Well I don't have two ha'pennies to rub together either. I go to several events each year, usually all of the free ones, such as fly-ins (even if I have to drive), and the reasonably priced events, but just steer clear of the few that are out of my price-range.
There are lots of different events each year and I know that a lot of effort goes into thinking up new places to go, such as the recent visit to Bletchley Park (cheap and non-flying). Some of the events are very useful to helicopter pilots, like the bi-annual visit to the Heathrow Controllers.
I see lots of new faces at the various events, although I also see most of the Committee, who seem to come to the events regardless of whether they might encounter "riff-raff".
Of the many members I know, both on or off the committee, there certainly is diversity in their backgrounds. I know a second-hand car dealer, two engineers, a pub-owner, and an ex-para etc etc. Whilst they might have done well for themselves, they are very down to earth, and certainly not the sort to want to exclude "riff-raff"
When I encounter new faces at club events, I always take the trouble to go over and say hello, as do many of the members I know. Consequently I am always making new friends within the club and have never felt there was any wealth-discrimination - believe me if there was, they'd chuck me out for a start!
I am sure that the club does not want to get rid of people it does not like, although I could sympathise if it got weary of one particular trouble-maker who does his best to damage the club and its members whenever possible. He seems to confuse people not liking him with his inability to engender trust or respect, and blames the club for his own shortcomings. But that's another story.
So Helifun, are you the aptly named Country Member? (If so - we still remember!)