Constitution

Wheatsheaf Angling Club Constitution

Name

The name of the club is The Wheatsheaf Angling Club ” thereafter called the Club”

Aims & Objectives of the group

• To purchase, lease or rent waters and provide onsite facilities for the benefit of the club and its members

• To foster and promote the sport of angling with rod and line at all levels

• The Club will be affiliated to the Angling Trust and will adopt rules and codes where appropriate

• To maintain and look after the fishing pond and the surrounding area for the benefit of the club and its members

• To secure funds to improve the pond facilities and amenities

• Treat all anglers without discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin,gender,sexual orientation age or social class

• To promote angling as a social and health & wellbeing sport, with the aim to improve quality of life

Powers

• To raise funds and receive contributions , donations and otherwise, provided that the club shall not undertake any permanent trading activity

• To bring together representatives of voluntary and statutory organisations, government departments and individuals

• To hold meetings

• To employ contractors, when necessary to carry out work

• To pay the necessary expenses involved in running the club

• To enter into lease agreements

• To undertake any other lawful activity to further the group`s aims and objectives

Membership

• Membership of `The Club` shall be open to anyone with an interest in angling irrespective of nationality,race,religion,sexual orientation,age or disability

• Priority of membership shall be given to anglers who reside within the local area, as defined by the club

• Membership of the Club shall be open to any person completing a membership application form and paying the relevant subscription/joining fee as determined by the Annual General Meeting of the Club members and accepting the rules and bylaws of the club

• Membership will be divided into 2 categories:

• Full Membership

• Under 16`s free to fish (must be accompanied by an adult at all times)

• The committee reserves the right to refuse membership on application or renewal. Members or applicants may be  excluded or expelled based on previous conduct or behaviour which the committee deemed to be detrimental to the running of `The Club` and shall be at the discretion and vote of the committee whose decision is final.

• Members shall have the right to appeal to the committee with regard to any decision affecting themselves, provided that notice of appeal be submitted to the secretary in writing within 14days of notification of the decision.

Management Committee

• The club shall elect a management committee of a minimum of 6 members and a maximum of 8 members .The committee will manage the club and make decisions as voted at a meeting or at the AGM,or through delegated powers, as previously agreed by the membership

• The committee will at least consist of chair, vice chair , secretary, Treasurer(known as the officers) and two committee members .The term of officers will be for 12 months

• Decisions will be made on a majority vote with the chair having the casting vote on any tied decisions

• Selection of officers will be made at the AGM

• The committee will have the power to co-opt members if it wishes to use this power

Meetings

• The committee will meet at least 4 times per year, one of which will include the AGM

• The quorum required for business to be agreed is 5 members including at least two officers

• The secretary will provide a meeting agenda and take notes at all meetings, the minutes of these meetings will be made available to all members .The secretary will also maintain all relevant book work as required by the committee

• An extraordinary meeting can take place at any time as agreed by the committee, all members will be informed of the said meeting

• Meetings will be held at an appropriate time and suitable venue to provide accessibility to the majority of members

Finances

• The treasurer will keep accurate accounts of the clubs business and provide independent audited accounts every 2 years

• A simple written note of the clubs financial position will be produced at every committee meeting

• A valid current bank account will be put in place ,where the club will require a minimum of two signatures on all cheques ,these persons will be not related to each other or live in the same household

• Any electronic bank transfers will be witnessed by 2 committee members on every occasion

• All receipts for purchases and payments will be maintained of a minimum of 12 months

• No member shall derive any financial benefit from the club,except for “reasonable expenses”

• Any work or projects that will exceed £1000 will require 3 valid quotes

Trustees

• Trustees of the club will be the signatures on any lease agreements over 5yrs

• In all leases, contracts and agreements provision will be included stating that they , the Trustees, are acting on behalf of the the club and that in no case will their personal liability exceed the amount by which they are indemnified out of the club funds

• Trustees will not be made responsible for any debts,wheather in the past,present or future.these will be the responsibility of the club

• Trustees will hold office until death ,resignation or removal by the committee by majority decision

• Trustees will make all decisions based on a majority vote

• Trustees are entitled to receive advanced notice of all general committee  meetings and to attend but they will have no voting rights.

Amendments To The Constitution

• If amendment(s) to the constitution are necessary due to a change of circumstances ,members will be informed and given the opportunity to consider and vote on the amendments. The amendment(s) will be made if there is two -thirds majority vote of members

Dissolution

• If the committee, by simple majority , deem it advisable to dissolve the club,it shall call a meeting of all the members of the club, giving not less than 14 days notice. If such a decision is confirmed by a majority of those present ,then all assets of the club shall be transferred to the parish council who owns the land. The parish council will retain any monies until another club is established that has similar aims.