Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

After 12 years of membership and the only time we asked for help, were advised it wasn't part of the remit, I was seriously considering not bothering to attending the upcoming AGM or paying my dues. Then someone said "if the balloon ever goes up, they would be the people to turn to for help and assistance" I am extremely skeptical about this and feel it would probably the be everyone for themselves and survival of the fittest.

Would do other people think?

sophie wrote:After 12 years of membership and the only time we asked for help, were advised it wasn't part of the remit, I was seriously considering not bothering to attending the upcoming AGM or paying my dues. Then someone said "if the balloon ever goes up, they would be the people to turn to for help and assistance" I am extremely skeptical about this and feel it would probably the be everyone for themselves and survival of the fittest.

Would do other people think?

Might I suggest a read of their rules or a direct query to the BRS regarding your specific query. Nobody here can answer your quandary.

Think it was 1990 when missiles were bought from Russia and came south, ver tense time here. As giving someone a lift to Ercan In January, empty airport normally but it was packed with people trying to leave the island telling me they normally go to Uk in January absolute lie. I felt quite shocked, this was their home then, would they not stay and help the TCs if things kicked off , disappointed they would not.

rocking wrote:Think it was 1990 when missiles were bought from Russia and came south, ver tense time here. As giving someone a lift to Ercan In January, empty airport normally but it was packed with people trying to leave the island telling me they normally go to Uk in January absolute lie. I felt quite shocked, this was their home then, would they not stay and help the TCs if things kicked off , disappointed they would not.

Forgiven me, but what has this response to do with the original post?

I clearly haven't worded my query very well. If and when (and this isn't that time) all Brits were advised to up sticks and leave the TRNC, would they turn to the BRS for help. OR do they feel that the BRS has become more of an organization that arranges trips abroad, dinner dances etc. 13 years ago we were assured that it was foolhardy not to belong but it was when I took part in what I considered to be unhelpful meetings regarding the NHS, that I began to have my doubts as to the necessity of belonging and whether they had any influence on anything at all.

The BRS I am sure would not be recognised in an emergency evacuation the only official recognition would be if you are registered at the British Embassy and they would give any official word

Sophie, I think it is up to the individual, horses for courses and all that good stuff, and it depends what you expect from the BRS. For what it costs, not much at all, personally I look on it as a bit of an insurance policy, you pay in and sometimes you need it....and so you use it.... How many people don't take out insurance and then when things go pear shaped, wish they had. I don't really understand the underlying reason for your post, although some seem to think it may be something to rely on in the event of serious problems as a result of the Syria situation. In that situation I would say the British High commission would be the logical organisation to offer help, not the BRS. Although, I do know that the BRS works alongside the BHC, so a bit of comfort there I would say. It is not all about 'trips abroad, dinner dances etc' as you put it.I have had two experiences where they have been invaluable, one in the sudden death of a friend, and the other in trying to assist an elderly gentleman who needed some support but had allowed his membership to lapse, maybe for the same reason as you are thinking. However, they still stepped in and helped out. I don't attend the dances or trips, that is my choice, but I have the comfort of knowing that there is someone I can contact if I need. But, as I said, horses for courses, Sophie, you pays your money and take your chances...... but don't bleat if you choose not to, and don't get help when you may need it..... with respect.

I am not a member but the BRS website states its 40tl a year which seems very reasonable in return of all the discounts they manage to obtain from businesses and hospitals otherwise you have to haggle like me or accept you are paying more.

As the post above states its a personal choice and I believe only you can make it.

sophie wrote:I clearly haven't worded my query very well. If and when (and this isn't that time) all Brits were advised to up sticks and leave the TRNC, would they turn to the BRS for help. OR do they feel that the BRS has become more of an organization that arranges trips abroad, dinner dances etc. 13 years ago we were assured that it was foolhardy not to belong but it was when I took part in what I considered to be unhelpful meetings regarding the NHS, that I began to have my doubts as to the necessity of belonging and whether they had any influence on anything at all.

I wonder how the BRS could be expected to offer advice/help, or even the BHC which refuses to recognise the TRNC - ergo expats living here. If your personal security is in doubt during the Syrian conflict, I would suggest you exercise your right to return whence you came until the situation becomes much more stable. Your concern(s) can only be addressed by you. Good luck with whatever decision you take.

Thank you replying in a sensible manner (I feared some replies wouldn't be!!!) I have absolutely no worries whatsoever re Syria and most unlikely go running back to UK in any case. This is home after all and who would look after my surrogate family i.e. 4 dogs. I was just interested to see what others felt (it also confirms my believe that many people join BRS for the retail discounts obtainable. In may case I usually remember after I've left the shop in question.

Sophie, it is personal choice but I am glad we were members when sudden illnesses resulted in three hospital stays and two operations. The hospital discount on its own makes membership worthwhile, in my opinion.

Sophie: In all honesty I am unsure what , if any help you would receive from the BRS in a crisis but for the sake of 40TL it has been worth every TL in so far as members are entitled to 'up to' 20% discount from the Near East and the Suat Gunsel Hospitals. I cannot comment on the other private hospitals as for personal reasons I do not deal with them.

You recoup your 40TL in just about one visit never mind the subsequent visits - it is for this reason only that we are members.

I do believe that many are members simply for this reason.

I assumed, perhaps wrongly that when Sophie talked about the “balloon going up” she was referring to problem pertaining to this weekend, not 10%. Or 20% of things. It read to me would the BRS help those who belong to society to be able to “get out”. That is I posted the post I dad.

I knew what you meant, Rita.

Not joined the BRS and we have had our place since 2011. Main reason was we were concerned about its administration, election processes and operation. This of course culminated in a bit of bother a few years back.

However; things have moved on and we are seriously considering joining mainly for the advice and help that may be available if needed. We say may be available as until we need it we will never know. Bit like an insurance policy. The annual fee is of course peanuts so as others have said it’s worthwhile for the medical discounts and of course the odd function if that is your thing.

As regards help in a crisis, pretty sure the BRS would likely be involved in coordinating the dissemination of information and possibly gathering together volunteers to assist in some way. Cannot see much more than this happening. It will be the BHC who will have the final say in these matters and whilst some are sceptical there is enough of a presence of ex pats in the TRNC that they would find it very difficult to ignore. In addition many turkish Cypriots also hold U.K. passports, so I am pretty confident being left to fend for ourselves would not be an option for HMG.

Just a little information re Discount at the KUH or GUH i.e hospital just off the Karakum Road. They have Discount Schemes whereby the savings are far greater than the BRS discount. Am involved as we speak. If you take up their package i.e. it lasts a month and you have to agree to the OP taking place within that month, then discount is really, really worth while.. Then if necessary you agree to have two, three or four weeks physio package and again save a whole lot. Pay in advance of course.

Sorry, should have said for Ops, pay half up front and then other half when you leave hospital. No holding on to passport etc. In fact I didn't have to show it at all. Physio etc, pay up front/

What are KUH or GUH hospitals?

Also, which hospital does the best offer for general health check, males/females , please?

Thank you Frontal man, you knew exactly what I was talking about and still think first post was referring to war using the words “if the balloo went up. Thank you.