Please note that some downloadable documents on this page require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The only qualification for membership of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT) is an interest in knotting, whether it is in practical knot applications, decorative knotting, mathematical knot theory or whatever.
You don't have to be an expert - just an enthusiast.
As a Guild member, you will receive the quarterly magazine Knotting Matters. Two formal meetings are arranged each year, held at a variety of locations, usually in UK. The meetings are open to all members with their guests, providing an opportunity to get together with like-minded people. At a regional level, local groups have been formed where members get together periodically to tie a few knots.
Apart from exhibiting at many events, often with a maritime slant, the Guild organises two meetings each year, as mentioned above - in May (of which the AGM is a small, formal part) and October (which is entirely informal). These are both usually very cheerul occasions where members demonstrate new techniques, give talks about their special areas of interest and exchange news and ideas. On the day of the AGM there is an annual Knot-Tyers Supper, which now has a 33-year tradition. The AGM has nearly always been in the UK, in a wide variety of venues. (The UK because the Guild began there in 1982 and is a UK Registered Charity (No 802153). The half-yearly meeting has migrated around Europe and North America, being held in many interesting places.
Some of the next few meetings are:
2018 IGKT France Annual Meeting, March 9-11th, Palais de Congrès, Arcachon, France
2018 Spring Symposium and AGM May 10-13th in Loughborough in the English Midlands.
2018 Autumn Meeting October 6-7th, Stourport-on-Severn, England.
IGKT Branches also host their own similar events - the groups in France, Germany and the USA are particularly active. The Calendar link gives a full list of all the IGKT events around the world.
Downloadable list of IGKT meeting venues
You can pay your Guild subscriptions online via PayPal. Please note that you do not need a PayPal account to take advantage of online payment. All major credit and debit cards are accepted via PayPal's secure payment system.
When renewing a membership online, please enter the relevant IGKT membership number in the Paypal Instructions to the seller box.
If paying the subscription for a new membership and the cardholder is not the new member (eg a parent paying a junior membership), please enter "New Member" in the Paypal Instructions to the seller box and ensure that you either:
complete the online application form and pay via PayPal.
Print and complete the membership form and send it, together with your payment, to the address listed below.
Membership Application Form 2018
If you are renewing your membership by post, please use the same form - adding your membership number if possible.
Postal Address:
IGKT Membership Secretary
15 Spey Close
Thornbury
Bristol
BS35 2NR UK
Email:
Membership fees are not normally refundable unless membership is cancelled within 21 days of joining or renewal. Members who pay a 5 year fee who decide to resign may receive a refund based on the difference between the fee paid and the normal membership fee in force at the time of cancellation for the period of membership enjoyed. If a member dies, a pro rata refund of membership fees paid will be made on request.
Subscription rates for all members, worldwide, are based on the UK Pound. Payment can be made by Cash or Cheque (UK currency only), Amex, Mastercard and Visa via PayPal. UK residents may also pay by Standing Order.
Adults
£26.00 per annum.
Family Membership
£30.00 per annum.
Juniors (from 10th until 18th birthday)
£5 per annum.
Youth Groups
Groups eg Scouts, Guides are offered discounted membership of £5 per annum if they are formed, wholly or mainly, for the benefit of young persons ie those under 18 years of age. Application should be in the name of the Group with a postal address etc of an adult organiser.
Corporate Membership
Fees for Corporate Membership are negotiated on an individual basis.
Since the Guild is is a UK Registered Charity (No 802153), UK taxpayers are urged to complete a Gift Aid form which allows the Guild to claim tax back from HM Revenue & Customs. New members will automatically receive a Gift Aid form in their membership pack but if any UK members require an additional form, please download the form here 2017 Gift Aid form or
Higher rate taxpayers in the UK can (at least for the moment) claim tax relief on charitable donations (which includes subscriptions where a Gift Aid form has been completed) in addition to the amount that we reclaim under the Gift Aid rules. Members may if they wish donate this tax relief to the Guild. US members may also be able to obtain tax relief on their subscriptions as we are a registered charity (in the US a "non-profit" organisation). Members in other countries should check their local tax rules.
UK members may find this link to direct.gov helpful.
