Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some answers to questions that we often get asked about Harbour Friends. If you have any other questions, please get in touch by using the details on the Contact Us page.
1. Do I/We have to be a resident of the Harbour Area to join?
Our membership is primarily made up of Sovereign Harbour residents. FULL Membership is normally available to those residing on harbour (Subject to maximum numbers not being exceeded). Associate Membership can sometimes be made available to friends and family of existing FULL members. Please note that when maximum number of members is reached, a waiting list may apply.
2. How much does it cost to join?
Full or Associate Membership costs just £20 per person per year, although this amount can be subject to change if annual costs and/or membership numbers increase or decrease. We are a non-profit making members only club with a volunteer committee. Any surplus money left over at year end after all operating costs are covered, is normally used to subsidise future events for members.
3. Is Harbour Friends a singles group?
Not at all. Harbour Friends members are a mix of singles, married people, couples and friends. Our members come from all walks of life to enjoy meeting and socialising with other like-minded people.
4. What sort of age group are you?
We are a mixed group open to any ages from 18 upwards, however, the age of the majority of our group is over 50s.
5. Do you have a regular get together?
Yes. We hold a casual get-together in the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club bar on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm onwards. This is a free and easy drop in session and there is no need to attend every week unless you can/or want to. We also organise various regular additional social activities and trips either locally or at other venues/places and these can be on other days of the week as well as on a Wednesday.
6. When is the best time for new members to come along?
New members are welcome, although we do ask that you make contact with us first. In that way we can ensure that a member of the committee can be there on a Wednesday evening to meet you and introduce you to some of our existing members. Please use the contact form to send our membership secretary a message, advising when you would like to visit. You are most welcome to make your first visit free of charge as a taster and this would be totally without any obligation or pressure to join. Please note that you may be asked to go on a waiting list, if the membership maximum has been reached.
7. How do you advise members of forthcoming activities?
If you do join Harbour Friends, your details would be added immediately to our secure Googlemail account and database which are not available to any third party. We send out regular information on forthcoming activities to members via email. If you do not have email, we can send an email to a friend or family’s email address, or alternatively introduce you to an existing Harbour Friend member in your neighbourhood, who could arrange to pass on event and other details to you.
8. Does membership of Harbour Friends allow members to use the Yacht Club at any time?
Unfortunately Not. Harbour Friends have a corporate membership agreement with the yacht club which allows Harbour Friends members to attend the Yacht Club just on Wednesday evenings. Harbour Friends members all have a membership card and name badge, so that Yacht Club bar staff can ensure that only its own and Harbour Friends members can use the bar facility and obtain member pricing.
9. How can you re-assure people that are nervous about meeting strangers?
We do of course understand how unnerving it can be, when walking into a room full of strangers for the first time. After all, the existing members have all been in that position when they joined for the first time. To help overcome this and wherever possible, we always try to ensure that at least one of the committee is available to personally meet potential new members on their first visit. Members have name badges issued to also make things easier and less awkward. Potential new members can be personally introduced to some of the existing members and join them for an informal chat and a drink.
10. Do you have facilities for disabled people?
Yes. There is a passenger lift available (which can take a wheelchair) that serves all floors and there are also disabled toilet facilities available.