Traditionally, entry to the Crafts of Irvine was by demonstrating that the members skills met the standards expected (an original "Trading Standards" of the time) and along with the membership brought benefits in the form of charitable aspects which were a form of insurance against poverty and burial expenses.

With trade union reform and loss of political influence, the Trades survived as "purely social and charitable bodies". And this is how most Crafts now exist in Irvine with open membership, dividing efforts towards fellowship events and raising funds for local charities and worthwhile causes. The Wrights & Squares are the exception where membership is still only open to time served craftsmen but they still enjoy the social and charitable efforts.

The charity funds are raised each year through events organised by individual crafts such as race nights, literary evenings, bottle stalls, BBQ's or golf away-days. The Incorporation raises more significant funds by holding an annual caberet and an annual Charity Golf AM/AM which raises  several thousand pounds for distribution to the agreed needy causes which serve the community of Irvine.

Annual Donations

Have a look at the donations pages to see the destination for our giving over recent years and have a look at the diary for the next event which you might like to come along to. Just get in touch with whichever of the Crafts is organising.