SGM to be held Tuesday 25^th August at 6.50pm

Proposed Changes to CMBC Constitution

Background

Our application for Gift Aid was turned down by HM Revenue & Customs on the basis that our Constitution is not in strict charitable form in law, we were too inward looking and lack the public character to be charitable.   We had understood that the EBU model Constitution that we had adopted was acceptable to HMRC but as this is not the case we can modify it to include our charitable objectives.   To change the Constitution we need to have an SGM so that a minimum of 20% of the members can approve the changes   There is no guarantee that these changes will enable us to qualify for Gift Aid but it will give us the best opportunity.

2   Objects   Delete and replace by Charitable Objects below

The object of the club shall be to provide facilities for its members for playing Duplicate Contract Bridge, to maintain the status of the club as a “No Fear” bridge club, and make provision for the less experienced members to learn, improve and play Contract Bridge in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.  

2   Charitable Objects  New

a    The advancement of amateur sport by promoting the game of bridge for the benefit of the residents of Morpeth and the surrounding area

b    The provision of facilities for the learning, teaching and playing of bridge for the benefit of the residents of Morpeth and the surrounding area with the object of improving conditions of life

c    The club is a “No Fear” club and visitors are welcomed, to learn, improve and play duplicate bridge in a friendly and supportive atmosphere subject to “Guests and Visitors” below 

15 Winding up  Delete and replace by Winding up below

In order for a resolution that the club be wound up to have an effect at least two thirds of the votes cast on the resolution at a GM must be in favour.   If such a resolution is effectively passed then the Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the affairs of the club.   Any surplus assets and funds shall be disposed of in an equitable manner as decided by the members at a GM.  The Committee to make recommendation(s).

15 Winding up  New

a.  In order for a resolution that the Club shall be wound up to have effect at least two­thirds of the votes cast on the resolution must be in favour, and in addition the number of votes cast in favour of the resolution must exceed one-half of the number of members of the Club entitled to attend and vote at the General Meeting at which the resolution is put.

b.  If a resolution that the Club shall be wound up is effectively passed, the Committee shall be responsible for winding up the affairs of the Club, and unless the winding up has been initiated with a view to amalgamating the Club with some other club (in which case any surplus assets and funds may be transferred to such other club), any surplus assets and funds shall be transferred to such of the organisations mentioned in clause 15c as may be specified in the resolution initiating the winding up, and if no such organisation is so specified, to such of those organisations as the Committee may think fit.

c.  The organisations referred to in clause 15b are, the English Bridge Education and Development, registered charity 1153543, the North Eastern Bridge Association, and any Registered or recognised charitable body