[paulsherwin]

As a non BVWS member I suspect that the committee think that limiting auctions to members will encourage people to join and cough up their subs. They may be right in this. There's a tradeoff between encouraging new members and discouraging auction bidders.

I do think there's been a trend away from joining formal clubs and societies over the last couple of decades, encouraged by broader internet culture. The BVWS may be fighting a losing battle.

None of the above should be interpreted as a criticism of the BVWS or its active members.