1.  Name of Organisation 

The name of the Residents Association shall be: FRACK FREE BALCOMBE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

2.  Aims of the Residents Association 

To prevent the exploration and production of hydrocarbons (oil or gas) in the Parish of Balcombe.

3.  Powers

• To raise money
• Employ paid staff or recruit volunteers
• Buy or rent premises / equipment
• Conduct research
• Work in partnership with different organisations
• Carry out anything else within the law necessary to reach the group’s objectives

4.  Membership 

Membership shall be open to all residents of Balcombe, regardless of nationality, political party, race, sexual orientation, or religious opinion, who are over the age of sixteen and share the objectives and values of the constitution.

5.  Committee 

(i) A Committee shall be elected to carry out the business of the Association.

(ii) The Committee shall be made up of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and up to five other general members.

(iii) Election of the committee to be by a show of hands and majority vote at the AGM.

(v) Co-opted members of the Committee  shall serve until the next AGM at which they may submit their names for election.

(vi) Any elected Officer may be asked to stand down if requested to do so by an absolute majority of the membership that responds.

6.  Annual General Meeting

(i) Within four months of the end of the accounting year, the Committee shall convene an Annual General Meeting at which the Committee shall make a report of its activities and present a Statement of Accounts.

(ii) The secretary shall advertise details of the AGM locally, not less than fourteen days before the meeting.

7.  Other General Meetings 

(i) A Special General Meeting open to all members will be held if twenty or more members submit a request in writing for such a meeting to the Secretary, who shall arrange for such a meeting to take place within fourteen days.

(ii) In all cases the Secretary will give at least seven days notice of all meetings of the Committee.

8.  Quorum 

Four of the Committee Members shall form a quorum at meetings of the Association.

9.  Finance 

(i) The Secretary and Treasurer shall be Trustees of the Association’s funds. Of these, any two shall be empowered to sign instructions for the spending of the Association’s funds.

(ii) The Treasurer shall keep separate records of all financial transactions undertaken by the Association, and report thereon to the Committee.

(iii) The Treasurer shall prepare a yearly statement of Accounts made up to 31st  December.

(iv) The accounts shall be examined at least once a year by a person who is approved by the Association.

(v) The Treasurer shall agree the arrangements for the security of the Residents’ Association’s assets, including any bank facilities, with the committee.

10.  Changes to Constitution 

(i) The Constitution may only be altered at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting.

(ii) All proposed changes to the Constitution must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least fourteen days before the general meeting.

(iii) Any changes to the Constitution must be agreed by a majority of two thirds of the members present at the meeting.

11.  Dissolution of the Association 

(i)  The Association may only be dissolved by a Special General Meeting called for that purpose.

(ii)  Such a meeting must be advertised at least fourteen days before the date of the meeting.

(iii)  A proposal to dissolve the Association shall only take effect if agreed by two thirds of the members present at the meeting.

(iv)  All funds and documents relating to the Association shall be disposed of in accordance with the wishes of the meeting. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any debts and liabilities shall be applied towards like-minded organisations or charities.

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