Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many members do you have? We share some events with other IVC clubs across the country and there are around 3,500 members nationwide. Who runs the club? Collectively the members do. We have an annual general meeting at which a committee is elected but by far the biggest contribution comes from our members. Many members give their time freely but nobody is pressurised into doing anything they don't want to. Who knows, you could be organising events of your own in the very near future!
How does it work? All the detailed event information is available via the calendar and bulletin pages of our website. Most of our events are arranged by the members of the club and you are invited to attend as many events as you wish. Many of our events are free. Charges are only made when entrance fees, tickets or accommodation etc is required. How do I book for events? Many events require no pre-booking and are arranged on a 'turn up and go' basis. So if you do happen to find yourself at a loose end and feel like going out just choose an event and turn up! Where booking is required the details will be given in the event description. Remember members need to log in to see the organisers' contact details and often a more detailed event description. Who joins our club? Anyone who is a graduate or professional or shares similar interests will feel comfortable among their peers. Those who would like to enlarge their circle of friends, expand the options open to them for nightlife or try a new activity will find relaxed, sociable and intelligent company. How do I join the club? We hope our website gives you a good idea of what we are but sometimes the only way to be really sure is for you is to join. If you are interested in joining, be sure to ask about our trial membership offers. As a trial member you may attend events and, if you wish, organise events just like a full member but you may not vote in any meeting of the club. At the end of the trial period, subject to being approved for full membership, you would then pay the annual subscription for the next 12 months.
How much does it cost? Our annual subscription is £12. What is the age of people I will meet? We have members right across the age range and all are welcome but the great majority are now over 45. We find that many of our members joined when younger and continued their membership for many years. Different events attract different age groups.
What do I get for my money? Membership currently includes:-
- Access to the members only facilities of our website
- Regular update e-mails giving the latest information.
- The opportunity to choose from a variety of events each and every month
- The opportunity to attend, by arrangement, events of other IVC clubs if you are temporarily living or working in their area.
- Ability to organise events of your own
Where does the money go? Your membership fees will help:
- Maintain the website and pay web-hosting fees
- Public Liability insurance cover
- Advertising, telephone and general administration
- Subsidising parties and other events
Is it easy for new members to get involved? Yes, we go out of our way to introduce them to the club. New members are welcome to attend any event.
Where are the events? There are activities and events going on in the centre as well as events in surrounding areas of our club environs. Country walkers head off to the more attractive areas of the local Counties and beyond. Weekends away are held all over the country.
When can I start going to events? You can attend IVC events as soon as you pay your subscription and receive your login details. What sort of events does the club offer? Our IVC offers everything from walking to tennis, parties, meals out, pub evenings, wine-tastings, theatre & weekends away. There is an abundance of activities and social events to choose from. Do I have to be a member to attend IVC events? In general only members may attend our events. We have also set up a Meetup group which gives non-members the opportunity to trial the club by coming along as a guest to any of a limited number of events we open to prospective members. Bear in mind that while club members will be going to these events normally they won't book through Meetup so the list there of those attending will not be complete.
What is the ratio of male to female members? This varies marginally from year to year but usually within about 5% of a healthy 50/50 balance.
|
|