RARE TERmS & CONDITIONS
Rules of the Membership Scheme.
Last updated January 2019.
PART I: PREAMBLE
1. NAME AND OBJECT OF THE CLUB
a. The name of the Membership Scheme is Rare (‘the Membership Scheme’).
b. The Membership Scheme is available at our three venues:
i. The Shurlock Inn, The Street, Shurlock Row, Berkshire, RG10 0PS
ii. The Plough Inn, Plough Lane, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3LT
iii. The Corn Stores, 10 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SB
c. The object of the Membership Scheme is to provide Member’s with our published benefits across the venues listed above and access to The Members’ Lounge at The Corn Stores for the enjoyment of its members and invited guests. Other such associated buildings may become available in the future.
2. CONSTITUTION
a. The Membership Scheme is a proprietary scheme, the proprietor of which is Rarebreed Dining Limited.
b. Rarebreed Dining Limited (“the Company”) is a private limited company owned by its shareholders.
PART II: MEMBERSHIP
3. MEMBERSHIP
a. Membership of the Membership Scheme will be by invitation only.
b. The Membership Scheme shall consist of membership categories as determined by the Membership Committee from time to time.
c. Membership categories may be added as and when the Membership Committee decides. Similarly, the Membership Committee may withdraw certain categories of membership at any given time without prior notice.
4. FOUNDER MEMBERS
a. The Membership Committee may invite to become an founder member any person who in the opinion of the Committee:-
i. has been a loyal customer to Rarebreed Dining
ii. has applied for membership during the first year of the Membership Scheme’s existence (i.e. prior to 31 December 2019)
b. There are a limited number of Founder Memberships
c. Founder membership is granted at the discretion of the Membership Committee. Such membership to be granted on an annual basis and reviewed by the Membership Committee each year. However, should the Membership Committee consider so, the membership may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
d. A Founder Member shall be issued a discount on their first year’s annual subscription.
e. In the event of a dissolution of the Membership Scheme or Rarebreed Dining Limited or sale of the Membership Scheme or Rarebreed Dining Limited, they shall not have any right to, or claim upon, any property of the the Membership Scheme, Rarebreed Dining Limited, or be required to share in the discharge of its obligations.
5. HONORARY MEMBERS
a. The Membership Committee may invite to become an honorary member any person who in the opinion of the Committee :-
i. has rendered exceptionally noteworthy service or benefit to the Rarebreed Dining Limited
ii. will render special benefit or service to Rarebreed Dining Limited
b. Honorary membership is granted at the discretion of the Membership Committee. Such membership to be granted on an annual basis and reviewed by the Membership Committee each year. However, should the Membership Committee consider so, the membership may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
c. An Honorary Member shall not pay a joining fee or annual subscription; and in the event of a dissolution of the Membership Scheme or Rarebreed Dining Limited or sale of the Membership Scheme or Rarebreed Dining Limited, they shall not have any right to, or claim upon, any property of the the Membership Scheme, Rarebreed Dining Limited, or be required to share in the discharge of its obligations.
6. ORDINARY FULL MEMBERS
a. A person shall not be eligible for election as an Ordinary Member unless they have attained the age of 21 years.
b. A person becomes an Ordinary Member on being elected as such by the Membership Committee and on payment to the Membership Scheme of all amounts due from them on account of their joining fee (if any) and their annual subscription for the year in which they are elected. If any such amount is not paid within the period prescribed by these Rules their election shall lapse.
c. In the event of the dissolution or sale of the Membership Scheme or Rarebreed Dining Limited, they shall not have any right to, or claim upon, any property of the the Membership Scheme, Rarebreed Dining Limited, or be required to share in the discharge of its obligations.
d. It may be possible for two individuals to share one Membership. This is at the invitation of the Membership Committee and there will be an additional annual subscription fee to pay. Shared Membership is bound by additional rules:
i. either of the named individuals are able to enter the Members' Lounge, but not both at the same time unless the other person is booked in as a guest.
ii. You will only be issued with one Membership card.
iii. You will only receive one Welcome Gift.
iv. Any other discounts, credits, gifts or similar will be issued per membership, not per individual.
v. You are requested to submit contact information for both named individuals on the membership in order for us to send Membership related communications to you both.
vi. Rarebreed Dining Limited reserve the right to discontinue this type of membership at any time.
