Joining

The essential prerequisite to becoming a member of the Oread is to show an overall interest in the club’s activities, its meets, and become known to the members of the Club.  Members must be over the age of 18.  All members must be aware of their own level of experience and competence and not endanger themselves or others. Potential new members are welcome to attend meets, particularly day walks or climbing trips to get to know some of the members.  They are encouraged to become provisional members before attending weekend, or longer meets. Newcomers will be offered every opportunity to meet the Oread.  

The Oread Mountaineering Club does not provide training as such, however there is a wealth of experience in all aspects of climbing, mountaineering and walking activities within the club. By coming on meets you can learn from others, and share knowledge, but do not expect to be ‘taught to climb’.

New members normally become a Provisional member first. The process for applying to become a Provisional member is outlined below. Provisional members are not able to use the club’s name in any formal actions, such as booking huts on the BMC list.

Newcomers can apply for full membership straight away, especially if they are already known to the club.

Please also read the Membership Guidance and Membership Requirements before applying to join

  

PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Provisional membership is intended to let you get to know the club and its members, and for them to get to know you, prior to progressing to full membership. Provisional members are normally expected to apply for full membership after one full calendar year of provisional membership. You do not need a named proposer and seconder for Provisional membership.

Provisional membership gives you:

1. The newsletter (sent electronically)
2. Access to the club’s meets programme and other events
3. Use of the club huts
4. BMC third party insurance

There’s no problem coming to a few daytime or evening meets without joining as a provisional member, but you really should join if you want to come on any longer or more serious meets, particularly involving an overnight stay.

Members of the club are not qualified to teach novices, and are not necessarily technical experts, but are amateurs, who have varying levels of experience and knowledge that they are generally happy to share. New participants should bear this and the BMC participation statement in mind. 

Full Membership

Full membership application requires support from a proposer and seconder, and some demonstration of climbing experience /commitment. The joining process is outlined below, you will need the names of your proposer and seconder to enter on the application form.

Your application must be initially approved by the committee, and then is opened to the membership to voice any objection via a notice in the newsletter. This process may sound rather cumbersome, but is in practice a formality intended to protect the club from undesirables. Objections are very rarely raised.

Full membership gives you:

1. The newsletter (preferably sent electronically)
2. Access to the club’s meets programme and other events
3. Use of the club huts
4. Reciprocal rights to use other BMC affiliated club huts
5. BMC third party insurance
6. Voting rights at the club AGM

Reduced subscriptions are available to full members who:

• Have reached state pension age: Ordinary Member (Senior)
• Are resident abroad

Note: Membership is available only from age 18.

Fees

Honorary Member	No charge
Ordinary Member	£50.00
Ordinary Member (Senior)*	£40.00
Provisional Member	£40.00
Members permanently resident abroad*	50% of relevant rate above

*Ordinary Member (Senior) – must be of state pension age on 1st January this year.

*All Membership rates except for those resident abroad include the payment for BMC club membership.

Fees are paid by setting up a direct debit mandate through GoCardless. This needs to be done at the time of filling in the application form, through the link given on the membership application page.

The first payment will be taken once membership is accepted. In subsequent years payment will be taken in January. You will always be informed by email before a payment is taken.

GoCardless is a regulated and secure system.

Find out more here: GoCardless

Joining Process

• To upgrade from Provisional to Full Membership contact the Membership Secretary to receive a link to the Membership Upgrade Form. Fill it in using the Membership Guidance and submit.
• Provisional Membership applicants should receive confirmation of acceptance soon after submitting.

For Full Membership applicants:

• Your supporters will be emailed to ask them to complete their statement of support.
• The committee then consider your application, and if accepted will publish in the newsletter for comments from the membership.
• We will be in contact to tell you the outcome.