Our Constitution

1. Date of Adoption

This constitution was adopted on 23 September 2024.

2. Name of Group

The name of the Group is Clarence Runners Bury.

3. Aims of the Group

Clarence Runners will promote community participation in running through the provision of regular running sessions for the benefit of the residents of Bury, Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.

The ethos of the Group will remain true to its foundation: providing an inclusive group that supports runners of all abilities in order to promote physical and mental health through exercise.

4. Powers of the Group

To achieve the Group’s aims, it may:

  • Raise money.
  • Collect subscriptions or fees.
  • Open bank accounts.
  • Take out insurance.
  • Organise courses and events.
  • Purchase courses related to the delivery of running activities.
  • Purchase and hold equipment.
  • Work with, or support, other groups to deliver the Group’s aims.
  • Undertake anything lawful that will help it fulfil its aims.

5. Membership

Membership of the Group shall:

  • Be open to any person over 16 willing to abide by the rules of the Group and willing to pay any subscription agreed by the Management Committee.
  • Be open to any organisation that will support the Group to achieve its aims.
  • Be available to anyone without regard to gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual preference, religion or belief.
  • Entitle each individual member to have one vote at General Meetings, provided they have been members for 90 days before the meeting and have attended two Clarence Runners events in that period.
  • Be terminated for good reason by the Management Committee, with the member having the right to be heard by the Management Committee before a final decision is made.

6. Management

  • The Group shall be administered by a Management Committee of the officers and no more than five other members elected at the Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • The Officers of the Group shall be the Chairperson, the Treasurer and the Secretary.
  • The Management Committee shall meet at least twice a year.
  • The Chairperson shall chair all meetings of the Group.
  • The quorum for Management Committee meetings shall be three members.
  • Voting at Management Committee meetings shall be by show of hands. If there is a tied vote, the Chairperson shall have a second vote.
  • The Management Committee may, by a two-thirds majority vote for a good and proper reason, remove any Committee member, provided that person has the right to be heard before a final decision is made.
  • The Management Committee may appoint another member of the Group as a Committee member to fill a vacancy, provided the maximum number is not exceeded.
  • The length of appointment for Officers and Management Committee members is 12 months, with no limit on the number of terms for which a person may stand for election.

7. Duties of the Officers

Chairperson

  • Chair meetings of the Committee and the Group.
  • Represent the Group at functions and meetings to which the Group has been invited.
  • Act as a spokesperson for the Group when necessary.
  • Maintain the membership list.

Secretary

  • Take and keep minutes of meetings.
  • Prepare the agenda for meetings of the Committee and the Group in consultation with the Chairperson.
  • Deal with correspondence.
  • Collect and circulate relevant information within the Group.

Treasurer

  • Supervise the financial affairs of the Group.
  • Keep proper accounts showing all monies collected and paid out by the Group.

8. Finance

  • Any money obtained by the Group shall be used only for the Group.
  • Any bank accounts opened for the Group shall be in the name of the Group.
  • Payments may be made electronically or in cash, provided two Committee members have approved them via email or WhatsApp.

9. Annual General Meeting

  • The Group shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once in each calendar year.
  • All members shall be given at least 14 days’ notice of the AGM and shall be entitled to attend and vote. The quorum for an AGM shall be four members.
  • The business of the AGM shall include:
    • Receiving a report from the Chairperson on the Group’s activities over the year.
    • Receiving a report from the Treasurer on the finances of the Group.
    • Electing a Management Committee.
    • Considering any other matter as may be decided.

10. Special General Meeting

A Special General Meeting may be called by the Management Committee or by any four members to discuss an urgent matter. The Secretary shall give all members 14 days’ notice of any Special General Meeting, together with notice of the business to be discussed.

All members shall be invited to attend and vote.

11. Alterations to the Constitution

Any changes to this Constitution must be agreed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at any General Meeting.

12. Dissolution

The Group may be wound up at any time if agreed by two-thirds of those members present and voting at any General Meeting. In the event of winding up, any assets remaining after all debts have been paid shall be given to another Group with similar aims.