FAQ

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Everything you may want to know about Spice!  If you have a question and it's not answered here, don't hesitate to contact us!

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Overview

What is Spice?

Spice is the UK's premier adventure, social, leisure group for adults. Founded in 1981, there are over 12,000 members nationwide, all living life to the full.

Spice gives you the opportunity to 'live your dream', by trying hundreds of exciting events and gives you the chance to meet lots of like-minded people.

Whether you are an adrenalin junkie, or looking for new friends to socialise with, there's something for everyone in our ever-changing programme of events.

Who Joins?

Our members are all ages (over 18) and include all backgrounds, from surgeons to solicitors, single mums to students, extraverts and introverts, singles and couples alike. What unites them is their determination to live life to the full whatever their circumstances or bank balance. As events are aimed at absolute beginners and most members attend events on their own, the group puts great emphasis on ensuring that people feel welcome and at ease when they arrive at events

What about Age?

We welcome ALL adults (over the age of 18) of ANY age. Spice Members are from all age groups, so don’t worry that you’ll be too old or too young. Within Spice, age just isn’t an issue. People in their fifty’s and sixty’s mix happily with people in their twenty’s and thirty’s.

Spice is great for socialising and networking, as you will meet people form ALL walks of life. We often find that members treat their friends to a special event such as a flight in a jet or a ghost walk - or the whole family enjoy a barn dance or weekend away!

What do I get?

You will be a member from the date of joining and receive regular newsletters which detail literally hundreds of events which you may attend.

Due to our standing within the industry, events are competitively priced and many are unique to Spice.

In addition you will receive details of special discounts which have been arranged between Spice and various prestigious retailers, holiday companies etc.

More importantly, Spice membership opens the door to the opportunity of meeting new people, making new friends and increasing your social circle in a way you could not have imagined

Do I need a car?

You will need transport to get to the various events. However members often travel share and you will have access to the Transport Share List once you have booked onto any particular event.

If you wish to attend an event and think that you might have a problem in getting there, just call the Spice office for some additional advice and guidance.

Do I have to go on a minimum number of events each month?

No. Spice is there for you to dip in and out of as you choose. You may do five events one month and then nothing for another month - it’s entirely up to you. Some members join just to do the weekends or the holidays

Nervous about doing things on your own?

Please don’t worry. You have nothing to fear except a new and exciting circle of friends just like you!

A great way of "getting into" the group is by doing a social event like a ramble or pub quiz, or any event where you are "doing something". Most Spice Groups run regular new member events and meals as a good starting point. Even better, try a weekend away and get to know a small group of people well. 

If you're still feeling nervous about coming to your first event alone you can make use of our

"Buddy" system

A Buddy is one of our longer-term members who'll meet up with you at that crucial first event or actually pick you up and take you there if you prefer.
They'll introduce you to members they know and answer any questions you have about the group.

If you want us to arrange this for you just call us a few days before your first event and we will make all the arrangements.

If you have any questions at all just give the Spice Office a call at the office and we'll always do our utmost to help you.

Membership

How do I join Spice?

Joining Spice is really simple.

CLICK HERE to join online now. All you need is a debit or credit card and a passion to 'live your dream'.

Alternatively you can call the Spice UK National office on 0161 873 8788 if you prefer to talk to a real human! Office hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm.

You can also join at one of our Preview Evenings, where you'll meet your local Coordinators. Details of these can be found on all the local websites.

Quartery Membership Rates

Paying quarterly by Direct Debit allows you to spread the cost of joining. It also means that you can cancel your membership at any time without penalty.

Our policy is to keep your Direct Debit payment rate unchanged for as long as your membership period continues unbroken. The only circumstances where we might have to review this policy would be an economic climate of very high inflation. Any changes to your Direct Debit will be notified to you in writing.

The current rates are as follows:

• Standard (one member) £36
• Couple (two people at the same address) £54

Please complete the Direct Debit section on your application form and return it to us with an original signature. Your subscription will be debited to your account automatically on the 15th of the month (or as soon as your bank receives the instruction) and then every three months on the 15th of the month.

