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The Social Group
Terms & Conditions
All participants in Social Group events, activities, weekend breaks, and holidays agree to abide by The Social Group Terms & Conditions.
PRIOR TO JOINING
The Social Group is a provider of leisure services, comprising social events, social activities, and social holidays. The Social Group is an independent 'social enterprise' company. The Social Group is a trading name of SGE Ltd. (Social Group Enterprises Limited). Directors Andrew B. Haglington B.A. and Catherine J. Haglington. The Social Group includes local area branches, such as Cornwall Social Group, Devon Social Group, Somerset Social Group, Bristol Social Group, and so on, plus Social Group Holidays, all of which are trading names of SGE Ltd.
In order to enable people to make an informed choice prior to joining, there is an abundance of information available, with the online content accompanied by numerous photographs of events, representative of the sort of thing on offer. Unless otherwise stated or unless attending as a guest, people are asked to join as a Social Group Member before taking part in events. People are expected to have understood what we do and what we are before becoming Members of The Social Group. The Social Group Terms & Conditions are displayed online and can be viewed prior to becoming a Member. An enquiry brochure is available prior to joining for anyone wanting to know more about The Social Group.
TYPES OF SOCIAL GROUP MEMBERSHIP
Different types of membership are available, at different prices, with each including a different package of items and services, as advertised.
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
VIP MEMBERSHIP and BUDGET MEMBERSHIP are available where we have hosts organising a varied selection of local events for each region, with this currently being Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Bristol areas of South West England.
NATIONAL UK SOCIAL GROUP
UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is currently available in all areas of the UK except Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Bristol areas.
WORLDWIDE SOCIAL GROUP
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is available to people living outside the UK.
VIP MEMBERSHIP
(South West England 'Inclusive' Membership)
http://www.thesocialgroup.uk.com
VIP Membership is our premier membership. This includes more than Budget Membership. With numerous advantages and more included up front, it is designed to offer greater convenience and to save money for those who wish to take part more frequently. Subject to availability, VIP Members have the opportunity to book for a range of social events, dining out, parties, balls, indoor activities, outdoor activities, adventure sports, walks, days out, UK weekends and short breaks, plus international holidays, all at VIP Member prices, as stated.
WHAT VIP MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
Upon first joining, new VIP Members receive a New Member Welcome Pack including one copy of Social Group Magazine (both "SOCIAL" and "EVENTS") including our local area Events Programme posted out for FREE.
Social Group Magazine is currently published twice a year, for Summer and Winter. VIP Members receive one copy of Social Group Magazine (both "SOCIAL" and "EVENTS" together) posted out for FREE at the start of each new events programme during the period of membership, as soon as this is published and available, as far as is possible.
Subject to availability, VIP Members can book for all standard events for FREE.
Subject to availability, VIP Members can book for all larger events, activities, and parties at a discounted VIP Member rate, as stated.
Discount on UK weekends and short breaks, at VIP Member rates, as stated.
Discount on Social Group Holidays of 5 or more nights.
Discount on Contacts (names and phone numbers of 10 other Social Group Members).
Discount on advertising online or in Social Group Magazine.
Discount on bespoke Party / Event / Wedding Planning Services.
Discount on Moor Business Social Media and Business Services.
VIP Membership generally includes larger discounts than Budget Membership.
WHAT VIP MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
The provision of any food and drink, entertainment, admissions, venue hire, transport, or accommodation, unless otherwise stated.
Any guarantee that advertised events will go ahead, with all events being offered subject to availability.
Any guarantee that advertised events will attract people of a certain number, age, sex, or marital status.
BUDGET MEMBERSHIP
(South West England 'Pay As You Go' Membership)
http://www.thesocialgroup.uk.com
Budget Membership includes less than VIP Membership. Budget Membership is designed to work in a similar way to a Budget Airline that people may be familiar with, with less to pay to start with for those on a budget, and then, each subsequent service charged accordingly as required.
Subject to availability, Budget Members have the opportunity to book for a range of social events, dining out, parties, balls, indoor activities, outdoor activities, adventure sports, walks, days out, UK weekends and short breaks, plus international holidays, all at Budget Member prices, as stated.
WHAT BUDGET MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
Upon first joining, new Budget Members receive a New Member Welcome Pack including one copy of Social Group Magazine (both "SOCIAL" and "EVENTS") including our local area Events Programme posted out for FREE.
Subject to availability, Budget Members can book for all events, activities, and Social Group Holidays at Budget Member rates, as stated - for Budget Members, a Booking Fee is made for each event.
Discount on UK weekends and short breaks.
Discount on Social Group Holidays of 5 or more nights.
Optional Contacts (names and phone numbers of 10 other Social Group Members).
Discount on advertising online or in Social Group Magazine.
Discount on bespoke Party / Event / Wedding Planning Services.
Discount on Moor Business Social Media and Business Services.
WHAT BUDGET MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
The provision of any food and drink, entertainment, admissions, venue hire, transport, or accommodation, unless otherwise stated.
Any guarantee that advertised events will go ahead, with all events being offered subject to availability.
Any guarantee that advertised events will attract people of a certain number, age, sex, or marital status.
Social Group Magazine is currently published twice a year, for Summer and Winter. On Budget Membership subsequent copies of Social Group Magazine (both "SOCIAL" and "EVENTS") are not posted out for FREE and must be ordered by Members for a small charge. It is strongly recommended that all Budget Members make sure they order the current issue of Social Group Magazine as soon as this is published and available, at the start of each new events programme.
UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
(National UK Social Associate)
http://uksocial.wordpress.com
National UK Associate Membership is designed for people living across the UK. UK Associate Membership suits people living outside South West England who wish to be part of The Social Group. UK Associate Membership may be suitable for Social Group Members who move to live in other parts of the UK and who still wish to remain part of the group and keep in touch with what's happening. People living around the UK who wish to take part in Social Group Holidays can fly out from a local airport convenient to them and rendezvous with the group in the resort destination. Subject to availability, UK Associate Members have the opportunity to book for a selected choice of larger events, such as party weekends, themed events, black tie balls, murder mystery weekends, activity weekends, short breaks around the UK, and international Social Group Holidays, all at UK Associate Member prices, as stated. This is a more limited range than available to VIP Members and Budget Members - but Membership is offered at a reduced price.
WHAT UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
Upon first joining, new UK Associate Members receive a New Member Welcome Pack including the "SOCIAL" section of Social Group Magazine, which includes details of all the weekends, short breaks, and holidays, posted out for FREE anywhere in the UK.
Subject to availability, UK Associate Members can book for a selection of UK party weekends, UK activity weekends, UK short breaks, and international Social Group Holidays at Associate Member prices, as stated.
Discount on UK weekends and short breaks.
Discount on Social Group Holidays of 5 or more nights.
Discount on advertising online or in Social Group Magazine.
Discount on bespoke Party / Event / Wedding Planning Services.
Discount on Moor Business Social Media and Business Services.
WHAT UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
The provision of any food and drink, entertainment, admissions, venue hire, transport, or accommodation, unless otherwise stated.
Any guarantee that advertised events will go ahead, with all events being offered subject to availability.
Any guarantee that advertised events will attract people of a certain number, age, sex, or marital status.
Inclusion in standard events in local areas, such as drinks evenings and dining out at restaurants (unless otherwise stated).
