F.A.Q.

Eccentricity comes in many shapes and forms; it can be amusing, entertaining, enlightening, creative, useful, dangerous, egoistic, tasteless, threatening, etc. Regrettably, so many things and acts are being called “eccentric” that the definition of eccentricity is too wide and vague. The Eccentric Club traditionally celebrates eccentricity as the originality and individual creative expression of its members, unique and yet practical, achievable and yet fantastic in the eyes of the conventional observers, successful in its completion, and useful — not just to the originator, but to the public in general, to the nation, and to mankind.

Centuries ago, our predecessors were also talking about “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 and Regulations, 1808).

Our members meet on a regular basis at one of the venues to enjoy each other’s company and intellectual conversation over a glass of fine wine or a convivial club dinner. We often invite our friends, non-members, members of other clubs, and those interested in learning more about our club to our monthly meetings. That’s where our members can get to know better our guests and vice versa; questions are asked and answered on both sides; both parties may occasionally treat those gathered to some artistic entertainment.

Presently, the club membership consists of some remarkable gentlemen and ladies, all of whom were carefully selected and include many prominent figures notable for their achievements in various fields of art, law, politics, science, and business.

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. 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 that 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.

There are many ways to become a member of the Eccentric Club. If you are patient and determined, you are very likely to succeed, whether you are a gentleman or a lady.

Being an eccentric, in one’s understanding, is not the ultimate requirement for being considered as our future member. Not all the eccentrics are the members of our, or, indeed, of any other club. And not all of our members are eccentrics (in fact, most of them would reject the very idea!).

Yes! In 1984, it was announced that the Eccentric Club, known for many years as a 'male bastion,' was to start accepting female members. It then closed for refurbishment and never reopened until its revival in 2008 in different premises run mostly by totally different people. Some evil tongues in the 80s were saying that this decision led the club to its closure and that it was never meant to accept women as members.

Despite the popular belief that 'eccentrics need no dress code,' we believe that our inner originality won't lose its sparkle if we wear formal attire that is acceptable throughout the clubland.

When the club’s revival started in 2007, we considered creating a brand new club. However, as our efforts became more noticeable, we received increasing support from former members, their families, relatives, and friends. Many of them joined our club, seeing it as a continuation of the old Eccentric Club.

After the renovation works started in Ryder Street in 1984/85, the East India Club invited a number of the Eccentric Club members in good standing to join it and enjoy its facilities along with its own full members and many members of other clubs, which over the years have merged with the East India Club, giving it its present name: “The East India Devonshire Public Schools and Sports Club,” which is almost meaningless to those who do not know this club’s history.

No, we are not. In fact, the club is completely politically unaffiliated and impartial. However, we do have some members who, at various times, participated in this party’s activities, and even one member stood as this party’s candidate in the General Elections and received a great deal of support in Surrey! 

We hold ‘Convivial Meetings’ (apart from occasional cancellations), often inviting to them not just the club members but also their friends, new candidates, former members seeking re-election, and some new ‘interesting’ guests, chosen by or recommended to the Committee anonymously by our members.

Yes. If you have been invited to our Open Convivial Meeting or The Candidates' Night, you may bring a guest or two, as long as you feel that they will be interested, will fit in with a club like ours (even if only as the guests), and would be able to observe our rules of conduct, the first of which is respect to everyone present and ‘Nil Nisi Bonum.’ See above No.4.

You should always formally ask us, and you may also need formal permission from the venue we meet at. On most occasions, if the photographs are taken for private use only, we would have no hesitation in allowing you to photograph; however, you may also need to ask the individual members whether they do not mind being photographed by you. 

While the Eccentric Club does not offer accommodation, our club members and reciprocal members can enjoy preferential (reciprocal) rates at select prestigious private members' clubs in central London. We have a special arrangement with these clubs for those who wish to extend their evening without worrying about getting home.

Although the Eccentric Club is not a business, it is a long-established and well-recognised social brand associated with the subject of eccentricity. It may occasionally endorse a business with ethical and moral values close to those of “Nil Nisi Bonum.” We would occasionally consider getting involved and associating with such businesses in order to raise the additional funds for the club’s development and charitable projects.