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The Eccentric Club Announces Call for Nominations for The Greatest British Eccentric 2026

The Eccentric Club, one of Britain’s oldest private social institutions, has opened nominations for its annual celebration of originality and public-spirited unconventionality: The Greatest British Eccentric of the Year. The award, revived in 2008, recognises individuals whose unusual habits, pursuits, or creative passions make a genuine contribution to the public good. Founded as early as 1781, The Eccentric Club has long been a home for free-thinkers, artists, philanthropists, and good-humoured non-conformists. The modern incarnation of the Club, re-established in 2008, preserves the traditions of its earlier years while promoting “Good Fellowship” and “True Sociality,” avoiding political or religious disputes. The Club’s motto, Nil Nisi Bonum (“Nothing but good”), reflects its ethos: a convivial, charitable, non-commercial society that celebrates originality, creativity, and independent thinking. A Tradition of Celebrating Beneficial Eccentricity The “Greatest British Eccentric” award continues the Club’s rich history of recognising individuals whose eccentric pursuits and ideas have positively impacted society. Unlike typical awards that focus on flamboyance or self-promotion, this accolade honours those who use their originality and unconventionality to genuinely enrich their communities. Past recipients have included whimsical philanthropists, artistic innovators, and quiet visionaries, all united by the common thread of making life better for others. As Britain approaches 2026, the Club poses a question that is both playful and serious: Has the nation run out of true eccentrics? The answer, the Club insists, is no, but one must know where to look. In today’s digital age, authentic eccentricity is more likely to be found in local theatres, overgrown estates, makeshift laboratories, village halls, and community projects than on brightly lit public stages. The quiet inventors, charitable obsessives, and community-minded individuals whose peculiar interests transform lives are still very much part of the fabric of British life. A Call for Nominations For the 2026 award, The Eccentric Club is encouraging nominations of individuals whose unusual passions and pursuits exemplify the British eccentric tradition. Candidates may come from any walk of life, and formal membership of the Club is not required. What matters is originality, integrity, generosity, and a demonstrable positive impact on others. The Eccentric Club’s membership, capped at 500 active members, is by proposal and election, with members expected to engage in creative, professional, philanthropic, or charitable pursuits that align with the Club’s principles of respect, hospitality, and camaraderie. Though the Club does not maintain a permanent clubhouse, it hosts regular dinners and cultural gatherings in central London and maintains strong connections with other long-established members’ clubs. Speaking on behalf of the Club, Ima von Wenden, Hon Secretary, remarked: “Eccentricity is not simply a performance; it is a way of thinking differently for the good of others. Britain has always relied on its eccentrics, they have preserved our heritage, enlivened our arts, driven our sciences, and shaped countless acts of service. They are the salt of the earth. The purpose of this award is to ensure that such people are recognised, encouraged, and celebrated.” How to Nominate Nominations for The Greatest British Eccentric 2026 are now open. Members of the public are invited to propose individuals whose unusual passions, projects, or behaviours exemplify the very best of the British eccentric tradition. Nominations can be submitted through the Club’s website, with detailed instructions on the process. About The Eccentric Club The Eccentric Club is one of Britain’s oldest private social clubs, with origins dating back to 1781. Re-established in 2008, the modern Club maintains its historical traditions, promoting “Good Fellowship” and “True Sociality” while remaining politically and religiously neutral. The Club’s motto, Nil Nisi Bonum (“Nothing but good”), reflects its ethos of celebrating originality, creativity, and independent thinking. Membership is capped at 500 active members, and the Club hosts regular dinners and cultural gatherings in central London. Its annual award, The Greatest British Eccentric, honours individuals whose eccentric pursuits positively impact the public good. Media Contact Ima von Wenden Hon Secretary, The Eccentric Club Email: [email protected] Website: www.eccentricclub.co.uk