Social Group Magazine is currently published twice a year, for Summer and Winter. On UK Associate Membership subsequent copies of Social Group Magazine ("SOCIAL") are not posted out for FREE and must be ordered by Members for a small charge. It is strongly recommended that all UK Associate Members make sure they order the current issue of Social Group Magazine as soon as this is published and available, at the start of each new events programme.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
(International Social Group Associate)
http://internationalsocial.wordpress.com
International Associate Membership is designed for people living in any country across the world. International Associate Membership suits people living outside the UK who wish to be part of The Social Group. International Associate Membership may be suitable for Social Group Members from the UK who move to live in other countries and who still wish to remain part of the group and keep in touch with what's happening. People living around the world who wish to take part in Social Group Holidays / Vacations / Tours can fly out from a local airport convenient to them and rendezvous with the group in the resort destination. Subject to availability, International Associate Members have the opportunity to book for international Social Group Holidays at International Associate Member prices, as stated. International Associate Members who visit the UK will be welcome to join in with Social Group events in the UK and have the opportunity to meet local people, taking part in events at International Associate Membership prices, as stated.
WHAT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
International Associate Members are asked to contact SGE Ltd. via email. For all Members outside the UK, to keep down costs, everything will be done via email as far as is possible - including admin, Join Forms, Photos, and Member ID Numbers.
Subject to availability, International Associate Members can book for a selection of international Social Group Holidays at Associate Member prices, as stated. Plus, if visiting the UK, a choice of UK party weekends.
Discount on UK weekends and short breaks.
Discount on Social Group Holidays of 5 or more nights.
Discount on advertising online or in Social Group Magazine.
Discount on bespoke Party / Event / Wedding Planning Services.
Discount on Moor Business Social Media and Business Services.
WHAT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
The provision of any food and drink, entertainment, admissions, venue hire, transport, or accommodation, unless otherwise stated.
Any guarantee that advertised events will go ahead, with all events being offered subject to availability.
Any guarantee that advertised events will attract people of a certain number, age, sex, or marital status.
Inclusion in standard events in local areas in the UK, such as drinks evenings and dining out at restaurants (unless otherwise stated).
An optional copy of the "SOCIAL" section of Social Group Magazine, which includes details of weekends and vacations, plus features and photographs, can be ordered for the UK price, plus international postage and packaging.
SOCIAL GROUP CONTACT DETAILS
It is recommended that new Members read the Contact Details page at the back of Social Group Magazine.
WEB
http://www.thesocialgroup.uk.com
Our main website contains lots of information about The Social Group.
From here there are links to local area websites and social media pages.
EMAIL
office@sge.eclipse.co.uk
Emails should be titled in the format of 'SOCIAL GROUP - JOHN SMITH - 123456V'
TELEPHONE
08456 121 770
Our dedicated telephone number is open 12noon - 7pm, most days. Calls to this number are charged at low cost local rates from any UK landline.
The best time to call is generally 5pm - 7pm, between lunchtime and evening events.
Members are referred to the Contact Details page at the back of Social Group Magazine for details of our local area landline number.
SOCIAL MEDIA
@SocialGroupUK @UK_Social @SG_Holidays @AHaglington @CathyHaglington
Twitter is used extensively by The Social Group. Everyone with a Twitter account is invited to follow our Twitter accounts.
We can also be found across a variety of other social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Friends Reunited.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Social Group Office, “Revelstone”, Mary Tavy, Dartmoor, Devon, PL19 9PF, England, UK
Cornwall Social Group, Devon Social Group, Somerset Social Group, and Bristol Social Group share this address to keep down admin costs.
Social Group Holidays use this same postal address.
The UK registered office for SGE Ltd. is in Plymouth - but Members are asked to use the Mary Tavy postal address for all correspondence.
APPLYING TO JOIN AS A MEMBER
Applicants pay a Join Fee, and must complete, sign, and submit a Join Form to join as a Member of The Social Group. The Join Form is a legally binding contract between the applicant and SGE Ltd. in which applicants agree to abide by the Terms & Conditions. All applicants confirm that the details they give are true and correct. All new applicants must supply 2 recent passport size photographs - one is kept on file, so that Organisers know what everyone looks like, and the other is used to make a Member ID Card. Photographs must be an accurate and recent likeness, passport style and size. A Join Form is completed by all applicants who wish to become Members of The Social Group. A signature is required on this contract between the applicant and SGE Ltd. After an initial no obligation 7 day cooling off period at the start of membership, or after services provided by SGE Ltd. are made use of, the contract becomes binding for the agreed term, normally for 12 months.
SOCIAL GROUP MEMBERSHIP
Applicants pay the Join Fee for Social Group Organisers to do the work to join them as a Member of The Social Group.
Membership of The Social Group entitles people to:
- Become a Social Group Member, with an official photo-personalised Member ID Card (subject to approval from the Organisers)
- Be able to attend events offered in the current issue of Social Group Magazine at Member prices (subject to availability)
These are the two obligations which SGE Ltd. agrees to provide to Members. SGE Ltd. are not obligated to provide anything further under the Terms & Conditions of this contract.
Organisers reserve the right of admission to The Social Group, and may turn down any application for membership from any individual.
WELCOME PACKS
New VIP Members and Budget Members receive a Welcome Pack which includes one copy of Social Group Magazine (SOCIAL + EVENTS) appropriate for the area they live in, which contains details of how everything works, details of the planned programme of events, and the full Terms & Conditions, plus a photo-personalised Member ID Card with an individual Member ID Number.
New UK Associate Members receive a Welcome Pack which includes one copy of the SOCIAL section of Social Group Magazine, which contains details of how everything works, details of planned parties, weekends, short breaks, and holidays, and the full Terms & Conditions, plus a photo-personalised Member ID Card with an individual Member ID Number.
New International Associate Members will be contacted via email and membership operated via the internet (unless otherwise stated). A Member ID Number will be issued via email. Anything needing to be posted outside the UK, such as the (optional) SOCIAL section of Social Group Magazine, if required, will necessitate the appropriate international fee for postage and packaging. Details of how everything works, forthcoming UK weekends and international Social Group Holidays, plus the full Terms & Conditions, can all be found online.
It is often possible for membership to begin straight away. Applicants should normally hear back from us within 10 days, except at busy times, or if the office is closed for holidays. If applicants don’t provide everything required, payment, completed and signed Join Form, and required photos, this may cause delays. If applicants have provided everything, and do not hear from us within 30 days of payment being received, applicants will be entitled to a full refund, unless already having booked for events, taken part in events, or used the services of SGE Ltd. in any way, in which case, all rights to a refund of Join Fees, just because someone might change their mind, are nullified.
SOCIAL GROUP MAGAZINE
Social Group Magazine comprises two publications SOCIAL and EVENTS:
- SOCIAL contains magazine-style features, news, photographs from events, and details of weekend breaks and Social Group Holidays.
- EVENTS contains a listing of local area social events, as appropriate for VIP and Budget Members in South West England.
For advertising in Social Group Magazine, as well as advertising online, current details and prices are listed on the main website.
Additional copies of Social Group Magazine are available to Members at a discounted price. An extra copy of the entire Social Group Magazine
(including both SOCIAL and EVENTS sections) currently costs £5.50 for Members and £10 for non-Members, plus £2 UK postage and packaging.
