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Constitution

1. Name
   The group shall be known as the Friends of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill (hereafter referred to as the "Friends").
   
   
2. Objectives
   The objectives of the Friends are:
   1. To conserve and enhance the landscape, biodiversity, and sustainable use of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve.
   2. To engage and involve the local community in environmental issues and action, through information exchange, education and practical activities;
   3. To manage diversity of access to the sites by carrying out path work, erecting signs, etc.
   
   
3. Powers
   To further these objectives the Friends may;
   1. arrange meetings, exhibitions, talks, surveys and training courses;
   2. carry out a regular programme of practical environmental projects;
   3. raise funds solely in order to further the Friends, as the members of the Friends consider appropriate;
   4. liaise and work in partnership with other organisations and individuals such as voluntary organisations, local authorities, government departments and individuals;
   5. collect, disseminate and exchange relevant information;
   6. publicise the Friends' activities through a variety of media;
   7. buy, hire or legitimately borrow any equipment, tools or other property required to fulfil the Friends' objectives.
   
   
4. Membership
   
   1. Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objectives of the Friends.
   2. The management committee shall reserve the right to refuse or revoke membership of any individual, after giving the individual concerned the right to be heard by the management committee before a final decision is made.
   3. An annual membership subscription shall be payable in October at a rate or rates fixed annually by the management committee.
   
   
5. Office Bearers
   
   1. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) the members will elect a Convener, Secretary, Minutes Secretary, Treasurer, and seven members of the Management Committee.
   2. Office bearers will be members of the management committee and any other committees that the Friends set up.
   3. Length of Office. Election to the management committee shall be for three years. One third of the membership shall retire annually, the members to retire being those longest in office since they were last elected / re-elected. On expiration of their period of office... further years must elapse before any person is eligible for re-election.
   4. The management committee shall have the power to remove from office any office bearer after a motion of no confidence has been passed by a majority of the management committee.
   
   
6. Management Committee
   The Friends will be directed by a management committee of 13 members, which will meet at least four times a year.
   
   
7. Annual General Meeting
   
   1. The AGM will be held in October after giving due notice (usually 21 days) to every member.
   2. At the AGM, the annual report and audited financial statement will be presented, office bearers and management committee will be nominated and elected and other relevant business conducted.
   
   
8. Procedures
   
   1. The management committee shall keep adequate records of all meetings, projects and events.
   2. A quorum at meetings shall be seven of those eligible to be present.
   3. Decisions will be made by a simple majority of those present and eligible to vote.
   
   
9. Financial Arrangements
   
   1. All funds raised will be used solely for furthering the objectives of the Friends and paying members expenses as approved by the management committee.
   2. Full financial records will be kept and financial statements produced annually and on request by the management committee.
   3. The accounts will be audited annually by an independent examiner appointed by the management committee, and an audited financial statement presented at the AGM.
   4. A bank account shall be opened in the name of the Friends and four Office Bearers will be authorised to sign cheques, with two signatures required on each cheque.
   
   
10. Amendments to the Constitution
    Any amendments to the constitution will be made after giving all members due notice (usually 21 days) of the proposed alteration and if two thirds of members present and eligible vote in favour of the change(s).
    
    
11. Dissolution
    
    1. The Friends shall be dissolved (!!) if two thirds of members consider it necessary, to be decided at a special meeting, having given members at least 21 days notice.
    2. The management committee shall sell, transfer or dispose of the assets of the Friends after settling any outstanding debts or liabilities.

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