is the definition of "life member" written anywhere in the club constitution and or rules? Has the constitution changed? The normal way of going about things i think would be to inform people the rules were being changed (perhaps at an agm, or specially convened meeting) then give people a chance to object. This way the reason for the change is clear and transparent to all (there may be a good reason after all) if i wa doing it in my club the above would happen, then i would put my reasons forward, then take a vote, then change the rules