CONSTITUTION OF THE WELSH VIOLA SOCIETY
1.TITLE
The name of the Society shall be the Welsh Viola Society (Cymdeithas Fiola Cymru). The Society shall function independently, but as a branch of the international Viola Society (IVS).
2.OBJECTS
The objects of the Society shall be to promote, study and further the research and performance of the Viola and its repertory.
3.MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to all who share the interests of the Society. Members will pay an annual subscription in accordance with the current rates as determined by the Management Committee. There shall be three different classes of membership Ordinary, Students and Senior Citizens. In addition the Society may grant Honorary membership status to a person or persons who have made outstanding contributions to furthering the stated objects of the Society.
4.OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE
The management of the Society shall be in the hands of a Management Committee consisting of:
- The officers who shall be a Chairman, a Secretary and a Treasurer elected by the Annual general Meeting who shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.
- Two other members one of whom shall be the Welsh speaking representative and who shall care for the bi-lingual nature of the Society and ensure translations from Welsh to English and/or English to Welsh. The second to be the members’ representative who shall ensure that the Society’s members views are represented at Committee.
- Up to four additional members co-opted by the Committee.
Co-opted members shall hold office for one year or until the next Annual General Meeting. Officers and members may be re-elected or co-opted for a further term
5. MANAGEMENT
The Management of the Society and its finances shall be the responsibility of the Committee. The quorum for Committee meetings shall be the responsibility of the Committee. The quorum for Committee meetings shall be not less than four elected members. The Chairman or Secretary of the Society shall be responsible for calling meetings and must do so within four weeks if requested in writing to do so by four or more members.
6. FINANCE
1. The financial year shall end on the 31st December.
2. The Treasurer shall be required to establish banking facilities.
3. Banking account(s) shall be opened in the name of the Society and cheques must be signed by two of three authorised signatories who shall be the Treasurer, the Chairman and the Secretary.
4. The Society may receive donations, grants in aid, and financial guarantees and apply for Gift Aid revenue from HM Customs and Revenue if it decides to do so.
5. No part of the income and property of the Society shall be paid or transferred either directly or indirectly to any member or members of the Society, except in payment of legitimate expenses incurred on behalf of the Society.
6. The yearly financial accounts, having been independently inspected in accordance with the regulations of the Charity Commissioners, shall be submitted to the members at the Annual General Meeting.
7. MINUTES
The Secretary shall prepare minutes of the Committee and shall submit them for approval at the next relevant meeting.
8. GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting shall be held within eight weeks of the end of the financial year. Members shall be notified in writing or by e-mail at least fourteen days in advance of the meeting. A quorum for any General meeting shall be one tenth of the total membership at that time.
9. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members present at an Annual or Special General meeting, provided that fourteen days’ notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to all members and provided also that nothing therein contained shall authorise any amendment which shall have the effect of the Society ceasing to be a Charity.
10. GOVERNANCE
The Society is governed by the law of England and Wales.
11. DISSOLUTION
The Society may be dissolved by a Resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at a Special general meeting convened for the purpose, of which twenty-one days’ notice shall have been given to members. Such resolution may give instructions for the disposal of any assets held by or in the name of the Society, provided that any property remaining after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall not be paid to or distributed among members of the Society, but shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or institutions having objects similar to some or all of the objects of the Society as the Society may determine and, if and in so far as, effect cannot be given to this provision then to some other charitable purpose(s).
May 2007