I am a member of the Club and have been for about six years. I just happened on this thread this evening and did ponder whether to post on what seemed to be turning a witch hunt.
The ND incident did happen broadly as stated. For what ever reason, the gentleman concerned did not offer his resignation.
The Club has a set of rules, and they detail the due process that should take place when disciplinary action is to be instigated . As far as I am aware, the gentleman was "suspended" while this process took place and eventually the process resulted in the issue being decided by a members vote at the next quarterly meeting.
I wasn't at that particular meeting, but I believe various other sanctions were discussed as alternatives to resignation, but eventually thats what was voted for.
It was not a good time for the Club, and in hind sight, it probably could have been handled better. However, I believe the right result was reached in the end, no matter how unpleasant it is excluding a member of long standing, especially when it occurs against their will.
As to some of the other comments made...In the years I have been in the Club, I've never known of a dinner to be held at the Army & Navy, nor have i ever been required to wear green smoking jacket with blood red cordage! The Club generally has an annual dinner which is a black tie affair...The other dinners, which are held after the quarterly members meetings are just a suit or blazer and trousers...
On a typical weekend at the cottage, people turn up in everything from army surplus to shooting suits...the majority are somewhere in between, with Loden or Deer Hunter being popular...pretty much like any other stalking syndicate I've been in really.
Members come from all walks of life. Some are in the Club mostly for the social side, while others are in just for the stalking...the majority enjoy a mix of both aspects.
Ability and experience within the Club also runs the full spectrum from novices to people who have been stalking 40 years plus..again its a mirror of other syndicates I have been on..
Membership is currently capped at 350 I think, and generally we are pretty full...
Because of the structure of the Club, its certainly not for everyone, and conversely, sometimes the Club decides they don't want certain people for members; thats life I suppose...
Having said that, I've enjoyed my time in the Club, and have made some very good friends along the way. The Club is not perfect by any means, and neither are its members, but I am proud to be a member and look forward to sharing time with others who are passionate about deer and deer stalking..
regards,
Pete