HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP – the recent history
The awarding of Honorary Life Membership to those who have rendered “exceptional service” to the Association has featured in our rules for many years. In 2014 the committee noted that there hadn’t been such an award for over 10 years. When it was raised at the 2015 AGM, members commented that it had simply ‘disappeared from their radar’ and agreed that the matter should receive attention.
Rule 4 a) (iv) states that:
“The committee may propose for election at an AGM as honorary life members anyone who has rendered exceptional service to the Association. Notice of such a proposition must be given at the October business meeting.”
The committee considered the process by which it should select names from amongst any nominations received to be proposed to the membership in the above way. The need for a consistent approach and for a means to judge what constituted ‘exceptional service’ was recognised. The purpose of trying to ensure that only those who were worthy would be proposed was addressed with the set of guidelines below that have since been applied. These examples of service give an indication of what the committee believes should be expected.
EXPECTATIONS:
What should we expect of an ‘ordinary’ member?
- Regular attendance for Sunday Service ringing and practices at their local tower(s);
- Occasional attendance at Association events, e.g. monthly practices, quarterly meetings and social events.
What should we expect of a more dedicated member?
The above plus, for example,:
- Helping with the teaching of new ringers at their home tower;
- Holding office at their local tower and/or organising e.g. tower outings;
- Frequent attendance at Association events;
- Occasional helper at Association events (e.g. arriving early at a social event to help set up; preparing food etc.);
- Occasional quarter peal ringer.
What should we expect of an outstanding member?
The above plus, for example,:
- Leadership role at their home tower (e.g. Tower Captain; driving force behind a refurbishment scheme);
- Officer of the Association (where they are held in respect and notable for more than simply ‘making up the numbers’);
- Making a significant contribution to the work of the Association (e.g. routinely attending training sessions, organising/managing Association events);
- Regular quarter peal ringer, occasional peal ringer.
What should we expect of an exceptional member?
The above, plus there must be a clear ‘step change’ above and beyond this. This might be via, for example,:
- Significant and long-standing contribution to the life, well-being, development and improvement of the Association and its members (well-known and respected by a majority, someone whose presence and activities have influenced its direction);
- Distinguished activity within the ringing community at national level;
- Other.