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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bloody English Heritage!

72 replies

clippedcasuals · 14/01/2018 19:42

Surely they should have a computer system to show whether you are a member or not like National Trust. I was refused entry today because I couldn't produce my card.
Are they legally allowed to do this!

Every other membership will have a system to pull up your details if you can not a produce card.

I feel robbed!

OP posts:
scaryteacher · 14/01/2018 19:44

There is a difference between English Heritage and the NT. I imagine the NT membership records are data protected, and sharing them with English Heritage would be illegal.

riledandharrassed · 14/01/2018 19:46

^ think you misread lol

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 14/01/2018 19:49

NT say unless you produce your card they’ll charge. Not sure whether they put that into practice

SheGotBetteDavisEyes · 14/01/2018 19:51

Could you have shown them an email or something on your phone? I had to do that once, but they were fine about it.

DorisDangleberry · 14/01/2018 19:52

So you turned up without your card and tried to blag your way in? And you're annoyed that they didn't wave you through. Is that right?

Tipsntoes · 14/01/2018 19:52

I don't think it's unreasonable to have to show your membership card. You can't travel on a train without your ticket, even though there are computerised records to show you bought one.

bridgetoc · 14/01/2018 19:55

You forgot your card ....... That's your fault, not theirs. YABU......

Original poster
clippedcasuals · 14/01/2018 19:58

I not asking if it's my fault! We all forget things. In this case I don't think my card has been sent through yet but I have paid for a year's membership in full. I am asking is it actually legal?

OP posts:
WindyWednesday · 14/01/2018 20:00

The NT don’t have a computer they can see if you are a member or not.

TuftedLadyGrotto · 14/01/2018 20:02

They are different organisations, sharing databases would be a data protection breach.

LyraPotter · 14/01/2018 20:02

It is legal, yes. It will be one of the terms and conditions that you are required to show your card. Databases are expensive and often hard to manage (as well as bringing data protection requirements into force) so many organisations don't rely on them.

I understand your annoyance tho, I would have been frustrated!

ShiftyMcGifty · 14/01/2018 20:03

Is it legal to allow you entry if you fail to produce the ID you’ve agreed to produce upon entry.

Grin. No. Part of your yearly membership will have stated you need to produce the ID they issue you.

LEMtheoriginal · 14/01/2018 20:03

When you sign up you get a temporary card or something you print.

Someone forgot tgeir card when we were there and they were charged but were told they could claim a refund.

We aren't members anymore as dd getting a bit to old and we've done all the local ones. I miss it - all very civilised and good cake!

ShiftyMcGifty · 14/01/2018 20:03

(I’m being sarcastic by the way)

SirGawain · 14/01/2018 20:08

If you joined at an English Heritage property you would have be issued with a temporary document. Not sure what what would happen if you joined online, but I imagine that they would email a temporary pass. It’s not reasonable nor practical to let people in just because they say they are members.

Original poster
clippedcasuals · 14/01/2018 20:08

Yes but their terms and conditions may be unreasonable(which I think they are!) it doesn't mean they are legally binding.

OP posts:
SheGotBetteDavisEyes · 14/01/2018 20:10

We joined online, got a temporary card (actually just an email) and told to produce it until our card came through. We visited two properties in that time, and it was fine.

I think you were unlucky OP!

MsVestibule · 14/01/2018 20:10

I belong to the NT. I don't think it's unreasonable that I have to produce my card when I visit. If I forgot it, I'd be pissed off with myself, not the NT.

So to answer your question, I don't think that particular T&C is unreasonable. But I have a suspicion that you won't accept that POV.

GoJohnnyGoGoGoGo · 14/01/2018 20:11

I have a family membership with Cadw (Welsh) and it was made very clear to me when I joined up that I need to show my card to gain entrance to any of their sites. A database would be very useful though.

WhatWouldFlopDoToday · 14/01/2018 20:11

I have struggled with EH on Sundays as they have no one at their main office. I went a few weeks ago and although I had my card for some reason it wasn’t bringing up any details so they made me pay for entryZ I was thoroughly pissed off as it meant I had no money to buy dc’s lunch and despite many phone calls they still haven’t refunded it.

It is better the other 6 days of the week though as they can call HQ to check.

Original poster
clippedcasuals · 14/01/2018 20:12

If he had mentioned a bloody email. I could have shown one! The thing is I don't think they can actually make you produce a card for all sorts of reasons I don't think any other membership would refuse entry.

OP posts:
catladyinthemaking · 14/01/2018 20:14

So they’re just meant to take you at your word??

Littlecaf · 14/01/2018 20:15

National Trust do have a database, I’ve forgotten my card and they’ve looked me up. (Although was on a Work thing which might have swung it).

English Heritage have only been acting like National Trust for a few years so give them a chance.

YABU

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 14/01/2018 20:16

Of course you need to show your card!

The people at the venues are unlikely to be able to access the member database - that would be a bit of a data protection nightmare.

Completely reasonable to have to show a card to prove you are a member Confused

NannyR · 14/01/2018 20:16

National trust don't let you in without a card either see here. The website says you will be charged admission and you can get a refund in nt vouchers, minus an admin fee.