Horizons - FAQ
What is Horizons?
Horizons is an association for former Midland Bank and HSBC employees over 50 years old and/or those in receipt of a pension from HSBC Bank Pension Trust (UK) Ltd. It is run locally, regionally and nationally by volunteers from the membership. There are locally run social activities, events and trips, and a subsidised annual local lunch. Nationally there is a regular magazine with news, information and entertainment; online national photography exhibitions and a subsidised annual national lunch.
Who is eligible to join Horizons?
Membership of Horizons is open to all former HSBC and Midland staff who are aged 50 or over and/or in receipt of a Bank pension. For example, you may not yet be 50, but are in receipt of an ill-health retirement pension or you may be 50 or over, but not yet drawing your Bank pension. In both these examples you would be eligible to join Horizons.
How is Horizons linked to the Bank?
Whilst the association receives funding from the Bank based on the membership numbers and support for the national lunch, it is independent from the Bank.
What can Horizons do for me?
There are meetings, events and activities run locally and you can meet with people who have worked for the Bank and possibly people you previously worked with.
How can Horizons help me?
It is important to clarify that the national committee is made up of volunteers from the Horizons membership, they are not part of the Bank nor do they represent the Bank. They do represent the Horizons membership in regular discussions with the Bank and the Pension Trustee in order to assist in resolving a diverse range of issues, including incorrect pension clawback deductions and other problems with pension payments, tax code errors and Private Health Trust queries. The association also works in close collaboration with the Bank Workers Charity, ensuring that members can access the guidance and support that the Charity provides. Committee members also assist Horizons members in sourcing the right contacts within the bank to resolve banking issues.
How do I contact local/regional/national representatives once I become a member?
Contact details can be found in the magazine and on the association’s website: https://www.horizons.life
How do I know what is going on in my area once I become a member?
Activities are shared by email, posted on the website and for some of the group, on Facebook.
What does it cost to be a member of Horizons?
Just £10.00 per annum, payable by direct debit.
What benefits do I get for the membership fee?
The Horizons magazine, a subsidy towards the cost of the annual national lunch and a separate subsidy towards a lunch arranged by your Local Centre, along with the ability to connect with other former employees and the help and support of the national committee.
How do I join Horizons?
Please come back in November to our new site and follow the links there on how to Join Us.