For members, an additional copy of just the SOCIAL section alone costs £4, or just the EVENTS section alone costs £3, plus £2 UK postage and packaging. Additional postage and packaging costs will be required if outside the UK.
GETTING STARTED
New Members are sent the current issue of Social Group Magazine and details of forthcoming events, which Members have the opportunity to book for at Member rates. Members choose which events they wish to take part in and book for those events. Members accept that events are booked in accordance with the Terms & Conditions, and are not guaranteed, but are offered subject to availability.
Prior to taking part, new Members can see what Organisers look like online and in Social Group Magazine and can telephone Organisers, with the hope being that new Members will feel they know two people from the outset and find this makes it easier to get started.
Members can request a free 'Meet & Greet' with Organisers of The Social Group at the start of their first event, which may be possible, subject to availability - Members are asked to telephone and see if this can be arranged at a mutually convenient event.
BOOKING FOR EVENTS
Members can select the events they wish to attend from the listings in Social Group Magazine. Members are expected to book for events before the booking deadlines stated for each event. Members should refer to information on how to book for events in the current issue of Social Group Magazine. Events can be booked by post or by telephone. Booking by post is with a cheque or postal order made payable to "SGE Ltd." and a completed Events Booking Form. Members are asked to use normal 1st or 2nd class post - not recorded delivery or registered mail. Booking by telephone is with a debit card or credit card. Social Group Telephones are usually open most days, between 12noon and 7pm. Unless it is an emergency, Members are asked not to telephone outside these hours. The best time to call is generally 5pm - 7pm, between lunchtime and evening events. Social Group Telephones are not open every single day, and Organisers are entitled to take time off whenever they wish. Members unable to make bookings by telephone are advised to book via the post instead, with bookings posted to arrive before the stated booking deadlines. If Organisers are not able to answer telephone calls, emails, or post (for instance due to holidays, illness, or a family crisis), Members accept they do not have any right to compensation or any refund of Join Fees.
MEMBERS DO NOT CONTACT VENUES DIRECTLY
SOCIAL GROUP ARRANGEMENTS ARE PRIVATE CONTRACTS
Social Group events must be booked with The Social Group. Members agree to make bookings directly with Organisers at the Social Group Office. Members agree not to contact venues where Social Group events are taking place regarding bookings. Members agree not to contact venues directly in order to try to add themselves an extra place if they are told an event is full or if they have not booked in time. Members agree not to contact venues if they cannot make an event, as this must be done by contacting the Social Group Office. Members agree not to contact venues directly to discuss Social Group arrangements. Members agree not to investigate or interfere with Social Group bookings, finances, and contracts. It is illegal for Members to interfere with contracts made between SGE Ltd. and other companies.
TAKING PART IN EVENTS
On arrival at events, if appropriate, it is suggested that Members ask staff at the venue for 'The Social Group'. At restaurant meals, Members arriving at the venue should ask for the table booked in the name of 'The Social Group'. To ensure meeting up with other Members, it is recommended that people turn up on time and hold something that says 'Social Group' in their hand, either a Social Group Member ID Card, a Social Group Magazine, a photocopy of the cover of Social Group Magazine, or a piece of paper on which is written 'Social Group'.
Organisers are on hand to host many Social Group events, but are not present at all of them. SGE Ltd. make no guarantee that Organisers will be on hand to host every event. SGE Ltd. make no guarantee that Organisers will be on hand to welcome Members at the start of every event. If Organisers are not able to be at an event, Members accept they do not have any right to a refund of Join Fees on this basis.
People become Social Group Members in order to have the opportunity to take part in events offered by SGE Ltd. at Member prices. Events may include a mixture of social occasions, dining out, dinner & disco parties, murder mystery dinner parties, themed events, nightlife, entertainment, quizzes, walks, indoor activities, outdoor activities, adventure sports, leisure, days out, weekend breaks, and holidays. Organisers research and advertise events, which can be booked by Members, subject to availability. Social Group Magazine acts like a menu, from which events can be selected. Members are not expected to take part in everything, but by offering a wide choice of events, it is hoped that there should be something to appeal to various individual tastes. After the initial 7 day cooling off period, Members accept they are not entitled to a refund of Join Fees simply because events on offer do not appeal to their own tastes.
Members accept the events programme is varied constantly. Members accept the events programme is entirely at the discretion of Organisers. Members accept that Organisers are entitled to include whatever events they deem appropriate, as many or as few. Members accept the events programme does vary from week to week, from month to month, and from year to year. SGE Ltd. is under no obligation to provide regular events in one particular area. Members in one area accept that Organisers also try to put on events for Members in other areas. Members accept not everything can take place in their own area. Members accept that events further afield provide more choice.
It is for Members to make the effort to make the most of their membership. The onus is on Members to keep in touch with what is happening and to make the effort to book for events in good time and turn up on the day at the stated time. Organisers are under no obligation to chase people up and remind them to take part. If Members do not take part in events or do not make use of their membership, Members accept this is their own choice. Members accept that not taking part and not making use of their membership does not give them any right to a refund of Join Fees.
Members agree to make every effort to be at the events they have booked for. Members are expected to understand they have a commitment not to let others down, as Members not turning up to Social Group events can spoil things for everyone. Organisers and those taking part do not expect to be stood up. Members are expected to recognise they would not simply let their close friends and family down, and The Social Group expects the same courtesy.
No guarantee of minimum numbers is made. No responsibility is accepted for other Members not turning up on the day. Members agree to make every effort to arrive on time. If Members turn up late, they accept they are not entitled to any pre-paid food courses already served and that no refund of event booking payments or Join Fees is due because of this. Members accept that any entertainment being organised by the management of a featured venue is not anything SGE Ltd. has control over - in the event of no or different entertainment taking place, the event will simply be a social occasion instead, and no refund of event booking payments or Join Fees will be due to Members from SGE Ltd.
Members are expected to participate, make the most of events and the opportunities to socialise, and not spoil events for anyone else. Members agree to make the best of the events they attend and try to be good company. Members accept that SGE Ltd. are not liable for the conduct of other people at events, including other Members, the general public, and staff at venues.
Members accept that SGE Ltd. is not liable for any additional costs incurred by Members, e.g. incidental and travel costs to an event, overnight accommodation booked separately by Members, etc. SGE Ltd. does not provide transport to events. SGE Ltd. does not guarantee lifts / transport will be available. Unless otherwise stated, SGE Ltd. has nothing to do with how people get to events.
Members are required to be able to get to events under their own steam, to manage to take part in events under their own steam, to be able to cope with normal social situations, to be polite and well mannered, and to not be offensive or negative. Members agree to try to be as supportive as possible at all times. SGE Ltd. operates a policy of zero tolerance to disruptive, offensive, or discourteous behaviour of any kind.
ADVERTISED EVENTS PROGRAMME
SGE Ltd. reserve the right to change, adapt, postpone, or cancel events as necessary. Every effort is made to ensure advertised details and prices of events are as accurate as possible at the time of going to print. Advertised prices are an invitation to treat, and prices at the point of sale cannot be guaranteed in advance. Events which have been planned out and published in Social Group Magazine are offered subject to availability. There is no guarantee that there will be events every month. There is no guarantee that events will be able to go ahead. There is no guarantee that a certain percentage of events will be able to go ahead. It is made clear that less popular events may not be able to go ahead. All events are offered subject to availability and Members are not entitled to a refund of their Join Fees if for any reason events are not able to go ahead or are not well supported, as may happen sometimes. If a 1st choice of event is not available, Members are asked to be flexible and choose another event instead.
