The original constitution and rules of the Club are simple and are normally kept from Club members. Officers of the Club are then at liberty to embellish the rules as necessary when public punishment of a member is required for transgressions such as late payment of fees. There are currently four honorary Officers:
President
Each Club member becomes President for their final year of Full Membership, then steps down to become a Senior Member. The main duties are to preside over each meeting of the Club, and to make the arrangements for Burns Night with the Secretary. Recent custom is for the incoming President to provide the refreshments before supper at the first meeting of each Session. Past Presidents are listed on the Club gavel stand.
Current President: Paul Carter
Secretary
The Secretary is elected from among the Full Members every few years, and is central to the running of the Club. This role includes organizing the caterers and menus, sending out invitations and agendas, maintaining the minutes and the attendance register. The Secretary liaises closely with the President over arrangements for Burns Night and all procedural matters.
Current Secretary: Austin McCormick
Treasurer
This self-explanatory position was established in 2017, having previously been included in the duties of the Secretary. The Treasurer also provides general support for the Secretary. New elections from the membership will be made as infrequently as possible.
Current Treasurer: Nauman Butt
Sommelier
Dinners are social occasions and are greatly enhanced by appropriate beverages. At the beginning of each Session, since 1980 (Robert Sells, Secretary), Full Members pay an agreed “wine call” into a communal kitty. The Sommelier is responsible for using this to provide appropriate wines to accompany each dinner and is called upon to provide a brief commentary on the wines during the meal. Tasting notes are usually produced as well (see agenda for each session). The Sommelier is elected from the membership every few years.
Current Sommelier: Ed Silva
A list of past officers by session number can be found below:
Additionally, a full list of past officers dating back to 1908 can be downloaded here