THE NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION IS KIMPTON FRIENDLY BRIDGE CLUB (‘ KFBC’)

Objectives of the club

·      The objective of the Bridge Club is to create a friendly social environment where members of various abilities can enjoy and develop their bridge game.

·      The club shall be financially self-sustaining.

·     The running of the club shall be the responsibility of the executive committee subject to the powers listed below.

Club Meetings

The bridge evenings are currently held on Thursday evenings starting promptly at 7.30 p.m. and ending about 10.30 p.m.

Executive Committee

Honorary Officers

·       At the Annual General Meeting of the club the members shall elect from amongst themselves a Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Membership Secretary and a Results Secretary plus up to two other non-specific officers.

·      These Officers shall form the Executive Committee.

·      All Elected Officers shall hold office from the conclusion of the meeting.

·        The Executive Committee may also co-opt members to meet a particular requirement of the Club.

·        At the end of the first year the Results Secretary, the Treasurer, and one of the other non-specific Officers shall be subject to re-election so as to ensure continuity within the committee.  Thereafter all officers will hold their position for a two year period and then if they wish they may re-submit the names for re-election by the membership.

The Executive Committee Powers

The Executive Committee shall have the following powers:

·        To pay any lawful expenditure essential for the good running of the club.

·       To recommend to the AGM the joining, membership and attendance fees in line with the “objectives of the Club”.

·        To approve new members joining the club, following attendance by the new member on a least two occasions.

·        To purchase equipment required for the good running of the club

·        Invite speakers to present to the meeting

·        To enforce the constitution and any of the rules

The executive committee shall exercise the powers vested by the above clauses based on a majority vote of the executive committee.  In the event of a tied vote the Chairman will then have an extra casting vote.  A quorum of the committee shall be formed when four members meet at a prearranged time and venue, notice of 14 days will have been advised to all members of the committee prior to the meeting.

Legal Liability

The Legal Liability of the club shall be the responsibility of all the membership.  Insurance will be taken out by the club to cover this liability.

Accounts

·        The treasurer will keep a record of income, expenditure and activities and submit a summary to the membership at the Annual General Meeting or as required by an Extraordinary General Meeting called for by at least 25% of the listed active membership.

·        The treasurer will be responsible for banking of monies and paying of charges.

·        Cheques must be signed by two Executive Committee Members.

Membership

·        Membership of the Club may be proposed by a member or requested by a visitor who meets the criterion of wishing to play in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and by payment of the joining and membership fee as appropriate.

·        Members may be asked to resign if their behaviour does not meet the stated objectives of the club.  In such circumstances the member may request a personal hearing with the committee and may request to be accompanied by another member.

·        Every member shall have one vote per person on a proposal duly made and seconded at the A. G. M. or an E. G. M.

·        All members (unless excused by the Committee) shall appear on the list for hosting Thursday evening bridge.  Those in their first year of membership will be automatically excluded.

Annual General Meeting

·        There will be an Annual General Meeting of the Club held on the 2^nd. Thursday in the month of October in each year or as soon as practicable thereafter.  Notice of the meeting will be given to the members’ 6 weeks prior to the date.

·        Nominations for election to the executive committee may be made by members of the club in writing to the secretary by the proposer and seconder at least four weeks prior to the meeting or at the AGM.

·        Should nominations exceed vacancies, election shall be by ballot.

Alterations to the Constitution

The constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the members present and voting at a General Meeting.

Dissolution of the Club

·        If the executive committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the club it shall call a meeting of all members.

·        If the proposal is confirmed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting the executive committee shall have power to realise any assets of the club and distribute all monies received or held to Kimpton Charities.

This Constitution was adopted on the 9^th September 2004 by the attending members, a list of whom is attached to this approved constitution and signed by the elected Chairman of the Club whose signature is at the bottom of this document.

Signed:

Dated :  Thursday September 9^th. 2004.  Updated at the A.G.M. on the 13^th September 2007 Updated at the A.G. M. 9 October 2008