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Have Some Questions?
Have some questions that need answering? Perhaps our FAQ's page will have the answer.
Benefits of Membership?
Why not come along to one of our introductory evenings? For further information on dates and venues please use our contact us page. |
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Get Social With Us!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Norwich City SocialA vibrant and active social club for people who want to go places and do things together. It is one club within a national association and covers a wide geographical area centred around Norwich. Just for the record - it is NOT a dating agency or singles club. How long has it been going?
The first of our clubs was started in 1946 as an informal summer vacation dance event and social group for University students living in London. The original name of the club was the Intervarsity Vacation Club, hence the name IVC. These days the club is simply referred to as IVC. Our club was established as an IVC in 1982. The name was changed to Norwich City Social in 2010 and we are still a member of the IVCs association. This means we have a track record - not 'here today, gone tomorrow'.
You can read about the Origins of the IVC and those early days of the first club on the national web site home section at www.ivc.org.uk. Who joins? What is the club membership profile?? Most of our members would probably describe themselves as career people of one sort or another. A typical cross-section of our membership might include teachers, accountants, nurses, engineers, secretaries, insurance administrators and retail managers. We welcome applications from both single people and couples. We have no age limits and no barriers on the basis of sex, marital status, sexuality, disability, race or religion.
What do I get for my money? Unlike some clubs, we do not operate as a business, run for profit. We charge an annual subscription to pay for marketing, insurance and general administration costs. 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 you give me some idea of what the club does?
Events are as varied as members wish. Over the year, they often include 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, river cruises, music events and many more. If you have an idea for an event, you don't need to get permission - just put it in the online programme. We hold regular clubnights and other events that are open to prospective members ... just look in our calendar for details. Why would I want to join? To get more out of your local area, make new friends and try some new activities. People join for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re new to the area and want to meet like minded people or perhaps you’re just sick of Saturday night TV. Joining gives you access to a diverse range of events which you might not be able to organise yourself ... plus special events from other clubs in our UK wide network of groups.
What sort of events are held?
Typical IVC events include: cinema and theatre trips, walks, restaurant visits, concerts (rock, pop, jazz and classical), parties, nightclubbing, badminton, ten-pin bowling, swimming, camping, go-karting, quad biking, boat trips, horse riding, board games evenings, quiz nights, barbecues, pub nights, holidays (skiing, walking trips, weekends at Center Parcs), and so on. Most events are organised by the club members themselves.
Is this a dating club?
No. We are an activities-based club with a range of single people, couples and married members. Having said that, people do pair up from time to time, and there have been a number of IVC weddings over the years!
What is the minimum age for membership?
Due to the use of licenced premises for many of our events, members must be at least 18 at the date of joining. We welcome people from their 20s and 30s through to those in early retirement. If you feel you would fit in with the current membership, we would be pleased to receive an enquiry from you.
How many members do you have?
Currently we have just over 50 members.
Are you a religious or political club?
No, in fact the club’s constitution specifically rules out any such links.
Do I have to host an event?
Although not compulsory, we encourage our members, once they have become established, to try and take an active part by hosting at least one event in the year.
Hosting an event could be something as simple as booking a meal at a restaurant or choosing a pub for a pub night. Who runs the club?
We have a small group of admin members that make sure all the essential things happen, but it’s not just up to them to organise events – that’s up to all the members.
What are the costs?
Membership is currently £12 per year. We do however offer the first 2 months absolutely free to give you the chance to sample what we have to offer.
We are a member-run ‘not for profit’ club. Events are run by members for members so there are no additional costs beyond the cost of the activities themselves.
What do the subscriptions pay for?
Our main costs are paying the fees to use the Meetup.com event software; plus other advertising; subsidising some larger events and providing public liability insurance to our lovely event organisers.
Can I bring my children along?
Organisers of events which are suitable for children will indicate this in the event description. You should assume that, unless stated, events are for adult members only.
Are there IVC clubs in other places?
Yes, there are 39 clubs in towns and cities across the UK, loosely affiliated through AIVC, the Association of IVCs. You can find out about other clubs through the AIVC website.
How can I get involved?
You can request more information by email, ring or text one of our new members officers, or come along to one of our regular club nights – see “how to join” for more information.
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