info@grafhamflyfishers.co.uk

Constitution

GRAFHAM WATER FLY FISHERS’ ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

1. TITLE

The association shall be called GRAFHAM WATER FLY FISHERS’ ASSOCIATION (hereinafter called “the Association”).

2. OBJECTS

The objects of the Association shall be to:

a)      promote the pursuit of fly fishing

b)      promote and facilitate sporting and social links for and between members

c)      offer a regular programme of events during the winter

d)      represent members seeking, through consultation with the fishery management, a high standard in the quality of fishing and the service provided

e)      act on behalf of members in contacts with the press, appropriate authorities, various fishery bodies and the wider community

3. MEMBERSHIP

The Association may consist of a President, Vice-President and life members and shall consist of members, as detailed below:

a) PRESIDENT

A respected person may be elected at each AGM to this special category of honorary membership

b) VICE PRESIDENT

Persons who may be elected at each AGM to this special category of honorary membership

c) LIFE MEMBERS

The committee may propose candidates for this special category for election at any AGM

d) MEMBERS

Every person who shall have paid a subscription determined from time to time by the Committee

The Association reserves the right to refuse or cancel the membership of any person deemed by the committee to have brought the Association into disrepute

4. MANAGEMENT

  1. The management of the affairs of the Association shall be exercised by a committee comprised of the officers of the Association plus other elected members to a maximum of five such members
  2. The committee shall meet following due notice to examine the accounts and arrange the affairs of the Association
  3. Five members shall constitute a quorum
  4. Minutes shall be taken of all proceedings and shall be open to inspection by any member of the Association upon written application to the secretary
  5. Association business transacted by the committee shall be determined by the members present and the chairman shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie
  6. The committee shall select the bankers for the Association. The Association’s bank account shall be subject to such regulations as the committee shall from time to time determine
  7. The accounts of the Association shall be open to the inspection of any member of the Association upon application to the treasurer
  8. In the event that the Association ceases to be a viable proposition the assets of the Association are to be valued and, together with any cash balance after all debts have been cleared, made available to an appropriate fly fishing related charity or organisation.  Prior to any such action, a special general meeting is to be convened to determine the extent of the Grafham Water Fly Fishers’ Association’s assets and their subsequent allocation.

5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

  1. At each AGM current positions and any proposed changes be identified for purposes of officer election, provided that they shall be nominated by the members and notice of such nominations is provided in writing or by email to the secretary before the meeting opens
  2. In the event of two candidates receiving the same number of votes, the chairman appointed for the meeting shall have a casting vote
  3. The Chairman’s term of office shall be limited to a maximum of five consecutive years and he/she will not be eligible for re-election for two years following the end of this period

6. ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

  1. At each AGM every member of the Association present shall be entitled to nominate candidates for election to the committee
  2. Such elected members shall not exceed five in number
  3. Each member shall be entitled to vote for up to 8 candidates
  4. The required candidates receiving the most votes shall be declared elected
  5. In the event of two or more candidates receiving the same number of votes for the last place, a second ballot shall be held where necessary to determine the remaining place or places
  6. Except where there are extenuating circumstances no committee member who attends less than 50% of the previous year’s committee meetings may stand for re-election

7. CO-OPTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

  1. The committee may co-opt up to two Association members to serve as full members of the committee until the next AGM

8. SUB-COMMITTEE

  1. The committee may from time to time appoint from among its members such sub committees as it may deem necessary who shall conduct its business in accordance with the directions of the committee

9. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

  1. An AGM shall be held during each calendar year at such time and place as determined by the committee
  2. The secretary shall notify all Association members at least 14 days before the meeting indicating the agenda for business to be transacted
  3. A motion at an AGM may not be moved unless notice in writing has been made to the secretary at least 14 days before the date of the meeting
  4. The quorum at an AGM shall be 12 members
  5. Every motion shall be determined by a majority of the votes of members present and the chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote where necessary
  6. The constitution of the Association may only be amended at an AGM
  7. An auditor shall be appointed at each AGM for the purpose of auditing the accounts of the Association
  8. The treasurer shall present audited accounts of the Association at each AGM and report thereon

10. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

  1. A special general meeting may be summoned at any time on the authority of the chairman or upon requisition to the secretary under the hand of 10 members
  2. A motion at a special general meeting may not be moved unless notice in writing has been made to the secretary 14 days before the date of the meeting

Updated March 2019