Information for applicants:

Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a member of Worsley Cruising Club. The primary purpose of WCC is to provide facilities for, and to promote participation in, the sport of cruising the inland waterways. To achieve this, moorings and mooring amenities are available to members, but WCC is a cruising club, not just a mooring club. To promote active participation in the sport, a lively programme of cruising and social events are held throughout the year.

Being a member of WCC is a partnership:

The Club can offer a wide range of opportunities, experiences and facilities but you must be prepared to actively participate in Club life in return. The enclosed information will assist you in deciding whether the Club and what it has to offer is right for you, and of course that you are right for the Club.

To assist you further in making this decision, it is encouraged that prospective members make use of the ‘guest facility’ available on Wednesday evenings. Prior to submission of your membership, you will be able to be signed in to the Clubhouse as a guest (maximum of 6 times). This will enable you to meet with the members, get a ‘feel’ for the place and ask any questions you may have. You will be made welcome, so don’t worry if you don’t know anyone!

Completing your application:

Read through all the enclosed information carefully, especially the leaflets entitled ‘Membership of WCC’ and ‘Membership of WCC Further Information’. If you are happy you fully understand what is required of members of WCC and are happy to commit to the minimum requirements then complete the enclosed application form, using the notes overleaf to assist you.

If you are an existing boat owner, or are thinking of buying a boat:

It is also very important that you carefully read the ‘Mooring at WCC’ leaflet, prior to submitting your application. You must be a member of the Club before you can make an application for consideration of allocation of a mooring.

Membership does not guarantee a mooring will be available.

Filling in your application form:

Part 1: Type of membership:

Indicate which type of membership you wish to apply for, (Single adult or Adult couple) by ticking the appropriate box. Adult members must be 18 or over at the time of application. If you also require any children/grandchildren to be considered for Junior Membership, as part of your application, indicate how many junior memberships you wish to apply for by writing the number in the box. Junior members must be under 18 at the time of application.

Part 2: Applicant details:

Enter your name, date of birth and occupation*, and the same for your partner, if applying for Adult couple membership. *The Data Protection Act 1998 prevents unnecessary information being collected, for information, the request for date of birth is to enable the Membership Officer to monitor when concessionary rates for membership become applicable. The indication of your occupation is entirely voluntary and does not influence the application process in any way. It is just handy to know what skills members may have when planning for working parties or other events where specific skills may be able to support Club activities. If you have indicated any Junior memberships are required, enter names and dates of birth.

Part 3: Contact details:

Enter your full postal address including your post code. The details you give here will be used for any postal communications so it is important that these details are correct. If applying for Adult Couple membership, only one contact address is required - this will be deemed to be the point of contact for both members. Enter your contact phone numbers as appropriate. If you have provided a number which is ex-directory, please indicate this by writing XD at the end of the number. Enter your email address (if you have one). Email is a cheaper and easier way of communicating with members than by post. If you use your email regularly and are happy for this to be used instead of communication by post, please indicate by ticking the box.

Part 4: References:

Two referees are required for each application, to provide character references to support the application for membership. The referees must be professional persons, not associated with WCC. Existing Club members, family and friends are not eligible as referees. Both referees for each applicant will be contacted, and all references must be received before consideration of your application by the Board of Directors can go ahead. To ensure this takes place as quickly as possible, it is important that all contact details requested for your referees are provided. The most common delay in the application process is not being able to contact referees due to incomplete/incorrect contact details. Please ensure the information you provide is accurate. It is also usual to ask your referees in advance if it is ok to provide their details for this purpose. Enter full details of both character referees for each adult applying.

Part 5: Details of boat Only complete this Part if you already own a boat:

Enter the registered name of your boat. Indicate the type of boat you have, (narrowboat or cruiser) by ticking the appropriate box. Indicate where your boat is currently moored/stored. Enter the length of your boat in feet.

Part 6: Reason for applying for membership of WCC:

It is important that you have carefully considered what membership of WCC can give to you, but also that you are fully committed to supporting the Club. Outline the main reasons why you wish to be considered for membership of WCC.

Part 7: Declaration & Data Protection Agreement:

It is important that you understand what you are agreeing to before signing. Ensure you have read and understood all the information provided. If you are unsure of any details, please make sure you ask for clarification before submitting your application. Read and, subject to you being happy to agree to the specified terms, sign the Declaration & Data Protection Agreement. In the case of an adult couple application, both parties must sign. The final section is for administrative use and should be left blank Your completed Application Form should be posted to the Clubhouse address, marked for the attention of the Membership Officer, or handed in person to a member of the Board of Directors.

What happens next:

Following submission of your application form, the application process is as follows:

Your name and address will be posted on the Clubhouse notice board to inform members of your application for membership. Members are entitled to submit written comments to the Board of Directors if they feel they have anything which will inform the decision making process when considering membership applications.

Your interest in becoming a member of WCC will also be made known to the other Cruising Clubs on the Bridgewater Canal. These Clubs have a protocol in place where the identity of membership applicants is shared. If any of the Clubs have any information which can inform the application process, this information is shared.

Your references will be sent for. It is necessary for all required references to have been received before the application process can continue. This sometimes takes a little time, but if there are any problems obtaining your references you will be advised by the Membership Officer.

A date will then be arranged for you to attend a Membership Interview with the Board of Directors. You will be notified of this date by the Membership Officer. At the interview, the Chairman of the Board of Directors will ask you some questions about your application and ensure you fully understand the requirements of being a member of WCC. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about being a member.

Following consideration of your application, any contributions received from members/other Cruising Clubs, references and interview, the Board of Directors will make the decision whether to approve or reject your application. You will be notified of this decision by the Membership Officer, within 7 days of your interview.

If your application is not successful:

In the event your application is rejected, the Board of Directors reserve the right not to provide justification or reason. The right of appeal against such a decision is available. The appeal is made to the Club’s members and decided by majority vote. If the outcome of the appeal is that the members vote to overturn the Directors decision, you will be granted membership. If the members uphold the Directors decision, there is no further right of appeal and re-application for membership is not permitted.

If your application is successful:

Subject to a successful application, you will be invoiced for fees due. On payment of this invoice, you will be formally registered as a probationary member of WCC. The probationary status lasts for 12 months. If membership requirements are not met within this period, membership will be terminated. However, if at the end of this period you have demonstrated appropriate involvement in and commitment to the Club, full membership status will be granted.

If you wish to be considered for allocation of moorings at WCC, you may apply following formal acceptance as a probationary member.

How much will it cost to join WCC:

No payment is required with your application. Fees are invoiced following acceptance as a member.

Fees payable on joining WCC 2023:

Entrance fee: £50.00 per application.

Key deposit: £25.00 per application.

Levy: £5.00 for each adult applicant.

Annual subscription fee:

Single adult £43 (£21.50 for applications on or after 1st July).

Annual subscription fee:

Adult couple £82 (£41 for applications on or after 1st July).

Annual subscription fee:

Junior members: £6.00 for each Junior member application.