We went to a local National Trust place at the weekend. It was lovely weather, and the place is great. Being National Trust members we could park the car for free, go around the hall for free but had to pay to go into the farm. We wanted to do the farm bit so paid. They quoted two prices for each kind of entry - a basic one and then one with a suggested donation added in. If you paid the donation they could claim back gift aid on the whole lot (not just the donation) which sounded a bit dubious to me, but it was all printed up on signs and everything. We had just enough for the basic family entry on us, but when I asked at the till for a family ticket the NT person assumed I wanted to pay the donation as well. That irked me - I’m already paying the NT money via the membership, I’m paying on top to make this visit and then they assume I want to pay a donation as well. I’m in favour of the NT and I’m glad it exists, but that made me a bit Victor Meldrew.
Enough grumbling - some links.
- A really good article on The Motley Fool about spending less and having err… more.
- A useful and free site that Just Works where it comes to travel itinerary paperwork.
- Sony starts another format war.