We're thrilled you've joined us—or are thinking about it! Below, we've answered some common questions about membership subscriptions and rules to help you get started and make the most of being a Friend. If you don't see your question here, reach out to us at info@rowheathpavilion.co.uk—we're here to help!

General Questions

Q: What is "Friends of Rowheath Pavilion" all about?
A: It's a membership program to support Rowheath Pavilion, a Grade II listed community hub opened by the Cadbury family in 1924. Your fees help us maintain our facilities—pitches, café, bar, and more—while keeping it a vibrant space for over 5,000 weekly visitors. In return, you get exclusive perks like bar access and event discounts!

Q: Who can join?
A: Anyone 18+ can join as a paying member (£3/month or £30/year). We also offer free membership (with limited benefits) to our staff, office tenants, community group leaders, home team coaches, and volunteers. Day passes (£1) are available for guests of members or event attendees. Children of members under 18 can enter the bar under the supervision of their parent/guardian until 7pm.

Q: Why do I need a membership to use the bar now?
A: Our landlord, Bournville Village Trust, has required us to make "The Gathering" sports bar members-only to keep it open. It's a change we've turned into a positive—your membership not only gets you in but helps fund upgrades to the building as well as our charity's mission.

Membership Options & Fees

Q: What membership options are there?
A: You've got choices:

• Monthly: £3/month (auto-renews, limited benefits like bar access, free quiz nights and event discounts).

• Annual: £30/year (full benefits including free quiz nights and a gift voucher).

• Guest of Member Day Pass: £1/day (bar access only, sign the logbook).

• Event Day Pass: Included with event tickets or room hire (function bar access only, guest prices).

• Volunteer/Special Categories: Free for 1 month (volunteers) or ongoing (staff, tenants, etc.), with limited benefits.

Q: How do I pay?
A: Sign up online via Sportskey with a credit/debit card (processed by Stripe, EVO, or Square).

Q: What happens if my payment fails?
A: If a payment doesn't go through, we'll notify you, and your benefits may pause until it's sorted. You'll have time to fix it—check your email for details.

Q: Can I sign up with a paper form?

A: Unfortunately, no. Due to processing and data protection, we are accepting online applications only. If you have questions about how to do this, please contact a member of our office staff and we will happily walk you through the simple process.

Benefits & Usage

Q: What do I get as a member?
A: It depends on your membership:

• Annual Members: Bar access at "The Gathering" (Happy Hour discounts, lower drink prices), free Friday pub quizzes, a café loyalty card, a gift voucher, a Rowheath logo item (while stocks last), and early bird discounts on events like Fireworks Night.

• Monthly/Volunteer Members: Bar access, Happy Hour discounts, free pub quiz entry for month and event discounts.

• Day Passes: Bar or function bar access (guest prices, no other perks).
  All members can opt into newsletters for event updates and volunteer opportunities.

Q: What items does the member discount apply to?

A: The member discount applies to hot food in the bar, alcohol and bottled beverages. Cans, crisps/snacks, chocolates and branded merchandise are set at a standard price.

Q: How do I use my bar access? How do my friends (guests) enter?
A: Bring your digital membership card (to scan in at the bar). Guests need a £1 day pass and must sign the logbook to buy alcohol. Members are provided a code for opening the door to the member's only bar area, 'The Gathering'.

Q: Can I share my benefits with friends or family? I'm not drinking alcohol; can I still enter bar if I'm not a member?
A: No, benefits like bar access, discounts, and freebies are for you only—they're non-transferable. You can bring guests with you for bar access, where you will pay £1 per guest at the bar (Please remember to sign them into the guest logbook). Anyone over 18 entering the bar needs a membership, regardless of if they are drinking alcohol or not.

Q: What if an event date or discount changes?
A: We might tweak benefits or events (e.g., cancel a quiz night). We'll let you know if anything changes—flexibility helps us keep Rowheath thriving.

Q: Is there a family membership or discount for couples?
A: Currently there is no family membership as U18 are free and have limited bar access. There is currently no discount for members of same family or couples.

Cancellations & Refunds

Q: Can I cancel my membership?
A: Yes! Monthly memberships cancel anytime—benefits stop at the end of your current 30-day cycle. Annual memberships cancel anytime, but they're non-refundable—you'll keep benefits until your year ends. Log into Sportskey to cancel.

Q: Can Rowheath Pavilion cancel my membership?
A: Yes. Your membership can be cancelled/suspended for failure to abide by rules and policies, use or distribution of recreational drugs, non-payment of dues, abusive or harassing behaviour, misuse of membership privileges, and disruptive behaviour. Please see terms and conditions for full details.

Q: Are there refunds if I change my mind?
A: Monthly memberships aren't refunded mid-cycle, but you can cancel for the next one. Annual memberships are non-refundable once paid—no cash back for unused time or special offers.

Q: What about promotional offers—like the first month free?
A: If you snag a "First Month Free" deal, the next cycle renews at standard rates (£3/month or £30/year). Offers can change, so they might not apply at renewal—volunteers get one free month with 3+ hours of service.

Rules & Expectations

Q: Do I need to sign anything at the bar?
A: Members don't, but £1 day pass guests must sign the logbook to buy alcohol. Event Day Pass holders pay £1 at the function bar and skip the logbook.

Q: Will I receive a membership card?
A: No. Your card is digital and can be downloaded to your phone.

Other Questions

Q: How is my data protected?
A: We collect your name, contact info, and payment details to manage your membership, sharing only with Sportskey/Stripe/EVO/Square for payments. It's secure under GDPR—you can request, update, or delete it anytime via info@rowheathpavilion.co.uk.

Q: Can membership rules change?
A: Yes, we might update terms as needed (e.g., fees, benefits). We'll notify you of big changes—check your email or our website.

Q: Still got questions?
A: Email us at info@rowheathpavilion.co.uk or ask staff onsite. We're here to make your membership experience great!