Constitution

1 Name

The name of the organisation shall be Friends of Verdin Park ("the Group").

2 Purpose

The purpose of the Group is to promote, protect, and enhance Verdin Park for the benefit of the public.

In particular, the Group shall:

• Safeguard Verdin Park as a public space for recreation, relaxation, and community wellbeing.
• Uphold the original intent of the park as a space for the people of Castle and Winnington.
• Promote access, inclusion, and enjoyment of the park for all members of the community.
• Support the preservation of the park's natural environment, heritage, and character.
• Engage constructively with local authorities, landowners, and stakeholders to ensure that any changes affecting the park are consistent with its public benefit purpose.

3 Powers

In furtherance of its purpose, the Group may:

• Raise funds and receive grants or donations.
• Apply for funding from public, private, charitable, or community sources.
• Organise events, meetings, campaigns, educational activities, and community initiatives consistent with its purpose.
• Work with local authorities, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Undertake lawful actions necessary to protect and enhance the park as a public amenity.
• Acquire, maintain, and manage equipment or materials necessary for the Group's activities.

4 Membership

Membership shall be open to any individual aged 18 or over who supports the purpose of the Group.

• Membership may be free or subject to a fee as determined by the Committee.
• Members shall have the right to attend and vote at General Meetings.
• Each member shall have one vote.
• The Group's WhatsApp community shall serve as the primary record of membership. No separate formal register is required.
• The Committee may refuse or terminate membership where it reasonably considers such action to be in the best interests of the Group.
• A member may resign at any time by leaving the Group's WhatsApp community or by giving notice, including by email, to the Chair or Secretary.

5 Management Committee

The Group shall be managed by a Committee consisting of at least three members, including:

• Chair
• Treasurer
• Secretary

The Committee may also appoint additional Committee members as required.

Committee members shall:

• Be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Serve for a term of one year and be eligible for re-election.
• Act in the best interests of the Group and its stated purpose.
• Declare any financial or personal interest relating to matters before the Committee.

No Committee member shall vote on any matter in which they have a direct financial or personal interest.

A Committee member may resign by written notice, including by email, to the Chair or remaining Committee members.

The Committee may appoint members to fill casual vacancies until the next AGM.

The Committee may establish sub-groups or working groups as necessary.

6 Meetings

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

• An AGM shall be held once each calendar year.
• The AGM shall be open to all members.
• The AGM shall: receive reports on the activities of the Group; receive and approve the financial accounts; elect the Committee; and consider any motions submitted by members.
• At least 14 clear days’ notice of the AGM shall be given to members.
• Notice shall include the agenda, venue, date, and time of the meeting.

Special General Meetings (SGM)

• A Special General Meeting may be called by the Committee or by a written request, including by email, from at least half of the current membership.
• At least 14 clear days’ notice shall be given.

Committee Meetings

• Committee meetings shall be held as required.
• Decisions shall be made by simple majority of those present and voting.
• In the event of a tied vote, the Chair shall have a casting vote.

Quorum

The quorum for General Meetings shall be five members.

The quorum for Committee Meetings shall be two officers.

Voting

• Voting shall normally be by show of hands unless the meeting resolves otherwise.
• Decisions shall be determined by a simple majority unless stated otherwise in this constitution.

7 Finance

• The Group shall maintain a bank account in its name.
• At least two authorised signatories shall be required for withdrawals or payments.
• Funds belonging to the Group shall be used solely to further the purpose of the Group.
• Proper accounts and financial records shall be maintained.
• A financial report shall be presented at each AGM.
• The financial year shall run from 1 April to 31 March.
• The accounts may be independently reviewed where the Committee considers it appropriate or where required by a funder.

8 Amendments to the Constitution

This constitution may be amended at a General Meeting by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

Notice of any proposed amendment must be included in the notice of the meeting.

9 Dissolution

The Group may be dissolved only by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority at a General Meeting called specifically for that purpose.

If the Group is dissolved:

• Any remaining funds or assets shall be transferred to a local organisation with similar aims, or to the local authority for the benefit of Verdin Park.
• No funds or assets shall be distributed among members.

10 Adoption