Q. What is Cardiff (IVC) Friends and Social?

A. Its a social club for singles and couples. It's not for profit, it's run by the members for the members and all the events are put on or hosted by members. It's one club within a national association and members can also attend events at other IVCs around Britain. (http://www.ivc.org.uk)

Q. How long has it been going?

A. Cardiff IVC was set up in the 70's, but the first IVC group was formed in 1948. This means we have a track record - not here today and gone tomorrow.

Q. Who joins?

A. Our members are from a wide range of careers and occupations. The most important things are a willingness to get involved and mix with others. Membership is open to both singles and couples. There are no barriers on the basis of sex, marital status, qualifications, sexuality, disability, race or religion.

Q. What area do you cover?

A. Most members are from Cardiff and The Vale but some from further afield. Members can also join events at about 40 other IVCs across Britain.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Current membership is £15 pa. At less than 50p a week it's a bargain and definitely worth a try. Note: there is no cost involved in joining meetup, however they will try to encourage you to pay for their premium service! We have no facility to collect membership fees through meetup, you will be advised by our membership secretary when and how to pay.

Q. What do I get for my money?

A. The events are advertised on meetup and in a monthly email bulletin. These are organised or hosted by members for which there is no charge - events only cost what you pay on the door or where the organiser incurs a cost. We do have generous member subsidies for some events, e.g. Christmas and Summer parties. The annual subscription pays for advertising, insurance and general administration.

Q. What do I have to do as a member?

A. The main thing is to enjoy yourself! Attend as many events as you wish - there is no minimum and no maximum. To ensure a full and varied programme of events it would be nice if you could organise a couple of events during the year, which incidentally is an excellent way to get to know other members; just pick something you would like to do and add it to the monthly programme to invite other members to join you.

Q. Can you give me some idea of what the club does?

A. Events are as varied as members wish. In the past, they have included walks, cycle rides, parties, barbecues, meals out, camping trips, visits to local attractions, cinema, theatre, quiz nights, weekends away, holidays abroad, music and dance events including salsa and ceroc. If you want to do something, you don't need to get permission - just put it in the programme.

Q. How do I book onto an event?

A. Usually just RSVP on Meetup or message the organiser if it is bookable to ask if there is space available and how to pay if applicable. Let them know that you are a new member - we've all had to go to our first event, for some people it can be a challenging time.

Q. Can I bring my child to events?

A. Sometimes. It depends on the event - this is a club for adults and most events do not lend themselves to children attending. However, walks, picnics or trips to the cinema may well do - but check with the organiser before you book.

Q. Can I bring a friend?

A. Yes. We'd like to meet new people, so bring them along. However, if they come along regularly it's only fair that they should join.

Q. Is there any way of finding out what's on at short notice?

A. Members do organise things at the last minute and there will be meetup messages advising of events at short notice. A good idea to keep an eye on meetup for any updates. Once you have joined as a full member you will also receive all-member emails and have access to our WhatsApp community where there is constant chat about event details.

Q. Can I talk to someone before I come along?

A. You probably have all sorts of questions to ask. Email our Memberships Secretary on me********@**************rg.uk with questions or leave your number for a callback chat. Committee members are not paid or full time, so you may need to wait a short while for a callback.

Please email us if you have additional questions and we will be happy to answer them. Contact Us