The IVC is a non profit making social club run by its members.
How big is York IVC?
York IVC has approximately 135 members.
When was York IVC founded?
1998.
What are the Club's demographics?
There are slightly more women than men. Ages range from 20s to 40s with the majority being in their late 20s to early 40s.
How does it work?
Members receive a bulletin at the end of each month which details events for the forthcoming month. There is also an email mailing list for updates and last minute events. Printing and distributing the bulletin is where most of your membership fee goes.
Members host events. The website will show you events scheduled for the current month. As you'll see, events are varied and range from simple pub nights to more cultural evenings and a few things for the adventurous. Members must host a minimum of two events per year. Without events, IVC doesn't work.
OK I'm interested. What do I do?
Contact the number on this website and arrange to receive bulletins for a trial period. Your first bulletin is free. Your next two bulletins will cost you £5 (£8 for two people living at the same address). Alternatively come along to an event, say hello and if interested, sign up as a potential member. Three months trial membership should be enough to decide if IVC is right for you. Your first bulletin will include general details and a membership form.
Can you recommend a first event?
Twice a month we have club nights in a central York pub. These night are hosted by a couple of 'meeters and greeters' whose role it is to initiate and inform potential members of York IVC. Club nights are generally well attended and are a good way to get a feel for the club and its membership. This is how most people joined IVC. Call the number for more.
How do I join?
We want you to know what you're joining. Hence we require you sign up as a 'potential member' and then to attend at least three events and have those events verified by the host or, better still, a committee member (three different signatures are required).
Your first bulletin is free. It then costs £5 (£8 for two people living at the same address) to receive another two bulletins. We feel this is ample time to decide if IVC is what you are looking for. Your first bulletin will include a membership form. If you decide to join, your membership will run annually from the date your membership is approved by the committee. £35 for a single membership, £50 per couple and £20 student/unemployed.
Is there an age limit?
Notionally it is 45 for new members but the committee can exercise discretion in this matter. The majority of members are in their mid 20s to late 30s.
Do I need to be a graduate?
No. Whilst originally aimed at graduates, York IVC has a mixed membership. However, the majority of members are graduates or professionals who have moved to York with work and find the IVC an excellent way to develop a social circle.
What does it cost?
£35 for a single membership, £50 for two people living at the same address, and £20 for students and unemployed. Annually. On renewal, the fees double if you have not hosted two events in the preceding year; this only happens very rarely.
Potential members get their first bulletin free. We will then charge you £5 (£8 for two people living at the same address) for the next two bulletins. So effectively a three month trial membership costs £5 or £8 for joint prospective applicants. All potential members must follow this route. If you're still undecided after three months, you can extend for a further two months at the same rates. After this, if you wish to continue attending events, you must submit an application form to join the club.
What do I have to do once I've joined?
Start attending more events and host events of your own. As a minimum members must host two events per year. The club needs events and welcomes a range of events; it is what we all joined for. Co-hosting events is a popular way to ease oneself into being a host.
What sort of events do you have?
Within the last year members have attended the theatre, cinema, gone walking and cycling, visited local attractions, eaten at many a restaurant, gone caving and skiing, and gone to the pub on average twice a week.
Can I just turn up at an event?
Usually. However, look at the event description for any deadlines, for example, restaurant bookings, theatre tickets. Also, if you are new, it is a good idea to let the host know and make sure you know how to meet up.
Can I bring friends?
Friends are welcome with the hope and expectation that they too become potential members and eventually members.
So is it a singles group?
No. Whilst many members are single, many are not. IVC is an activities group. However, as in life in general, relationships do develop. IVC is more an extended group of friends sharing pastimes, social gatherings and activities with the mutual respect one would expect and deserve.
Who runs York IVC?
York IVC is run by a Committee made up of its members. Committee members are volunteers who give their time freely to ensure the long term viability and ongoing success of York IVC.
Does the Committee put on events?
Yes, the Committee organises the Club Night events and also put on Christmas and summer parties which are large 70-80 member events in a large venue with music. There's also an AGM once a year which usually lasts an hour then becomes a party.
Are there other IVCs?
Yes. Many cities have their own IVC and all are linked loosely by a national organisation. Our nearest neighbours are Tees Valley IVC, Leeds IVC and Halifax & Huddersfield IVC. Follow the AIVC link for details.
