The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis Constitution
1 Name
The name of the association shall be "The Friends of the Glasgow Necropolis
2 Objectives
The objectives of the association are advancing public understanding and enjoyment of the Glasgow Necropolis, and working with Glasgow City Council to conserve and develop the Glasgow Necropolis, for the benefit and amenity of the public.
3 Powers
In furtherance of the above objectives the association may, by its own hand or in collaboration with others:
1 employ and pay any persons to supervise, organise and carry on the work of the association;
2 engage and pay fees to professional and technical advisers or consultants to assist in the work of the group;
3 work in liaison with representatives of voluntary organisations, government departments, local and other statutory authorities and individuals;
4 take out membership of such organisations as are considered to be in the interests of and compatible with the objects of the association;
5 promote and carry out research, surveys and investigations, and where appropriate publish the results;
6 arrange and provide for the conducting of tours and the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars and training courses;
7 collect and disseminate information on all matters affecting the objects, and exchange such information with other bodies having similar objects, whether in
8 cause to be written and published such papers, books, periodicals or other documents as shall further its objects;
9 subject to such consents as may be required by law, borrow or raise money in support of its objects, and accept gifts, in such terms and on such securities as shall be deemed to be necessary;
10 raise funds and invite and receive contributions in support of its objects from any person or persons, provided that the association does not undertake permanent trading activities;
11 invest the funds of the association not immediately required for the stated objects in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, subject to any conditions as required by law;
12 do all other lawful things as necessary to further its objectives.
4 Membership and subscriptions:
1 Membership of the association shall be open to all interested persons aged 18 years or over, on payment of such subscription that may be determined from time to time at a general meeting.
2 There shall be family memberships available to included spouses and children under the age of 18. Each family shall have one vote.
3 Persons under the age of 18 shall be eligible for junior membership at a reduced subscription and with no voting rights.
4 Societies and other groups interested in the objectives and activities may affiliate on such payment as may be determined by a general meeting. These organisations shall have only one vote.
5 Honorary members may be elected at the discretion of the management committee, but with no voting rights.
6 The management committee shall have the right, for good and sufficient reason, to terminate the membership of any individual or organisation, provided the person or representative has the right of appeal to the management committee before a final decision is made.
7 Subscriptions for membership shall fall due annually on 1 April.
5 Management
1 The affairs of the association shall be managed by a management committee consisting of five Office Bearers and four ordinary members.
2 Committee members should be elected at the AGM, and Office Bearers elected at the first committee meeting held at the earliest opportunity thereafter.
The Office Bearers shall be as follows: chairman, deputy chairman, secretary, membership secretary and treasurer and up to four ordinary members. They shall stand for re-election annually.
3 The ordinary members shall stand for re-election annually.
4 The management committee shall have the power to co-opt members to serve on the committee until the next annual general meeting.
6 Patrons
1 The association may have up to two patrons, elected at an annual general meeting, and holding office until he or she resigns or is removed by a vote of not less than a two thirds majority of members attending and voting at a general meeting of the association.
2 Each patron shall be entitled to attend and be heard at any meeting of members or of the management committee, but shall not be entitled to a vote.
7 Meetings of the association
1 The management committee shall meet at least four times each year to discuss ordinary business. Four members of the management committee shall be a quorum.
2 The annual general meeting of the association shall be held within 15 months of the last AGM. 21 days notice of this meeting shall be given by the secretary, who shall send copies of the agenda to members.
3 The business to be conducted by the annual general meeting shall include consideration of the chairman’s annual report, the treasurer’s independently inspected accounts or audited accounts as appropriate, and the election of committee members. Additional items for consideration may be raised by any member giving not less than one weeks written notice, or at the chairman’s discretion at the meeting itself.
4 An extraordinary general meeting may be summoned at the request of any 10 members. Notice of such a meeting shall be sent by the secretary to all members not less 21 days before the date of the meeting.
8 Finance
1 The funds of the association shall be managed as the management committee directs.
2 The treasurer shall keep proper accounts of the finances of the association.
3 A bank account shall be opened in the name of the association with such bank or building society as the management committee shall decide. The management committee shall authorise named members of the management committee, one of whom shall be the treasurer, to sign cheques on behalf of the association. All cheques must be signed by two of three authorised signatories.
9 Property
The title to all property, heritable and moveable, which may be acquired by or on behalf of the association shall be vested in the names of those holding the offices of chairman, secretary and treasurer.
10 Amendment of the constitution
This constitution may be approved or amended at an annual general meeting or at any meeting specifically called for the purpose, with the support of two thirds of the members present and voting, provided one month’s notice of the proposed amendment has been given to the secretary. The notice of such meeting shall state the terms of the proposed amendment. The quorum for such a meeting will be one fifth of the membership. No alteration shall be made which would have the effect of causing the association to cease being recognised as a charity.
11 Application of funds
1 The income and assets of the association shall be expended only on the objects set out in article two of this constitution.
2 Membership or affiliation will not entitle any person, society or group to any shares in the income or assets of the association.
3 If the association is wound up, any funds remaining after liabilities shall be given or transferred to a charitable organisation in