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Who
are the Friends? The Friends of the RTWSO exists as a registered charity and shares in the work of the RTWSO by its interest, feedback and close association. Its primary purpose is to support the Kent-based orchestra and to contribute financially and in other appropriate ways such as:
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Why
does the RTWSO need more Friends? As a valued member of the RTWSO’s audience, you are a friend already. But every orchestra needs extra financial help from its supporters because income from ticket sales alone does not cover the costs of putting on first-class concerts. In fact, box office income contributes less than 60% of the actual expenditure. To put it another way, if the RTWSO were to increase ticket prices to meet all its operating costs, then the number of people coming to our concerts would decline, leaving the orchestra no better off than before. Since 1987, The Friends of the RTWSO has funded the orchestra to the tune of about £200,000. This backing has assisted the financial health of the orchestra. At the same time, it has enabled the Friends to sponsor one of the six concerts every season, making it possible to include large-scale orchestral works in the repertoire and to attract talented soloists and conductors. It has also helped to keep seat prices at affordable levels. Without this kind of support from the Friends, the RTWSO would not be playing for you this season. But we do need more Friends to achieve our ambitions and continue entertaining audiences. |
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Become
a Friend today Anyone can become a Friend and enjoy a series of great orchestral concerts. You join The Friends of the RTWSO by taking out a subscription of £25 per person per annum. This is the minimum amount payable – larger donations are encouraged and always gratefully received. Please help us to continue the high standard of music and performance by joining The Friends of the RTWSO. Make a donation today using the Donation Form. For more information about the Friends, contact its Chairman, John Isaac, at the address below or ask for details in the foyer at one of the RTWSO’s concerts: Mumpumps, London Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham TN19 7QY Email: bjwisaac@btinternet.com
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Benefits
for you and us By joining The Friends of the RTWSO, you will be entitled to an extra saving on the price of your season ticket(s). If you are a UK taxpayer, then we will ask you to complete a Gift Aid declaration on the Donation Form so that we can increase the value of your monetary gift by claiming back the basic rate tax paid. Donors paying higher rates of income tax or capital gains tax can claim relief when completing their own tax forms. |
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From
one generation to another The RTWSO relies on legacies and donations to continue its work of presenting orchestral concerts. We gently ask you to remember The Friends of the RTWSO in your will so that your love of orchestral music can enhance the lives of future generations. As the largest single source of income to UK charities, legacies make a vital difference to good causes. A legacy to the Friends could protect our musical heritage. Free of inheritance tax, a donation made in your will can also help reduce the tax burden on your estate. To leave a legacy to a charity such as The Friends of the RTWSO, you simply need to include details of the donation in your will. This can be done by writing a will, by making an amendment or ‘codicil’ to an existing will or by setting up a Trust. Your solicitor or professional adviser will be able to tell you more. |
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Giving to a local charity Remember that The Friends of the RTWSO is a registered charity (no. 296632) so could be part of your charitable giving. |
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A
Friend’s testimonial To the Chairman: '...We have been regular attendees of RTWSO concerts since arriving in the area in early 1994. We tentatively attended one concert - it included Freddy Kempf's memorable Tchaikovsky No.1 - and from then on we were hooked. The orchestra's playing has proved always to be at the least very good; it is often excellent; and on occasions, not just that first concert but many times thereafter, the playing is electrifying, leaving the music still buzzing around in one's head several days after the concert. Please pass on our thanks to members of the Orchestra for all the enjoyable Sunday afternoons that they have given us. Please also compliment them on their high level of music-making. Finally, please encourage them to continue to play, and encourage audiences to continue to listen...' Mr R. Griffiths |
