Membership

Our members are everything to us – they drive our agenda, run our working groups (we have no employees) and, through subscriptions, provide our only financial support. For over 50 years we have shown that working together, our members can influence the city for everyone’s good – and enjoy the city in new ways.

Read about how our members have shaped Oxford in our Changing Oxford report.

Please join us and enjoy:

  • supporting us as the independent voice for Oxford
  • a year-round series of free talks on a wide range of topics: architecture, local history, planning and transport issues, science in Oxford and much more
  • a lively programme of walks and visits to places of interest, many of them closed to the public. Recently we have visited historic and modern buildings, gorgeous gardens, art collections, high-tech industries …
  • regular newsletters and e-bulletins to keep you in touch with our work
  • the opportunity to join our working groups – or even start a new one – see the Volunteers page
  • online resources such as our Walks in Oxford website and guidance such as how to comment on a planning application.

How to Join

Subscriptions are due annually on 1 January. If you join during the last three months of the year, your subscription will last until 31 December the following year.

Our membership rates are going up from 1 October 2020. The Society has been running at a deficit since 2017, which is unsustainable. Our membership rates have been held without increase since 2006 and our new rates still compare very favourably with other Civic Societies. The new rates are:

  • Individual membership – £15
  • Joint membership (2 people at the same address) – £25
  • Students and Groups – £5 (unchanged)

New members joining today at the current rates will pay the new rates from 1 January 2021. If you join on or after 1 October 2020 you will pay the new rate but your subscription will run until 31 December 2021.

Online

You can choose continuing membership by Direct Debit – this is the cheaper option – or make a single payment for annual membership.

Continuing Membership (direct debit)

Annual Membership (one off payment)

By Post

Download an application form and send it with a cheque for your subscription to the address on the form.

Download form

Gift Membership

Why not give a friend or neighbour gift membership of the Society for one year? We will send them a card with a note that their membership has come from you. We cannot offer this service online yet, but just send us a cheque for £10 or £14 as appropriate, with your name and the name and address of the person or people receiving your gift.

Corporate Membership

The Society is very appreciative of the ongoing support of our Corporate Members. Please see the Corporate Membership page for information about our corporate membership rates and how your organisation can join.