Constitution and Rules

Constitution and Rules of the Nailsea Allotments Association

Affiliated to:

1. NAME The name of the association shall be NAILSEA ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION
2. OBJECTS The objects of the Association shall be:

• To promote the interest of all members in the gardening activities and to take joint action for the benefit of members.
• To conduct negotiations with the local authority and private landlords for the use of gardening land.
• To take action to protect members against damage, trespass and theft.
• To obtain a supply of seeds, fertilizers, tools and other horticultural equipment on behalf of members.
• To arrange lectures, film shows, demonstrations, competitions and other social events as required.

3. Membership
   Association shall consist of such persons whose applications for membership are approved by the Committee. Membership of the Association is individual and personal and does not extend to other persons. Members must complete a new membership form each year.
4. Subscription
   Every member shall pay to the Association on 1st October each year the annual subscription of an amount set at the immediately preceding Annual General Meeting of the Association. Receipt of the subscription by the appointed Agent of the Association (if any) shall be deemed to be receipt of the subscription by the Association. An initial subscription is payable on first application to the Association at the same rate as the annual subscription and shall be for membership up until the end of the subscription year (30 September). Membership of the NAA includes Associate Membership of the NSALG.
5. Arrears
   Any member who is one month in arrears with their subscription shall be held to have ceased to be a member, unless explanation in writing is given to the Committee of extenuating circumstances.
6. Officers
   The Officers of the Association shall be a Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer.  They shall be elected at each Annual General Meeting.  Retiring Officers shall be eligible for re-election. The shall be ex-officio members of the Committee.
7. Committee
   The affairs of the Association shall be conducted by a Management Committee of not less than seven members.  The Committee shall retire at the Annual General Meeting but shall be eligible for re-election.  Casual vacancies shall be filled by the Committee and the members so appointed shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.  A quorum shall be 3 members.  The Chairperson of a meeting shall have the casting vote in the event of a tie.
8. General Meetings
   The Annual General Meeting shall be held at such time as the Committee or a General Meeting decide.  Ten 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 be elected.  Special General Meetings shall be called upon the requisition in writing to the Secretary of at least ten members.  No party political or sectarian discussions shall be raised or resolutions proposed at either Committee or General Meeting.
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.  Two out of three signatories shall sign cheques.
10. Auditors
    One auditor shall be appointed, who is not a member of the Committee, to audit the accounts and report thereon to the Annual General Meeting.
11. Membership of The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd, shall be applied for and it shall be a condition of membership to agree to pay such annual affiliation as may from time to time be prescribed.

The Constitution and Rules of the Nailsea Allotment Association were adopted on the 5 July 2004.