Springfield Mill Action Group
Constitution

 

1.

Name

Springfield Mill Action Group (hereafter referred to as the Group)

 

2.

Objects

  • The objects of the Group are:-
  • The preservation, maintenance and improvement of and the establishment of new footpaths within the Springfield Mill site
  • The conservation, restoration and re-establishment of woodland on the Springfield Mill site
  • The conservation and protection of wildlife and wildlife habitats on the Springfield Mill site
  • The advancement of education by using the Springfield Mill site as an outdoor classroom for, in particular, the study of ecology

 

3.

Powers

The Group shall have power to:

  • own and operate such facilities as may be required by its members
  • buy, lease, sell or otherwise dispose of land or property
  • raise or borrow money for such property, facilities or activities, both for capital equipment and running costs
  • make regulations for the management of any property which may be so acquired
  • commission and pay for work to be carried out on behalf of the organisation
  • employ and pay staff who are employed to act on behalf of the Group
  • work with and enter into partnership with other agencies committed to the aims of the Group
  • take out membership of such other organisations as are considered to be in the interests of and compatible with the objects of the group
  • collect and disseminate information on all matters affecting the objects and exchange such information with other bodies having similar objects whether in the UK or abroad.
  • publish such material, papers, books, periodicals, pamphlets or other documents or films or tapes as shall further the objects of the Group.
  • operate bank accounts as appropriate
  • raise funds, accept gifts and receive contributions from any person who supports the aims of the Group by way of subscription or otherwise
  • invest the funds of the Group not immediately required for the objects of the Group in or upon such investments, securities or property as appears appropriate to the management committee and according to conditions as may from time to time be imposed by law.
  • exclude from membership any individual who or organisation which appears to contravene the aims of the organisation
  • do all such other lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the objects of the Group

 

4.

4.1

Membership

Full membership shall be open to

  • all residents of the Polton Village area interested in furthering the work of the Group
  • any other individuals over 18 who are interested in furthering the work of the Group
  • nominated individuals from local, national and international organisations interested in furthering the aims of the Group

 

4.2

Junior membership shall be open to those under the age of 18 living in the area.

 

4.3

Non-voting honorary members may be appointed at the discretion of the management committee

 

4.4

Annual subscriptions for membership shall be determined by the members at the AGM and these shall be payable on 1st November each year. Only paid-up members are eligible to vote at General Meetings. Non-payment of the subscription may be deemed to be resignation from the Group

 

5.

General Meetings

 

5.1

The annual general meeting shall be held before 1st December each year in such a place as may be determined by the management committee.

 

5.2

Written notice of the AGM will be given to each member at least 21 days before the meeting

 

5.3

The business of the meeting will include

 

 
  • election of the management committee
  • presentation of the audited annual accounts
  • appointment of the auditors
  • motions submitted by the members

 

5.4

Special general meetings must be convened on the written request of 10 full members at 21 days notice giving reason for the meeting.

 

5.5

The quorum for a general meeting is 10 full members.

 

6.

Management Committee membership

 

6.1

The management committee shall exercise all the powers of the Group on behalf of the members and in pursuance of the purposes of the Group

 

6.2

Nominations for the management committee may be made in writing to the Secretary prior to a general meeting or at the meeting

 

6.3

Where nominations exceed the number of vacancies elections will be held by a show of hands.

 

6.4

The management committee shall consist of at least 5 and not more than 9 members

 

6.5

The management committee may co-opt up to 3 additional members up to a third of the total membership of the committee. Co-opted members shall serve till the next annual general meeting and shall be eligible for election at that meeting.

 

6.6

No member of the committee may be paid by the Group

 

6.7

The proceedings of the management committee shall not be invalidated by any failure to elect or defect in the election, membership, appointment or co-option of any member.

 

6.8

At the first meeting following the AGM the management committee shall elect a Convener, Secretary and Treasurer and such other office bearers as may be appropriate from time to time.

 

6.9

No office bearer shall hold office for more than 5 years. At the end of this period a further period of 3 years must elapse before re-election to that office may take place.

 

6.10

The management committee shall meet at least 6 times each year

 

6.11

The quorum of the management committee and any sub-committee shall be 50% of the membership of that committee.

 

6.12

The management committee may delegate powers to appointed special or standing sub-committees. The work of sub-committees shall be reported to the management committee.

 

6.13

All questions arising at any meeting will be decide by a simple majority of the votes cast. In the case of equality of votes the Convener shall have a casting vote.

 

6.14

All meetings shall be minuted, including a note of those present, attending and the Convener

 

6.15

The management committee shall have power to adopt standing orders for the management of the business of committees. This power is subject to direction from a General meeting of the Group.

 

7.

Finance

 

7.1

All funds raised by or on behalf of the Group shall be applied to further the aims of the Group.

 

7.2

Bank accounts may be opened in the name of the Group with such banks or building societies as may from time to time appear appropriate to the management committee.

 

7.3

Withdrawals and cheques may only be signed by authorised members of the management committee. Two signatories will be required for all withdrawals.

 

7.4

The treasurer shall keep proper accounts and present summary accounts to the AGM and to the management committee as required.

 

7.5

All accounts shall be audited at least once per year or as required. An auditor may be appointed at the AGM or by the management committee between AGMs.

 

8.

Property

 

 

The title to property, heritable and moveable which may be acquired by or on behalf of the Group shall vest in the names of the office bearers or in the names of trustees of a trust established for that purpose.

 

9.

Alterations to the Constitution

 

 

This Constitution may be altered

  • at a general meeting called at 21 days notice
  • by two thirds of the votes cast in relation to the resolution

 

10.

Dissolution

 

10.1

The Group may be dissolved at a general meeting called for that purpose on the votes of two thirds of the members present and voting.

 

10.2

In the event of the dissolution of the Group any assets remaining after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Group, but shall be given or transferred to a recognised charitable body or bodies having objects similar to those of the Group.

 
     

Date of the meeting when the Constitution was adopted:

4 April 2000


CERTIFIED AS A TRUE COPY

 

Name:

Peter Cain

Signed by:

 

Address:

25a Polton Bank
Lasswade

Date: 4 April 2000

 

Name:

Alison Hulme

Signed by:

 

Address:

10 Stevenson Place
Lasswade

Date: 4 April 2000