FAQ
- What is Bristol and Bath IVC?
- A vibrant and active social club for singles and couples who want to go places, do things and get together. It is one club within a national association and covers a wide geographical area centred around Bristol and Bath. Just for the record - it is NOT a dating agency or singles club!
- How long has it been going?
- The Association of IVCs has been going since 1947. IVC in Bristol was set up over 45 years ago - in 1964. This means we have a track record - not 'here today, gone tomorrow'.
- Who joins? What is the club membership profile?
- We have no age limits and no barriers on the basis of sex, marital status, sexuality, disability, race or religion. The club currently has 81 members: 25 men and 56 women, with the main ages group being 30s to 50s.
- What do I get for my money?
- Unlike some clubs, Bristol and Bath IVC is not a business, run for profit. We charge an annual subscription to pay for printing of the monthly events programme, marketing, insurance and general administration costs. We also promote a responsible attitude toward drinking and driving, by subsidising transport for our Christmas Dinner Dance. Events are free, except where the organiser necessarily incurs a cost, such as for theatre tickets, accommodation or for providing food. In these cases, the cost is passed on without overhead and you will be informed in advance so you can make your own mind up if you wish to take part.
- What do I have to do as a member?
- The main thing is to enjoy yourself! Attend as many events as you wish - there is no minimum and no maximum, except that we would like you to help organise a couple of events each year (which you can do in conjunction with another member, if you prefer). Organising events is an excellent way to get to know other members.
- Can I try before I buy?
- We offer a three-month trial membership if you wish. This will grant you full access to the club, including events, members area of the web site and the email messages list. See our joining page for further details. You can come along to any Clubnight in Bristol or Bath and chat to us as well.
- Where do you meet?
- For Clubnights, we move around - it's more interesting than staying in one place. See the Clubnights listing for the next ones. They are always on a Thursday evening. For other events, the Programme will tell you all the details.
- Can you give me some idea of what the club does?
- Events are as varied as members wish. Over the past year, they have included walks, cycling trips (day, evening, weekend and whole week), parties, barbecues, meals out, camping, visits to local attractions, cinema and theatre trips, book club, quiz nights, weekends away, holidays abroad, sailing, climbing, caving, flying, river cruises, clubbing, jazz events and many more. If you have an idea for an event, you don't need to get permission - just put it in the programme. We hold around 400 events each year, plus regular weekly clubnights and other regular events such as sports evenings. See a list of forthcoming events
- How do I book onto an event?
- You can have the Programme mailed to you each month, for a small charge, or download it from the website yourself for free. The Programme will tell you precisely what to do - normally just a matter of telephoning another member and asking if there is still space.
- If events are not organised centrally, how do I know they are safe and will be properly managed?
- For a start, we would not put into the Programme any event that we were not happy with - and the Club Committee knows the members pretty well! You can speak to the organiser beforehand - perhaps even meet them at a Clubnight - to get an idea of the event and if it is for you. You will probably not be the only member attending (and you can check with the organiser beforehand) so there is safety in numbers. The Club also has comprehensive insurance to cover injury during events.
- Can I bring my child to events?
- It depends on the event and the organiser. Remember that this is a club for adults, so children are discouraged. Some events (like late night parties) do not lend themselves to children attending whereas others (like picnics or trips to the cinema) may well do. A number of members have children, so it's not out of the question. Check with the organiser before you book in.
- Can I bring my dog?
- It depends on the event and the organiser. Some (like visits to other members' homes) may not lend themselves to this whereas others (like walks) may well do. Check with the organiser before you book in.
- Can I bring a friend?
- We'd like to meet your friends, so bring them along. However, if they come along regularly, please expect us to ask them to join - it's fair that they do so. It's also fair that they pay any costs associated with the event and, for some events, we may surcharge the cost for non-members.
- Why can't I download a programme from the web site?
- When you join, you will be able to. We just don't permit this for non-members.
- Is there any way of organising events (or finding out what's on) at short notice?
- Yes. Members do organise things at the last minute and we have an email message service that you can use to send messages about events to other members and to receive messages as well.
- All the camping, partying, barbecues, socialising sounds good - but I just don't have any equipment. What can I do?
- We've even though of that! We have a stock of items that members can use - including tents, crockery, glasses, good quality laminated walking maps, gazebo... There is no charge, except for tents.
- What sort of facilities are there for finding my ideal partner?
- We don't do dating events! Some of our members are married, or already in couples, and this would be inappropriate. Single members don't always want the pressure of matchmaking - they just want to have fun and friendship. Of course, this relaxed atmosphere can lead to relationships and, when it does, they tend to be based on common values, beliefs and interests rather than on the artificiality of dating agencies.
- I'd still like to talk to someone before I come along. How can I do this?
- You probably have all sorts of questions to ask. Call our New Members Secretary on 07757 780201 . Please note that the Committee members are not paid and are not full time, so you may need to leave a message and we'll call you back.
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A SPRING BREAK IN LIVERPOOL – APRIL 2024