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

Members of the old Club in Ryder Street (pre-1985) may be granted the membership of the new club upon an informal interview with the Secretary. Apart from very affordable monthly and annual rates, we also, on 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 rich history and traditions. 

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

The most rigorous process of the election of our members ensures that those elected are indeed the individuals whose company the existing members would greatly enjoy and value. Whilst our club members, just like their predecessors centuries ago, are less bound by the formal rules existing in many traditional clubs, they are impartial on religious and political matters, refrain from discussing business, respect other members and welcome their guests. Such a conduct provides an amicable environment for recreational and creative pastime and is a great benefit to our members.

Thanks to such a selection and the traditions of the club, our members are less likely to have to communicate with those persons having 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 and are not trying to increase their numbers unnecessarily – a club which has been in existence for more than Two Hundred years can afford choosing 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 having a friendly disposition towards our club.

Election

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 application for the membership must be made in writing, signed by the Candidate and by his proposer and seconder on a form provided by the Committee (Application forms are available from the Club Secretary). At least 5 other existing club members are required to support in writing the candidate by submitting letters of support to the Club Secretary or signing the form and letting the Secretary know their reasons for supporting a candidate.

When an application for the Membership is received, subject to there being a vacancy, it will be considered and voted upon by the Committee.

The election of Members is vested solely in the Committee and shall be carried out by the physical or online ballot. It shall not be necessary for the Committee to give any reason for refusing or accepting the candidature of any applicant for membership. Members refused the club membership, blackballed or having their membership withdrawn for any reason, should not re-apply or seek an admission as guests.

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

Please do not hesitate contacting the Club Secretary should you have any 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, (s)he may wish to contact the Club Secretary asking for the Candidate Application Form 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, befriend and secure potential future election support of the existing club members would be present.

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 our members to avoid discussing any business, political or religious issues, the members are expected to demonstrate a high degree of consideration in their words and actions, to treat fellow members with respect and to avoid any issues which may result in a conflict between them; if such a conflict has occurred nevertheless, they are expected to extinguish it at the earliest opportunity. Those responsible for any furtherance of such a conflict may be expelled from the club.

Things To Consider

If you are absolutely new to our club, do not know any existing members, but still would like to join us - we would like to invite you to consider a number of questions which may, in turn, make you think more about your membership before submitting your Candidate Registration Form. We may want to ask you questions along those 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 some other clubs? What makes us special for 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. Are you able to take part 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 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, in your opinion?

If you would like to submit in writing your answers to these questions - please email us or send them to us by mail. Thank you.