PHOTOGRAPHS
All Members give consent for SGE Ltd. to take their photographs at events and publish them online, in Social Group Magazine, and in publicity material at any time. Which photographs are published is entirely at the discretion of SGE Ltd. All Members accept and agree with this. Organisers do not wish to display photographs which they feel would embarrass people. All Members accept that all photographs taken by Organisers at our social events are wholly the property and copyright of SGE Ltd. All Members accept that it is illegal to copy, display, or use images from our web sites, online content, or Social Group Magazine without permission. Large size HD images are available to purchase.
SMOKE-FREE POLICY
The UK's 2007 No Smoking law states that nobody is allowed to smoke in enclosed public places. In accordance with this, for everyone’s comfort, all Social Group events, activities, and holidays are Smoke-Free. Smoking is not permitted near other Social Group participants at anything we organise, including outdoor and international events. Anyone wishing to smoke must do so well away from other Members and Organisers.
DATA PROTECTION
In accordance with the Data Protection Act, personal details supplied by Members are kept safe and secure, locked away in a building the public does not have access to, and never passed onto third parties for marketing. Information given to SGE Ltd. is confidential. Members can be assured of discretion. SGE Ltd. passes a compliance test every 12 months to comply with banking regulations. Credit and debit card details are shredded after payment is taken. Members should always state their Social Group Member ID Number when they contact Organisers - this helps Organisers and acts as a security measure for the benefit of everyone involved.
Contact names and telephone numbers can be disclosed to other Members looking for friends and to share lifts with, an additional service for which we make a charge. If Members would like us not to give out their telephone number to other Members looking for friends, Members should tick the box on the Join Form. We never give out the telephone number of a specific individual if someone asks - for obvious safety, privacy, and possible harassment reasons. Other personal details are never disclosed.
MEMBERSHIP JOIN FEES
REFUNDS POLICY
The term of membership starts from the month people join. This is normally 12 months, unless otherwise agreed. As soon as people have paid for their membership and have submitted the Join Form and required photographs, membership is deemed to have commenced.
The Join Fee is paid at the time of joining. Applicants pay the Join Fee for Social Group Organisers to do the work to join them as a Member of The Social Group. Once joined into The Social Group, this Join Fee can only be refunded during the initial 7 day cooling off period. Upon receipt of the initial Welcome Pack, new Members are given a no obligation 7 day cooling off period in which they can check everything over and decide if they wish to go ahead with Social Group membership or not.
Within 7 days receipt of the Welcome Pack, if applicants do not wish to proceed, they should return the Welcome Pack to SGE Ltd. in the same condition which it was sent out and request a refund of Join Fees. Any refund requested within the 7 day cooling off period on Join Fees will be paid by SGE Ltd. within 30 days. If the ID Card is not returned within 7 days, SGE Ltd. will charge £10 for this. If the Magazine is not returned in full within 7 days, SGE Ltd. will charge £10 for this. If the Magazine is returned damaged, torn, or marked - or looks read, thumbed or creased - SGE Ltd. will make a charge of £10 for this. If applicants purchase a list of contacts at Member rates, they are deemed to have used SGE Ltd. services and are not entitled to any refund of this payment or of any Join Fees. No refunds can be given for payments for a list of contacts purchased from SGE Ltd. Photographs submitted cannot be returned. Payments for magazines and other publications are always non-refundable.
After the 7 day cooling off period, each person who has not given notice of cancellation and who has therefore decided to go ahead with membership, accepts the Terms & Conditions of membership and agrees to abide by all of this. Applicants accept they are not entitled to any refund of Join Fees if they change their minds about being a Member of The Social Group at any time after the 7 day cooling off period. Applicants accept they are not entitled to any refund of Join Fees if they have used, accepted or benefited from the Magazine in any way, if they have used or copied any of the information in the Magazine in any way, if they have booked for an event, if they have attended an event, or if they have accepted or used services offered by SGE Ltd. in any way.
After the 7 day cooling off period, if Members inform SGE Ltd. that they are choosing to end their membership, Organisers will do the work to record the membership as terminated, but Members accept that Join Fees cannot be refunded. After the 7 day cooling off period, Members accept they are not entitled to a refund of Join Fees if they simply change their minds and decide The Social Group is not for them. After the 7 day cooling off period, refunds of Join Fees will not be payable to Members who do not make use of services offered by SGE Ltd.
Members accept they are not entitled to a refund of Join Fees simply because they do not enjoy an event they take part in, or if an event cannot go ahead, or if an event does not have a certain mix of people. SGE Ltd. makes it clear The Social Group operates in a similar way to a football club, where one is not entitled to a refund of a season ticket if a particular match is called off, or not enjoyed, or one is not happy with the crowd present.
SGE Ltd. reserve the right to charge an admin fee or seek damages if appropriate.
IMMEDIATE START BOOKING CONDITIONS
Occasionally, as a courtesy, applicants who have paid to join but who have not yet had time to submit a Join Form and photographs, may be allowed to book for an event or make use of SGE Ltd. services, with Organisers doing this as a favour so that new Members do not miss out on something special. Anyone booking for an event at Member rates, or making any use of SGE Ltd. services, agrees membership has commenced. Anyone booking for an event at Member rates, or making any use of SGE Ltd. services, agrees to abide by The Social Group Terms & Conditions. Booking for an event, thereby making use of SGE Ltd. services, immediately negates the 7 day cooling off period and any right to a refund of event payments or Join Fees. No event payment or Join Fees will be refunded at a later time should anyone change their minds. In such circumstances, SGE Ltd. have the right not to accept any further bookings or participation in events until a completed Join Form and photographs are received.
EVENT BOOKING
CANCELLATION BY THE SOCIAL GROUP
People who join The Social Group as Members have the opportunity to book for a wide choice of events. All events are offered subject to availability and Members accept that events may not go ahead. This may be due to a variety of reasons, such as a problem with the venue, if events are sold out, due to inclement weather, as a consequence of illness, or a natural disaster. Also, if events turn out not to be popular ones with other Members, or if other Members contact Organisers to say they cannot make events they have booked for and this reduces numbers.
Except as a consequence of something beyond the control of SGE Ltd., if it happens that an event cannot go ahead and needs to be called off by Organisers, Members are unlikely to lose any Event Booking Fee money.
If SGE Ltd. need to call off or postpone an event, it is standard practice for SGE Ltd. to put event payments from Members in credit for them to use for other bookings. It is standard practise for Members to choose other events they wish to participate in instead. Organisers will contact Members and try to suggest suitable alternative events.
Members can at any time request a refund of event booking payments held in credit. Members who choose to request a refund of event booking payments must state name, address, and Member ID Number. If Members choose to request a refund of a payment which was originally made by cheque, Members are asked to contact the Social Group Office by post, and must enclose a Stamped Addressed Envelope - 28 working days should be allowed for refunds to be posted back. If Members choose to request a refund of a payment which was originally made by card, Members are asked to contact the Social Group Office by telephone during opening hours, giving details of the card they used - 28 working days should be allowed for refunds to be made to cards.
