The hobby club with no constitution.
And no office holders, fees, or possessions. Yet it functions at two locations and has done so for years.
I belong to two hobby clubs. One does have a constitution, office bearers, treasury, and possessions. It is housed by a public authority in its own club rooms and boasts both a considerable number of members and real success in its displays.
The second has none of these things and the sanction of no public authority, but also enjoys real success in its displays. All the rest has been bypassed in the structure, leaving only enjoyment for the members at their modelling meetings. They used a private studio and a home for their building afternoons and are housed, warmed, and fed very well.
I can see the benefits of both of the approaches – both the formal and informal structures protect the members and demand decent behaviour. The selection process for them may differ, but the end result is meant to be good club members. The only difference might show if this does not eventuate…there are formal rules for disengagement with the structured organisation.
Leave a Reply