Dear Members,
You will recall that at the 2023 AGM it was mentioned that the membership fee would likely be increased for the next membership year, 2025. After careful consideration, the committee has decided that the fee will be increased from £5 to £7, with effect from 1st July 2024, the opening of our “early bird” membership renewal period.
Various factors have led us to this conclusion, including the increased costs of organising, and participating in, events, of providing interesting speakers for our talks and running and maintaining our very this website.
CGS does not exist to make profits; it exists for the benefit and enjoyment of its members. However, we must cover costs and build up modest reserves to ensure we continue to enhance the benefits and services our members enjoy, to develop these in the future and to see our membership grow. We hope you will agree that the valuable and increasing benefits of CGS membership still represent excellent value for money.
In summary, the fee structure from 1st July will be as follows:
2025 Membership (Digital card only): £7.00 p/a
2025 Membership (Digital & Physical Card): £7.50 p/a
2025 Depot only (Digital card only): £3.00 p/a (card must be shown for access to Depot)
Replacement membership card: 50p (not available for depot only members)
(not yet launched)
New members joining the society for 2025 (from 4 July 2024) will be given inclusive ‘early bird’ membership for the remainder of 2024 as part of their 2025 membership.
2025 Digital Cards will provided as soon as available after the 2024 AGM (physical cards will again be available for collection at Ecocentric Us in The Parade).
No memberships will be processed in December - if you purchase in this period your membership you will not receive your card until January.
Membership cards will only be sent after the membership form is received.
Membership dues remain free for life members.
And finally…
We hope you will understand the necessity of this adjustment and continue to support our community. Our whole team are volunteers and we want to be able to offer the same and more in the next year. This society and your membership is invaluable to us, claygate and the community, enabling us to foster a thriving gardening family and promote sustainable gardening practices.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us or attend our upcoming AGM meeting, where we will discuss this change in more detail.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Let’s grow together!
Warm regards,
The CGS Committee
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