Events are offered subject to availability. SGE Ltd. reserve the right to call off any event at any time. If an event cannot go ahead, SGE Ltd. will try to let participants know in good time, but Members accept this may not be possible, especially if problems occur late in the day. Members accept they have no right to a refund of Join Fees if events cannot go ahead. Members are asked to make sure that SGE Ltd. have up to date contact details for them, e.g. current postal address, email address, landline telephone number, mobile phone number (for text messages), etc. Organisers will normally call people on a landline as a first method of contact. Prior to setting off for an event, it is recommended that Members check answer phone messages, emails, internet content, and post, just in case any last minute changes have been necessary.
Members accept that circumstances beyond the control of SGE Ltd. may happen at any time, well in advance or at the last minute. Organisers will do their best to contact Members, subject to other work and other commitments, as soon as practicable. If Organisers do not manage to contact Members, perhaps due to a Member not having an answer phone, not checking answer phone messages, or Members being away from home, Members accept this does not constitute any right to claim incidental costs or travel expenses or a refund of Join Fees from SGE Ltd.
Members accept SGE Ltd are not responsible if other Members do not attend events. If other Members do not book for events, or pull out of events and let everyone else down, and the event cannot go ahead or is spoiled as a result, Members accept this is not the fault of Organisers. All Members accept that some social events will not be as popular as others and not everything will run. Members accept that Organisers have the right to call off or make changes to events where necessary. SGE Ltd. will not give any refund if SGE Ltd. make changes to the details, times, or prices of an event - as we reserve the right to do so, where necessary. Any necessary changes will not be made unreasonably.
Exceptions to above: We will not give a refund if an event is disrupted, called off, or abandoned due to an ‘Act of God’ such as a natural disaster, bad weather, fire, storm, flood, or earthquake, or to circumstances beyond our control such as death, injury, illness, power cuts, strikes, criminal acts, riots, war, or terrorism.
EVENT BOOKING
CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANTS
Members who cannot make an event they have booked must telephone the Social Group Office on 08456 121 770, with at least 48 hours notice, if at all possible. It is not acceptable for Members to stand everyone up by not turning up to events booked. If there is a problem, all participants accept it is good manners to let Organisers know what is happening, in order to enable SGE Ltd. to manage events effectively. If a last minute problem does occur which prevents attending and it is not possible to let Organisers know beforehand, Members are required to telephone The Social Group Office and let Organisers know why they were absent at their earliest convenience, within 48 hours, if at all possible. Failure to telephone the office and inform Organisers of non-attendance may result in membership being terminated, especially if this causes significant disruption to events, spoiling things for other participants. In such cases, Members accept that no refund of booking payments or Join Fees is due.
Event Booking Fees act as an incentive for Members to take part in events. If Members decide not to attend something booked, Members accept they lose the whole of their event payment. SGE Ltd will not give refunds of Event Booking Fees if Members cancel. If Members do not go to something, and let everyone else down, Members lose their money. Sorry - no exceptions. SGE Ltd. will not give a refund if Members have a family crisis, if Members are ill or have to go into hospital, if a relative is sick, if the person who was giving a Member a lift lets them down, if Members have no transport, if Members have to work extra hours, if Members have double booked their diary, if Members forget about an event, or if Members simply decide to do something else - as, with all due respect, none of this would be the fault of SGE Ltd.
SGE Ltd. cannot transfer money from one booking to another, one event to another, or one person to another. Members accept they cannot swap places on events they have booked or sell their places to anyone else. If Members cannot make an event, Members accept they lose their money and have no right to claim refunds. If someone else turns up in a place of the Member who had booked the place, Organisers will view them as gatecrashers and the Member who facilitated this may have their membership terminated, with no refund of Join Fees.
NO GATE-CRASHERS
All events must be booked in advance. Members agree not to go to events and join in with our 'group of friends' unless they have booked a place with SGE Ltd. If Members have not booked in advance for an event, they should not just “pop along” or just “turn up” on the day. Anyone turning up to take part in an event without booking will be asked to leave, and anyone involved and sharing any responsibility may have their membership terminated. Unless otherwise stated if Members do not intend taking part, they should not just turn up to watch - events are for participants only. Members who wish to spectate or bring along additional people to watch them take part in an activity must seek permission from SGE Ltd. in advance. Guests are welcome at many events, at the discretion of Organisers. Members must not try to bring guests to events stated as ‘Members Only’, although exceptions may be possible for close family or visitors staying with Members. If Members wish to bring someone with them last minute, Members must contact the Social Group Office, ask if this is possible, and obtain permission to do so.
Gatecrashers are not welcome. Members must not have guests just turn up without booking a place for them in advance and without paying for them to take part. SGE Ltd. needs to charge Booking Fees to help make the finances of the organisation viable. All Members accept and agree with this necessity. Anyone attempting to by-pass the Social Group Join Fee or the Social Group booking process is engaged in an illegal act. Anyone deliberately trying to circumvent Social Group Organisers and participate in a Social Group event with other Social Group Members without booking through The Social Group is engaged in an illegal act. Anyone attempting to take part in a Social Group event without paying the Join Fee or Booking Fee is trying to get something they have not paid for - this is viewed as the same as shoplifting or fraud, which is a criminal offence.
EX-MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO RE-JOIN
People pay the Join Fee to become Social Group Members. Membership commences and normally lasts for 12 months. There is an expiry date on the Member ID Card, which is when membership normally ends. Membership can be renewed before expiry at the discounted Renewal Price. After expiry, Ex-Members are welcome to re-join at the Re-Join Price. If Ex-Members wish to take part in Social Group events, they are invited to re-join first. Ex-Members cannot be invited along to any events as ‘guests’. Guests can only be people who have not previously been Members. Unless otherwise stated, people who are renewing or re-joining as a Budget Member do not get a copy of Social Group Magazine included in the Join Fee, as they may already have a magazine. Re-joining or renewing Members will be able to purchase a magazine if required.
NO UNOFFICIAL EVENTS
The purpose of joining The Social Group is to have the opportunity to take part in the programme of events listed in Social Group Magazine, subject to availability. Members are expected to take part and support the events organised. Events can only run if there are enough bookings for them. Members agree not to organise or promote anything which takes people away from attending Social Group events. Members agree not to organise or take part in unofficial get-togethers or separate social events with groups of our Members. Members agree not to do anything which might undermine or damage The Social Group or the official programme of events. Mavericks publicising or organising anything independently, running secret events, or doing anything which significantly lessens attendance at any Social Group event, and anyone involved, may have their membership terminated. To clarify, this does not apply to a few friends getting together and meeting up, as obviously SGE Ltd. want people to make friends. This refers to people actively plugging other companies at our events or going around collecting contact details of Members and then organising groups of Social Group Members to go elsewhere, thereby damaging SGE Ltd. income or attendances. Clearly, to make The Social Group work, SGE Ltd. need people to attend the events SGE Ltd. organise. It is in the interests of all Members that Social Group events are well-attended, so it is important to have everyone’s support with this.
