Constitution of the East Brunswick Residents Association

1. NAME

The name of the association shall be:- East Brunswick Residents' Association (EBRA)

2. AIMS

The aims of the association are:-

(a) To work for the benefit of all who live and work in the following areas: -

• Upper and Lower Market Streets
• Waterloo Street
• Cross Street
• Farman Street
• Western/Little Western Street
• Norfolk Square
• Donkey Mews
• Kerrison Mews
• Chapel Mews
• Ivy Place/Mews
• Cavendish Mews

(b) To work for the maintenance and improvement of the environment and amenities in this area.

(c) To establish a forum for the views of the residents of this area

(d) To communicate with the various local authorities, official bodies and community organizations to express EBRA's views

(e) To hold meetings that will be open to all members and to issue reports to all members

(f) To uphold equal opportunities and work for good relations amongst all members of the community.

(g) EBRA shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian in religion.

3. MEMBERSHIP

Membership of EBRA shall be open to all persons living in the area covered by EBRA.

A small voluntary annual contribution is welcomed; this money is for the purpose of covering reasonable working expenses.

Persons on Low Incomes or Pension Credit will not be expected to contribute.

4. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Management Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary, who shall be elected annually at the AGM.

A minimum of three committee members and three EBRA members are needed at any meeting to approve motions etc.

All meetings are to be recorded and the minutes of these meetings sent to all EBRA members.

Email is the most efficient way to do this, but for those members of EBRA who do not have this facility, a posted copy will be sent.

5. FINANCE

Finance (other than Grants) shall be obtained by a voluntary annual contribution. (Suggested contribution: £3.00 per member to cover essential running costs).

Money raised for EBRA may not be used for any purpose other than the running cost of EBRA (postage, printing etc.)

EBRA shall hold a Bank Account and this account shall be managed by an elected Treasurer. Only the Treasurer and three nominated Committee members of EBRA may sign cheques from this account. Two of these signatories shall be needed to withdraw money.

The Treasurer will be responsible for managing the financial affairs of EBRA and shall keep proper accounts and receipts of the finances

6. AGM

The Annual General Meeting will be held at a time and place as determined by members. AGMs shall not be less than 9 months or more than 15 months apart. 21 clear days notice in writing must be given to all members of such a meeting.

The AGM shall transact the following business

• a) Election of Committee Members - Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary,
• b) Minutes of the previous AGM
• c) Consideration of the years actions by EBRA
• d) Annual Statement of Account
• e) Any other relevant business

7. GENERAL MEETINGS

General meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday of every other month. A motion shall be carried by a majority vote of those members present at the meeting. A minimum of three committee and three Association members is required for these motions to be accepted.

8. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

Amendments to the Constitution will be considered either at AGM's or at General Meetings, but notification of such proposed changes must be circulated to all Association members and voted on by those Association members present at the meeting. A motion shall be carried by the majority of those voting. Once accepted these changes will be put into effect within 14 days.

9. DISSOLUTION

If a majority decides at an AGM to dissolve EBRA then notice must be given to ALL members in writing within 21 days. Any money left in EBRA's account is to be donated to OXFAM after any Grants have been repaid.

10. ACCEPTANCE

This Constitution was adopted on 7th December 2005 and issued to all members of EBRA.