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The Friends of the University of Buckingham
The 'Friends of the University of Buckingham' were formed in 1976 to give members of the local community and other well-wishers the opportunity to identify with the work of the then University College at Buckingham and to participate in some of its activities. One of its most important objectives was to encourage good relations between the University and its neighbours, and in the days before the University had fully developed its own systems of support, Friends were actively involved in the welfare of students.
Today, as well as continuing to provide an important link between the town and the University, the Friends host a reception for each new intake of 'freshers', sponsor the concerts and public lectures organised by the University, award prizes to outstanding students, and work with the University of Buckingham Foundation, which is the fundraising arm of the University, to raise money to improve the student experience at Buckingham.
As Friends, members of the local community identify themselves with the University and are given the opportunity to participate in academic, cultural, social, and sporting activities. For a modest subscription, members can show their support to the University and be kept in touch with its affairs and progress.
| Support | Social events | Annual Prizes | Corporate membership |
| Individual, joint and life membership | How to join | Contact |
Support
One of the aims of the association is to provide amenities for the students which it might not otherwise be possible to make available. Over the years the Friends have provided equipment, supported various projects, and established academic awards.
In recent years the Friends have supported diabetes research at the University, the Student Yearbook, the University's development fund and the refurbishment of the Mill Stream. Since 1998 the Friends have made an annual donation toward the University's Concerts and Lectures series.
Social events
The Friends hold at least four social events annually. These have included cheese and wine evenings, garden parties, barbecues, dinners, Sunday lunches, theatre trips and welcome teas for new students.
This has always been one of the Friends' most popular events - in 2010 the traditional English evening will again be held in the garden at Willowbank, by kind invitation of the Vice-Chancellor and Mrs Kealey. The cost is £8.00 per person. Please contact julian.lovelock@buckingham.ac.uk for tickets.
Annual prizes
To encourage students after their Part 1 Examinations the Friends offer annual prizes. They also provide a substantial book bursary in memory of their late Honorary Secretary, Mrs Edna Embleton.
Corporate membership
The presence of the University in Buckingham, and the business it brings to local companies, is, in itself, the best reason for supporting the Friends.
Corporate membership of the Friends also offers you the following benefits:
- A free listing in the Students' Little Book (printed annually)
- The opportunity to advertise in the Students' Little Book (not available to others). Why not offer a student discount and boost your business?
- Invitations to you and your employees to concerts, lectures and social events
- Regular mailings to keep you in touch with the University
Subscription: £30.00 annually.
Individual, joint and life membership
Again, the chief reason for joining the Friends is to give meaningful support to a very special Buckingham institution and to its students.
Membership of the Friends also offers you the following benefits:
- Invitations to concerts, lectures and social events
- Regular mailings to keep you in touch with the University
- Access to the University Refectory and Bar in the Tanlaw Mill
- Opportunity to join the University Library (external member)
- Opportunity to join the Fitness Centre as an 'off peak' member
- Opportunity to join sports and fitness classes (subject to availability), and to use the the Wellness Centre (external link) at preferential rates.
Individual subscription: £15.00 annually. Joint subscription: £25.00 annually. Life membership: £150. Senior citizens pay half these rates. Membership is restricted to those aged eighteen and over.
How to join
You can download a copy of the application form here (a PDF file of 8 KB). Please print it out and return it with your cheque to the address below.
Contact
Julian Lovelock
Secretary to the Friends
The University of Buckingham
Hunter Street
Buckingham
MK18 1EG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1280 820142
Fax: +44 (0)1280 822245
Email:
friends@buckingham.ac.uk