LOYALTY TO THE SOCIAL GROUP
It is understood that a degree of loyalty to The Social Group is expected from all Members, who are asked to be supportive of the organisation at all times. Members who damage SGE Ltd. or who put off other Members from attending events will put their membership in jeopardy. Members agree not to do anything which might sour the atmosphere, or which might damage the success of SGE Ltd., or disrupt the running of The Social Group, or insult, embarrass, abuse, or endanger the Organisers, or bring SGE Ltd. into disrepute. Members agree not to be anti-social and to try to be good company. Members agree to avoid being unfairly negative about The Social Group or about Organisers. Members agree not to spoil events and not be negative at events, by whingeing or giving a bad impression of The Social Group, thereby putting other people off attending future events. Members accept that acting in a damaging way could put their membership at risk. All parties agree that it is not acceptable for Organisers to receive any level of abuse from customers, and certainly not when there is no justification, for instance, if an event cannot go ahead due to it not being popular or due to circumstance beyond our control such as participants falling ill, Organisers falling ill, or venues not being available. Members accept that not every event will go to plan as advertised and if an event is not popular with other members it may not go ahead, and accept this is not just cause to get angry or have any right to claim a refund of Join Fees. The Social Group is structured so that choice is offered, with some events expected to be popular and other events likely to be less popular. All members accept this, that events are offered subject to availability, and that no refund of Join Fees is payable if events do not go ahead.
A key element of participation in The Social Group is not to cause any damage to The Social Group. Members agree not to promote rival companies or other social / friendship / holiday organisations, or any other separate programme of social events to other Members. Members agree not to recruit Members for rival companies or other social / friendship / holiday organisations. Owing to a possible conflict of interests, Members agree not to assist, advise, organise, help run, promote, or recruit for rival companies or other social / friendship / holiday organisations / events anywhere within the UK now and for a period of 24 months after they have ceased to be a Member of The Social Group. Anyone deliberately acting against the interests of SGE Ltd. by promoting something else and anyone found recruiting our Members for a private event or any other similar company, clique, organisation or club, may have their membership terminated and may face legal action, with SGE Ltd seeking compensation. Aggressive, abusive, or offensive telephone calls will not be tolerated. Anyone sending angry, unpleasant, abusive, or inappropriate emails to SGE Ltd. will be removed from our email service. Libellous, inappropriate, negative, or damaging content about SGE Ltd. on the internet will result in termination of membership and possible legal action for damages. Anyone spoiling events for other Members and putting people off taking part in Social Group events may put their membership in jeopardy and SGE Ltd. may take legal action to seek damages.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
SGE Ltd. operates a dedicated policy of fair trading. We are committed to the very highest standards of customer service and all Members can expect a professional and caring approach.
NOT HAPPY?
If any Members wish to make known a concern, comment, or complaint, please let Organisers know in a civilised, polite and calm manner, if possible, in a properly written letter, stating name, address, and Member ID Number. Members who have grievances with Organisers or about The Social Group in general must not air these in public, at events, or with other Members, but should raise concerns in a calm and polite manner with Organisers, so that efforts can be made to find solutions, fairly and reasonably. Members agree to give Organisers time to respond. Organisers will normally respond within 28 days.
CONTRACT
All Members sign a Join Form which is a legally-binding contract to say they agree to abide by the Terms & Conditions. Organisers are entitled to suspend membership pending any investigation of a breach of contract, during which members have no rights to membership. Members are not expected to break the Terms & Conditions or treat the Organisers with any level of discourtesy. Anyone in breach of the Terms & Conditions, or found interfering with Social Group contracts with venues, or stealing, copying, or using Social Group information, ideas or property, or causing damage or disruption to The Social Group, or insulting, attacking or being abusive to the Organisers of The Social Group, will have their membership terminated. In serious cases, anyone deemed to have acted against the interests of SGE Ltd. may face legal action, with damages sought. Anyone in breach of the Terms & Conditions may find their membership is terminated, and in such circumstances, they accept that any bookings already made are null and void, and all monies which have been paid to SGE Ltd. are forfeit.
Anyone who has been excessively rude, abusive, offensive, disruptive, threatening, or aggressive, or who has broken the Terms & Conditions of membership, and who is suspended pending an apology or who is expelled from the group, accepts they are not entitled to any compensation or refund of any monies paid either as Join Fees or for events. No refunds or compensation will be due to anyone thrown out of The Social Group. SGE Ltd will not give a refund if Members allow their membership to expire and events booked become forfeit. If membership is not renewed before expiry, all bookings after expiry are cancelled, all monies paid for deposits / bookings are forfeit, and any monies held in credit are void. Requests for refunds of money in credit must be made before expiry. Upon expiry, Members have no right to any remaining amounts held in credit.
The Social Group should be seen as exclusive and membership regarded as a privilege. Social Group membership is entirely at the discretion of Organisers, who reserve the right to expel any Member from The Social Group at any time. This right will not be used unreasonably and should not be necessary unless someone is excessively rude, makes an absolute nuisance of themselves, seriously undermines or damages SGE Ltd., tries to exclude the Organisers, or treats the Organisers in an unpleasant, unreasonable, threatening, insulting, abusive, or aggressive manner. Subsequent terms of membership are entirely at the discretion of SGE Ltd. Any Members who have been disruptive or who have made a nuisance of themselves will not be invited to apply to renew or re-join, or will be told they are not being allowed to continue. SGE Ltd. reserve the right to charge an admin fee or seek damages from anyone who has caused harm to The Social Group as appropriate.
DISCLAIMER
Participants recognise and accept that they take part at their own risk. Participants are required to take out their own insurance as appropriate. All Members agree that SGE Ltd. is not liable for any unforeseen circumstances, accidents, injuries, illnesses, bad weather, cancellations, changes and other such problems. Members are always advised to dress as appropriate for the weather. SGE Ltd. accept no liability for the behaviour of individuals. SGE Ltd. is not liable for Members negligence or disputes between Members. Members accept responsibility for their own actions, behaviour and social etiquette. Members are required to be able to manage events under their own steam.
The Directors of parent company SGE Ltd. reserve the right to make changes to any aspect of The Social Group at any time, including prices, and including the social events, activities, and holidays advertised, and the Terms & Conditions which may need to be adapted occasionally. Updated Terms & Conditions will be published on the web sites and in new issues of Social Group Magazine.
COPYRIGHT RESERVED
© The Social Group 1997. © Social Group Enterprises Ltd. 2003. All rights reserved. All Social Group material is protected by copyright laws. Anyone copying, stealing, or using Social Group original ideas, ways of operating, intellectual property, social events, information, text, or photographs belonging to Social Group Enterprises Ltd., or in breach of copyright laws protecting Social Group Enterprises Ltd., is likely to face legal action. Copying any part of Social Group Magazine or copying anything from our web sites without permission is an illegal act.
Social Group Terms & Conditions do not affect your statutory rights, and operate in accordance with the law of England & Wales.
THE SOCIAL GROUP TM ©
Social Group Enterprises Ltd. Registered Number 4690215.Directors Andrew B. Haglington B.A. and Cathy J. Haglington.
Registered Office: Harscombe House, 1 Darklake View, Plymouth, Devon PL6 7TL. Registered in England & Wales.
POSTAL ADDRESS: Social Group Office, “Revelstone”, Mary Tavy, Dartmoor, Devon PL19 9PF, England.
Social Group Holidays
Terms & Conditions
Social Group Holidays offer the opportunity to book for international holidays to resort destinations around the world. Social Group Holidays are offered to Social Group VIP Members, Social Group Budget Members, Social Group Associate Members, family guests, and the general public. Discounted prices are offered to all Social Group Members.
