Privacy policy

Last updated: 09/04/2025

1. Who We Are

The Bewick Society is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Thomas Bewick.

Our website, hosted on Squarespace, allows you to:

  • Join or renew your membership

  • Make donations

  • Receive updates and event information

  • Access our publication, The Cherryburn Times

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect the following personal information when you engage with us:

If you become a member:

  • Name

  • Postal address

  • Email address (if provided)

  • Communication preferences

  • Payment information (processed securely – we do not store card details)

If you donate or get in touch with us:

  • Name and email address

  • Donation details (we do not store payment data)

  • Optional postal address

If you visit our website:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Pages visited

  • Cookie preferences (see Section 8)

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

  • Send you The Cherryburn Times by post or email, depending on your preference

  • Share newsletters, updates, and notices (e.g. Annual General Meeting)

  • Process membership applications and donations

  • Maintain historical records of Society membership

  • Improve our website and communications

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we rely on the following lawful bases for processing your data:

  • Contract – to fulfil your membership and deliver publications

  • Consent – for optional communications such as email newsletters

  • Legitimate interest – to preserve a historical record and improve services

5. How Long We Keep Your Data

  • We retain your personal data for as long as you remain a member

  • If you end your membership, we delete your electronic records in due course

  • We may keep limited paper records as a historical record of past membership unless you ask us not to

6. How We Protect Your Data

  • Your data is stored securely and backed up to prevent loss

  • Access is restricted to authorised volunteers (e.g. the Membership Secretary)

  • We never sell, share or disclose your personal data to third parties

7. Your Rights Under Data Protection Law

You have the right to:

  • Access the data we hold about you

  • Correct any inaccuracies

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Restrict or object to how we use your data

  • Withdraw your consent (where we rely on it)

If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us. As we are volunteer-led, we will respond as promptly as we are able.

8. Cookies and Website Usage

This website uses cookies to help it function properly and, in some cases, to understand how visitors use the site.

Where appropriate, you’ll see a cookie banner giving you the choice to accept or reject non-essential cookies.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, you can contact: bewick.society@newcastle.ac.uk