Nuts & Bolts

Getting the most out of your Spice membership

You’ve taken your first step and joined Spice, and the next step is to come along to your first event. I know this can be a daunting prospect when you don’t know anyone else, but there’s no need to worry – Spicer’s are a friendly bunch! Most of us come to events on our own, so we are used to welcoming new people. We also remember 'our first time', not quite knowing what to expect! Please don’t worry. You have nothing to fear except from forming a new and exciting circle of friends – and meeting other people just like you!

A great way of ‘getting into’ the group is by doing a team or social event like a dinner shuffle or Ten Pin Bowling, or any event where you are ‘doing something’. Even better, try a weekend away - this way you'll get to know a group of people really well. Our events either have coordinators or suppliers on. They’ll introduce you to members they know and answer any questions you may have. Just call us a few days before the event and we'll make the arrangements.

Finally, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Spice membership. If you are unsure of any aspect of your Spice membership, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0114 2889997.

1. Allow plenty of time for your journey

All events start promptly. There is often engineering works on the railways at weekends or evenings, so do plan accordingly. Unfortunately, we can’t delay the start of events if a member is running late. It is not fair on the supplier and the other members who have arrived on time. If you arrive early you’ll be more relaxed than late and panicking!

2. Weekends

Nearly all our weekends are shared with other Spice groups. The lead group will show the exact number booked. All other groups sharing onto a weekend will only show the number of members booked from their particular group. The system is not linked, so if you see an event has low numbers, don’t be mislead into thinking you have plenty of time to book, as there are potentially 10,000 other Spice members throughout the UK thinking the same thing!

3. Sports nights

Sports nights are a great way to meet up with a regular group of friends in your area. All sports nights are aimed at the beginner, just come along and have a go. Badminton is highly recommended for new members

4. Dinner shuffles

We close off our dinner shuffles 5 days beforehand, to confirm numbers and any menu choices to the restaurant. We try to ensure numbers are even on dinner shuffles, so unfortunately it is not possible to book you on at the last minute. The cost always includes a Volunteer Coordinator, who goes free to ensure the evening run smoothly.

5. The 5-day forecast

A lot of our members keep an eye on the 5 day weather forecast, especially for outdoor events. Once they know the weather is going to be fine, they book. This results in a rush of bookings. Time and again we experience events selling out and members being disappointed as they have not booked in time. If you do want to go on an event, please book in plenty of time, as it helps us manage numbers, and increase as necessary. Most events go ahead whatever the weather. We don’t let a bit of rain spoil our fun!

6. Wait lists

It’s always worth putting your name on the wait list, as members do drop out of events (including weekends and holidays). We would rather an event went ahead full, so we always try to contact those on the wait list. Please note that once an event has reached its allocation its status becomes ‘wait list’. However, this doesn’t mean there is someone actually on the wait list. Only when someone adds their name to the reserve list does the wait list come into existence. You are under no obligation to attend the event if you put your name on the wait list.

10. Joining instructions

Most of our joining instructions are in the newsletter and on the website. We send out detailed instructions for any event which has a # next to it, which you will receive about 1 week prior to the event, by email.

11. Savings and discounts

Wherever possible, we pass these onto our members. This is most evident in our holidays. We offer huge discounts, particularly with our skiing trips.

We have a large array of discounts in the Spice Extras area. You can choose your money-saving rewards from our exciting selection of special offers and fun days out. Why not have a look - you could save £££s. You will need to register but this is an easy and simple process. Then log in with your username and password and get saving!