Recent discounts on the general public price on Social Group Holidays of 5 nights or more duration...
VIP Member £40 off
Budget Member £30 off
Associate Member £20 off
ABOUT SOCIAL GROUP HOLIDAYS
Participants benefit from the many years of travel expertise of the Organisers, who plan the holiday, put the holiday together, advertise and promote the holiday, get people together to take part, do the research, organise the logistics, and book the accommodation. Certain trips may also involve organising other forms of transport such as car, taxi, bus, coach, train, ferry, cruise ship, or ski lift.
Everyone is welcome to take part with Social Group Holidays - both singles and couples - no matter where people live. Participants do not need to be a Social Group Member of The Social Group in order to take part in Social Group Holidays.
Prices quoted are subject to availability. Prices are usually advertised on the basis of two people sharing a room. Participants should make it clear if they require twin or double beds when booking. Single people are encouraged to opt to share a room and many participants choose this option. In order to help keep down costs, it is usually possible for Organisers to help find single people someone to share a twin room with, and many people enjoy having someone to share with. Single rooms are offered where available.
CONTACTING SOCIAL GROUP HOLIDAYS
Social Group Holidays is a trading name of SGE Ltd (Social Group Enterprises Limited), an independent social enterprise based in the UK.
Directors Andrew B. Haglington B.A. and Cathy J. Haglington.
The dedicated web site for Social Group Holidays is www.socialgroupholidays.com
Our main social media pages relating to travel on Twitter include: @SG_Holidays @SG_France @SGItalyHolidays @SGCreteHolidays @SG_Ski @SGThaiHolidays @SGAusHolidays @SGVegasHolidays @SG_Cruises @SnorkelHolidays.
International tour guides Andrew Haglington and Cathy Haglington can be followed on Twitter @AHaglington and @CathyHaglington
Social Group Holidays Terms & Conditions are displayed online at the main web site for The Social Group at www.thesocialgroup.uk.com.
Enquiries are welcome by email info@socialgroupholidays.com or by UK telephone 08456 121770 (12noon - 7pm, open most days)
The postal address is: Social Group Holidays, Social Group Office, “Revelstone”, Mary Tavy, Dartmoor, Devon, PL19 9PF, England, UK.
HOLIDAYS - PAYMENTS
- CASH - in person, with Organisers Andrew Haglington or Cathy Haglington.
- UK BANK CHEQUE / ROYAL MAIL POSTAL ORDER - by normal 1st class post, made payable to “SGE Ltd.”.
- DIRECT BANK TRANSFER - contact Cathy at the Social Group Office for advice on how to do this via the internet.
In order to keep holiday prices low, Social Group Holidays do not take card payments for international holiday bookings. Participants can go ahead and book with confidence, as all holiday payments are protected in the event of insolvency by a separate Trust Account held at Lloyds TSB Bank in Bedford Square, Tavistock, Devon, England (in accordance with government guidelines).
Payment can be made in easy instalments (if required) - please enquire well in advance if you wish to do this. Company Secretary Cathy Haglington worked for Lloyds TSB Bank for many years, so can offer expert advice on how to pay.
HOLIDAYS - REQUIREMENTS
Participants on an international holiday must have a valid passport. This must have at least 6 months on it, a legal requirement. Participants must give their full name as it appears on their passport. Date of birth, home address, and home telephone number are also required, plus details of any significant medical problems. Please advise of any special requests when booking. Sometimes a visa may be required for entry into the country of destination - if required, this is the responsibility of participants. Everyone taking part on holidays must take out their own travel insurance, which should be in place as soon as a booking is made. Credit card details are required to set up an account to cover any incidentals which may occur.
HOLIDAYS - FLIGHTS
The price of flights are not included in advertised prices for Social Group Holidays, as Social Group Holidays do not sell flights. This avoids the need to pass on high costs, offers greater flexibility, and gives participants wider choice. Social Group Holidays do not sell package holidays including flights. Where air travel is necessary, holidays are not organised as package holidays. Social Group Holidays research the best available flight options. Participants are welcome to fly out from any home area airport, at a time that suits them. Participants are advised of what is available, and given the choice to book the same flights as others taking part, or to book their own separate flights and rendezvous with the group in the resort. Participants wishing to travel with other participants will be advised when and how to book flights. Participants are advised not to book flights until given the ‘go ahead’. Once Organisers give the 'go ahead', all participants are advised to book flights as soon as possible. Social Group Holidays are not responsible for the availability of flights and cannot guarantee any prices offered by travel agents or airlines. If a suggested flight is no longer available at the same price, it is the responsibility of participants to book an alternative. Flights are the responsibility of participants. With the nature of uncertainty in the travel industry and how flights are in recent years, all participants should try to be flexible on dates and be prepared to travel a few days either side if absolutely necessary, as sometimes changes do happen.
FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS
By offering other people to go on holiday with, Social Group Holidays are often ideal for first time travellers. Anyone who has not travelled before and would like any advice or additional assistance is asked to contact the Organisers and request the benefit of their experience.
YOUR APPRECIATION FOR ORGANISERS
(YOUR INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDES)
On many of the organised tours and holidays Organisers travel with the group as your international tour guides and look after the social side of things. Our professional team of Organisers put in a lot of effort to ensure Social Group Holidays are memorable travel experiences. Organisers work very hard on your behalf, in getting a group of travel companions together, in researching and booking the holiday, in looking after everyone, and making everything possible. It is customary for a tip of £2 per day to be charged to each adult participant's account. Additional tips are at your own discretion. Thank you for your appreciation.
HOLIDAY CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATION BY SOCIAL GROUP HOLIDAYS
Social Group Holidays will give participants a refund if, when a booking is received, a holiday is no longer available or sold out. Social Group Holidays will give participants a refund if Social Group Holidays decide a holiday cannot go ahead.
If an advertised holiday is no longer available, Social Group Holidays will try to arrange a suitable replacement within 18 months. If a holiday does not go ahead, all participants accept they are not entitled to additional compensation extra to a refund of what they have paid to Social Group Holidays. Social Group Holidays accepts no liability for additional costs incurred by participants, such as transport, airport car parking, or accommodation not booked by Social Group Holidays.
Participants accept that Social Group Holidays have the right to cancel or make changes to holidays where necessary, and that final prices may vary depending on availability, exchange rates, and circumstances beyond the control of Social Group Holidays. Social Group Holidays will not give a refund or compensation if reasonable changes need to be made to details, dates, times, location, or prices of a holiday, as Social Group Holidays reserve the right to do so, where necessary. Any changes will not be made unreasonably.
In accordance with our dedicated policy of fair trading and our Terms & Conditions, Organisers will do their best to deal fairly and reasonably with all participants at all times, and in a professional manner. Participants accept there is no guarantee or promise that a holiday will definitely go ahead. Participants accept that there is no guarantee or promise that a holiday will have a minimum number of people taking part. Participants accept that advertised holidays, details and prices are all offered subject to availability.
Exceptions to above: Social Group Holidays will not give a refund if a holiday is disrupted, cancelled, or abandoned due to an ‘Act of God’ such as a natural disaster, severe bad weather, fire, storm, flood, volcano, earthquake, or tsunami - or due to circumstances beyond our control such as death, injury, illness, power cuts, strikes, economic troubles, currency fluctuations, criminal acts, riots, terrorism, or war.
