CONSTITUTION

Name

The name of the Club shall be the ‘Thursday Bridge Club - Sanderstead’, hence forth referred to as TBC, commencing 11th Feb 2011.

Objectives

1. To provide a friendly, congenial atmosphere in which members and guests can play bridge.
2. Endeavour at all times to raise the standards both of play and etiquette.
3. Actively prohibit harassment and unsociable behaviour.

Structure and Organisation

1. Membership of TBC is voluntary and open to persons with 3+ years’ experience of bridge, using standard ACOL, wishing to improve their game.
2. New members meeting the above criteria will be invited to attend for a four-week trial period and invited to join by the Committee if mutually agreed.
3. The Committee shall comprise three officers – Chair, Facilitator(Deputy Chair) and Treasurer.
4. All officers shall be elected annually at the AGM and may stand for re-election.
5. A Committee Quorum shall be formed of the three officers.
6. The role of the Committee is to: build the membership of the Club, seek external training opportunities to improve standard of play and take any appropriate action to uphold the objectives of the Club.
7. Every Club member shall be required to conform to the standards of fair play, courtesy and personal deportment prescribed in the current Bye-Laws and Regulations of the English Bridge Union.
8. Every attempt should be made between members to peacefully resolve any issues. In the event this is unsuccessful a formal complaint may be made in writing to the Committee for consideration. The decision of the Committee will be final.
9. A member, deemed to be in contravention of the objectives, shall be expelled if ALL other members present at a properly constituted meeting of the Club support a resolution to that effect. A member who is expelled shall be notified in writing.
10. A TBC Annual General Meeting shall be held annually not later than six months after the end of the financial year. At least 14 days notice shall be given in writing/email to all current TBC members registered at that date. The business of the AGM shall include reviewing and approving the Chair’s Annual Report, reviewing and approving the annual accounts, electing principal officers and considering any other business which has been published in the agenda.
11. A TBC membership quorum shall be not less than 50% of TBC current members.
12. Whenever necessary, approval of a TBC action shall be decided by a majority vote of TBC members present. In the event that there is an equality of votes, the Chair shall have a casting vote.   (Constitution V2 dated 09/01/2013)

Finance

1. The financial year end of the TBC is 31st December (Constitution V3 dated 21/01/2021, changed from 31st March)
2. Fees will comprise an annual (non-refundable) subscription payable 1st Jan plus a weekly fee paid on attendance. The fees will be reviewed regularly as needed.
3. Non-members, during their trial period, will pay an agreed fee each visit, reviewed regularly. If invited to join they will pay a pro-rata annual (non-refundable) subscription from the date of invitation to the year-end plus the weekly fee.
4. The Committee are authorised to utilise fees for the benefit of the members including, securing a venue, equipment and training to improve standard of play.
5. The TBC shall open an authorised account in the name of TBC and the treasurer shall keep account of all receipt and payments and provide a regular report to the Committee.

Alterations to Constitution

Any alteration to the provision of the Constitution requires the assent of the two thirds of the current TBC members either at a duly constituted meeting or in writing/email following due notice of no fewer than twenty-one (21) days of such intent to seek alteration.

Dissolution

If at any time TBC Committee and/or members decide it is no longer practical and desirable to carry out the objects of the TBC, then they may, by an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the participating members, either at a duly constituted meeting or in writing/email following due notice of no fewer than twenty one (21) days notice being given, resolve to dissolve TBC. In such event all surplus assets of TBC, after payment of all costs, debts and liabilities shall be managed as requested by not less than two-thirds of the participating members. Should there be a deficit at the time of dissolution then the existing members shall make up the shortfall.