I wouldn't want to suggest any form of conspiracy theory but could this be linked to trying to finally close down the BBC Club (at least what extremely tiny bit of it that remains in London).
Thus removing a meeting place for colleagues at lunchtime or after work (and admittedly a drink), recovering space in BBC premises for other uses or selling off the space, removing any subsidies (remember Gliding clubs, rugby clubs etc etc) or any subsidies to members generally?
Days of clubs in BH (well the lovely one in the Langham anyway), TC, BU, Sulgrave, LG, AP, KA, Woodlands, White City, Motspur Park, KW - all long gone!

Cynical - moi?

Mike