HOLIDAY CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANTS
Social Group Holidays take pride in offering high standards of customer service. For holidays of 5 nights or more made prior to 10 weeks before departure, after payment is received, a courtesy 7 day holiday booking cooling off period is offered to participants to make sure they are satisfied with everything and wish to proceed. During the 7 day holiday booking cooling off period, if participants change their minds and decide to cancel their holiday booking, a full refund is available - notification must be received in writing within 7 days of payment of the holiday booking.
Where a deposit is paid to secure a holiday booking, the 7 day holiday booking cooling off period is deemed to start as soon as the deposit payment is received and no further 7 day holiday booking cooling off period is offered when the balance is paid. After the 7 day holiday booking cooling off period, if participants decide not to take part, or if they decide to cancel their place on the holiday, they accept they lose all monies paid and no refund or additional compensation is due. All bookings are accepted on this basis. For bookings made within 10 weeks of departure, the 7 day holiday booking cooling off period is not possible. Participants who book within 10 weeks of departure accept that no refunds can be given by Social Group Holidays if participants decide to cancel their place at any time. If possible, notice of cancellation by participants is asked for in writing, by email or letter, by normal 1st or 2nd class post - not registered post or recorded delivery.
If participants cancel their place outside of 6 weeks prior to the holiday, it may be possible to transfer a holiday booking to another suitable person (subject to approval from the Organisers), but participants must find this person themselves and if such is possible, an admin charge of 10% of the amount paid to Social Group Holidays will be due, covering any costs involved in making the necessary changes with our suppliers. Participants should note that due to security considerations, name changes may not be allowed by some of the companies we deal with such as cruise companies, so in some circumstances, late changes may not be possible. It is not the responsibility of Social Group Holidays to find people to fill up places for participants who cancel. No transfers are possible within 6 weeks of the holiday.
Participants agree to make sure they have adequate travel insurance cover in case they need to cancel their place on a holiday, which participants accept they will need to claim from if they decide they cannot take part and wish to recoup any of the money they have paid.
Where applicable, where participants have paid a deposit and do not pay the balance by the stated deadline, the booking is automatically cancelled and any money paid is forfeit. It is not the responsibility of Social Group Holidays to remind participants when a balance is due.
On holidays, sometimes there are just small groups of participants together - sometimes between 2 and 12 people. Other times, there are much larger groups of participants - sometimes as many as 30 - 50 people. Social Group Holidays cannot guarantee a specific number of people on any holiday. The number of people taking part on the holidays can vary. Participants are not entitled to a refund on the grounds that there may only be a small number of people taking part. If some participants cancel their bookings, and if this reduces numbers, this does not entitle remaining people booked on the holiday to any refund from Social Group Holidays unless it is Organisers who decide to cancel the holiday.
It is intended to protect participants sharing a room from incurring any additional costs if the person they were supposed to be sharing with lets them down. Where holidays are booked on the basis of sharing a room (whether just a deposit or full payment has been made), anyone pulling out and cancelling their own place agrees (i) they are liable for any shortfall or costs the person they were supposed to be sharing with may incur as a result of their actions, and (ii) they are liable for any shortfall or costs Social Group Holidays may incur as a result of their actions.
People who book for a holiday at Member rates will only be allowed to take part at Member rates if they are still a valid Member when the holiday commences. People who book for a holiday at Member rates who's membership ends before the holiday commences will not be allowed to take part unless they pay the difference between Member rates and general public rates. If the additional amount is not received, SGE Ltd will have the right to cancel the holiday booking and no refunds or compensation will be due.
People who decide to cancel a place they have booked on a Social Group Holiday accept they must claim on their own travel insurance to get back any monies paid. They accept that Social Group Holidays cannot give refunds or cover their costs.
HOLIDAYS DISCLAIMER
Participants recognise and accept that they take part at their own risk. Participants are required to take out their own travel insurance as appropriate at the time of booking. All participants agree that Social Group Holidays is not liable for any unforeseen circumstances, accidents, injuries, diseases, weather, wars, economic problems, exchange rate fluctuations, cancellations, changes, and other such problems beyond our reasonable control. Participants are always advised to dress as appropriate for the climate and take precautions with sun protection where necessary. In hot sunny climates, sun glasses, sun hats, and high factor sun screen are recommended. Participants are asked to respect local customs and standards of dress, as well as local laws. Social Group Holidays can take no responsibility for anyone falling foul of local customs or breaking the laws of other countries. Participants accept responsibility for their own actions, behaviour and social etiquette. Organisers do not guarantee to accompany participants on all holidays. If Organisers pull out of hosting a holiday, no refund is due to participants. Where Organisers do accompany a holiday, participants are asked to try to be as supportive of Organisers as possible. Social Group Holidays accept no liability for the behaviour of individuals, for the negligence of participants, or for any disputes which may arise between participants.
Participants are required to be able to manage holidays under their own steam and to be able to cope with normal social situations. Participants are required to be polite and respectful to the Organisers at all times. Social Group Holidays operates a policy of zero tolerance to disruptive behaviour of any kind. Participants must not do anything which might sour the atmosphere, spoil the success of a holiday, disrupt the planning of or running of a holiday, be offensive, aggressive, or abusive towards the Organisers, do anything which puts Organisers or other participants at risk, bring Social Group Holidays into disrepute, or cause any damage to Social Group Holidays. Any such conduct will put participants in breach of contract. Anyone causing serious problems prior to the holiday will have their place on the holiday terminated. Anyone causing serious problems during the holiday may be asked to leave the holiday accommodation and told to depart. These rights will not be used unduly. If participants have their membership terminated and are thrown off a holiday, participants accept they are not entitled to any refund, costs, or compensation. In serious cases of misconduct, legal action may be taken and damages sought.
It is illegal for participants to interfere with contracts made between Social Group Holidays and other companies. Participants must not investigate, check up on, disrupt, alter, or interfere with Social Group Holidays bookings, finances, or contracts, which are private matters between the parties concerned and are nothing to do with participants on the holidays. Participants accept they must not contact hotels regarding booking contracts and arrangements made by Social Group Holidays, or attempt to delve into the finances of Social Group Holidays. Participants acting in an unethical way and getting involved in the booking contracts, finances, or details between Social Group Holidays and hotels or doing anything which is illegal will be in breach of contract and may find legal action taken against them and damages sought.
The Social Group Terms & Conditions apply to all participants. All participants agree to abide by all Terms & Conditions when they make a booking. The Social Group Terms & Conditions can be viewed online or in Social Group Magazine. Social Group Holidays Terms & Conditions apply to all participants. All participants agree to abide by all Terms & Conditions when they make a booking. Social Group Holidays Terms & Conditions can be viewed online or in Social Group Magazine.
SOCIAL GROUP HOLIDAYS TM © 2003. ALL MATERIAL PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Social Group Enterprises Ltd. Registered Number 4690215.Directors Andrew B. Haglington B.A. and Cathy J. Haglington.
Registered Office: Harscombe House, 1 Darklake View, Plymouth, Devon PL6 7TL. Registered in England & Wales.
POSTAL ADDRESS : Social Group Holidays, Social Group Office, “Revelstone”, Mary Tavy, Dartmoor, Devon PL19 9PF, England, UK.
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