Constitution

1 Name

The name of the association shall be the Flagcrackers of Craven

2 Objectives

The Objectives of the association shall be

2.1 to perform and promote the tradition of English Border Morris Dancing

2.2 to increase participation in the tradition by introducing the tradition to new audiences, especially young people, at performances, ceilidhs and festivals

2.3 to encourage correct performance skills and demonstration of the tradition

2.4 to encourage development of the tradition and creativity by providing training workshops to schools, festival audiences, and others

3 Powers

To achieve the Objectives, the association shall have power to

3.1 bring together in conference representatives of voluntary organisations, government departments, statutory authorities and individuals

3.2 arrange, either alone or with others, the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures, workshops and similar activities

3.3 collect and disseminate information on all matters relating to its Objectives

3.4 produce and publish books or other documents, including films and electronic media, and to distribute them whether for payment or otherwise

3.5 buy, take on lease or exchange, hire or otherwise lawfully acquire and use such property or other rights and privileges which may contribute to the promotion of its Objectives

3.6 make regulations for the management of any property which may be acquired

3.7 sell, let, mortgage, charge, dispose or turn to account all or any of its property or assets

3.8 raise funds and invite or receive donations, provided that the association shall not engage in any permanent trading activities in raising funds for its Objectives

3.9 receive money on deposit or loan

3.10 invest money up to the value of £20 on the approval of one of the named officers of the group, between £20 and £150 with the approval of a quorum (three members) of officers, approval over that amount to be put before the full group

3.11 affiliate to the Morris Federation, and to other organisations with similar Objectives

3.12 do all such other lawful things which shall further the Objectives of the association

4 Membership

Membership shall be open to individuals aged sixteen or over.

5 Subscriptions

Members shall pay such subscriptions as the committee may from time to time determine.

6 Officers

The affairs of the association shall be directed by a committee, which shall meet not less than four times a year.

The committee shall be elected from the members, and shall consist of a minimum of six honorary officers: Squire, Baldrick, Bag, Foreman, Musical Director and Treasurer, and such other officers as the association shall from time to time decide.

If casual vacancies occur among the elected members of the committee it shall have power to fill these from amongst the members of the association. Any person appointed to fill a casual vacancy shall hold office until the next annual general meeting of the association and shall be eligible for election at that meeting.

The committee shall decide on any conditions or disputes relating to membership of the association, and shall have power to suspend or terminate membership.

7 General meetings of the association

7.1 Annual General Meetings (AGM)

Once in each year the association shall hold an AGM, not more than 15 months after the holding of the preceding AGM, or the adoption of this constitution. The squire shall give at least 21 days notice to members.

The business of each AGM shall be to

7.1.1 consider the association's activities during the preceding year

7.1.2 approve the accounts of the association

7.1.3 elect officers

7.1.4 consider and vote on proposals to alter this constitution

7.1.5 consider any business of which due notice has been given

7.2 Special General Meetings (SGM)

The squire will call a special general meeting of the association within 21 days of receiving a written request to do so signed by at least one third of the members to consider the business specified on the notice of meeting.

8 Rules of procedure at all meetings

8.1 Voting

Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of those present. Each member who has paid the current year's subscription shall have one vote, and the squire shall have a second or casting vote if required.

8.2 Quorum

Three of the officers shall form a quorum at committee meetings. Half of the members shall form a quorum at general meetings. In the event that no quorum is present at an AGM or SGM, the meeting shall be adjourned and be reconvened 14 days later, and those members present at that meeting shall be deemed to form a quorum.

8.3 Minutes

The squire shall appoint a member to record minutes of meetings.

9 Finance

All money raised by or on behalf of the association shall be applied to further the Objectives of the association, including payment of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

The treasurer shall keep proper accounts of the association's finances, and shall submit accounts for the last financial year at the AGM.

A bank account shall be opened in the name of the association, with cheques to be drawn on at least two signatures. Up to four officers shall be eligible to sign cheques.

10 Dissolution

If the committee decides that it is advisable to dissolve the association it shall call a special general meeting to discuss dissolution. If members decide to dissolve the association, the assets shall be offered to an association or associations with similar Objectives, after paying any outstanding debts and expenses.

11 Alterations to the constitution

Any proposals to alter this constitution must be delivered to the squire in writing signed by at least one third of the members. The squire shall then call a special general meeting within 21 days to discuss the proposals.

This constitution was adopted as the Constitution of the Flagcrackers of Craven at a meeting on 10 January 2001

Dave Banks Squire

Chris Needham  Baldrick

Barbara Bentley   Bag

June Banks Foreman

Paul Hudson Musical Director

Joan Ibbotson Treasurer