Friends of St. Clare's

BUT FIRST!..

WHAT DO I GET, IF I JOIN?

Remember Friends of St. Clare's is independent of the church. You will have the knowledge that you are supporting a really good cause. You are adding to the future security of the church. Just think, it will be your way of saying thank you for the help during emotional times, places or events that have been part of your life or that of a friend or relative. A wedding, funeral, baptism or a special service like Christmas or Easter. Perhaps you are a hall user and enjoy regular events. Even if you have never been to St. Clare's church you will be aware of all the good work that goes on for the people of Newton Aycliffe. Non church goers please understand that we are not asking you to come to church. Friends of St. Clare's is not there to try to change your mind. That is always your decision.

Anyone who is a regular supporter of the church are of course also invited to join. Please though we ask you not to deprive or reduce  the level of support in time or money that you give directly to the church already .

A CHEQUE BOOK

It is our intention, within six months of joining Friends of St. Clare's members will be given, what we call a 'cheque book' and each cheque (or voucher) will have a gift for the holder to be obtained at one of Newton Aycliffe's many shops or businesses. For example perhaps 10% or 20% off items for sale. Free gifts or samples may be available. A cheaper hair do or other beauty product. Many varied items will be on the list and the total value could cover your membership donations. You may then be supporting us without it really costing you anything.

DISCOUNT ON EVENTS

Friends of St. Clare's intend to hold events and members will be given a discounted price on their tickets. We have not yet finalised our decision as to what type of events but we expect they will include entertainment like tribute bands, keyboard nights and comedy shows. If you have an idea of what you would like to see please let us know via our CONTACT US page.

SOCIALS

We want to make your membership socially enjoyable and invite you to attend, not only events like those mentioned above but others such as Line Dancing,  Ceilidh night, Valentine's Dance, Burns Night etc. Let us know using our CONTACT US page your suggestions.

WILL THERE WILL BE OTHER THINGS?

Yes, I am sure there will be other good reasons for becoming a member as time goes by and we become more established.               See below for the latest (as of 1st May 2024) FOUNDER MEMBERS

THIS IS IT - YOUR CHANCE TO

BECOME A MEMBER. PLEASE READ ON...

In order to become and remain a member of Friends of St. Clare's you need to donate an amount of money each month via a bank standing order. You can choose how much you wish to donate but the minimum is £2 per month. It is likely that many members will donate more than the minimum but we decided to make the minimum very low so that even the most hard strapped for cash would be able to join. The level of your donation will not be made public or shared with unauthorised committee members or other members of Friends of St. Clare's.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT

Membership can also be paid annually in one lump sum. Again, you decide how much to donate (minimum £24).

Annual memberships can be paid in cash, by cheque made payable to Friends of St. Clare's,  bank transfer or standing order.

FOUNDER MEMBERS

SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR THE RULES RELATING TO THIS

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF YOUR VALUE TO FRIENDS OF ST CLARE'S

RULES RELATING TO FOUNDER MEMBERSHIP

These rules should always be interpreted to be in line with the Constitution. The Constitution rules always have priority. The Constitution can be found on this website friendsofstclares.uk

The first twenty members of Friends of St Clare’s shall be deemed as Founder Members.

This does not give them any extra membership benefits (see website for membership benefits). It will record their names for perpetuity on our stationery such as letter headings, compliments slips and website. Being a Founder Member also adds a certain kudos to the position. People in years to come will be thankful to those who gave Friends of St Clare’s a good start. The work that the church does is so important to many people both spiritually and mentally. In future years membership subscriptions like yours will have provided homes for people.

Founder members, being long-standing members, may occasionally be asked their valued opinion on a subject.

The first twenty people to become members will automatically become Founder Members. You will never cease to be a Founder Member. After your death, you will still be counted as a Founder Member and your name will remain on the list of twenty. The only thing that can have a member's name removed from the list is any breach of the constitution or if they stop being a member before their death.

Noel F Bennett

Chairman