- How much is membership and how can I pay?
- How do I book on/pay for events?
- How do I join?
- Once I've joined, what is the best way to start?
- Can I come to events on my own?
- I'm nervous about my first event - what should I do?
- Are the events really dangerous?
- Can I just do the less adventurous events if I want?
- Do I have to go on a certain number of events per month?
- How do I get to events if I don't have a car or don\'t want to travel alone?
- Some events have limited places, how likely am I to get a slot?
- Due to work and other commitments I often don't know my availability until the last minute, can I still go to events?
- What happens if I find I can't make an event after I've booked it?
- What happens if Spice have to cancel an event?
- Can I bring a friend/friends with me on the events?
- Can I bring children to the events?
- Can I try out an event before I join?
- Do I need to buy any specialist equipment for Spice events?
How much is membership and how can I pay?
Membership for one person currently costs £144 (incl. VAT) and can be paid by single payment - cheque, cash, credit or debit card; or in quarterly instalments of £36 (incl. VAT) every three months.
If paying quarterly, the first quarter should be paid by cheque, cash, credit or debit card and subsequent payments via a Direct Debit mandate which will be sent to you if not enclosed with the application.
Joint Membership is intended for co-habiting couples, although it may be extended, on application, to parent and child living at the same address.
You will only receive one newsletter and the cost is £216 (incl. VAT) per annum, or £54 (incl. VAT) per quarter for two people. Payment methods are as for single membership. Single members may convert to joint membership in appropriate circumstances.
How do I book on/pay for events?
You will receive regular newsletters detailing forthcoming events and how to book for each.
The usual method for events which are not free or 'pay on the day' is through the office by sending a booking form, by post or fax, by e-mailing, direct or through this website or by phoning.
Payment can be made by cheque, cash, credit or debit card.
How do I join?
This could not be easier! You can fill in the on-line Membership Application on this site. Phone and join over the phone, we'll go through the form with you and take your details.
You can request an Information Pack which will include a Membership Application Form or come along to a Preview Night, where forms and advice are available and there's a raffle to win a FREE first event.
Once I've joined, what is the best way to start?
Firstly quickly, it is all to easy to take out membership and let a couple of months pass without attending any events - 'get stuck right in' is the best advice.
Each month there are events specifically aimed at new members (New Members Meal, Friends in a Flash, New Members Party etc.) which are designed to get you started. Meanwhile, try anything participative or in teams: a quiz night, treasure hunt, murder mystery night, workshop, skittles night or a sports event e.g. Unihoc, Volleyball or Badminton are ideal.
Alternatively why not be brave and go straight for a weekend away, by the end you'll not just have met people, you'll have made friends!
Can I come to events on my own?
Of course you can, and most people do, at least sometimes. Spice is not a singles club but the majority of our membership are single and many come to events on their own.
Spice is very friendly and people like chatting to everyone else regardless of whether they've met them before. Spice is a great way of meeting new friends and trying new things so attending on your own should hold no fears.
I'm nervous about my first event - what should I do?
Most people in Spice have been nervous about their first event - so don't worry. For some, it is a very big step to take, so to make it easier just write "first event" next when you book it and we will look out for you and introduce you to a few people until you find your feet.
It's great reward to see you enjoying yourself an hour later, so don't worry about asking. We're also setting up a 'buddy system' so, if you'd like, we can give you the number of a volunteer member who will help to ease you into Spice.
Are the events really dangerous?
We are not a dangerous sports club - we give our members excitement under the safest conditions possible. Some events do, by their very nature, carry an element of risk but we will only offer them when we are satisfied that the supplier is fully qualified and offers the highest safety standards possible.
Can I just do the less adventurous events if I want?
You can do whichever events you choose - it is entirely your choice. Many active members never do the adventure and outdoor activities, some, indeed, just do meals and theatre. Equally some adrenaline addicts do every adventure event and nothing else. The only advice I would give is that Spice is ideal for trying things you've never tried before.
Do I have to go on a certain number of events per month?
No you don't. Spice events are there for you to use as you choose. You may do as many, or as few, events as you wish - it's entirely up to you, but our programme is so extensive that there is bound to be something for everyone.
Its also worth remembering that, as with life, you get out according to what you put in - and there is plenty of scope to put in as much as you'd like.
How do I get to events if I don't have a car or don't want to travel alone?
There are a couple of options. Talk to people at events and arrange to book and travel together, or the Spice office will help members to link up and share transport.
Many members who drive are happy to take others to share petrol costs and provide company. If you need a lift ring a couple of days before the event and we'll try to give you the phone number of someone in your area to ring. Full Transport policy is stated in Events & Policy Notes in each newsletter and on the Booking Form.
Some events have limited places, how likely am I to get a slot?
If you book in good time, almost certain. In the past year only a handful of events have sold out within a week of newsletters hitting the doormat. Obviously the longer you wait the greater the chance that an event will sell-out but most still have places within a week of the event taking place.
Due to work and other commitments I often don't know my availability until the last minute, can I still go to events?
You certainly can. There is often last minute availability on events and we can accept telephone bookings, if you pay by debit card or credit card, up until the time the office closes for that day.
On some events, without a maximum number of slots, you can even take a chance and turn up and pay on the night. We would ask, wherever possible, that weekend events are booked before 4pm Friday. Guidance on bookings is in the Event & Policy Notes section of each newsletter.
What happens if I find I can't make an event after I've booked it?
Cancellations are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence. For most events if you give us a weeks notice of cancellation, you will receive a full refund less a £3.00 cancellation fee.
Cancellations on other events are as in event descriptions and we always issue a refund where possible. The full Spice Cancellation Policy is printed in the Events & Policy section of each newsletter.
What happens if Spice have to cancel an event?
This does occur from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of demand. When it does we do our utmost to notify all who are booked on the event and send out a full refund within a week.
The full Spice Cancellation Policy is printed in the Events & Policy section of each newsletter.
Can I bring a friend/friends with me on the events?
Guests are very welcome on Spice events and are asked to pay the guest price (usually 10% extra).
Many people who join Spice have previously come along as a guest of an existing member. Each guest should, however, only come to a couple of events and then think about joining themselves, as, obviously, the interest of members is our primary concern.
Can I bring children to the events?
Sorry, but we cannot accommodate children on most events for a couple of reasons. Spice insurance only covers over 18's and one of the attractions of Spice for many members is that it is adults only and gives them a chance to have time away from the children.
Can I try out an event before I join?
You're welcome to try a couple of the events before joining Spice, just phone the office to check which events are available. We ask you to pre-book and prepay for them, and to pay the guest price (usually 10% extra). Non-members should not turn up at events they have not booked as they may be turned away.
Do I need to buy any specialist equipment for Spice events?
Generally not, all the specialist equipment for events is provided by our suppliers. If planning on doing sports you should, of course, have suitable footwear and sports kit. If doing walking and outdoor events a good pair of walking boots are needed as, sadly, are waterproofs. For Winter Munro's crampon and Ice Axe are strongly recommended. If anything extra is required it will be listed in the event write-up.