Membership

I am pleased to be able to report that at the two meetings of the Court in 2010 we have admitted eight new Freemen. Four Freemen have also progressed to the Livery.

The recruitment of new members is not restricted to Members of the Court of Assistants. Every member is encouraged to keep on the lookout for those established in the dispute resolution community who might find enjoyment in and benefit from belonging to the Worshipful Company.

It would be discourteous of me to disclose the ages of our Members but I think that it is probably clear to all that we do have a bit of a demographic timebomb on our hands and it is anticipated that the number of members may start to reduce dramatically in the years to come unless we see an equally dramatic increase in new membership. It is essential therefore that we make every effort to encourage additional members. As an experiment for this calendar year only with the needs of younger members in particular in mind the Court of Assistants has decided that the entry fine for new Freemen should be waived.

I do hope that Members will make every effort to assist in maintaining a good flow of candidates for admission to the Freedom of the Company. The Company web site at http://www.arbitratorscompany.org/ has recently been updated and provides a great source of information on the Company and its activities and there is a readily downloadable application form there as well.

Chris Dancaster
Master