Membership
Why not try out Tiger Bay Ramblers? You are welcome to try out the group before committing to membership. You can try out up to three walks, or why not come along to our regular Curry Club? We meet on the first Thursday of every month for a curry and a pint and it's an ideal way to find out what the group is like before trying a walk. Please contact the social secretary first so we can look out for you.
After three walks you must join the group (see below) and you will no longer be able to participate in group activities. Membership gives you some great benefits and soon pays for itself when you can claim 10% off walking gear in most outdoors shops on production of a valid membership card. Membership forms are available from committee members during a walk.
How do I join?
Tiger Bay Ramblers is a Ramblers' Association Young Persons Walking Group. To become a member of the group you will need to Join the Ramblers' Association, specifying Tiger Bay Ramblers (SW4) as your group.
You can join the Ramblers' Association in the following ways:
- Online:
- http://www.ramblers.org.uk/membership/memapp.html
- Download printable form:
- http://www.ramblers.org.uk/membership/application_paper.pdf
- By post:
- Write to The Ramblers' Association, FREEPOST SW15, London SE1 7BR. No stamp required!
- By phone:
- 020 7339 8500
What does it cost?
- Individual:
- £24
- Joint:
- £32 (Two adults at same address)
- Reduced Individual:
- £16
- Reduced Joint:
- £18 (Two adults at same address)
These prices are for one year's membership.
See http://www.ramblers.org.uk/membership/categories_rates.html for a complete explanation.
^ topWhat are the benefits?
Supporting the work of the Ramblers' Association:
- safeguarding Britain's unique network of public paths
- All too often, they are illegally blocked, obstructed and overgrown. Work is done with local authorities to make them a pleasure to walk on.
- providing information
- To help you plan your walk and enjoy it in safety and comfort.
- increasing access for walkers
- helping to establish statutory rights of access to the outdoors. protecting the countryside and green spaces from unsightly and polluting developments so that walkers can enjoy their tranquility and beauty.
- educating
- the public about their rights and responsibilities and the health and environmental benefits of walking so that everyone can enjoy our wonderful heritage.
- Promoting walking
- Tiger Bay Ramblers primary objective is to promote walking to young people for health, socialising and fun!
Discounts available on walking gear!
Most outdoor shops will offer a discount to holders of a valid Ramblers' Association membership card. So if you have been meaning to buy a new pair of boots, Gore-Tex jacket or any other outdoor gear joining today could save you a packet!
Your membership card can be used to obtain discounts from the following stores:-
- Millets, Blacks and Kudos all offer a 10% discount.
Cotswold Outdoor Store at Talbot Green (near Cardiff) offer a very generous 20% discount to TBR members.
Visit Cardiff Cotswold Outdoor Store website.
Walk with any Ramblers' Association group in the UK
As a member of the Ramblers' Association you are welcome to participate in walks organised by any group.
Join in our social activities
As a member of Tiger Bay Ramblers you will be able to participate in our wide variety of social activities. Contact the Membership Secretary to request to be added to the social event email distribution list. Don't forget to quote your RA membership number!
^ topWhat does my membership fee get spent on?
Group administration
The vast majority of your membership fee is used by the Ramblers' Association to further it's charitable objectives. In fact TBR only receives £3 of the £24 (prices correct at time of writing) annual single membership fee and the rest goes to central RA funding. The funds that we receive are used to further the charitable objectives of the Ramblers' Association and for group administration.
The kinds of things that TBR's money goes on include: -
- Printing costs e.g. walks programmes, posters, leaflets etc.
- Postage costs e.g. all new members receive a welcome letter and copy of the walks programme, all members receive a walk programme every time a new one is issued.
- Mileage reimbursement for committee members e.g attending area meetings which held quarterly in Cowbridge.
- Website hosting.
- YHA membership - we purchase an annual subscription for the group which is used for TBR weekends away etc
- Walking world subscription - this is an online database of walks which is a useful resource for walk leaders when programme planning comes round.
Contrary to popular belief, committee members do not get paid for their time and collectively put in hundreds of hours generating the walks programme, social events, website, leaflets, annual reports and accounts, responding to new enquiries, training walk leaders, promoting the group and at least once a month meeting to disuss and manage the running of the group.
There is a far more detailed document available to members. If you would like to know more, please e-mail the treasurer at the following address: -
treasurer {at} tigerbayramblers.org.uk
Furthering the charitable objectives of the Ramblers' Association
After administration all remaining monies are used to further the charitable objectives of the Ramblers' Association. The committee welcome any suggestions from members for schemes to further these. Please contact the treasurer to have your ideas considered by the committee.
^ topWhat our members say about us
Here are some quotes taken from a recent members survey: -
- "Joining TBR is one of the best things I´ve ever done. I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the group!!"
- "The organisation of TBR is excellent and efficient and all my walk experiences with the group have been very satisfying and enjoyable."
- "Joining TBR is my essential activity (and a source of energy!) and valuable opportunity for socialising, and health of course. I think it is very well organised, and appreciate its welcoming atmosphere. I really enjoy participating in and each single walk I joined. Thank you very much! "
- "I think the group is brilliant. I always feel safe and can always keep up on the walks. Very well organised!"
- "I think the walks are excellent and I always enjoy my Sundays!!"
- "An excellent group and great the way you can dip in and out without having to commit to doing a walk every week. I joined for the opportunity to walk in a safe environment as I would not be comfortable going out on my own. The social side is a bonus."
- "This is a great group and I feel happy to be a member, keep up the good work everyone!"
- "I believe that joining TBR has been one of the best things I have done. I get to walk regularly for fitness and fun, and make lots of new friends!"