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Club Constitution

Midhurst Camera Club
Constitution


1. The Club shall be called The Midhurst Camera Club.

2. The Aims and Objectives of the club shall be the bringing together of people interested in photography. To stimulate and encourage the members in the art of photography, to promote improvement in standards both artistically and technically and provide enjoyment for all.

3. Meetings will be held fortnightly on a Wednesday between September and April, unless otherwise notified. The Club will present lectures and presentations by professional and experienced amateur photographers and hold competitions and workshops. In addition, opportunities will be sought for members to exhibit their work within the local community and other photographic clubs. Social trips will be arranged during the year for members to exchange information and knowledge in a relaxed, social environment, as per members' interests and requests.

4. Membership application shall be open to the whole community regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs.
The club’s facilities are available to members without discrimination and any fees are set at a level that does not pose a significant obstacle to membership or use of the club’s facilities.
Beginners and juniors (up to 18th birthday) are to be welcomed and given help and encouragement. The club will endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of its junior or vulnerable adult membership by following the Child Protection Procedures.

The club committee may refuse or revoke membership, only for good cause, such as conduct or character likely to bring the club into disrepute. Appeal against the refusal or removal may be made to the members.

5. The club shall be managed by a Committee consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Programme Secretary, Competition Secretary, Membership Secretary, Publicity Secretary and any additional committee members that may be decided at the time. All committee members shall retire each year and be eligible for re-election. 5 committee members shall be deemed a quorum. An election for any vacancies shall be held at the AGM. Committee meetings shall be convened by the Chairman or, exceptionally, by three members of the Committee. The Chairman will vote to keep the status quo.

6. The funds of the club shall be applied solely to the stated objectives of the club. Members will not receive payment for their services except for reimbursement of club expenses. The club will maintain public liability insurance cover via the Southern Photographic Federation to cover its activities.

7. The AGM shall be held at the end of the season. The quorum for the AGM (and EGM) shall be 20% of the membership. All motions to be seconded. The committee shall submit reports for the previous year. The Treasurer shall provide statement of accounts as at the date of the AGM.

8. The annual Subscription shall be recommended by the committee and agreed at the Annual General Meeting. A financial reserve should be held to maintain the Club’s continuity for a minimum period of two years in the event of fluctuations in membership numbers and subscription income.

9. An EGM may be called by the Committee or by not less than 5 members of the Club. The Committee shall fix a date, which is not later than three months from the date of receiving a valid request. All members are to be informed in writing within 28 days of any such request and must at the same time be provided with a copy of the motion(s) to be proposed. No other business may be transacted in the EGM.

10. The Constitution may be amended at an AGM or EGM and the motion(s) there presented will require a 2/3rds majority of those present to be carried.

11. The decision to wind up the club may only be taken when the funds of the Club are insufficient for the Club to run properly, and this decision can only be taken at an EGM or AGM. In the absence of a quorum at such a meeting, a motion signed by 10 members or 10% of the membership, whichever is the greater, shall constitute the same decision. After discharging all debts and liabilities of the Midhurst Camera Club, the remaining assets are to be given or transferred to a voluntary organisation having similar objectives to those of the Club.