Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF THE LODDON PLAYERS
Paragraph 1
Name:
The Society to be known as “The Loddon Players”.
Paragraph 2
Status:
The Society is not a registered charity.
Paragraph 3
Aims and Objectives
a) to meet on a regular basis to read, rehearse and perform pantomimes and theatrical productions
b) to produce for an audience at least two full-length productions each year.
c) to use the profits from productions to improve the Societies facilities and equipment. To donate to good causes, charitable or otherwise as the Management Committee shall from time to time determine.
Paragraph 4
Membership
a) Membership is open to anyone interested in participating in and furthering the Aims and Objectives of the Society. The Society is completely non-discriminatory. The Society undertakes to provide opportunities for each member to follow and develop his/her own particular interests and talents.
b) Qualifying Members
(i) Existing Members at 1st September 2024
Prior to 1st September 2024, those who participated in a production automatically became members.
With effect from 1st September 2024, those existing members at that date continue their membership unless the member chooses to opt out or is unable to continue.
Annually thereafter, members will receive a reminder from the committee advising them that their membership continues unless they choose to opt out
(ii) New members joining from 1st September 2024
Those wishing to become a member will be asked to complete an application form for consideration by the committee. Upon acceptance, they will be treated as an existing member and added to the membership list and their membership will continue as in (i) above
(iii) Membership is a requirement of participation of any kind, in any Loddon Players productions – cast, crew, backstage, front of house or committee (special rules apply to Funky Feet participants – see (v))
(iv) Continued membership shall be subject otherwise to the general rules regarding the conduct of members and always at the ultimate discretion of the committee.
(v) Funky Feet
Funky Feet is an affiliated group and individuals participate in our productions on that basis. Individuals can apply to join Loddon Players if they wish but there is no requirement for them to do so.
c) Membership is necessary to have voting rights.
d) The Committee may; by a unanimous vote, remove from the list of Members, the name of any Member whose conduct it considers likely to endanger the welfare of the Society. The individual shall have the right to be heard by the Committee, accompanied by a person of their choice, before a final decision is made.
e) If any Member has any issue which they wish addressed they should in the first instance raise this with the Committee.
Paragraph 4(A)
Junior Players
a) Membership for those under sixteen years is applicable only during the time the young person is involved with a particular production and does not carry any entitlement to voting rights.
Paragraph 5
Subscription
No subscription payable at present, it being considered that in furthering the Aims and Objectives of the Society, Members are giving freely of their time, talents and skills, not only for their own benefit but for the benefit of others.
Paragraph 6
Meetings
a) Production Meetings
In the pursuit of its Aims and Objectives, those Members of the Society involved in any productions to meet as directed by the producer.
b) General Meetings
Annual General Meetings (AGM) – such meetings to be called by the Management Committee and to take place as soon as possible in September.
A notice of the date of the AGM, together with nomination forms for the Committee, shall be sent to members at least 14 days in advance of the AGM.
A statement of the Society’s accounts will be available at the AGM.
Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) – these may be called at any time by the Management Committee or within 21 days of receipt by the Secretary of a requisition in writing to that effect signed by at least five members.
Notification of the date and particulars of the meeting to be sent to members at least 7 days in advance of the EGM.
Paragraph 7
The Committee
a) The Committee to consist of nine adult members.
b) Officers to be elected by the committee according to individual abilities/interests, etc.
c) After a period of three years Committee members will come up for re-election.
d) Nominations for Committee Members should be given in writing, ‘proposed’ and ‘seconded’, to the existing chairperson at least seven days before the AGM.
e) Committee meetings to be held regularly with dates agreed well in advance.
f) Attendance required at 5 meetings per year, unless absence due to unavoidable circumstances.
g) No business shall be transacted at a committee meeting unless a quorum be present and such quorum shall consist of two thirds of the committee membership.
Paragraph 8
Finance
a) There is a bank account in the name of ‘the Loddon Players’
b) All cheques to be signed by the treasurer.
c) The Treasurer (liaising where necessary with the Committee and/or appropriate officers) shall authorise payment from the Society’s bank account of all proper expenses of administration and management of the Society.
d) All monies raised by or on behalf of the Society shall be applied to further the Aims and Objectives of the Society as set out in Paragraph 3.
e) Accounts to be audited where possible, on an annual basis, a copy to be available to any members of the group on request.
f) The Society’s Financial Year to begin on September 1st.
Paragraph 9
Dissolution
If the Committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Society, it shall call a meeting of all members of the Society, stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed. The Society shall be dissolved provided that a two-thirds majority of those members present agree.
The disposition of any funds or properties (after all debts have been settled) shall be decided by joint discussion, with the decision carried by a two-thirds majority of those members present.
Paragraph 10
Amendments to the Constitution
Any member wishing to propose amendments to the Constitution may do so only at a General meeting and provided that they have put their proposal in writing or email to the Secretary at least 21 days in advance of the Meeting.
Any amendments proposed at that meeting must be carried by a two-thirds majority of those members present
Paragraph 11
Quorum at General Meetings
No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum be present and such quorum shall consist of one third of the committee and at least five members.
February 2025
(principal amendments re membership carried at AGM Sept 2024)
