Retrocentrics' Club Emblem and Tie

[RWS]

My vote (if votes we have in so disorganised an order) is for Costi´s recommendation, “ Mais ou sont les neiges d’antan?”, as our motto; Villon might well be one of the patron saints of the club. As for mascot, I´m tickled by the idea of the Bavarian pine vole -- small, inoffensive, easily overlooked -- but see sense in either the tortoise or wolfhound, depending upon the mood of the majority of us.

Rosettes shouldn´t be difficult to commission, though the execution may take some months. First, though, we must decide upon club colors (generally taken from the emblem or an institutional coat of arms). Red and gold, perhaps?

(I´ll add that I´m surprised, though not at all distressed, by the enthusiasm that this idea has excited!)

[RWS]

Of course, there´s always the dodo bird . . . .

[storeynicholas]

This is hotting up!! The Dodo isn't as optimistic a mascot as this Bavarian pine vole (which also tickles my sense of humour) and I can see much merit in 'Ou sont les neiges d'antan' as a motto as it is shorter than the first suggestion. However, I suggest that all members to date and any who read to this point and come on board should now cast their votes for one of the creatures mentioned above for the mascot and one motto:

My votes are:
motto: 'Ou sont les neiges d'antan'
mascot: Bavarian pine vole.

NJS

[couch]

If brevity is a criterion for the motto, one might simply vote for the genre of Villon's poem: "Ubi sunt?" There is something fitting about the fact that Villon was simply looking back to the classical convention, however, and the poem displays a kind of gallantry, so I have no objection to it--although both it and its generic cousins are really laments for mortality and mutability rather than expressions of fondness for autres temps and their moeurs (might "Autres temps, notre moeurs" be a candidate?).

Although the pine vole has much to recommend it, I like the logic of Costi's tortoise, so my vote goes to that majestic creature for club mascot.

As to colors for the rosette, were we to adopt the Villon motto, I'd suggest white with lilac. Or, in honor of the tortoise, should it be chosen, marine blue with solar gold or lunar sliver.

RWS, do we need to avoid any famous color combinations?

I am reminded of the canting blazon produced by an old friend of mine for a fictional 17th-century mercenary. "Captain Duncan Carruthers: Or, seven vert ewes displayed."

[storeynicholas]

Some wag once suggested that arms with supporters comprising two newts couchant would define me very well!! I am no administrator. I am afraid that I have often loaded the gun and let others fire it off - a stirrer - my wife claims that I even own the Devil's spoon! However, we need to decide various things.here; although, [/i]time is not of the essence and, therefore, since ideas are still coming in, we need, maybe to have a proper poll; with formal proposals, for:

A motto.
A mascot.
A field club tie (striped - and slanted which way?).
A house club tie (with an emblem of the mascot).
A rosette.
Meeting places around the globe.

I cannot even claim to be the originator of the term, hereabouts, of 'retrocentric' - who was it by the way? But, in suggesting the club, I firmly believe that we should just proceed according to the ordinary, common standards of people of the world, from all over the world, and have no rules, beyond courtesy to each other and an open vote on everything of importance - in other words, we should be a true democracy. For the avoidance of any doubt, I believe that, in the spirit of the LL, lady members would be most welcome. In stating our case to be retrocentric, we are neither Neanderthal nor, actually, eccentric.

But someone needs to take charge of all this, and how to achieve results. I have contacted the people in charge of the resurrection of the Eccentric Club and they are most interested in our progress.
NJS

[marcelo]

I tend to prefer Costis’ suggestion concerning the adoption of Giant Galapagos Tortoise, except for it is not clear to me how giant a giant turtle might appear when depicted as a tiny emblem upon a necktie? As for the allusion to its longevity, it depends on how it is to be construed, for not having myself the intention to live that long, I am afraid our Tortoise might eventually evoke the impression that we assume that a long a life takes precedence over a fulfilled one.

[marcelo]

NJS, congratulation for your recent thousandth post!

[Costi]

Dear Marcelo,

I suppose the tortoise doesn't want to live 100 years either when it's 35. But when it reaches 75 and realizes it's still able to enjoy a good swim...
At any rate, the allusion is more to the longevity of the species rather than of individuals.
As for depicting a Giant Tortoise, besides its characteristic shape and proportions (the domed variety could be chosen to avoid confusion), it could be depicted next to an object of reference: a rock, a tree, a bush etc.

[storeynicholas]

NJS, congratulation for your recent thousandth post!

Thank you Marcelo - and how kind of Fate to have allowed that 1000th post to fall in this thread.
NJS

[pvpatty]

My votes are:
motto: 'Ou sont les neiges d'antan'
mascot: Bavarian pine vole.

NJS

I second these recommendations.

[storeynicholas]

Dear Marcelo,

I suppose the tortoise doesn't want to live 100 years either when it's 35. But when it reaches 75 and realizes it's still able to enjoy a good swim...
At any rate, the allusion is more to the longevity of the species rather than of individuals.
As for depicting a Giant Tortoise, besides its characteristic shape and proportions (the domed variety could be chosen to avoid confusion), it could be depicted next to an object of reference: a rock, a tree, a bush etc.

The giant tortoise would be good - maybe without an actual vote, the decisions will be made in a shambolic way - which is all very much in the intended spirit of the club anyway!!
NJS

[pvpatty]

Another thought - we have decided that we need a club mascot, but should we not also need a club crest (to go on the tie/blazers/etc?).

[storeynicholas]

Another thought - we have decided that we need a club mascot, but should we not also need a club crest (to go on the tie/blazers/etc?).

RWS is probably the best club expert in this area.
NJS

[Swark]

can i say that as a young man i do not fully understand the retrocentric concept but i like what i'm hearing. i am all for club mascots motto's and crests

[storeynicholas]

[quote="Costi"]Dear Marcelo,

I suppose the tortoise doesn't want to live 100 years either when it's 35. But when it reaches 75 and realizes it's still able to enjoy a good swim...

Exactly. My father is 75 and still plays golf and his usual usual partner is over 80 - however, they do not yet compare with a family friend who is in his 101st year and still mobile and 'with it'.

Does the following accurately reflect members' favourites at the moment:

Motto: Ou sont les neiges d'antan.
Mascot: giant Galapagos tortoise.
[Field club tie: equal red and gold stripes].
House tie: maybe red background and gold embroidered tortoises.
Rosette: red and gold.
Maybe arms (subject to any necessary grant).

The shade of red would need definition - I suppose claret?

I will ask Benson & Clegg, who are club and association tie experts, about whether these colours duplicate any that they know to be in use for another organization in the UK - maybe others could check for their own countries?
NJS