That is my thought LesB if I understand you correctly.
If you can be a member of something you tend to feel part of it and able to help with things and valued as a member.
If you are not allowed to be a member you may as well be going in a pub and watching the band that they have on that night or joining in a singaround or session.
It is nice to feel included and to be able to make a contribution to things isnt it.
Still it is a thankless task running a club for members they may start to have ideas of their own LOL