How do I join BRS?

[Brighton Dot]

Could anyone please tell me what I need to do to join BRS and how much it costs. I seem to remember someone mentioning that they have a stall at Lambousa on a Saturday but if I need to join before that how do I go about it please. Many thanks in advance.

[tomsteel]

Go onto the BRS site and follow the instructions posted there.

[Deniz1]

Credit West bank Catalkoy Mondays until about 12.30.

[Cally]

Just a point, I believe their year begins in January, so I would leave it till then.....

[tomsteel]

Just a point, I believe their year begins in January, so I would leave it till then.....

It would appear from the latter part of the original post there may be an imperative to gain urgent access. It doesn't really help us as there is no geographical indication of residence. If the poster lives in Iskele, Lefkosa or Guzelyurt, the helpful advice regarding Credit West on Monday before 1230 is wasted. Hence my post to query the BRS Site.

[13roman58]

Don't forget your twin set and pearls

[Ragged Robin]

Check out their website first anyway. There is just a chance they may have let something that is useful to non members slip through the safety net!!!!!!

[waddo]

There may even be a chance that something useful to members has slipped in as well - lol.

[Medjoul1]

Don't forget your twin set and pearls
? 13roman58 you must know a different BRS to the one that I know.
Medjoul

[tomsteel]

There are, and, sadly, always will be, detractors of organisations hoping to help. The BRS is not perfect but it does strive to improve and for a voluntary organisation, it does a great job. Other organisations here, KAR , NCCCT, Tulips, Cheshire Homes at Bellapais etc receive detrimental comments from well-informed, all-knowing expat experts - 'tis a fact of life.

[bigbadbob]

You are so right tomsteel.
I am a volunteer for the NCCCT, a member of the BRS and a supporter of KAR and Tulips.
I have asked for help and advice on behalf of others to Cheshire homes and the bottom line is we all do our best!
Maybe I am wrong but I felt an undercurrent of ridicule towards the BRS from one of the posters which I personally felt unfair.
I am sure that I can say on behalf of all the charities and organisations here in North Cyprus we would invite anyone to give their time to help us do what we try to do to improve life here for us humans and animals. Spend a day walking in our shoes !

BBB's other half. ( OK. I am ducking now)

[Ragged Robin]

I have had a number of problems with the BRS but the main one is that they CLAIM to represent ALL Brit expats whereas in fact they represent a small section, In fact they do not represent the interestsof long-standing permanent residents and even act contrary to their interests, without making it clear to the authorities that other, maybe more loyal, residents may have different and equally valid interests.

Similar applies to KAR , although that is more a matter of perception. Local people tend to associate all expat dog lovers with it, whereas some of us do not necessarily agree with all their policies and some of their actions cause problems for people who care for adopted strays.



Neither organisation practices accountability, and do not accept , particularly in the case of KAR, that they have responsibility to non members, in the case of KAR doners and dog owners, in the case of BRS other British expats who may be affected by their actions and representations to the local authorities.

I was a long standing volunteer for Cheshire Homes for many years and had to cope with all the brickbats they got. Their main problems was that , despite the British being co-founded , British support tailed of it and inlater years they never had sufficient expat committee members, nor support. We were always ready to answer questions and help anyone in need, but communication could be a problem with insuffcient British volunteers.

I have to say that I formed a theory that disabled adults were not, in the phrase of the time, "sexy" and people preferred to volunteer for charities that got them more public exposure and kudos, and their picture in the paper!

As far as the other two you mention, I have had little to do with them. I would like to support them ina small way, but unfortunately they do not make it possible for those with mobility problems to attend their functions.

