The Association of Blind Piano Tuners

Hi ! My name is Steve Workman and I am the present Membership Liason Officer for the Association of Blind Piano Tuners (ABPT ). I can be contacted on 0844 736 1976 Ext 3 and my address is 2 St Davids Drive, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7EN.

I would like to take a few moments to outline some of the membership benefits available to you for the year 2009.

In recent years, the ABPT has improved its benefits to its members. Mainly due to its website at www.uk-piano.org where we generate income to support our aims and provide free advertising to our members.

1. On our website, members can list areas, in which they work and give contact details. If they deal in used pianos they can advertise on this site or related sales, providing they do not conflict with the ABPT's shopping cart.
2. The annual subscription for a full member is presently £55, which is likely to remain this sum for several years.
3. Our insurance covers public liability for £5 million for working in schools and homes and £10 million for one employee. If you happen to damage a customers piano while working on it in their home, there is cover up £25,000, the first £250 of which to be paid by member. Insurance is essential in this day and age, and is a requirement when entering public buildings, schools, halls etc.
4. We can arrange for personal insurance to cover loss of earnings while ill. Members can also apply for a single payment of £500, from the Association if they are unable to work because of an accident or some other disabling illness. Payments will be at the discretion of the Management Committee.
5. Through the Association, new members can be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau to clear them to work in situations where there are vulnerable people, and in schools at a cost of £40.00.
6. To give a professional image, we offer shirts and ties with our logo on at cost price.
7. We advertise in piano-related journals, and trade magazines
8. We have a leaflet "Buying and caring for Pianos" this leaflet is free to members.
9. We subsidise training sessions, often at our Annual General Meeting, and endeavour to expand this training in local areas.
10. ABPT has its own National Office. . With a Telephone Help line for members' and the general publics enquiries.

With our resources, we will be striving to improve the business of members for the future, so why not join us and, for the equivalent of a pound a week at present, realise these benefits.

1. Full membership: You must hold a full C.T.B. or A.E.W.V.H Diploma in piano tuning and repairs or overseas equivalent test. At present the costs is £55.00 per year ( due by December 31st of each year), and entitles you to all of the benefits. You may use the letters MABPT after your name
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3. Overseas membership: You must be a visually impaired piano tuner membership is at the discretion of the council At present the costs is £25.00 per year ( due by December 31st of each year), and entitles you to all of the benefits (except for the insurance you have to be a UK resident.)You may use the letters MABPT after your name
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5. Associate membership: You must be a recognised practicing piano tuner. At present this costs £25 per year ( due by December 31st each year), and entitles you to all the benefits except for the insurance cover and tie. You may use the letters ABPT after your name.
   
   
6. Student membership: You must be a student training as a piano tuner technician. Membership is free and entitles you to receive the quarterly newsletter, be listed as a student on the membership list and on the Internet, and attend branch meetings, seminars and AGMs, where you can express your views. You may remain as a student member until the end of the year in which you qualify, full membership free immediately after you qualify for one year.
   
   
7. Friends and Supporters: This category is for individuals wishing to support the ABPT but who are not piano tuners. At present the costs is £15 per year or a higher donation if they so wish.

Or for more information contact: - Steve Workman Membership Liaison Officer. 2 St David Drive, Killay, Swansea SA2 7EN. E-mail steve.workman@ntlworld.com or Telephone 0844 736 1976 Ext 3