7. ELECTION OF CANDIDATES
a. To be eligible for election, a candidate must complete the online application form.
8. ELECTION PROCEDURE
a. Election shall be by secret ballot of the Membership Committee, a ballot being taken separately for each candidate.
b. A candidate shall be declared not elected if, on the ballot box being opened, it appears that two or more members of the Membership Committee have voted no.
c. No declaration shall be made either of the number of votes cast or the number who have voted for or against the candidate.
d. No reason shall be given to any candidate in the event of their non election.
e. A successful candidate shall be invited by the Membership Committee to become a member of the Membership Scheme.
9. RESIGNATION
a. A member may resign at any time by giving one month’s notice in writing to The Chairman of the Membership Committee but shall not be entitled to any refund of annual subscription or joining fee.
10. SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
a. If, in the opinion of the Company or the Membership Committee, a member has infringed the rules or bye-laws of the Membership Scheme or has been guilty (inside or outside the Membership Scheme or Rarebreed Dining venues) of conduct prejudicial to the Membership Scheme’s interests, the Company or the Membership Committee may suspend the member with immediate effect. If the member fails to give a satisfactory explanation of their conduct (either in person at a meeting of the Membership Committee or in writing sent to the Chairman of the Membership Committee) the Company or the Membership Committee may, by notice in writing to the member, request them to resign with immediate effect.
b. If the member does not comply with the request to resign the Membership Committee shall expel the member and they shall cease to be a member of the Membership Scheme. Their name will be posted at reception at each Rarebreed Dining venue and they will be denied further access to our venues, even as the guest of a current member.
c. No member shall introduce as a guest to the Membership Scheme or a Rarebreed Dining venue a person who has been suspended, required to resign or expelled from the Membership Scheme.
d. In the case of serious breaches of conduct or persistent breaches of the rule of the Membership Scheme the Company may at is absolute discretion expel any member with immediate effect.
e. The Company may refuse admission to any Rarebreed Dining venues any person in its absolute discretion and without giving any reason.
11. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
a. If a member is sentenced to imprisonment, whether or not suspended, they shall forthwith cease to be a member of the Membership Scheme unless the Company or the Membership Committee deem that special circumstances exist and that the membership should be permitted to continue.
b. If a member has a trustee in bankruptcy appointed of their estate or enters into a voluntary arrangement with their creditors they shall forthwith cease to be a member of the Memebrship Scheme unless the Company or the Membership Committee deem that special circumstances exist and membership should be permitted to continue.
c. The Company or the Membership Committee may re-admit a person to membership, without payment of a joining fee or procedure of re-election, if in all the circumstances and after due enquiry it thinks fit to do so.
PART III: FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
12. JOINING FEE
a. The Joining Fee is a one off payment giving the member access to the Membership Scheme and initial membership and is not related to the provision of membership and related services in the future.
b. A person elected as a member shall pay a joining fee of the amount then in force within 14 days notice of their election.
c. The amount of the joining fee shall be fixed from time to time by the Company and will be disclosed in writing to the prospective member in advance of their election and any amount so fixed shall continue in force until the Company decides on a variation.
13. LIABILITY FOR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
a. Except as provided by these Rules every member shall pay a subscription fee for each year at the rate applicable.
b. The rates of subscription for each year shall be fixed from time to time by the Company before December 1st in the preceding year: and any rate so fixed shall continue in force for each subsequent year until varied by the Company.
c. The category of membership for each member shall be determined at the beginning of the year for which the subscription is payable.
14. PAYMENT OF ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
a. A member must pay the current annual subscription in a single lump sum equal to the current annual subscription
15. LIABILITY ON CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
a. If a member dies the whole of his subscription remaining unpaid for the year shall be deemed as fully paid.
b. A member who resigns voluntarily shall be liable to pay the balance of their annual subscription.
c. In exceptional circumstances the Membership Committee may waive payment (in whole or part) of any amount due to the Membership Scheme in respect of a member’s subscription.
16. ARREARS
a. If a member fails to pay any amount due to the Membership Scheme (whether under these rules or otherwise) within 30 days from the due date for payment then the Company or the Membership Committee may terminate or suspend the membership.
PART IV: MANAGEMENT OF THE MEMBERSHIP SCHEME
17. MANAGEMENT OF THE MEMBERSHIP SCHEME
a. The affairs of the Membership Scheme shall be managed by the Company, its Board of Directors and employees.
18. THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
a. The Membership Committee shall be nominated by the Board of Directors of the Company.
b. The Membership Committee has full authority, as prescribed by the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time, over all matters relating to membership and its decision shall be final vis a vis the members.
PART V: MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL
19. BYE-LAWS
a. The Company may make bye-laws for the regulation and management of the Membership Scheme and may amend or revoke any bye-laws so made; but no bye-law shall be inconsistent with these rules.
20. BINDING EFFECT OF RULES AND BYE-LAWS
a. Every member shall be bound by these rules and by any bylaws.
b. The Membership Committee shall notify every newly elected member of the existence of these rules and of any bye-laws then in force; and copies of the rules and bye-laws in force or the time being shall be available at all times on the website.
21. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
a. Every member of the Membership Scheme shall, subject to these rules and bye-laws for the time being in force, be entitled to use and enjoy (in common with the other members of the Membership Scheme) the Membership Scheme premises and the facilities therein provided for the use of the member but shall not by reason of their membership be under any financial liability other than for the payment of their joining fee and annual subscription, and for the consumption of goods and services.
A member shall not:-
i. use Rarebreed Dining venues for the purposes of any trade, profession or business or in a manner prejudicial to the Companys interest; or
ii. conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause discomfort, inconvenience or annoyance to other members, or behave in such a manner as to bring Rarebreed Dining venues into disrepute
b. A member shall at all times be responsible for the conduct of their guests in the Members’s Lounge and must take due care to ensure both they and their guests leave the premises quietly without disturbance to close neighbours and settle all sums due prior to departure.
22. TRANSACTIONS IN WHICH MEMBERS INTERESTED
a. A member shall not directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction involving or relating to the supply to the Membership Scheme of goods or services, without the previous approval of the Company.
23. MEMBERS ADDRESSES AND NOTICES
a. Every member shall promptly inform the Membership Department of any change of home or business address, directly in writing by email.
b. Any notice document or communication sent to a member under these rules shall be deemed to be properly given if sent by post or otherwise to their address last notified to the Membership Committee, and if sent by post it shall be deemed to be issued when posted.
24. MEMBERS PROPERTY
a. Property entrusted by a member or their guest/guests to a member of Rarebreed Dining staff for safe custody or for any other purpose, or left on Rarebreed Dining’s premises, shall be at the member’s own risk; and the Company shall not be liable for any loss of, or damage to, such property or for any consequential loss or damage of any description.
25. THE COMPANY STAFF
a. A member may not at any time employ a member of Rarebreed Dining staff outside the Membership Scheme, except with the written permission of the Membership Committee or a director of the Company.
26. COMPLAINTS
a. All complaints shall be made in writing to the Chairman of the Committee.
b. A member shall not personally reprimand a member of staff.
27. RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENTS
a. The Company may enter into reciprocal arrangements with other organisations on such terms as it shall decide from time to time and any such arrangements may be terminated or modified by the Company at any time. Such arrangements (if any) will be communicated to members.
PART VI: BYE-LAWS FOR THE MEMBERS’ LOUNGE
28. OBJECT OF THE MEMBERS’ LOUNGE
a. The Member’s Lounge is a separate lounge situated at the Rarebreed Dining venue The Corn Stores.
b. It’s address is The Corn Stores, 10 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SB.
c. The object of the Member’s Lounge is to provide a facility that is only accessible by Member’s, Members’ guests and invitees of the Company.
29. ACCESS
a. Members and their guests are not guaranteed access to the Members’ Lounge, access is subject to availability.
b. No member shall be entitled to a refund of any part of their joining fee or subscription, or any other compensation in the event of them being unable to gain access to the Members’ Lounge or any part of a site.
c. Members must hand their membership card to reception in order to gain entry to the Members’ Lounge. Members should also expect to be asked to present their membership card when they sit down to eat or drink or if they open a bar tab. Where any member allows his or her card to be used by a non-member, such non-member shall be denied access to, or removed from the Members’ Lounge and the member whose card was used may face suspension or termination of their own membership. Please notify us immediately if your membership card is lost or stolen.
30. HOURS
a. The Members’ Lounge is open seven days a week.
b. The Company may direct that the Members’ Lounge be closed for a specified period for public holidays, staff holidays, cleaning or maintenance, or any other reason appearing to the Company to justify temporary closure.
c. The Company may direct that the Members’ Lounge be closed for private events. Such arrangements will be communicated to members.
31. MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS
a. Meals and refreshments may be ordered at the times specified by the Company and can be varied from time to time.
b. A member may request a table be kept for them but this can not be guaranteed.
32. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
a. Intoxicating beverages will be supplied only to bona fide members, their guests and invitees of the Company. Alcoholic beverages may be supplied to persons attending a private or previously arranged event if a bona fide member is present. The consumption of alcohol will be permitted during the general licensing hours in force subject to such extensions as may be available to the Company.
33. CHILDREN
a. Persons under the age of 18 years will not be permitted into the Members’ Lounge.
34. CORKAGE
a. There will be a charge on each bottle of wine and each bottle of spirit brought into the Members’ Lounge by a member for consumption on the premises. No member may bring food or beverage on to the premises without permission of the Company or its representative. This is rule is extended across Rarebreed Dining venues.
35. DEPOSITED LUGGAGE
a. A member may not deposit luggage for store at the Members’ Lounge.
36. DRESS CODE
a. Members and their guests should be appropriately dressed in the Members’ Lounge. Whilst there is no specific standard or dress code, the Company reserves the right to refuse admission to the Members’ Lounge if the standard of dress is considered to be inappropriate.
37. DRUGS & ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
a. Non-prescription drugs are not permitted on the premises at any time. The consumption of illegal substances by whatever means is strictly prohibited and any member or guest of member found in possession of such substances will be ejected and reported to the police.
b. Any member found guilty of consuming or bringing illegal substances onto the premises, or whose guest is found guilty of such acts, will have their membership terminated with immediate effect.
38. GAMING
a. No betting, wagering, game with dice or gaming shall take place within the Members’ Lounge, nor shall any game of hazard or chance be played other than for nominal stakes.
39. IRRITATING GADGETS
a. The use of mobile phones is permitted throughout the Members’ Lounge but are requested to use the silent, meeting, or vibrate mode to avoid nuisance to other members.
b. Members who use mobile phones or lap-top computers or other similar devices, in a manner which causes nuisance to other members and their guests, will be asked to cease and potentially requested to leave the Members’ Lounge. Personal audio equipment may be used, provided they are not audible to other members.
40. PAYMENTS
a. Members may pay for services and goods supplied by using cash or credit/debit card.
b. Payment for all goods and services consumed must be made prior to departure.
c. A member will be liable for payment of their guests’ account.
41. PETS
a. No pets are allowed.
42. PHOTOGRAPHY
a. The taking of professional photographs or digital images is not permitted without gaining prior permission in writing from the manager on duty.
43. PRIVATE PARTIES
a. Members may, by prior arrangement with the Membership Scheme management, hold private parties in the designated areas.
b. The Company may close the Members’ Lounge or any part thereof, for a private party, for any period deemed fit. No member shall be entitled to a refund of any part of their joining fee or subscription in the event of such closing.
c. From time to time the Company may hold a private party for the members and guests at which time limited numbers may attend and for which an additional entrance fee may be levied.
44. SMOKING
a. Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the Members’ Lounge.
45. USE OF THE MEMBERS’ LOUNGE ADDRESS
a. The name and address of the Members’ Lounge shall not be given by a member as their address for the purpose of identification in connection with legal proceedings or in any advertisement, prospectus, business circular or other commercial document, or give the Company as a business reference.
46. VISITORS
a. Subject to capacity on site, members may entertain a maximum of three guests on any visit unless a private party or table reservation has been confirmed or a greater number of guests has been previously agreed with the manager on duty.
b. Each guest must be signed in by the host member.
c. The Club may charge a daily entrance fee for guests of members.
d. The maximum number of guests that a member is entitled to bring may change from time to time. Details will be communicated to members.
e. Guests who arrive at the Members’ Lounge in advance of their host member will be asked to wait in the Reception or Bar until the member arrives to sign them in.
f. When accompanied by a member, guests may use the full facilities of the Members’ Lounge.
g. The Club does not guarantee access to the lounge for any members or visitors. Whilst booking in advance is recommended, access is always subject to availability and capacity on site.
47. INTERPRETATION
a. The Company shall be the sole authority as to the interpretation of the rules, regulations and bye-laws of the Members’ Lounge.