What were contributions?

Contributions were payments made by members of a friendly society or trade union to cover the costs of benefits such as sickness pay, unemployment benefit and funeral expenses. Contributions were usually set at a regular amount per week or month, and were paid by members directly to the society or union. The amount of the contribution depended on the type of society or union, the level of benefits provided, and the member's age and occupation. In some cases, contributions were also used to fund social activities and other benefits, such as access to libraries and reading rooms. Contributions were an important part of the friendly society and trade union movement, and helped to provide essential financial support to working people and their families.