John Holiday wrote:Have just re-read the letter, & note that these are actually only 'proposals', to be voted on at the AGM later in the year.
It would certainly be interesting to know what the thinking behind these changes are. From the initial reaction, it is likely to create some hostility and a drop in membership, which can hardly be the intention or of benefit.
The membership letter is badly constructed and the tone after the preamble "it is a proposal" was this is happening.
"The current senior discounted rate..will no longer be available ... on your renewal date" and similar phrases.
Most of us are passive members and hardly ever use the club facilities.
As I pointed elsewhere in this forum, us seniors are not commuters, if we cycle to town we go at quieter times, or go leisurely rides on quiet roads in the countryside. We have our trusted bikes, we buy fewer gadgets. We take our time and cycle safely. For many of us our commitment to CUK is out of loyalty and support for the campaign work, but cycling is just one of the many causes we are probably all involved with, all deserving of financial support.
What about the specialist legal and 3rd party insurance, I hear? That would be missed but how many of us have had cause to use that service. Not me in 50 plus years of cycling. And won't my the house linked insurance be sufficient cover? or failing that if I was really concerned then I could get cover with BCycling on their basic rate which is 25% less (on DD)
If this is a cost issue why hasn't the magazine gone online. I would be happy with that. The sort of saving must be some £15 with postage and printing and it would be better for the environment saving on trees. Surely CUK needs to move with the times. For those who prefer to have the printed magazine then that could be an add-on cost. That way the concessionary rate can be kept down and could even be a base rate for all.
Don't even suggest the means tested element... it is not worth the effort and indignity.
As it is unless the Board withdraw or amend the proposal, I for one will not be renewing and I suspect many more will do likewise. It will be a sad day for CUK