Benefits include our publications (Signals, Mixed Moss and The Outlaw), events, book club, library, archive, merchandise stall and access to Amazon Publications.

We are a community of people who have a common interest in, and enjoyment of, Arthur Ransome’s writings and the philosophy of self-reliance.  Parents with children who also want to experience activities such as those described in the Swallows and Amazons series will also be interested in joining.  We encourage our under 16’s “The Outlaws” or “Juniors” to have a go, with activities ranging from sailing to chess.  There are always adults around, many with advanced skills in whatever we are doing.  We have third party liability insurance and have safety and safeguarding policies in place.

Membership Terms

Membership runs from January to December.  If you join from October 1st, your membership runs till the following December.

As a member you will receive Signals, our magazine, 3 times a year.  Mixed Moss is published once a year. Junior and family memberships also receive Outlaw 3 times a year. All these publications are available to members online.

We are aware of ecological concerns regarding printed matter and the cost of postage, and so encourage digital membership. All overseas prices are £5 more than UK if you opt for paper publications.

‘I joined TARS with my family and we particularly enjoyed camping , sailing and looking for possible sites mentioned in the books. Over the years we have taken part in lots of activities and made many friends. I have also enjoyed the literary side of TARS, particularly the Literary Weekends which give the opportunity to learn much more about Arthur Ransome, his life and his writing. TARS events are always fun, interesting and friendly.’ AW

“The things we like about TARS:

Meeting up with other members; Making new friends, particularly those interested in AR; Outdoor activities – water activities, rowing, sailing, canoeing, archery, skating; Learning about AR and other writers; Visit events; Camping in a group; Campfire singing; Opportunity to write articles and reviews for the Outlaw and for the regional pages in Signals”

The Blue Family

“I like belonging to TARS because I get to participate in sailing events and camps” BH (14)

“I like being a member of TARS because I enjoy sailing and going in boats and making new friends at the events” FH (12)

“I made a new friend and we get to go out in boats which is great fun” RH (7)

The Hambleton Family

TARS is not only for children and their parents, grandparents or guardians.  Many adults join us as they still enjoy doing AR-related activities with like-minded people; others because they enjoy the publications from their arm-chair.
As a member you receive our excellent publications Signals, and Outlaw for Juniors, three times a year and Mixed Moss once a year.
You can borrow books from the TARS Library which has a long catalogue of books which can be viewed here:

TARS Policies: Child Safeguarding and Data Protection are available on request.

Equality Policy: The Arthur Ransome Society is committed to treating all people equally, with respect and dignity. We welcome members irrespective of: age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation or gender reassignment.