Constitution

LITTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL AND PLAYING FIELD

CONSTITUTION Dated Oct 2024

1. The group’s name is  LITTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL AND PLAYING FIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

2. The purposes of the group are:-

As a registered charitable trust, to act as custodians of the village hall and playing field for the use of local residents and visitors.

From our Charity Commission page:

To act in the interest of social welfare, to improve the conditions of life of the inhabitants of the parish of Littleham and its immediate vicinity without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, by the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation.   

3. Carrying out the purposes

       In order to carry out the purposes, the Committee will endeavour to:-

1. Raise funds, receive grants and donations
2. Buy or sell property, take on leases and employ staff
3. Co-operate with and support other groups with similar purposes
4. Maintain the upkeep of the village hall and playing field
5. Do anything else within the law which is necessary to achieve the purposes

4. Committee Membership

The committee may admit to membership anybody aged 18 and over who supports the purposes of the group.  People who wish to become a member should apply to the committee.    The committee will keep an up-to date membership list.

There should be 4 to 5 elected trustees, all of whom should not be disqualified under the Charities Act, 1993, Section 72(1).

The committee may expel someone from membership, provided it is in the best interest of the group to do so, and they are given the right to be heard by the committee before the decision is made.  They can be accompanied by a friend.

5. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING-AGM

1. The AGM must be held every year, with 14 days’ notice given to all members telling them what is on the agenda.  The deed provides for the AGM to be held in the month of October or as soon as practicable thereafter.
2. There must be at least 5 members plus the chair/vice chair present at the AGM
3. The committee shall present the annual report and accounts
4. Any member may put themselves forward for election as a committee member at the AGM
5. Every member has one vote

6. COMMITTEE

1. The committee shall hold at least 3 meetings each year.  They will elect a chair, vice-chair, treasurer and secretary at their first meeting.
2. At least 3 committee members must be at a committee meeting to be able to take decisions.  Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
3. During the year, the committee may appoint extra members to the committee.
4. The committee may make reasonable changes to the constitution provided it is kept within the law.

7. ACCOUNTS

1. Funds must be kept in the group’s bank account.  All cheques must be signed by 2 committee members.
2. The committee must keep accounts, which, together with internet transactions, may be viewed by any member on request.
3. Funds cannot be used to pay committee members except to refund legitimate expenses.
4. Funds and property must only be used for the purposes of the group as listed in Section C.

8. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Special general meetings may be called by the committee for the following reasons.  All members must be given 14 days’ notice and told what change is proposed.

1. Changing the constitution- the constitution may be changed by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a special general meeting.
2. Emergency special general meetings- to allow the members to decide on important issues
3. Winding up- the group may be wound up by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a special general meeting.  Any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a group with similar (charitable) purposes. 

This constitution was adopted on  ______________ by the people whose signatures appear below.  They will be the committee until the next AGM, 

Signed                                                                     Print name and address