Membership Frequently Asked Questions

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What does my membership fee contribute towards?
The CBA is reliant on voluntary income from individuals, members and supporting organisations to continue our valuable work for archaeology across the UK.

We are engaged in many projects across the UK to achieve our goal of “Archaeology for All”. We are working on your behalf to improve the status and protection of the UK’s archaeology whilst encouraging, promoting and providing opportunities for everyone to learn from the UK’s shared archaeological legacy. This all costs money and we need your help to support this work and help us to do more!

What are the benefits of membership?
Click here to see a full listing of CBA Member benefits.
How do I prove that I am a current full-time student?
If your course is 21+ hours a week, you qualify as a full-time student. You can post, fax, or email a copy of your student ID card to the Membership Office.
When does my membership begin?
All CBA Memberships begin in the month that we receive payment or with the next issue of the magazine, which ever is closest. Please note it can take up to 28 days to process a membership application, during busy times, though we hope to process it much sooner than that.

If it has been a few weeks since you applied for membership and you still haven’t received anything, please contact us to ensure that we have received it.

What is included in my new member pack?
Your new member pack includes the latest issue of British Archaeology magazine, the latest CBA Members’ Newsletter, Conservation & Community newsletter, a Brief History of the CBA, information about the latest CBA publications and other related materials.
How do I gain access to the digital version of BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY?
All CBA members can gain free access to the digital version of BA as part of your membership benefits. Simply follow this link and set up an account using your membership no./reference (this appears on your British Archaeology mailing sheet), and an email address. Its that simple! This free service is not available to BA subscribers – for access you need to upgrade to full membership (see how, below).
Where can I find my membership number?
Your member number is located on the address sheet of your British Archaeology mailing. It is also included on letters we send to you about renewing your membership/subscription.
What is the difference between subscription and membership?
As a Subscriber you receive bi-monthly copies of British Archaeology magazine, delivered direct to your door. As a full CBA Member, not only do you receive British Archaeology magazine, but you also receive access to the digital version of the magazine, bi-monthly newsletters, event discounts as well as lending your support to our charitable work. See here for more details about the membership package.
How do I upgrade from a Subscriber to full CBA Membership?
Upgrades are quick and easy! You can either upgrade online when your subscription is due for renewal, or call the Membership Office (01904 671417).
I have been asked if you can claim Gift Aid on my membership. What does this mean?
Gift Aid is additional income that charities can claim back from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on any eligible gift/donation, made by supporters to that charity. As long as you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid enables you to boost the value of your contribution to the CBA by 28p for every £1 you give (25p in Gift Aid and a further 3p in Transitional Relief).
Why are CBA Groups are no longer part of the national CBA Membership package?
We want to be able to offer all our members the same package, no matter where they are based. See here for more details.
My organisation would like to become a CBA member. Is this possible?
Yes it is! We have a special ‘Affiliate membership’ category, and two named representatives receive the membership mailings. Find out more about Affiliate membership here.
How do I find an archaeology group in my area?
You can search for CBA Groups here. For details of other local societies, visit our ‘Archaeology Online’ section or our Community Archaeology pages.
I renewed my membership but received another renewal notice. Was my payment processed?
It’s most likely that your payment and renewal notice crossed paths in the post, but you can always check your membership status by contacting the Membership Office.
I recently moved. How do I update my mailing address?
Please inform the CBA of any address changes by email to ensure you receive all your membership benefits.
How do I change my CBA Group membership?
You will need to wait until your CBA Group membership is due for renewal before you can change your group. On renewal of your CBA membership, just choose which CBA Group you would also like to be a member of, and join online!

However, if you would like to join another CBA Group sooner, you can join them direct. Contact the group you’d like to join and arrange membership directly with them.

Why haven’t I received the latest issue of BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY?
If you are missing issues and believe your membership is still active, please contact the Membership Office as soon as possible and we will look into it for you.
Can I purchase BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY issues I am missing?
Back issues of British Archaeology are available for purchase. Single issues cost £5 (inc p+p). Please contact us for more information.
Can I purchase a gift membership?
Yes. A CBA Membership is a wonderful gift for a budding archaeologist or enthusiast. Click here to give the gift of membership.
Can I upgrade my current Membership category?
It is easiest to upgrade your membership package upon renewal, and you will be given this option when you receive your renewal form. However if you would like to upgrade sooner, please contact the Membership Office to discuss upgrading and arrange how you’d like to pay the additional fee (if required).
My membership lapsed some time ago. How can I rejoin the CBA?
We would love to have you back! You can renew your membership at any time online or by calling the Membership Office on 01904 671 417.
I used to be a Joint CBA/Archaeology Scotland member, why is this category no longer an option?
We want to ensure that all our members receive the same package and service, no matter where they are based. Therefore, all CBA membership categories are now exclusively CBA only products.

However, you can still take advantage of purchasing your CBA and Archaeology Scotland memberships at the same time, by visiting our online shop. When you place your order for a new or renewal CBA membership product, you will be asked if you would like to ‘add membership of another group?’ You will find Archaeology Scotland membership in this dropdown list.

I used to purchase a subscription to ‘London Archaeologist’ alongside my CBA membership, why is the discount no longer an option?
We arranged a time limited special offer for members who purchased ‘London Archaeologist’ subscription, which has now come to an end.

You can still take advantage of purchasing your CBA and ‘London Archaeologist’ memberships at the same time, by visiting our online shop. Once you have placed your order for your CBA membership in ‘your bucket’ you can ‘continue to shop’ and chose your London Archaeologist subscription, which you will find in the ‘Other Products’ category.

If you have further questions, which are not answered above, please contact us.