The Eccentric Club Rules (2025)

Preamble

The Eccentric Club (“Club”), established in 1781 in Fleet Street, London, re-established in 1890 in Covent Garden, and re-established again in 2008 in Bloomsbury, London, is a social, non-commercial, charitable, and politically unaffiliated private members’ club.

These rules (“Rules”) govern membership in accordance with the club's traditions and English law and are intended to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable environment for all members ("Members").

By becoming a member of the Club, individuals agree to abide by these Rules. These Rules shall also apply to members’ guests, and Members accept responsibility for making sure their guests are aware of them.

Article 1: Club Name and Motto

The name of the club is “The Eccentric Club”, and the club motto is "Nil Nisi Bonum" (meaning "Nothing But Good"), to both of which the Club claims exclusive rights throughout the United Kingdom.

The name "Eccentric Club," the motto "Nil Nisi Bonum," and the "owl with a clock" logo are also registered trademarks.

Article 2: Objectives of the Club

2.1 The Club is re-established to continue the traditional activities of its predecessors, known in various historical periods as The Illustrious Society of Eccentrics, The Everlasting Society of Eccentrics, The Eccentric Society Club and The Eccentric Club, Limited (“Objectives”).

2.2 The Eccentric Club considers its original foundation date 1781. It upholds the core principles of religious and political impartiality in the club debates set out by the Committee of the Everlasting Society of Eccentrics in 1800.

2.3 The Eccentric Club promotes “Good Fellowship” and “True Sociality” – “virtues which are now getting rare and eccentric; but which it is the wish and intent of this Society to cherish within their narrow circle to the utmost of their power... in the occasional enjoyment of ‘The feast of reason and the flow of soul’” (The Eccentric Society Rules, 1808).

2.4 The Eccentric Club considers equally important “the cultivation of "eccentricity" in a peculiar and mystic sense of the term” and “encouraging the art of public speaking on topics common to all, whatever their rank, religion, politics or profession” (Laws of the Eccentric Society Club, 1846), and intends to “promote social intercourse amongst gentlemen [and since the Special Resolution passed in 1984, the same applies to the ladies, too] connected (directly or indirectly) with literature, art, music, the drama, the scientific and liberal professions, sport and commerce” (Memorandum of Association of the Eccentric Club, Limited, 1912).

2.5 Finally, the Eccentric Club intends “to maintain all the essential characteristics of the old society” and to offer its members “many of the conveniences of a regular club at a very small expense” (Laws of the Eccentric Society Club, 1846).

Article 3: The Club Committee

3.1 The Club Committee ("Committee") shall have all administrative powers necessary to carry out the Objectives of the Club in accordance with these Rules.

3.2 The Committee shall be appointed from time to time and shall consist of no more than 7 (Seven) members, including the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary.

3.3 Four members of the Committee should constitute a quorum required for making decisions.

3.4 The names of the Committee members will not be disclosed and will remain confidential. The Committee shall meet in person or virtually (online) at least once a month.

Article 4: Membership Categories

4.1 Membership Classes

The club maintains the following membership categories:

(a) Founding Members (the original re-founders of 2008; perpetual lifetime members, non-electable, equivalent of the Original Members (OM) of 1890);

(b) Ordinary Members (general membership);

(d) Honorary Life Members (distinguished individuals invited by the Committee);

(e) Ghost Members (deceased former members, listed in perpetuity).

4.2 Membership Capacity

(a) The total number of active members shall not exceed 500 (Five Hundred), excluding Ghost Members, which may be unlimited.

(b) The Committee shall, from time to time, review this figure and adjust it to reflect the Club's requirements.

Article 5: Eligibility and Application

5.1 Basic Eligibility

(a) Candidates must be at least 21 (Twenty-One) years of age;

(b) Candidates should demonstrate achievement or patronage in fields such as Literature, Music, Art, Law, Science, Philosophy, or Business;

(d) Candidates must embody the club's values of originality and creative expression;

(e) Candidates must understand and appreciate the Club's history and ethos and be willing to participate in the Club's activities, introduce new candidates, and contribute in other meaningful ways.

