Q. What is Suffolk IVC?
A. Its a social club for singles and couples. It's not for profit, it's run by the members for the members and all the events are put on or hosted by members. It's one club within a national association and members can also attend events at other IVCs around Britain. (http://www.ivc.org.uk)
Q. How long has it been going?
A. Suffolk IVC was set up in 1999, but the first IVC group was formed in 1948. This means we have a track record - not here today and gone tomorrow.
Q. Who joins?
A. Our members are from a wide range of careers and occupations. The most important things are a willingness to get involved and mix with others. Membership is open to both singles and couples. There are no barriers on the basis of sex, marital status, qualifications, sexuality, disability, race or religion.
Q. What area do you cover?
A. Most members are from Suffolk, from Bury St Edmunds to Ipswich and North Essex, but we are looking to expand to cover the whole of the county and the intervening wide open spaces. Members can also join events at about 40 other IVCs across Britain.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Current membership is £10 pa. At less than 20p a week it's a bargain and definitely worth a try.
Q. What do I get for my money?
A. The events are advertised on Activity Exchange and/or in a monthly newsletter. These are organised or hosted by members for which there is no charge - events only cost what you pay on the door or where the organiser incurs a cost. The annual subscription pays for advertising, insurance and general administration.
Q. What do I have to do as a member?
A. The main thing is to enjoy yourself! Attend as many events as you wish - there is no minimum and no maximum. To ensure a full and varied programme of events it would be nice if you could organise a couple of events during the year, which incidentally is an excellent way to get to know other members; just pick something you would like to do and add it to the monthly programme to invite other members to join you.
Q. Can you give me some idea of what the club does?
A. Events are as varied as members wish. In the past, they have included walks, cycle rides, parties, barbecues, meals out, camping trips, visits to local attractions, cinema, theatre, quiz nights, weekends away, holidays abroad, music and dance events including salsa and ceroc. If you want to do something, you don't need to get permission - just put it in the programme.
Q. How do I book onto an event?
A. Usually just turn up or call the organiser if it is bookable to ask if there is space available. Let them know that you are a new member - we've all had to go to our first event, for some people it can be a challenging time.
Q. Can I bring my child to events?
A. Sometimes. It depends on the event - this is a club for adults and most events do not lend themselves to children attending. However, walks, picnics or trips to the cinema may well do - but check with the organiser before you book.
Q. Can I bring a friend?
A. Yes. We'd like to meet new people, so bring them along. However, if they come along regularly it's only fair that they should join.
Q. Is there any way of finding out what's on at short notice?
A. Members do organise things at the last minute and there will be emails advising of events at short notice. However, this only works for people that read their emails regularly!
Q. What sort of facilities are there for finding my ideal partner?
A. IVC is not a dating agency or singles club. It is a club for meeting people who enjoy company when engaging in activities they enjoy. Of course, people do meet up and pair off but there is no pressure and everyone should feel comfortable at events.
Q. Can I talk to someone before I come along?
A. You probably have all sorts of questions to ask. Call our Memberships Secretary on 01255 553404 for a chat. Committee members are not paid or full time, so you may need to leave a message and we'll call you back.
Please email or call us if you have additional questions and we will be happy to answer them. Contact Us