Subscriptions to the Association are due to be renewed in January 2006 and Council has set an annual subscription of £150.70 for all members who pay their fees by 31 January 2006. This reduced tariff includes annual direct debit, cheque, part-time, job-share and retired members. This saving is clearly of advantage to members and is only available to members who pay before the end of January.Members who have elected to pay their subscription by annual cheque are reminded that these should be forwarded by 31 January 2006, either through school representatives or directly to the Association offices. The rates set for 2006 are as follows:

- full members £150.70 if paid annually by 31 January 2006, or £164.40 if paid afterwards; £13.70 ( £6.85) if paid by monthly direct debit.

- retired, part-time, job-share, temporary or supply members: £75.35 if paid annually by 31 January 2006 or £82.20 if paid afterwards; £6.85 per month if paid by monthly direct debit.

Members who pay annually are encouraged to transfer to annual Direct Debit. This method not only considerably reduces workload for both school representatives and office staff but clearly benefits members from the reduced rate. Paying by Direct Debit guarantees that the payment will be taken in time to obtain the discounted subscription. Direct debit instruction forms for this purpose are available from either school representatives or directly from this office. Members who have opted to receive information on revised subscription rates directly to their home addresses will be contacted early in the New Year.

Members who pay their subscription by monthly direct debit are advised of the following payment dates for December's subscription. The Association will input data to BACS on Wednesday 28 December which will be processed on Thursday 29 December for payment on Friday 30 December.

Members are reminded of the Association's free legal advisory service Lawline. Morton Fraser Solicitors provides SSTA members with a free and confidential legal advice by telephone or by e-mail. The service provides advice on ANY legal matter, with the sole exception of matters relating to the professional life of a teacher (which should be sent directly to the General Secretary). The service has been of great benefit to the many members who have used it. To make use of the service you can telephone on 07770748556 between the hours of 8.30am to 10.00pm, Monday to Friday, or e-mail at Lawline@morton-fraser.com.

5. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE

Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at noon on Friday 23rd December and will re-open for normal business after New Year on Monday 9 January 2006..

The President and Council of the Association wish all members the Compliments of the Season

ALBERT MCKAY, President

DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary