Should I cancel my National Trust membership?

tuftyclub

thanks Quentin!

mandragora_2

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/cymraeg/w-global/w-news/w-news-national-trust-takes-further-steps-to-deliver-going-local-strategy.htm


They remind me of the churches - one of the largest land-owners in the country, constantly pleading poverty. It's a big organisation with plenty of assets. They will look after themselves financially, and I'd urge you to do the same.

mikey72

mandragora wrote: »

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/cymraeg/w-global/w-news/w-news-national-trust-takes-further-steps-to-deliver-going-local-strategy.htm


They remind me of the churches - one of the largest land-owners in the country, constantly pleading poverty. It's a big organisation with plenty of assets. They will look after themselves financially, and I'd urge you to do the same.

That may be true, but the National Trust can't sell the assets, or knock them down and put housing estates on to raise cash, and the assets themselves require constant repair and maintenance.

susan1105

Hi I also used the offer for three months free and quidco. I do use my membership a lot it covers one adult and three children, I had been tempted to cancel and then renew, but didn't this year maybe in a couple of years. Quite like the idea of canceling and then joining english hertiage for a year and then back to National Trust

GibbsRule_No3

I find that I always visit the tea rooms, so spend the money in there. Thank you for the tips about different ways of joining up. I have not had membership due to a DMP for a few years now. Will think about the NZ option next year though.

penrhyn

Just a mention that there is a reduced price NT membership of £35 for the over 60's.

It did not used to be advertised but I see its now on the website:-

T&Cs
Pensioner Members aged 60+, who have held National Trust membership for a total of at least 5 years. To buy Pensioner membership, please call the Membership Department on 0844 800 1895.

sunshinetours

Quentin wrote: »

This is a money saving website!

Maybe expressing your concern over NT not getting any money from members of other trusts is misplaced here?

(And why do they charge extra to people agreeing to gift aid their entrance fee than the standard admission price at their sites - surely they make more out of the gift aided entry anyway?)

People have enough information in this thread to make an informed decision now though

Anyone who has dealt with Gift Aid application and returns will know how much time is spent on this excerice. No idea if that is why (if they indeed do) charge more

sunshinetours

mandragora wrote: »

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/cymraeg/w-global/w-news/w-news-national-trust-takes-further-steps-to-deliver-going-local-strategy.htm


They remind me of the churches - one of the largest land-owners in the country, constantly pleading poverty. It's a big organisation with plenty of assets. They will look after themselves financially, and I'd urge you to do the same.

Many don't understand the difference between being asset rich and cash rich.
Take away the income whic is their cash lifeblood and all those assets can't easily be maintained or indeed saved and improved

Not saying people shouldn't take advantage of special offers or save money but do consider whether the money you are actually spending benefits the charity itself

Quentin

sunshinetours wrote: »

Anyone who has dealt with Gift Aid application and returns will know how much time is spent on this excerice. No idea if that is why (if they indeed do) charge more

Yes they do charge more!

Eg Cliveden prices:

http://beta.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/prices/

Family standard entry is £20.45, but you have to pay £22.50 for agreeing to let them gift aid!

(Are you trying to say they spend more on the admin for gift aid than it's worth to them???)

mikey72

A lot of places do this for some reason. I've only noticed it recently, but it's very common.
They advertise the "gift aid" price, whether you gift aid it or not, and somewhere it states the price includes a 10% voluntary donation, in very small print.
The "standard" admission doesn't include the donation, but is never well advertised.
I suspect it's a paperwork exercise, as the "gift aid" price with donation, is always a nice round figure, and looks like the old normal price, whereas the "standard" price always looks like a reverse calculated figure.