Lancaster and Morecambe Walking & Social Group WhatsApp Group & Community Etiquette

Please note that if you agree to be part of any WhatsApp group your phone number will be visible to all group members.

All groups are set up in a spirit of informal communication between a group of persons with the same common interest.

It is not intended that there should be an overly legalistic attitude towards its operation.

However, by participating in any WhatsApp group, you agree to adhere to the guidelines set out below.

Participation in any group is not obligatory, and if you join, you have the option of leaving at any time.

The Walks Group

  • The Walks Group is intended primarily, as a convenient way for members to request, or offer lifts to members generally, to and from the next walk.

  • Specific arrangements as to time and place of pick up and changes to arrangements should be conducted through private communications ie WhatsApps, text & phone call.

  • For walk leaders to quickly notify members of any last-minute changes to a walk such as starting place, time, cancellation or change of walk.

  • It can also be used to post a small number of photos and comments after a walk.

  • If you do post photos/videos, please limit them to a maximum of 6 photos (not including the group photo) from the walk, and please keep comments reasonably short. Any photos in excess of 6 WILL be deleted without notice.

  • If you have more than 6 photos that you would like to display, please WhatsApp them to Paul personally and he will include them in the gallery for that walk on the website

  • The group should not be used to discuss non–walk related issues.

  • The group should not be used to express personal opinions or to post private messages.

  • If your message is not relevant to most of the group, please message the person directly, rather than the whole group.

  • Any opinions which are expressed are those of individual members.

  • Group administrators are not responsible for comments posted by individual members of the group.

  • Inappropriate posts (e.g. posts including inappropriate language, insulting messages, voicing grievances with the group or individual group members) should not be posted. If any posts fall into the above categories, they will be removed by the administrator.

  • If any member of the group does post any such messages, they may be suspended from or removed from the WhatsApp group.

  • You must respect everyone’s privacy; being part of this group requires mutual trust.

Community General Discussion WhatsApp Group Code of Conduct

Welcome to our community General Discussion WhatsApp group. This group is a space for sharing important updates, useful information, and general discussions that benefit everyone. To keep our conversations meaningful, respectful, and manageable, all members are expected to follow this Code of Conduct.

These guidelines are designed to ensure the group remains a positive and efficient platform for communication. By being part of this group, you agree to the following:

  1. Keep Messages Brief and Clear
  • Write concisely so that messages are quick to read.
  • Avoid long paragraphs or repeated posts.
  • If you have multiple points, combine them into a single message.
  1. Stay Relevant to the Group Purpose
  • Share only information or discussions that are useful to the wider community.
  • Do not use the group for personal chats. After several messages move the conversation to private messages.
  1. Limit Frequency of Posts
  • Avoid sending multiple back-to-back texts when one message is sufficient.
  • Do not flood the group with unnecessary updates, emojis, or reactions.
  1. Avoid Extended Discussions
  • This group is not meant for debates or prolonged exchanges.
  • Before a conversation becomes lengthy or detailed, continue it privately.
  1. Share Responsibly
  • Forwarded content should be fact-checked, relevant, and meaningful.
  • Spam, chain messages, repetitive memes, or promotional material are not allowed.
  1. Respect Everyone’s Time
  • Remember that members may be busy. Keep your contributions short, clear, and purposeful.
  • Avoid unnecessary “Good morning” or “Good night” messages.
  1. Prefer Text Over Voice Notes
  • Use text unless a voice note is absolutely necessary.
  • If sending a voice note, keep it under one minute whenever possible.
  1. No Sensitive or Divisive Content
  • To keep this group safe and inclusive, avoid discussions on politics, religion, or other controversial subjects.
  • Content that may cause conflict, offense, or division will be removed.
  1. Respectful Communication
  • Always use polite, inclusive, and considerate language.
  • Personal attacks, insults, sarcasm at someone’s expense, or hostile behaviour will not be tolerated.
  1. Admin Authority
  • Group administrators are responsible for upholding these rules.
  • Admins will remove any posts not complying with these rules
  • Admins may remind, warn, or remove members who do not comply.
  • Admin decisions are final and should be respected.