Small Group Bank Accounts

Watercolourists

Hi,
I belong to a small group of approximately 12 amateur artists who meet weekly at the village hall to paint, chat, drink coffee and put the world to rights.... We have been in existence for over 25 years and during all this time our group has had a current account with Lloyds Bank which up until a few months ago has been fairly trouble free.

Unfortunately our local Lloyds branch has closed. We can still bank at a branch about 12 miles away so that is not a huge problem although annoying.  However, the main problem is that they are now asking us to pay for cheques in and out, withdrawal of cash and depositing of cash.

Our main problem arises as we hold an annual exhibition of our work which has raised several thousands of pounds over the years to charities both local and national.  To hold this event we need:-

1. to be able to withdraw floats of cash for the refreshments, tombola / raffle, sale of exhibition catalogues

2. to be able to send a cheque to our chosen charity

3. to be able to pay expenses by cheque to club members and outside suppliers, printers etc.

4. to be able to deposit cheques and cash received from sales of paintings, prints and cards and proceeds from the refreshments, tombola and catalogue sales

5. to be able to pay for the rent of the village hall by cheque or withdraw cash to cover same

Over and above the exhibition requirements we also need to pay in our annual subs and quarterly rent by cheque or by withdrawing cash.

I understood that several banks including Lloyds and the Co-op Bank have Community Accounts which we thought would suit us but unfortunately they only accept registered charities. We are very small group and have always kept in credit. 

I am really hoping that there are some other "small groups / clubs / societies" out there that can possibly help.

With very many thanks

eskbanker

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2024/10/lloyds-bank-scotland-treasurers-account-fee/ lists some options.

Watercolourists

Thank you very much for your link - however sadly Lloyds will only accept registered charities to open a Community Account with them.  The Co-op Bank is exactly the same.

eskbanker

Watercolourists said:

Thank you very much for your link - however sadly Lloyds will only accept registered charities to open a Community Account with them.  The Co-op Bank is exactly the same.

Yes, you'd already mentioned that in your earlier post, but the article links to others which don't appear to have that stipulation?