Constitution of the Real Friends of the Rec.

1. Name

2. Aims and Objectives

To establish a significant membership organisation for the following purposes:

• to give a co-ordinated voice to the residents of and visitors to Bath to enable them to influence the development of and improvements which should be made to the Bath Recreation Ground taking into account its position within the World Heritage City of Bath
• to ensure that the Recreation Ground continues to serve and host the sporting and cultural life of the City and does so in accordance with the needs of today’s players, users, spectators & audiences
• to encourage the Trustees of the Bath Recreation Ground to consider the best interests of the Bath Recreation Ground and its users, in particular its long-term financial viability To avoid any doubt these purposes, though intended to benefit the community, are not intended to be charitable and the Executive Committee shall promote these purposes in such manner as they think fit.

3. Membership

• Membership will be open to all those who support the aims and objectives of the Association
• Membership will initially be free of charge but the Executive Committee may propose for approval by any General Meeting a subscription designed to cover reasonable expenses of the Association.
• A Member may be removed from membership if in the opinion of the Executive Committee his actions have brought the Association into disrepute; such removal must be ratified at the next general meeting of the Association

4. Running of the Association

The Executive Committee (“Executive Committee”)

• An Executive Committee shall be elected to carry out the business of the Association · The Executive Committee shall meet as and when appropriate to implement the Association’s policy, subject to a general meeting
• The Executive Committee shall consist of:

1. President
2. Chairman
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Press Officer
6. Business Liaison
7. IT
8. Membership

• The current Executive Committee members shall hold office until the first AGM and thereafter to be elected for terms of up to 3 years by members voting at the AGM.
• At the first AGM members of the Executive Committee shall be elected for terms between 1 and 3 years (to be decided in the absence of agreement by lot) to allow for retirement of Executive Committee members to be staggered. At subsequent AGMs members of the Executive Committee shall be elected for terms of 3 years, Any member of the Executive Committee may at the end of his term be re-elected.
• The Executive Committee shall have the right to co-opt members as required.

5. Meetings

5.1 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)

Purpose

• There shall be an AGM held annually at which the Executive Committee will report on its work, present a statement of accounts and arrange elections to the Executive Committee and conduct such other business as they may think fit. Auditors shall be appointed at the inaugural meeting and reappointed annually at the AGM.
• The AGM shall elect a new Executive Committee, vote on recommendations and any amendments to the constitution. A member may by written notice to the Chairman or Secretary propose any resolution or recommendation at an AGM.

Quorum

The AGM shall be quorate with 20 members present.

Voting

• Alll resolutions shall be passed by simple majority unless when seeking to amend the constitution which shall require at least a two thirds majority of all those voting
• All members have a right to vote at the AGM or by post or email if unable to attend Notice The Executive Committee shall publish the time, location and agenda for the AGM not less than 21 days in advance of the meeting by post email or postings on relevant websites.

5.2 General Meetings (“EGM”)

Purpose

The Executive Committee may (but shall as soon as possible on the written request of not less than 10 members stating the issues or resolutions which they wish to discuss) call an EGM of the membership at which any matters which could have been discussed at an AGM may be discussed, other than the presentation of accounts or re-election of Executive Committee members.

Voting & Quorum

The voting and quorum provisions of the AGM shall apply.

Notice

The Executive Committee shall publish the time, location and agenda for the general meeting not less than 21 days in advance of the meeting by post email or postings on relevant websites.

6. Changes to the Constitution

• The Constitution can be altered at any AGM (or EGM called for that purpose)
• Any proposed alterations must be sent in writing to the Secretary or Chairman at least 7 days before the AGM or in accordance with clause 5.2 if at an EGM
• Alterations must be agreed by two thirds of the members present at the meeting

7. Dissolution

• If the Executive Committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Association it shall call an EGM for this purpose, of which not less than 21 days notice (stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed) shall be given to members.
• The Association may be dissolved on a two thirds majority of those members present and voting.
• The quorum provisions of the AGM shall apply to such meeting and if the quorum shall not be met, the Executive Committee may call a further EGM on 7 days’ notice and the quorum shall equal those members actually attending.
• The meeting shall also determine how to dispose of any financial balances within the organisation’s account. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be applied for such purposes of benefit to the community as the meeting shall decide.

Confirmation of Adoption

I confirm that the above Constitution was adopted at a General Meeting of Members held in Bath on the ____ day of __________ 2009.

Chairman of the Association