‘my craft is my art’

 

The aims and objectives of the Guild are to:

 

·            Promote and stimulate interest in sugarcraft

·            Share knowledge

·            Develop talent

·            Improve standards

 

National Office:

572 Middleton Road, Chadderton, Oldham. OL9 0HF

Tel: 0161 222 9699 w nationaloffice@bsguk.org

www.bsguk.org

 

Visit our regional websites:

Region 1 – Scotland & N. Ireland:          www.bsgregion1.webs.com

Region 2 – North England:                    www.sugarcraftnorth.co.uk

Region 4 – Central UK:                        www.region4centralukbsg.org

Region 6 – South West:                        www.bsgregion6.com

Region 7 – Chiltern Hills & East Anglia: www.bsgregion7.co.uk

Region 8 – South East:                        www.region8bsg.co.uk

 

Who are we?

 

The British Sugarcraft Guild (BSG) was started in 1981 by a group of enthusiastic cake decorators who had a love of the art of sugarcraft.  With a swan and its reflection for its logo, a Newsletter for members and its motto ‘My Craft is my Art’ the BSG was born.

 

By becoming a member you can benefit from the following:

 

¬The British Sugarcraft Newsletter

Published in March, June, September and December and is for members only.  You will receive The British Sugarcraft News in a magazine style; it covers reports on events and has an ‘Exhibition Diary’ with forthcoming sugarcraft and allied events.  It has photographs of members’ work from within the British Isles and International members.  It also has skills pages, hints and tips, updates of food regulations and keeps members informed about what is happening in the Guild.

 

¬Local Branch Events

There are approximately 140 Branches throughout the country.  Most meet on a regular basis with invited speakers demonstrating various skills, techniques and projects.  The Branch meetings are an opportunity to meet like-minded people and it also offers you the chance to take part in Branch events. Some have shops in attendance and also arrange workshops and trips. You can visit other Branches for a nominal fee; bring your membership card as some will give you a discount. Branch entry fees vary.

 

¬Networking

The Guild (locally, regionally and nationally) has many actively involved.  Don’t worry if you think your skills aren’t good enough - our members range from complete beginners through to professionals. 

 

¬Online Forum

Part of our membership fees goes to paying for the running of a BSG website which incorporates a message board where members and non members can apply for a log on and then talk to like minded people. You can get help with a problem now, find out what’s on and where, about products, and view members’ sugarcraft pieces.

 

¬Insurance

ADS Insurance Brokers offer our members savings on insurance for Public and Products Liability Insurance (details overleaf).

 

¬Discounts

 

Enjoy the benefits of discounts at many sugarcraft retailers; ask the retailer and show your card when paying. Shops are not listed.

 

Throughout the year you will have the opportunity to –

·         see stunning and creative displays of sugarcraft produced by members

·         swap ideas, discuss the latest sugarcraft trends, themes and techniques

·         compete in BSG exhibitions  

·         meet with fellow members from around the world

·         see the latest tools, products and books from suppliers

	Membership of the BSG is open to anyone with an interest in sugarcraft whatever their skills, from complete novices to experts.

 

 

 

   There are 4 ways to become a member:

 

1. Branch Member:

£23 per year 1^st April to 31^st March (£11.50 ½ year 1^st October to 31^st March)

At Branch meetings you can watch demonstrations of various skills and techniques, socialise with other members and have the opportunity to take part in Branch events. 

The Branches charge an extra fee to cover the hire of the hall, demonstrator’s fees, overheads etc. These fees vary from Branch to Branch. (Some Branches limit the number of times you may attend as a non member of the BSG, this also varies from Branch to Branch)

 

 

2. Individual Member:

£23 per year 1^st April to 31^st March (£11.50 ½ year 1^st October to 31^st March)

This is available to those who may wish to remain independent of a Branch or may be unable to attend local Branch meetings. You may visit any Branch at any time and simply pay the Branch Visitor’s Fee.

 

 

3. International Member:

£29 per year 1^st April to 31^st March (£14.50 ½ year 1^st October to 31^st March)

We are delighted to include so many enthusiasts from around the world.

If you live outside of the UK why not become an International Member?

(Due to your overseas residential status we are not able to offer our special rates of insurance)

 

 

4. Cygnet Member:

£1.50 from 1st April each year.

This category is designed to attract and encourage our younger members up to and including the age of 18 years. They are the future of the Guild and several Branches allow older cygnets to attend adult meetings.

 

Membership fees contribute towards:

Training Judges, the Demonstrator Training Programme, Quarterly Newsletters, Branch Public Liability Insurance, Administration of National Office, Website,

Online Forum, National Equipment & Resources, BSG International Exhibitions,

 

& contributions towards the running of the Regions.

 

Public and Products Liability - Members Insurance

 

Arranged by ADS Insurance Brokers Ltd to cover Members of the BSG for:

 

1)   Public Liability.  To cover each Member/Individual for damages for which you are legally liable to pay in respect of accidental bodily injury to any person or loss or damage to material property in the course of your Sugarcraft activities. An example would be delivering a cake and dropping this and causing damage to a carpet or other property or injuring someone.

 

2)   Products Liability.  To cover each Member/Individual for their Legal Liability to Third Parties for their products supplied.  An example would be supplying a cake to a customer and that product causing someone to suffer food poisoning.

 

3)   Indemnity Limits. 

      a) Public Liability: £2,000,000 any one incident or £5,000.000 depending on insurance selected. 

      b) Product Liability: £2,000,000 in total in any one year of insurance or £5,000.000 depending on insurance selected. 

 

4)   Additional Covers. The Policy will also cover:

      Personal Liability cover for temporary visits to any other country (excluding the USA and Canada) in connection with your Sugarcraft activities.

 

5)   Exclusions. 

a)    Members/Individuals whose turnover from their Sugarcraft activities exceeds £8,500 per annum.

b)    Members/Individuals who do not reside in Great Britain, (including Northern Ireland), Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

c)    Liability cover in respect of products that are exported directly or indirectly to the USA or Canada

d)    Loss or damage to the cake.

e)    Losses arising out of the use of a motor vehicle including delivery.

 

6)   Policy Excess.  In respect of damage to Third Party property, the Policy would exclude the first £50 of any claim.  There is no Excess in respect of claims arising from personal injury or illness.

 

7)  Cover effective for one year: Commences 1^st May and expires 30^th April

 

8)  Cover underwritten by Covea Insurance plc.

Insurance runs from 1st May each year.  If there are a minimum of 8 Branch members who wish to take out the insurance it is reduced to £15.00 per Branch Member. Two Branches can take out a group insurance between them to make numbers up to 8. Otherwise Individuals who are BSG Members can take one of three insurance levels:

    

 

           For full information including the statement of fact, restrictions and exclusions,

 

           see our website: www.bsguk.org