[bigbadbob]

Ragged Robin.
I am sorry you feel that the charity I volunteer for the NCCCT do not try their best to help and include anyone with mobility or disability problems in the functions we put on to raise funds to buy much needed and often life saving equipment for the local hospital here.
I myself fractured my patella not so long ago and was in a plaster cast from thigh to toes for seven weeks and then a heavy leg support for a further 7 weeks.During that time I attended and worked at Coffee mornings, at our Christmas Fayre and supported a charity swim.
The Pia Bella in Girne where we are holding our Christmas Fayre again this year is all on one level and has ramps so maybe we can tempt you to support us there.
In February of next year we are lucky enough to have the Merit Royal and Premium Hotel as our hosts for our Coffee morning. We will be on the bottom level and there are lifts down to it.
We are lucky in being offered venues by the hotels/restaurants and some may not be wheelchair friendly but most are. Maybe this is because we are in North Cyprus and not the UK where I believe it is the law for the different establishments.
The Malpas Hotel in Catalkoy were our last hosts for a Coffee morning and indeed there were at least three guests there in wheelchairs enjoying the morning with us and buying lots of lovely things from our charity stalls.
If you contact me personally before one of our events that you may read about and fancy coming to I will do my best for you and find out as much as I can about the facilities and access.
Best wishes,
BBB's other half. ( Sorry BRS to go off the subject of you).

[tomsteel]

RR, the BRS is a single unit, ergo, it is not "they" claiming anything. I totally and fundamentally disagree with your opinion it claims to represent all British expats in the TRNC. You should research its charter! You are, of course, entitled to your opinion on any organisation but it will not help with the original poster's query as to joining the BRS. Perhaps you should start a 'disabled' section on this forum as most of your posts bemoan facilities available to you personally.

[Ragged Robin]

tomsteel: As you say I am entitled to my opinion which is a result of bitter experience and several years (in the past) membership. I explained inan earlier post that I quote my own experiences because I am trying to raise awareness generally of the poblems of the disabled and it saves possibly embarrasment for others if I use myself as a "guinea pig"

I think we have between us said everything we can, in the light of limited information, for the op. At least this keeps it at the top in case anyone has anything pertinent to offer.


bb oh thanks for your kind post. I will pm you shortly.

[elizabeth]

I have always found that if I want some input or influence within an organisation it is better to join the same, complaining from the outside will have very little effect.
I have to take my hat off to these organisations which do try their best to improve the lot of others, it would seem you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't, and as they say, you can't please all of the people all of the time.

[tomsteel]

I have always found that if I want some input or influence within an organisation it is better to join the same, complaining from the outside will have very little effect.
I have to take my hat off to these organisations which do try their best to improve the lot of others, it would seem you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't, and as they say, you can't please all of the people all of the time.

Some folk will never be pleased at any time. Individual circumstances vary, but sometimes the bigger picture has to be viewed.

[Deniz1]

OFF TOPIC EVERYONE!

[Ragged Robin]

I have always found that if I want some input or influence within an organisation it is better to join the same, complaining from the outside will have very little effect.

Been, there, done that, got the T shirt! However I have learned it is best to know about an organisation before I commit my name and/or my money to it.

I have to take my hat off to these organisations which do try their best to improve the lot of others, it would seem you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't, and as they say, you can't please all of the people all of the time.[/quote]

[i Aint that just life! ]Some people do not understand the value of constructive criticism ! They simply believe they are perfect.

Some folk will never be pleased at any time. Individual circumstances vary, but sometimes the bigger picture has to be viewed.

And the onloooker sees most of the game.
[/i]

To get back on topic, I still feel that whatever ones views on the orgnaisation, the best advice in the circumstances for anyone wanting to join the BRS (or any other organisation with a Website) is to study the website carefully to ensure it meets with one's requirements, needs and ,most important, beliefs. In my opinion the BRS and others here act too much like a secret society - none the less one can get some idea from the website, and also perhaps the right member to approach for a particular problems rather than being passed from one to another. One also wonders in view of the lack of info whether it is the BHS and not BHC which is needed but I assume the contacts details for the latter are on the open part of the website for the former

[PoshinDevon]

The topic is how to join the BRS..... which has been answered.

It is not about the merits of joining the BRS/KAR/NCCCT etc. That is for the individual to decide based on whether it does or does not meet their requirements.

Topic locked.