GRIMSBY FELL WALKING AND CLIMBING CLUB CONSTITUTION

    Incorporating amendments up to and including September 2004

    1.         Name

    The name of the club shall be the "Grimsby Fell Walking and Climbing Club".

     

    2.         Membership

    Membership shall be open to the general public.

    Membership of the club may be refused at the absolute discretion of the Committee.

     

    3.         Subscription

    Subscription shall be payable annually and shall be decided by a general meeting of the club.

     

    4.         Objects

    The objects of the club shall be to provide facilities for members to take part in fell walking and climbing activities,  to provide instruction in the techniques of safe fell walking and climbing.

    In pursuing these objects the club may co-operate with or join any other organisation with comparable aims.

     

    5.         Organisation

    The club is organised on a non profit making basis with any surplus or gains reinvested in the club. Any net assets on the dissolution of the club are to be applied for approved sporting or charitable purposes as determined by the committee of that time.

     

    6.         Administration

    The running of the club shall be in the hands of the Committee which shall be made up as follows:-

    Officers           The Chairman              The Vice Chairman

                            The Secretary               The Quartermaster

                            The Treasurer              The Social Secretary

     

    and such other members as elected at the A.G.M.

    The committee shall have power to co-opt members as they think fit.

    In the event of the resignation of any Officer the Committee shall appoint a successor to serve until the next A.G.M.

    The Committee will retire annually but any member may seek re-election.

     

    7.         Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.)

    The A.G.M. of the club shall be held during the month of September.

    The business of the A.G.M. shall be:-

    (i)         to receive the minutes of the previous A.G.M.,

    (ii)        to receive the reports of the Chairman and Treasurer,

    (iii)       to elect the Committee,

    (iv)       to appoint an Auditor,

    (v)               matters raised by members and notified to the Secretary; such matters to be submitted by members to the Secretary by 31st July immediately previous to the A.G.M. and to be included in the published agenda as part of the notice calling the A.G.M,

    (vi)             to set the annual subscriptions for the following year

    (vi)       any other business and matters raised by members and notified to the Secretary by August 25th.

    8.         Special General Meeting

    On receipt of a written request from five members, the secretary shall call a special General Meeting to take place not later than two weeks from the date of notification to the Secretary.

     

    9.         Amendments to the Constitution

    The Constitution may be amended

    (i)         at the A.G.M. or,

    (ii)        at a Special General Meeting at which no other business shall be discussed. 

    Written notification of any proposed amendment shall be circulated to the members before the meeting.

     

    10.       Quorum

    A quorum for an A.G.M. or a Special General Meeting shall be 20% of the paid up membership.

    At a Committee meeting a quorum shall be a majority of the Officers and the other Committee members.

     

    11.       Disclaimer

    As a condition of membership of the Grimsby Fell Walking and Climbing Club, (or of those participating in its activities,) members must agree and acknowledge the following:-

    (a)        That it has been brought to members attention that many of the club's activities take place in steep, exposed mountainous or otherwise potentially hazardous terrain.

    (b)        That any children or other persons who attend the Club's activities at a member's invitation remain that member's responsibility throughout and he or she agrees to indemnify the Club Committee and others involved in the organisation or leadership of Club activities ("the Organisers") against all liability arising by virtue of that member's invitees participation in the same.

    (c)        That the Organisers do not hold themselves out as having any particular skills or experience and do no bear any responsibility for members or member's invitees safety.

    (d)        That the Organisers shall not be under a duty to effect or maintain insurance cover in respect of death or injury to members or participants nor loss of or damage to their property arising from participation in Club activities.

    (e)        That members are responsible for ensuring that they and their invitees are properly equipped and clothed for each Club activity.

    (f)        That members participate in all Club events in the knowledge of all the above facts and in so doing acknowledge that they are a volunteer for the attendant risks and that no liability for death, injury or damage to property arising from member's participation will attach to the Organisers.

     

    12.       Safety

    Members should wear strong boots and carry the following items of equipment in a well fitting rucksack: spare warm clothing, full set of waterproofs, torch, basic first-aid kit, emergency rations and a survival bag.  Prior to venture onto the hills, each member will provide an emergency home contact, and their intended route, and sign to verify that they are aware of the disclaimer contained in the Club Constitution (See rule 11).