Long term members will know that although meet up is free to join, all organisers are charged a fee.

While I can pay any fee myself, and not ask members for anything, if I was to pay the fee myself, I might not know who's interested in the group, and who isn't.

Anyone can turn up to an event and behave ok. But a little bit more of their character is revealed if it's suggested to them they contribute to the running expenses for the group.

The fee is purely optional. No one has ever been removed because they haven't made a financial contribution.

Members, not necessarily me, said they were happy with £20 a year. (This would equate to almost 5 coffees a year.)

It will create an excess of funds, but I've never benefited financially. Money has been raised for cultural charities, or used to subside when the group's had a bespoke concert on special occasions. Or an extra donation has been made to a worthwhile cause when visiting a venue to top up a donation.

A number of regular members have saved money during the year. I've lots of friends memberships to numerous museums and arts organisations which then negates the need to buy tickets or gives me priority over the public for in demand events. If you do donate, and attend things, I should be able at some point to save everyone some money, so it's almost like you're getting it returned.

.....

Further things to note:

If possible, I'd like to try and see members at least once a year. Around 50% of those who contributed last year didn't attend anything or show any interest in the 170 meet ups we had. There isn't any need for an excuse or to be embarrassed to resume things.

If anyone has any illness or problem stopping them from coming to things, you could tell me privately. Or I'll assume there's no interest in the group.

If anyone knows they'll not be attending very much, I don't have a problem with anyone setting their own rate. Even if someone contributes £0.50 a year I'll be happy. It's more of the principle of the matter. If I create 170+ meets ups, and if anyone wants to attend, but contributes nothing, I will take a dim view.

I'm expecting just one person in the group to have a problem. I can see her shaking her head in no, when she's seen others just handing me their contribution in person.

Please PayPal me the £20. Ask for my email if you don't have it.

I expect the £20 will put a number of people off from joining. If folk have a passion for walking up and down a hill, or eating, the idea of collecting and donating money, collectively, for cultural charities might be anathema to them.

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Membership Fee, Oct 24-Oct 25

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