We had a response rate of 17%. Considering that members had to take the trouble to mail back the questionnaire, this is a very good response as the industry standard for a good return of surveys is around 8%.
Hospitality Events
The majority of members attend between 1 and 3 hospitalities a year. About a third of members did not attend any. This was not from lack of interest, but due primarily to a busy lifestyle, being away or location. Of those who had attended hospitalities, the speakers and topics scored 9 out of 10 in terms of enjoyment and interest. Top scores were for events featuring arts and culture, Canadian related topics and current events. Members gave the importance of time both before and after the speaker to socialize with other members a score of 10.
Activities and Outings
Arts and culture, culinary classes, in and out of town events, and ‘let’s do lunch’ were the most attended events. Tours of special locations and new art exhibitions, along with palaces and country homes, rated highly as places members would like to go to in future. Members would also like to see evening cooking classes, weekend walks, restaurant of the month, ceremony of the keys, a tour of the Parliament buildings, Sissinghurst for the roses, Sotheby’s auction house, private clubs, and even quiet afternoon teas with other members.
Members made it clear they are enjoying what they attend and the options given to them. When deciding whether or not to attend an event, members tend to look at the cost, as well as the ability to see friends. Travel distance is also a factor. For the most part, members sign up for themselves (ie do not bring a friend or acquaintance).
Special Events
Members scored special ‘one off’ events as very important (9 out of 10), such as the outing to Highgrove, which sold out very quickly.
Trips
The survey asked if members would be interested in short trips as part of a group. Most members would prefer a one-day trip – and most would like them to be ladies-only. A trip to Dorset was suggested, as well as some European destinations.
Reasons for membership
The main reasons for membership can be summed up as "making friends and meeting new people while keeping the Canadian connection alive". Members added comments such as "the club makes me happy","it gives me access to venues I might not otherwise be able to visit on my own", "I enjoy the combination of UK and Canadian interests", "it’s nice to be a part of an expat group", "the club is a friendly environment, with like-minded people", and one member proudly stated, "I am Canadian!".
When asked what might be improved in future, the comments were overwhelmingly positive but included a few suggestions that we might vary the dates and times of events and add some more fun and unique events. Many members gave feedback such as: "the club is excellent, it couldn’t be improved”, "it’s already great", "it’s a comfort”, and "It’s the Tops!"
Survey Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback and to Jaime for compiling the results. Your responses have been very helpful in developing our activity plan for 2009-2010.
As promised, and to thank members for taking the time to complete the survey and return it, one survey was drawn to produce a “winner”. Mrs. Alison Wacker was sent a Boots Gift Certificate Card for £15 as a thank you.
submitted by Teresa Howe, President
