many people use WhatsApp. It’s free. You can share photos and arrange meetings. I’m a member of several Spanish WhatsApp groups and they are always busy. Something for the committee to consider as they have everyone’s phone number. Gracias Lofty Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As Mal said last night, it’s an aging club. A club WhatsApp group might appeal to the younger generation? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I get what you are saying Lofty, but the club has just recently had the expense of up grading the forum. Would there be a danger the WhatsApp chat group could make the forum redundant? Plus you may miss notifications whereas when they are on posted on the forum they are properly formatted for everyone to view and post comments as and when they want to. It’s a difficult one as I am not sure they could effectively run alongside each other. This is just my opinion. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree terry, the club site serves the needs and doesn't need diluting, it needs to encourage more use, sometimes I think it's lack of confidence in the technology that needs encouraging, bit by bit there are people willing to help those struggling i am sure of that and they would post and participate more then. Colin.

Quiet meeting last night , but still good to catch up with a few friends , especially Lofty over from Spain.