Name

 

 

The name of the Association shall be the Risborough Area Residents Association.

 

Objectives

• To help the residents living in the Risborough Area (see below for definition of the area covered) protect and enhance both the natural and developed environment and the provision of public services and amenities

• To represent independently the views of residents on any significant issues concerning the natural and developed environment and the provision of public services and amenities

• To consider the views of local residents and, where appropriate, local community associations, conservation societies, town and parish councils. In addition, if applicable, to consider the views of other similar organisations e.g. the Campaign to Protect Rural England, and the Chiltern Society without infringing their right to independent action

• To access and seek to influence key representatives in both national and local government and in the media so that the views of residents can be readily communicated and the Association consulted on behalf of residents, where appropriate

 

Definition

The Risborough Area is defined as the area that includes the following town, parishes and villages: Princes Risborough, Longwick-cum-Ilmer, Great and Little Kimble, Ellesborough, Lacey Green and Loosley Row, Bledlow-cum-Saunderton, Monks Risborough, Askett, Whiteleaf and Cadsden.

 

Membership

Membership of the Association shall be open to all persons over the age of 16 years residing in the Risborough Area.

 

Subscriptions

Subscriptions to meet day to day expenses and for use in furthering the Association’s objectives shall be set by the committee as required. Further subscriptions will only be called upon when the Association is in need of funding and, other than in exceptional circumstances, not more than once annually.

 

Management

The administration of the Association shall be managed by an executive committee consisting of a Chairman, and not fewer than 5 and not more than 10 other members   representative of the Risborough area elected for one year at each Annual General Meeting. The Committee shall appoint a Treasurer and a Secretary from among its number. The Committee shall have the power to co-opt from members of the Association, within the maximum number, to fill any vacancies during the year or for special purposes. The Committee will meet at least quarterly. There shall be a quorum when at least one third of Committee members are present at a meeting.

 

Communications with Members

Normal communication with members, including notices of general meetings, will be by email for those members who accept this form of communication or by normal postal delivery.   Email addresses once given will only be used for communication between the committee and members and will not be disclosed.

 

Meetings of the Association

The Association shall meet annually in General Meeting to receive the annual report of the Committee and the statement of accounts; to elect members of the Committee for the coming year and to deal with such other matters as are appropriate. An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time, by the Chairman or Secretary or at the written request of at least 15 members, to consider any matter requiring a general meeting of membership. The General Meetings shall be open to all persons eligible for membership and all members shall be entitled to vote. All General Meetings of the Association shall be subject to at least 21 days notice and there shall be a quorum at such meetings when at least 15 members are present.

 

Finance

The Treasurer will keep proper account of the finances of the Association and shall open a bank account in the name of the Association. All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by at least two members of the Committee. The accounts shall be examined at least once a year.

 

Alterations to the Constitution

This Constitution and/or the name of the Association may be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of members present and voting at a General Meeting. Any resolution for an alteration to the Constitution must be received by the Secretary at least 28 days before the meeting and the notice of the General Meeting must include notice of the resolution setting out the terms of the proposed change. No alteration of this Constitution or any special resolution shall have retrospective effect to invalidate any prior act.

 

Dissolution

A resolution to dissolve the Association shall be dealt with as an alteration to the Constitution except that approval shall be by a simple majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting. Any residual assets shall be transferred to such charitable body or bodies with similar aims and objectives to the Association as the Committee may decide.