Falling Membership?

At the 2009 AGM some concern was expressed at the apparent reduction in membership numbers over the past few years. Some of this is due to the fact that members decide to leave because of downsizing, both of their living accommodation and annual expenses. Some of course, unfortunately, die because of the age profile of the membership. However, the number of members given in the annual report was inadvertently not compiled on the same basis as in previous years as it treated joint memberships as one person instead of two. It should have given the membership as 1,357.

I have worked hard at cleaning up the database, making sure that members paying by bankers order are paying the correct amount and that those in arrears have been taken out of the membership – this also explains some fall in numbers.

Yes, recruitment of new members is lower than in some years, but the splendid websites have helped to turn round this situation and I am gratified to report that I have had few resignations this year. Although we shouldn’t rest on our laurels, I know from personal experience that some other County Societies are having problems and are having to raise their subscriptions which is not a good solution in these straitened times! In common with most similar societies there has been a gradual decline in membership over the years. In our case, taking the last 10 years from 1,476 in 1998 to 1,357 in 2008, reveals a drop of about 8% over the period, breaking down to less than 1% a year.

Any suggestions for the recruitment of younger members would be very welcome. I know that Lyn Palmer and Kate Kersey encourage YAC members and families to join but there must be other ways of attracting students as well. The reduced age limit was raised to 25 to attract those in higher education.

I have plenty of membership leaflets so please ask me for some to take to any conferences and heritage events that you are attending. I have just posted out bundles to approximately 100 venues around the county but I would be grateful for any suggestions for other suitable places.

Sheila Broomfield