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Who
are the Friends? The Friends share in the work of the RTWSO by their interest, feedback and close association. Their primary purpose is to support the RTWSO and to contribute financially and in other appropriate ways such as:
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Why
does the RTWSO need more Friends? Every orchestra these days needs financial help from its supporters. The reason is that money from ticket sales can never be enough to meet the steeply rising costs of putting on first-class concerts. To put it another way, if the RTWSO were to increase ticket prices to meet the full costs of its performances, then the number of people coming to our concerts would decline, leaving us no better off than before. For more than 21 years, the Friends of the RTWSO have funded us to the tune of about £200,000. This financial backing 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. At the same time, it has helped to keep seat prices at affordable levels. Without this kind of support from the Friends, the RTWSO would not be playing for you today. ‘We want you to make a determined effort to encourage your friends, relations and neighbours to join us at our concerts’, says Robert Hardcastle, Chairman of the Friends. ‘If we sold another 150 tickets each concert, our financial worries would vanish and the RTWSO would be able to carry on providing the best of world-class soloists and programmes.’ |
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Please
join the Friends today Anyone can become a Friend of the RTWSO and we would very much encourage you to do so. You join the Friends by taking out a subscription of no less than £25 per person per annum. This is the minimum amount payable and larger donations are, of course, gratefully received. Please help us to continue the high standard of music and performance by joining the Friends of the RTWSO. Simply contact RTWSO Chairman, Ralph Hebditch, at the address below or ask for details in the foyer at one of the RTWSO concerts: Ralph Hebditch, 9, Smythe Close, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0TY Email: hebditch_randa@uwclub.net
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Benefits
for you and us By joining the Friends of the RTWSO, you will be entitled to a good saving on the normal price of our season tickets. If you pay tax, then we will ask you to complete a Gift Aid declaration (which can be cancelled at any time should your circumstances change) in order that we can reclaim tax. Donors paying higher rates of income tax or capital gains tax can claim relief when completing their 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. And we gently ask you to remember the Friends of the RTWSO in your will, so that your love of orchestral music can benefit future generations. |
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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 |
