Good on you Squirrel, I have just applied for membership although I have been to several HCGB events, a really good one last year was paragliding near Lewes darn sarf!!! and the trip to Wattisham was superb to say the least.... The HCGB does a lot of hard work for its membership and the members are all pretty much a friendly approachable gang who do not ( contrary to some folks past references) have a hooray henry attitude.
There are as previously stated some folks with pots of it and some who self hire...there is no differentiation between any of them, we are aviators.... not snobbish in any way.
I look forward to seeing you soon...membership £45.00, and worth every penny.