Monthly club fees for age group swimmers have not been increased since April 2006. However, over the last 2 years, the number and length of sessions for most groups of swimmers has increased. This means that our pool hire costs have gone up and we are now employing more coaches. Almost all of our income comes from membership fees. Therefore, in order to pay our increased costs, we now have to increase the level of monthly club fees. Even allowing for a fee increase, we are still projecing a shortfall of over £10,000 in 2008, which will have to be met through fundraising.
Fees for age group swimmers will be increased to £35 per month from 1st May 2008. These fees must be paid by standing order. Collecting fees in cash/ cheque is hugely time consuming. Moreover, despite our best efforts, every year members who have not been paying by standing order leave the club with fees in arrears, meaning that we end up losing money. At the end of 2007, there was over £1,500 of fee arrears outstanding, much of which will not now be recovered. We are determined not to let this situation continue.
Please contact your bank now in order to increase your standing order from your May payment, or to set up a standing order from May, if you are not already paying by this method. A standing order form is attached. If you absolutely cannot pay by standing order, then please discuss this with the Membership Secretary.
Fees for secondary school age swimmers eligible for subsidised places will increase to £17.50 per month (i.e. 50% of full fees), while those for primary school age children are pegged at £2 per month, for as long as the current grant funding lasts. (Details on attached chart).
Club fees still represent very good value for money. £35 per month works out at £9.50 per week over 44 weeks, i.e. less than £5 per session for those attending an average of 2 sessions per week and much less than this for those attending 3 or more sessions per week.
