Increase in Annual Subscription from 2010

It was after much heart searching on the part of a small sub committee, then by the whole of the Executive Committee, that a decision was made to increase the annual subscription rate to £10. Yes it is a large increase, especially in the present financial climate, but we do feel it is justifiable.

The present very low rate of £4 has not increased for 8 years since 2002. During that time running costs have increased considerably, printing, postage, and insurance, to name but a few. For the past four years our income from subscriptions has not covered our running costs. This shortfall has had to be made up by using income from our dividends. In 2009, we have already spent well over half of our income and we still have a Newsletter and mailing to pay for in September.

Now some people will wonder why we are going to charge more when the Society has considerable assets which do provide a dividend. We are of course a Registered Charity. As such we are bound to give support to appropriate charitable causes as listed in our constitution. The Society was founded in 1926. One of its aims is to help in the preservation and creation of Rights of Way which would significantly affect the enjoyment of the countryside by the users of such Rights of Way. One of the ways listed for achieving its aims is by arranging organised walks and other such activities.

We have given no charitable support for the past four years. The last was a donation towards the rewaymarking of the Darcy Dalton Way in 2004. We have also given support to Woodland Trust. Last year we gave financial help to the Ramblers Association in their fight against the closure of a footpath at the BMW site in Cowley. This could only be done by selling some of our assets.

Your committee feel that we should uphold a motion passed in 2001, that the day to day running costs of the Society should be covered by subscriptions and that income from investment be used for charitable purposes. We have some plans for this in coming years, such as the replacement of some broken stiles by kissing gates on walks like the Oxford Green Belt Way. This would make the routes more amenable to disabled and elderly walkers. We would welcome other suggestions from members.

For those who feel £10 is too much, do look at the subscriptions rates for other societies and we think you will find ours is good value for money. We offer a good number of walks and an ever expanding social programme. Compare this with the cost of a visit to the cinema, a bottle of good wine or a meal out.

We hope therefore that you will still support us and pay the new rate. If you pay by Standing Order please could you notify your bank now or at the latest before the end of this year. We cannot change your bank arrangement. You can of course help to increase our income further by signing a Gift Aid form, if you have not already done so.