AGM 2026
The inaugural Annual General Meeting of Friends of Verdin Park, held on Saturday 4 July 2026. Members adopted the constitution and elected the founding committee.
Meeting Details
Date
Saturday 4 July 2026
Time
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue
Winnington Youth Club, Northwich
Attendance
14 members and residents
Thank you to everyone who came along and took part.
Constitution Adopted
Members voted to formally adopt the Group's founding document
Committee Elected
Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer elected by a member vote
Future Agreed
Discussed governance, membership, future activities, and charitable status
What Happened
On the Night
Fourteen members and residents gathered at Winnington Youth Club for the first Annual General Meeting of Friends of Verdin Park. Members voted to formally adopt the Group's constitution, then elected the founding committee.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along, voted, and stood for election — and to everyone who supports the Group's work in Verdin Park.
Chair
Richard George
Secretary
Carol Ellis
Treasurer
Caits George
AGM Documents
Documents from the meeting are published below for members and the public to review.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
The formal notice of the first AGM of Friends of Verdin Park, including the purpose of the meeting, voting entitlements, and list of documents to be considered.
AGM Notice Flyer
A concise one-page flyer summarising the AGM — date, time, venue, and agenda. Suitable for printing, laminating, and posting in the local area.
AGM Poster
A larger printable poster version of the AGM notice, for display on community noticeboards.
AGM Agenda
The full agenda for the 2026 AGM, covering all ten items from welcome through to close of meeting.
Constitution of Friends of Verdin Park
The constitution (version 2), formally adopted at the AGM, covering the Group's name, purpose, powers, membership, committee structure, meetings, finance, and dissolution.
Committee Role Descriptions
Descriptions of each elected role — Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer — including responsibilities, expectations, and term of office.
Chair's Report
Report from the Acting Chair covering the formation of the Group, activities undertaken, community engagement, and objectives for the coming year.
Treasurer's Report
Financial report covering income received, expenditure incurred, and the current bank balance, approved by members at the AGM.
Meeting Agenda
Ten items on the agenda, from opening through to close of meeting.
Welcome and Opening of Meeting
- Introduction by the Acting Chair
- Confirmation that the meeting is quorate
Approval of Agenda
- Members asked to approve the meeting agenda
Adoption of Constitution
- Presentation of the proposed Constitution of Friends of Verdin Park
- Discussion and questions
- Vote to adopt the constitution
Chair's Report
- Formation and development of the Group
- Activities undertaken
- Community engagement
- Current position regarding Verdin Park
- Objectives for the coming year
Treasurer's Report
- Income received
- Expenditure incurred
- Current bank balance
- Approval of accounts by members
Election of Officers and Committee
- Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Future Structure and Governance
- Ongoing governance arrangements
- Membership process
- Meeting schedule
- Working groups or subcommittees
- Consideration of future charitable or incorporated status
Motions and Resolutions
- Consideration of any motions properly submitted before the meeting
Any Other Business
- Items raised by members at the discretion of the Chair
Close of Meeting
Constitution — Key Provisions
The constitution sets out how Friends of Verdin Park operates. Members voted to formally adopt it at the AGM. Key clauses are summarised below — full text available in the download above.
Purpose
To promote, protect, and enhance Verdin Park for the benefit of the public — safeguarding it as a space for recreation, relaxation, heritage, and community wellbeing.
Membership
Open to any individual aged 18 or over who supports the Group's purpose. Each member has one vote. Membership may be free or subject to a fee set by the Committee.
Committee
Managed by a Committee of at least three members: Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. All elected annually at the AGM and eligible for re-election.
Quorum
General Meetings require five members. Committee Meetings require two officers.
Finance
Financial year runs 1 April to 31 March. Funds used solely for the Group's purpose. At least two signatories required for all payments. Financial report presented at each AGM.
Amendments
The constitution may only be amended at a General Meeting by a two-thirds majority. Any proposed amendment must be included in the meeting notice.
Dissolution
Dissolution requires a two-thirds majority at a specially convened General Meeting. Any remaining funds pass to a local organisation with similar aims or to the local authority for the benefit of Verdin Park. No funds distributed to members.
Committee Roles
Three roles were elected at the AGM. All are voluntary positions, elected annually and eligible for re-election.
Chair
Richard George
Responsible for the effective and impartial operation of the Group, chairing all meetings and ensuring activities comply with the constitution.
- Chair AGMs, General Meetings, and Committee Meetings
- Ensure meetings are conducted fairly and orderly
- Act as a principal public representative of the Group
- Help ensure committee decisions are implemented
- Exercise a casting vote where required
Elected 4 July 2026 · Eligible for re-election
Secretary
Carol Ellis
Responsible for the administration and records of the Group.
- Prepare and circulate meeting notices and agendas
- Record and maintain minutes of meetings
- Maintain the membership register
- Handle official correspondence on behalf of the Group
- Ensure constitutional procedures and notice requirements are followed
Elected 4 July 2026 · Eligible for re-election
Treasurer
Caits George
Responsible for overseeing the financial administration of the Group.
- Maintain accurate financial records
- Monitor income and expenditure
- Present financial reports to the Committee and AGM
- Assist in preparing grant or funding applications
- Ensure dual authorisation of payments is maintained
Elected 4 July 2026 · Eligible for re-election
General Expectations for All Officers
How Voting Worked
- Voting was open to members of Friends of Verdin Park aged 18 or over
- Individuals who support the Group's purpose were able to join prior to the meeting commencing
- Each member had one vote
- Voting was by show of hands
- Decisions by simple majority, except constitutional changes (two-thirds majority required)
- In a tied vote, the Chair would exercise a casting vote
Elected at the AGM
The following officers were elected by members present on 4 July 2026:
Interested in getting more involved before the next AGM? Please contact the committee.
Thank you to everyone who came along
Our first AGM was a great start for Friends of Verdin Park — the constitution is adopted, the founding committee is elected, and we're ready for the year ahead. Whether you want to get involved, ask a question, or simply find out more about what we do — everyone is welcome.
Not yet a member? Membership is currently free and open to all who support the purpose of the Group.