A retired NHS worker has spoken about how she uses a public sector club membership to get some “must-have” savings.
Vicki Sciberras, 52, has saved more than £800 over the past year thanks to being a member of Boundless, a group for current and retired public sector workers.
The membership entitles her to huge discounts on days outs, holidays and on some everyday expenses.
She told Express.co.uk: “Now I’m retired it’s a must-have for the savings – on everything from the daily supermarket shop and coffee to looking at new cars (especially if the ULEZ gets extended).”
Vicki and her husband Robert are both members of Boundless and they’ve recently enjoyed trips out to Kew Gardens, Wakehurst and the wetland centres thanks to their unlimited access through the club.
They also get free entry for their godchildren, Olivia and Beatrice, aged 14 and 11 respectively.
Vicki said: “If you join a club like this you’ve got to make the most of it and have it at the forefront of your mind – otherwise you get to the end of the year and think it’s not been worth it.
“When you do make the most of these memberships it’s amazing the savings you can make.
“For me it’s the benefit of still being able to go out somewhere lovely – and I can do that much more often as it’s not costing me so much.”
The couple are both also members of the National Trust and they hugely enjoy exploring the countryside with their godchildren.
They have saved almost £400 on trips to Kew Gardens and to Wakehurst with friends and family over the past year.
The former NHS practice lead said: “My godchildren love the activities at Kew and Wakehurst.
“At Wakehurst there’s an activity area with lots of climbing and balancing – we also had a more educational day there too as they have the seed bank.
“Last summer we went to Kew Gardens, which they absolutely loved. We went up the pagoda all the way to the top – Beatrice is a bit of a daredevil.”
Vicki previously worked at a residential care home GP surgery while Robert was a bus inspector.
Also with Boundless, they’ve been on special member days to attractions around the country, such as the Eden Project last year.
This summer, they are using the Kids Pass with their goddaughters to try out some new places.
They also recently saved £15 on cinema tickets with Vicki’s dad to see the new Indiana Jones film.
The retired couple are going on holidays in the Cotswolds in September, where they’ll be staying in Bourton on the Water, thanks to Boundless Breaks, which saved them almost £150.
They’ve also saved on their drinks out with a Boundless gift card at Costa Coffee and saved £30 on their car insurance.
Vicki said: “Boundless is absolutely brilliant in terms of money saving and being able to afford to still go out, have fun, see new places and things you hadn’t thought about before. Whether it’s cultural or outdoors – the variety is great.”
For the latest personal finance news, follow us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.
