Constitution
1. Name: The name of the Association shall be the Skelmersdale
Horticultural Society (formally known as Ashurst Horticultural
Society)
2. Objects: The objects of the Association shall be:
(i) To promote the interests of all members in their gardening activities
(ii) To raise funds and take joint action for the benefits of members
(iii) To conduct negotiations with the Local Authorities and private landlords for the use of gardening land
(iv) To take action to protect members against damage, trespass and theft
(v) To obtain a supply of seeds, fertilizers, tools and other horticultural equipment on behalf of members
(vi) Arranging lectures, film shows, demonstrations, competitions and other social events
(vii) Co-operating with other gardening associations in matters of mutual interest
3. Membership: The Association shall consist of such persons and groups whose applications for membership are approved by the Committee
4. Subscriptions: Every member shall pay on entry into the Association an annual subscription of £4 with- their plot fee and every group shall pay £15 with their plot fee.
The plot fee for the year will be determined at the AGM, and renewable at this meeting. If a person joins on or after 1st July, 50% of the plot fee will be due.
All members and groups will be required to pay a £10 deposit for the gate key. Groups will be issued with one key.
5. Arrears: Any member who is one month in arrears with her/his subscription and plot fee shall be held to have ceased to have a plot, unless an explanation in writing is given to the Committee of extenuating circumstances.
6. Officers: The officers of the Association shall be a Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Plots Secretary. They shall be elected at each Annual General Meeting. Retiring Officers shall be eligible for reelection.
7. Committee The affairs of the Association shall be conductc-.1 by a Committee of Management of not less than five members, which will include the Officers. The Committee shall retire at the Annual General Meeting but shall be eligible for re-election. The Committee shall fill casual vacancies and the members so appointed shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting. A quorum shall be not less than five members.
8. General Meeting The Annual General Meeting shall be held in January of each year. 60% of the members shall form a quorum. At the meeting the audited accounts and Secretary's report shall be submitted and the Officers and Committee for the ensuing year elected.
9. Bank Account: The Committee shall open a banking account in the name of the Association and all monies received from any source on behalf of the Association shall be paid into such account. Cheques shall be signed by two out of three signatories.
10. Auditors: Two auditors shall be appointed who are not members of the Committee, to audit the accounts and report thereon to the Annual General Meeting.
11. NSALG: Membership of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners shall be applied for and it shall be a condition of membership to agree to pay such annual affiliation contribution as may from time to time be prescribed.
12. Policies: (1) The Skelmersdale Horticultural Society is committed to equality of opportunity-for all people
It will therefore:
(i) Treat no one less favorably because of his or her sex, marital status, race, colour, sexual orientation, or disability
(ii) Apply this to members of the Society, volunteers, contractors, members of the community and anyone else the Society is in contact with.
The Skelmersdale Horticultural Society will uphold its policy on equal opportunities by:
(i) Informing all members of the Policy
(ii) Allowing any concerns under the Policy to be heard at the Committee Meetings
(iii) Giving the Officers of the Society the responsibility of arbitrating disputes arising from the Policy
(iv) The Skelmersdale Horticultural Society will operate with respect and care for the environment and will expect all members, volunteers, contractors and members of the community who are in contact with the Society to carry out their activities in accordance with this Policy
The Society will:
(i) Promote awareness of the importance of environmental issues and the need to work in an environmentally responsible manner
(ii) Encourage members to use minimal pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals likely to harm wildlife and the wider environment
(iii) Manage water wisely in all operations
(iv) Use recycling processes to remove waste matter
(v) Comply with applicable environmental legislation The Society Officers, who will agenda items on a regular basis at Committee Meetings, will implement this Environmental Policy.