A parish notice board only works if people actually stop to read it. It might display church service times, parish council updates, or details of the next community fundraiser. Whatever its use, its location has a huge influence on how visible and effective it will be.
That’s why one of the first decisions isn’t about colour, material or size – it’s whether a wall mounted or post mounted notice board is the better fit. Choosing the right option will help ensure your information reaches the people it’s intended for. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right parish notice board for your location.
Why choosing the right parish notice board matters
A well-positioned parish notice board is a focal point for residents and visitors to the area. They help to connect people with everything happening locally.
It follows, then, that choosing the right notice board from the outset means your notices stand out, are better protected from the weather, and are more likely to be updated regularly. It also ensures your investment continues to look great and is fit for purpose for years to come.
Wall mounted vs post mounted parish notice boards
The best option for you depends on where your parish notice board will be installed. Wall mounted and post mounted designs both offer excellent visibility and durability, but each is better suited to certain environments. The table below compares the main differences to help you decide which option best fits your location.
| Wall-Mounted Parish Notice Boards | Post-Mounted Parish Notice Boards |
|---|---|
| Ideal for churches, village halls, parish offices and community centres with a suitable exterior wall. | Perfect for village greens, churchyards, pathways and open spaces where no mounting surface is available. |
| Makes use of an existing wall, creating a space-efficient installation. | Can be positioned almost anywhere, giving greater flexibility over placement and visibility. |
| Often easier and more cost-effective to install where a suitable wall already exists. | Require dedicated posts and ground installation but offer complete freedom of location. |
| Blend seamlessly with existing buildings, particularly in conservation areas or around historic churches. | Creates a standalone focal point that can attract attention from multiple directions. |
| A great choice where space is limited. | Well suited to larger sites or areas with higher footfall. |
| May be less visible if recessed into a building frontage or partially obscured by landscaping. | Generally have a higher overall installation cost due to the additional posts and groundwork required. |
| Not suitable where drilling into historic or listed buildings is restricted without consent. | Can be more exposed to high winds and weather, so a robust model is especially important. |
Ultimately, neither option is inherently better than the other. A wall mounted notice board is the natural choice when there’s a suitable building to attach it to, while a post mounted notice board offers greater flexibility where a standalone installation is needed.
Extra factors to consider when choosing an external notice board for your parish
Once you’ve decided whether a wall mounted or post mounted notice board is right for your location, there are a few other factors that can help narrow down your choice:
Size and capacity. Think about how much information you regularly display. Are you sharing church service times, parish council notices, community events and local announcements? The size of your notice board needs to match its content without looking overcrowded.
Materials and finish. External notice boards are available in a range of materials, including aluminium and timber. Which finish best complements the surroundings you plan for it? This is particularly important if it will be installed outside a church, in a conservation area or within a traditional village setting.
Security. A lockable, glazed notice board helps protect notices from tampering and accidental damage, while important information remains visible to passers-by at all times.
Weather resistance. Parish notice boards are designed for year-round outdoor use, so look for models that offer good protection against rain, wind and UV exposure. This helps preserve both the board itself and the notices displayed inside.
Accessibility. Position the notice board at an appropriate height, in a well-lit location. Lettering and notices should be clear and legible. These factors make information accessible to as many people as possible.
Related reading: For more help choosing the right notice board, What Goes Wrong When Planning a Community Notice Board is an excellent guide.
Making the most of your parish notice board
Choosing the right notice board is just the start of the process. Although where it’s installed might affect your choice, its location still matters. In addition, how it’s cared for will determine its efficacy over the years. Let’s look at these factors in more detail.
Choose a location that encourages people to stop
The most effective parish notice boards are positioned where they’re easy to spot and convenient to read. When deciding where to install yours, consider:
- Natural footfall. Entrances to churches, village halls, community centres and well-used footpaths all encourage people to pause and read.
- Visibility. Avoid placing notice boards where they might get hidden by hedges, parked vehicles or doors.
Keep your notice board looking its best
A well-maintained notice board reflects positively on your organisation and encourages people to keep checking back. Simple steps include:
- Cleaning the glazing regularly to keep notices clear and easy to read.
- Checking locks, hinges and fixings to ensure everything functions securely.
- Removing outdated notices and replacing them with current information to keep the display fresh, relevant and engaging.
Get high quality wall mounted and post mounted parish notice boards with Noticeboards Online
At Noticeboards Online, we know first-hand that the right parish notice board should feel like a natural part of its surroundings. Important community information is easy to find with the right choice.
We can help you choose the right combination of location, design and installation to serve your parish for many years to come. Explore our range of parish notice boards or request a free quote for expert advice on choosing the best solution for your project.