| Attending Events |
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We rely on the good sense and willingness of our members to maintain the smooth
running and harmony of the club and we will expect you to behave accordingly. This
Guide to Membership of IVC reflects these and is no more than the sort of attitudes and
plain common sense that will be second nature to the people who join IVC.
Every full member of an IVC is encouraged to organise at least one or two activities per year towards the Club programme. This means that the range of social, sports and cultural activities in which you can take part is limited only by your own energy and imagination. Have a look at our List of Activity Suggestions compiled from a selection of Club bulletins from around the UK. |
Having fun with a fondue .... |
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Activities in the IVC
IVC members throughout the country organise a total of at least 1000 activities each month ... including over 150 in the London area. This means that there are likely to be at least four activities a week in your local area, so you need never be stuck for something to do ... especially at the weekend! The large majority of activities in the IVC are organised by ordinary Club members. |
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Windsurfing Holiday ... ! |
What events do we organise? We aim to provide a programme of
events that appeals to as broad a cross-section of our members as possible and to ensure
that we have a balanced programme with plenty for everyone.
The types of event are as varied as our members and can range from a simple get-together in a local pub to a night on the town, from ten-pin bowling or ice skating to something more ambitious such as a canal cruise, a weekend away or even holidays abroad. In addition to these broad-appeal events we aim to cover as wide a cultural spectrum as possible and our programme includes trips to the theatre or cinema and visits to art galleries, museums and other places of special interest. Many members have particular interests such as bird-watching, scuba-diving or hill-walking and are often willing to share their experience and knowledge with others who may wish to broaden their outlook or horizons. |
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The numbers attending events can vary considerably, depending on the type of event, so whether you are happiest among a large group, or prefer the intimacy of smaller gatherings, there will be something for you. |
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Attending events
In order to help the organisers it is very important, as well as being courteous, that you let the organiser know you will be attending the event, either by the requested date if one is given or at least a couple of days in advance; Don't be late for a 'book by' date ... |
IVC enjoying lunch in Paris... |
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Cancelling a booking
Likewise, if you find yourself unable to attend an activity for which you have booked, please let the organiser know in good time. Also, don't give the organiser a hard time about non-refundable deposits ... sometimes that's just the way it is. Remember ... Let the organiser know ... if you can't go |
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Cover Charges for Events
Some activities may have a cover charge, usually only a few pounds, to cover drinks or food provided by the organiser. An example of this might be a barbecue, where everyone brings their own meat but the organisers provide bread and salads. Party organisers will also often request you to 'Bring A Bottle' to keep the party spirit flowing till late at night. You should let the organiser have any advance payments that may be required by the pre-book date. Organisers will be unable to reserve your place for an event that requires payment until they have received your money. |
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Changes to Events
Sometimes, events have to be changed, or very occasionally cancelled, at short notice. It is therefore important that the organiser knows if you intend coming to their event so they can tell you about any changes that may have been made. Hosts can’t tell you about event changes if they don’t know you are coming. Some events will include a deadline by which you are expected to contact the organiser. This is usually because tickets must be purchased or venues need to be booked. If you don’t contact the organiser by this date, they may still be able to accommodate you but this cannot be guaranteed. Members will sometimes specify a limit to the number of people for an event. This may be due to physical space constraints or availability of tickets etc. Please do not pressurise an event organiser into accepting you into an event once their limit of names has been reached. |
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Contacting members about Events
Members who organise events publish a contact telephone number and/or email address in the bulletin and it is this number that should be used when making an enquiry regarding their event. Normal courtesies should be observed and it is not usually acceptable to contact members after 10.00pm. |
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Getting involved in organising activities
Right from the start, you will be encouraged to come forward, get involved and add your ideas to the bulletin but no obligation will be placed on you to do so. If you do want to join in and organise an event, you will not be expected to do this on your own. For your first few events, an experienced member may co-host the event with you and provide any help that you might need. We generally encourage and expect full members of the club to organise at least two events each per year towards the Club activity programme. If you have never organised an event before or would like to know how to do it better, then see our Guide to Organising an Event or Activity. This offers a few simple to follow guidelines to help make your events or activities a great success.
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