Subscriptions

Following a successful audition period, playing members of Havant Symphony Orchestra will be requested to pay a subscription to Havant and District Orchestral Society (HADOS).  The purpose of the subscription is to cover a share of the cost of running the regular weekly rehearsals, including the hire of the rehearsal venue, fees for the conductor and leader, and the hire or purchase of the music.  It also entitles the player to be a voting member at society meetings, in particular at the AGM at the start of the following season. 

If you might find it difficult to pay the appropriate subscription, please discuss this with the HSO Orchestral Manager, as it is a policy of the Society not to preclude membership solely on financial grounds.  Arrangements may be made to pay by instalments if this is more convenient.  Special reduced rates may also be available for example when a player joins part way through a season. 

Subscription rates and due dates

As from September 2022, the current full subscription for a year’s membership (starting in September) is now £120 (£40 per term, roughly £4 per rehearsal) or £30 (£10 per term) for students in full-time education.  The previous concessionary rate for senior citizens has been discontinued. 

Subscriptions become due at the first HSO rehearsal of the main season, which is normally at the end of September or the start of October, and should be paid by the end of October at the latest (at least for the first term). 

Following an increase in the subscription, members can optionally still pay for the year at the previous season’s rates, provided that this is done by the required date of the end of October.  However, to help cover increasing rehearsal costs we would prefer players to contribute at the new rates. 

Players are asked to save time and effort for the treasurer if possible by making an online payment directly to the HADOS bank account, sort code 40-52-40, account number 00017022, using the reference field to identify the player name or names for which the subscription is being paid.  Otherwise, payment may be made by cheque payable to HADOS and handed in at a rehearsal. 

Gift Aid

The subscription counts as a donation to charity for Gift Aid purposes.  Playing members who are UK taxpayers are asked to fill in a Gift Aid declaration so that the Society can also receive the equivalent of the basic rate tax.  Higher rate tax payers can also claim back the difference in tax rate for the Gift Aid amount on their tax return.  At present, we believe that the whole subscription qualifies for Gift Aid according to current HMRC guidelines, but if in future members receive any benefits or services which do not qualify according to those guidelines then the amount of Gift Aid claimed on each subscription will need to be reduced accordingly.