Please note that the option of quarterly payments is only available to those paying by Direct Debit. Those who wish to pay by any other method may only take out an Annual Membership

Annual Subscription Rate

Those who prefer to pay by credit/debit card can pay for a full year at the following rates. For express membership, you can even join over the telephone on 0118 972 4810:

• Standard (one member) £144
• Couple (two people at the same address) £216

Personal Accident Insurance

Your subscription fee includes public liability insurance on all the events you take part in with Spice, so if you damage any property or equipment you are covered. Your subscription also includes personal accident cover whilst taking part in any Spice event or traveling to or from it. 

Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee

If you decide within the first three months of your membership that Spice membership is not for you for any reason, we guarantee to return all membership monies to you without question.

I've just joined - what do I do next?

You've taken your first step and joined Spice, and the next step is to come along to your first event. We know this can be a daunting prospect when you don't know anyone else in the group, but there's no need to be apprehensive - Spicer's are a friendly bunch!  Most of us come along on our own to events, so we are used to meeting and welcoming new people. We also remember what it was like turning up on our first event and not knowing what to expect! Just tell your VC or supplier it's your first time and they can introduce you to everyone in the group, they'll soon have you laughing and feeling at ease.

 

 

What is the buddy system?

As part of our joining process, we offer a buddy system. This is where, at your request, we will arrange for one of our more experienced members to contact you to meet you before your first event, introduce you to a few people, and generally look after you and make sure you have a good introduction to Spice.  Our Buddy's have all volunteered for this role and really enjoy meeting, greeting and sharing their enthuisiasm for Spice. Just ask your local Spice Office if you want to take advantage of a buddy at your first event or two.

I've booked my first event - what should I expect?

There's no need to be worried about anything in Spice - we're all very friendly and welcoming. We all remember that the first few events can be daunting for a new member.  If you have any questions, just call the your local Spice office and we'll do our best to help. And don't forget to speak to your Volunteer Coordinators when you're on an event - they really enjoy meeting new members and it’s a great reward for them to see new members enjoying themselves after an apprehensive start!

If you have any questions at all just give the Spice Office a call at the office and we'll always do our utmost to help you.

Another tip is to take a newsletter with you - you can ask the advice of the longer terms members on which events to try

What if I move away from the area?

Just let us know where you are moving to and we can transfer your membership to your nearest group. Your current membership rate will continue with your new group.  Remember, if you join quarterly by Direct Debit, this amount remains unchanged for as long as you maintain continuous membership.

If you are away for a short period, or working in another part of the UK, you are welcome to attend events run by other Spice groups. You'll have to book direct with that group by telephone as your local Spice  membership number is unique only to your local group. All Spice groups, including Spice UK are listed in the back of your bi-monthly newsletter and on this website here.

How Do I Cancel My Membership?

You are able to cancel your membership plan at any point prior to the next billing date. You can check your next billing date by looking at the date advised in your joining pack, or check your Bank Statements, or call your local Spice Office.

 

To cancel your membership, please advise your local Spice Group by writing, email or calling us. If you pay your membership by Direct Debit, you are also advised to cancel this with your Bank.

Please email/call with your request at least 10 days prior to the next charge in order for us to have enough time to process the cancellation. Sending an email too close the payment date may lead to a charge on your account and we do not refund on membership charges.

 

Events

Can I come to events on my own?

Although Spice is not a singles club, about 75% of our membership is single and 25% are couples so it is very acceptable to come to events on your own. You will find Spice is very friendly and that people are very open to chatting to everyone else regardless of whether they’ve met them before. As such Spice is a great way of meeting new friends and trying new things whether you’re on your own or coming with a friend for moral support.  One thing to remember is that everyone was once a new member, and feeling anxious about their first few events.  You'll soon get in the swing of it, and looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

Can I bring my children on events?

Unfortunately not. Spice insurance only covers over 18s and is costed around adult insurance premiums. Instructor to participant ratios are also much higher for children. Besides, we think kids have enough fun as it is!

