Rules and Constitution as approved on 21st April 2010
- Name
The Society shall be called 'LYDDINGTON MANOR HISTORY SOCIETY', hereinafter referred to as 'the Society'.
- Aim
The aim of the Society shall be the education of the public in all aspects of the history of the ancient manor of Lyddington, Rutland, which includes Caldecott, the disappeared village of Snelston, Stoke Dry, Thorpe by Water, and the immediate surrounding area.
In furtherance of this aim, but not otherwise, the Society shall have the following powers:
- To encourage the conservation and preservation of local buildings, records, antiquities and objects of historical interest
- To encourage research on the history of Lyddington Manor
- To ensure that the results of any such historical research and other relevant information is accessible to the public
- To encourage the local availability of historical resources
- To arrange and promote public lectures, meetings, workshops and other events in order to inform and stimulate interest and participation
- To advise and assist the appropriate authorities and to co-operate with other bodies having similar interests
- To accept gifts and grants of money and property appropriate to the work of the Society
- To expend money on equipment, sources, resources and services in furtherance of the aim of the Society
- Membership
There shall be the following classes of membership:
- Individual Membership – individual members who shall pay in advance the appropriate annual subscription for the time being in force, and who shall be entitled to attend and to vote at General Meetings of the Society, and to participate in all the Society's activities.
- Joint Membership – two or more members resident at the same address who shall pay in advance the appropriate annual subscription for the time being in force, all of whom shall be entitled to attend and to vote at General Meetings of the Society, and to participate in all the Society's activities.
One copy of any Newsletter, or other publication that is free to members, shall be issued per membership for the appropriate year provided that the appropriate subscription has been paid.
Equal Opportunities:
Membership is open to any person or persons willing pay the appropriate subscription and abide by the rules of this Constitution.
Termination of Membership:
The Management Committee can terminate Individual or Joint Membership as a result of inappropriate activity, refusal to abide by this Constitution or non-payment of the appropriate subscription. The Management Committee's decision will be final.
- Management
The management of the Society shall be vested in a Management Committee, consisting of a Chairman, Honorary Officers, and elected members. The Management Committee shall not exceed twelve in number, of whom six shall form a quorum.
The officers and members of the Management Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall hold office for one year. They shall be eligible for re-election at the end of that period.
All members of the Management Committee shall be paid-up members of the Society.
The Management Committee shall have the following powers:
- To manage the Society within the rules of this Constitution in order to achieve its aim and objectives.
- To manage the finances of the Society.
- To form sub-committees as it shall consider necessary.
- To consider and make decisions on the recommendations of sub-committees.
- To terminate Individual or Joint Membership – see 'Termination of Membership' above.
- To fill vacancies on the Management Committee by co-option.
- General Meetings
An Annual General Meeting shall be held as soon as practicable after the beginning of the Society's year, which shall begin on 1st January, to receive reports on the work and finances of the Society; to decide the rates of annual subscription; to elect Officers and Members of the Management Committee; to appoint an Auditor, and to transact the general business of the Society.
An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at the discretion of the Management Committee or upon the written request of at least one third of the members of the Society.
At least 21 days' written notice of every Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society shall be given to every paid-up member. Fifteen members shall form a quorum at any General Meeting.
- Amendment of this Constitution
The Constitution may only be amended at the Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting called for that purpose upon 21 days' notice having been given of the proposed amendment.
Any alteration to the Constitution must receive the assent of not less than two thirds of the members present and voting.
- Dissolution of the Society
The Society may be dissolved by a resolution supported by not less than two thirds of those paid-up members present and voting at an Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting called for that purpose of which not less than 21 days' notice shall have been sent to all members of the Society.
On dissolution of the Society any money or property remaining after the payment of all debts must be given to a charity with similar aims to this Society.