When GAG reformed in June 2013 to challenge the planning proposal a decision was made to reform as a charitable organisation. A constitution was created.
Name
The name of the group shall be ‘GAG 2011’.
It shall be a non party political group representing the views and wishes of local residents.
The Purposes of the Group are:-
- To oppose the development of land North of Dry Street and between Nethermayne and Lee Chapel South.
- To oppose the closure and demolition of Longwood Equestrian Centre and the Sports Centre.
- To promote the general interests and uphold the rights of residents.
- To liaise with other Associations, Organisations and Individuals in matters of mutual concern and interest.
- To provide information on local affairs.
Committee
The group shall be managed by a committee of individuals who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Carrying Out the Purposes
In order to carry out the group’s purposes, the committee have the power to:
1. Raise funds, receive grants and donations.
2. Apply funds to carry out the work of the group.
3. Do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes.
Membership
The group shall have a membership. Any person who supports the purposes of the group can become a member by registering to receive group information via email or post. Any person may apply to the committee to become a member of the committee. The committee reserve the right to revoke a person’s membership if they believe it to be in the best interests of the group.
Annual General Meeting – AGM
(1) The AGM will be held in June of each year and 14 days notice and an agenda given to all members. All AGM’s will be minuted and the minutes will be made available to all members.
(2) There must be at least 10 members present at the AGM.
(3) Every member has one vote.
(4) The committee shall present the annual report and accounts.
(5) Any member may stand for election as a committee member.
(6) Members shall elect between 3 and 10 committee members to serve for the next year. 1 year is the length of service for each committee member but they may stand for re-election.
Committee Meetings
(1)Committee members shall hold at least three meetings each year. At the first meeting following the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary by means of majority decision.
(2) At least three committee members must be present at the meetings to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be taken at every meeting and given to all committee members.
(3) If committee members find they have a conflict of interest they must declare this and leave the meeting whilst the matter is decided.
(4) Committee members may make reasonable additional rules to assist in meeting the group’s purposes and running providing they are not in conflict with this constitution or the law.
Money and Property
(1)Money and property must only be used for thegroup’s purposes.
(2) The committee must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen by anybody on request.
(3) Committee members cannot receive money or property from the group except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.
(4) Money must be held in the group’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by two of three designated officers of the committee.
General Meetings
(1)If the committee consider that it is necessary to change the constitution or wind up the group, they must call a general meeting so that the membership can make the decision.
(2)Committee members may also call a general meeting to consult the membership.
(3)The committee must also call a general meeting if they receive a written request from the majority of members.
(4) All members must be given 14 days notice of any general meeting and told the reason for the meeting.
(5) All decisions require a two- thirds majority. Minutes must be kept.
(6) If the group is wound up any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a local charity agreed by the members.
This constitution was adopted on 27th June 2013 by the people whose signatures appear below. They are the first members of the charity and will be the committee officers and members until the AGM, which must be held within one year of this date.
Signed by 10 members of the committee including the secretary and treasurer.
Signatures do not appear below for security reasons. Original document is available for inspection from the secretary of GAG 2011.