Also, one of the attractions of Spice for some members is that it is adults only so it gives them a chance to have a weekend away from the children.

Occasionally we can offer events that take children if the suppliers insurance overrides ours and these events state that children can be taken on them.

When do I get a newsletter?

The Spice newsletter is produced monthly in some groups and bi-monthly in others. This includes events, weekends and national holidays.

As new events are added throughout the month, you don't have to wait until your newsletter hits your doorstep to book on any new events. Just keep checking the On Line Events list at your local Spice website for updates.

We publish regular updates and post additional events online so check the home page and 'Events Diary' links for the latest information.

How do I book events?

Once you have decided which of the numerous events you wish to attend, just pick from the following methods to let us know which events you are interested in:

You can telephone or fax your local Spice group.

Or you can book online at any time to suit your convenience.

What if I cannot attend an event and need to cancel?

Provided you give us enough notice you will usually receive a full refund less a nominal cancellation fee.

However cancellation policies vary on many events, details of which will always be given in the newsletter.

Please see the Spice cancellation policy.

Do I need special equipment?

Most of our events are aimed at the beginner unless stated otherwise. As such all specialist equipment and instruction is provided and no prior knowledge is required. This gives you the chance to try an activity and see if you like it before spending hundreds of pounds on something that will end up as just another fad.

You will be sharing your experiences with other like-minded people and gain the advantage of support from the group. All our instructors are fully qualified and used to calming the nerves of even the most timid - so that you have an enjoyable and fun day.

Some events and weekends do require equipment as a prerequisite: This will be detailed in the event write up.

For rambles, we do recommend you invest in a good pair of walking boots and waterproofs. We ask that you do not wear jeans on rambles as they can get cold and heavy when wet and will cause discomfort.

For horse riding, you will need to wear boots with a small heel and smooth soles.

For cycling and mountain biking events, you will need to bring a helmet and you will not be allowed on the event if you are not wearing it. Some suppliers make helmets available for hire, check in the event write up.

Can I bring a friend?

We are always delighted to accommodate your guests if possible and members are welcome to book non-members on to events but only after the event has been made available to members for at least a 10 day period. This allows existing members to take priority on slots. Guest prices are at 10% extra unless stated otherwise.

A guest may generally attend a maximum of three Events after which it is only fair they join as a full member. 
If you are booking guests to an event, please ensure they understand Spice Cancellation Policy. 
Guest accounts and behaviour are the responsibility of the host member.
Please do not book former Spice members on as guests.

 

I don't want to Bungee jump or Skydive?

You don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to join Spice!  We have lots of social and leisure events, such as rambles and town walks to meals out and party nights.  You can do whichever events you choose - it’s your choice. You never know, you may find with time that you expand your own limitations and try something that you never dreamed possible.

Tell me about Rambles?

All Spice rambles are designed to be fun, enjoyable, and above all, safe. All our walk leaders are fully trained and experienced, carry first aid and emergency equipment, and are properly equipped for the conditions.

Any Spice Ramble, Winter/Summer Stroll or Night Hike may involve walking over open country, not necessarily over well defined paths, so please wear the appropriate clothing. This should preferably be in the form of several layers, and we recommend you bring waterproof jackets and trousers. We do not recommend jeans which get heavy and cold when wet.  Accidents and injuries are extremely rare but most 'injuries' are caused by ill-fitting boots or inappropriate socks, so no trainers, please. A relatively minor injury can result in the walk being curtailed, so please ensure that you are happy with your equipment, for your own comfort.

Bring liquids and a packed lunch. Even if the write up suggests a convenient pub stop, please do not take this for granted. Pubs have been known to be full or even closed.

Most walks start from small country car parks, so do consider car sharing to reduce the number of spaces taken by Spice members and as a consideration to other members of the public using the facilities. Please ensure that you take sensible precautions to protect your car and belongings.

Check with your local spice group for their Dogs On Rambles Policy as this varies from ramble to ramble and group to group.