Note on the proposed new
This constitution is similar to the previous one but it does try
to respond to the changes brought about by the growth in club numbers etc. The
club also now ‘does’ more than it did before - more simultaneous pairs, more
Wessex League activities – so there is a greater role for the club Committee.
The constitution tries to recognise this but also puts in place mechanisms of
accountability etc.
The draft constitution falls into five sections:
Articles 1 - 5
These ‘define’ the club – what it is called, what it is for, where
it is based, the nature of its membership etc. Two particular points to
mention:
5.8 The membership has grown since we moved to the Maison Francaise; there may come a point when it we will find it
difficult to cope with numbers and as a result the membership may need to be
capped.
5.10/5.11 Regularise consequences of failing to pay your
membership fees!
Articles 6 - 8
These cover the day to day running of the club – the Officers of
the Club, the composition and role of the Committee etc.
Articles 9 -11
The Committee is answerable to the membership and these articles
cover how and when this occurs, primarily through the AGM. I would particularly draw Articles 9.7 and
9.8 to your attention as these allow members to raise issues or concerns that
might not otherwise be discussed.
Articles 12 - 13
These cover the financial arrangements. Note 12.3 about a joining
fee and 12.4 about possible variation in table money etc. Under 13.1 we are now
suggesting that our accounts be audited.
Articles 14 – 17 (and Appendix 1)
These cover important miscellaneous points not covered elsewhere.
Article 14 covers Guests and Visitors; this should be read in
conjunction with Article 5 on Membership; if the club continues to grow then we
may have to be less hospitable to guests and visitors (14.1 & 14.2);
Article 15 (and Appendix 1) put in place a framework for
considering problems of conduct;
Article 16 covers changes to the constitution, and 17 the winding
up of the club.