Membership

Our Membership

The Eccentric Club membership is generally by invitation only, open on an equal basis to men and women of not less than Twenty-One years of age, elected by ballot.

Members of the old Club in Ryder Street (pre-1985) may be granted membership of the new club upon an informal interview with the Secretary.

Apart from very affordable monthly and annual rates, we also, on very rare occasions, offer a Lifetime membership option to some of our distinguished members selected by the Committee for their particular loyalty or contribution to the club.

Benefits and Advantages of The Eccentric Club Membership

The Eccentric Club offers its members many traditional advantages of a select social club with a rich history and traditions.

Along with the exceptionally comfortable venues, conveniently situated in the heart of London and available to members during club events, Eccentric Club members enjoy belonging to one of the oldest social organisations in Britain. With a fascinating heritage and a diverse membership, the club includes many prominent figures notable for their achievements in various fields of Art, Law, Politics, Science, and Business.

The rigorous process of electing our members ensures that those elected are indeed the individuals whose company the existing members would greatly enjoy and value. Like their predecessors centuries ago, our club members are less bound by the formal rules of many traditional clubs. They are impartial on religious and political matters, refrain from discussing business, respect other members, and welcome their guests. Such conduct provides an amicable environment for recreational and creative pastimes and greatly benefits our members.

Thanks to such a selection and the club traditions, our members are less likely to have to communicate with those persons with nothing in common with them, their interests and pursuits, as may be found in many less selective social and business clubs. We highly value the unique individuality of our members. We are not trying to increase their numbers unnecessarily – a club that has existed for more than two hundred years can afford to choose the quality of its company. We are not after our members’ money, but their company, character and wit, that is why our annual subscriptions remain rather modest.

Other benefits include regular club dinners and convivial meetings, association with more than seventy members' clubs worldwide, a varied programme of cultural events, and occasional special offers from various businesses that are friendly towards our club.

Election Process

Every new candidate* for the membership must be proposed by one and seconded by another Member of the Club, to both of whom he/she should be personally known for not less than a year (unless the Committee, in exceptional circumstances, would decide to accept the nomination of a candidate who is personally known to the proposer only or shall invite the candidate on behalf of the Committee).

Every membership application must be made in writing and signed by the Candidate and his proposer and seconder on a form provided by the Committee (Application forms are available from the Club Secretary).

When an application for Membership is received, subject to a vacancy, the committee will consider and vote on it.

The committee has sole power to elect members, who will be elected by physical or online ballot. The committee does not need to give any reason for refusing or accepting any applicant's candidature for membership. Members who have been refused club membership, blackballed, or had their membership withdrawn for any reason should not reapply or seek admission as guests.

The Committee may arrive at a decision within weeks or months, so the candidate's and the proposer's patience is very much appreciated. In some circumstances, the Committee may decide to invite the candidate to a few club events to get to know them better.

The Committee is always keen to hear from professional entertainers (singers, musicians, actors, magicians, comedians) and sportsmen (especially cricket, snooker/billiards, and golf) who may bring their talents to the club.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Club Secretary if you have further enquiries regarding the club membership.

* Wherever any new candidate above is referred to as “he”, it is implied to include “she”, i.e. relates to the candidates of either sex.

If No Proposer is Available

In rare exceptional circumstances, when a Candidate is strongly interested in the Eccentric Club membership and believes that his/her personality, social status, or skills would greatly contribute to our organisation but is not acquainted with any of the existing members of the club who could propose or second him/her, he/she may wish to contact the Club Secretary asking for the Candidate Application Form (or complete it online) and a meeting with the Committee members who, once satisfied with the character of the person, may invite him/her to attend 2-3 club events where an opportunity to meet the existing club members and secure potential future election support from them.

What Do We Expect of Our Members?

The club’s motto is ‘Nil Nisi Bonum’ – ‘Nothing But Good’ – and that is precisely what is expected of our members’ conduct.

Our tradition requires members to avoid discussing business, political, or religious issues. Members are expected to demonstrate a high degree of consideration in their words and actions, treat fellow members respectfully, and avoid any issues that may result in a conflict. If such a conflict occurs, they are expected to extinguish it as soon as possible. Those responsible for furthering such a conflict may be expelled from the club.

Things to Consider Before Applying

If you are new to our club and do not know any existing members but still would like to join, we invite you to consider a number of questions that may make you think more about your membership before submitting your Candidate Registration Form.

We may want to ask you questions along these lines at the introductory Committee meeting:

1. How did you learn about our club?

2. What do you like about it? What does appeal to you?

3. Why would you like to join us and not any other clubs? What makes us special to you?

4. What do you expect from our club and its members?

5. What and how do you think you may contribute to it?

6. How often are you prepared to visit the club and participate in its activities and development?

7. Can you participate in our entertainment for the fellow members or the sports events?

8. Are you a member of any other clubs? Which and why? What do you like or dislike about them?

9. What would you like to learn more about our club?

10. How would you like the club to develop in the coming years, in which direction? What is important for that and why, in your opinion?

If you want to submit your answers to these questions in writing, please email or mail them to us. Thank you.