5.2 Application Process

(a) Each candidate must be proposed by one member and seconded by another;

(b) Both proposer and seconder must have known the candidate personally for at least one year;

(c) Applications must be submitted in writing using the official Club Application Form (online or printed); the particulars must include:

· Full name and contact details;

· Nationality and usual place of residence;

· Professional background and achievements;

· Other club memberships (if any);

· Signed declaration of commitment to club rules and values.

5.3 Exceptional Circumstances

The Committee may, in rare cases:

(a) Accept candidates known only to their proposer;

(b) Directly invite distinguished individuals;

Article 6: Election Process

6.1 Committee Review

(a) The Committee shall review all applications through a secret ballot.

(b) Four Committee members constitute a quorum for voting.

· One black ball: Candidate may reapply after six months;

· Two black balls: Candidate may reapply after one year;

· Three black balls: Permanent rejection.

6.2 Pre-Election Integration

(a) Candidates may be invited, at the Committee’s discretion, to attend 2-3 club events;

(b) This period allows candidates to meet existing members and secure their support;

6.3 Exceptional Circumstances

The Committee may, in rare cases, fast-track or delay the election.

Article 7: Member Conduct and Obligations

7.1 Core Principles

Members agree to uphold the following at all times:

(a) The core principle embodied in the club motto: "Nil Nisi Bonum" (“Nothing but good”), demonstrating a high degree of consideration in their words and actions;

(b) Non-conformist respect for individuality;

(d) Open and civil dialogue in debates.

7.2 Behavioural Standards

(a) Members shall maintain political and religious impartiality in club debates and conversations;

(b) Business discussions during club events are discouraged;

(d) Discriminatory or offensive behaviour will not be tolerated and may lead to expulsion;

(e) Members should avoid personal conflicts within the Club and do their utmost to resolve them amicably; if such conflicts cannot be resolved, members should temporarily or permanently leave the Club to avoid their furtherance.

7.3 Financial Obligations

(a) Members must pay entrance fees and annual or monthly subscriptions as determined by the Committee;

(b) Fees are due annually or monthly in advance;

(c) Failure to pay within one month of the due date may result in membership suspension; failure to pay within three months of the due date may result in termination of membership;

(d) The Committee may, in rare cases, waive entrance fees.

Article 8: Termination of Membership

8.1 Voluntary Termination

Members may resign by written notice to the Secretary.

8.2 Involuntary Termination

Membership automatically ceases upon:

(a) Death (transitioning to Ghost Member status);

(b) Bankruptcy;

(d) Failure to pay dues after final notice.

8.3 Disciplinary Actions

(a) The Committee may suspend or expel members for conduct detrimental to the club;

(b) Expelled members are permanently ineligible for future membership;

(c) Before a Member is expelled, the Committee will examine his/her conduct, and he/she will be given the opportunity to defend their actions. Having inquired into the events, if the Committee is of the opinion that the Member is guilty of such misconduct and has failed to justify or explain it satisfactorily, the Committee will terminate the Membership of the offending member; The Committee’s decision is final.

Article 9: Privacy and Confidentiality

9.1. Members must maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

(a) Club customs and traditions;

(b) Internal rules and practices;

(d) Club documents and proceedings.

9.2. By becoming a Member, you acknowledge that any personal information ("Personal Information") that You and/or your guests make available to the Club, either through the Membership process, access to the Club, and/or the Club website, or otherwise, is done so voluntarily and with the relevant individual's knowledge and consent. The Club will respect the confidence the Members place in it and is committed to maintaining the high standards required by the Data Protection Act 1988.

Article 10: Amendments of the Rules

These Rules may be revoked, supplemented or altered by the Committee at any time at its sole discretion to preserve the unique character and traditions of The Eccentric Club. Any such revocation, alteration or addition shall be deemed to have been brought to the notice of Members provided that a copy thereof is prominently displayed on the Club’s official website.

Article 11: Disputes

Any dispute that may arise with respect to these Rules and/or in relation to Membership or the operation of the Club shall be determined by the Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding on all Members.