The Articles of Association for the London and South East Branch of the Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Sections Club.
Titles and Objectives.
1. The Branch shall be called the London and South East Branch of the Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Sections Club, otherwise known as the London & South East Branch.
2. The object of the Branch shall be to promote the Aims and Ideals of the Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft Sections Club. To foster comradeship and understanding between ex-R.A.F. Marine Branch servicemen, their families and friends and also those who served , or are serving, in certain other trades which, although not strictly in this category, are eligible for membership of the Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft Sections Club having had close connection with the marine services of the Royal Air Force. i.e. individual members of helicopter crews and of allied and overseas forces. To liaise with other ex-service organizations to look after the well being of our erstwhile colleagues and their families. To encourage social activities, especially for younger members. To aid the learning and understanding of all who are interested in the history of the R.A.F's Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Sections with their tradition of helping others and saving life.
3. The Branch shall not be empowered to act as a commercial profit making concern. All proceeds from successful events will be ploughed back into Branch Funds, and no dividends, bonuses, or other payments of this type made to any Officer or Member other than for legitimate expenses incurred.
Constitution.
4. Membership shall be open to all paid-up Members and Associate Members of the Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft Sections Club having sympathy with the objectives of the Branch, and who are prepared to actively further those objectives, pay any subscription which may be levied, and to abide by it's rules.
5. The Branch shall consist of a President, Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Voting and Non-Voting Members, and shall be controlled by a Committee.
Membership.
6. The President shall be elected by the Annual General Meeting and hold office for life, or until he or she resigns.
7. The Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee shall be elected or appointed by the Branch at the Annual General Meeting.
8. Individual Members shall have a single right to vote, but no right to appoint a proxy.
Subscriptions.
9. All subscriptions shall become due on the first day of April in every year, and shall be paid by the last day of May. After this date any lapsing member will have to re-apply for membership and shall be subject to any regulations or entry fee then applying.
10. The Branch shall, in General Meeting, determine the rates of subscription and/or any entrance fee if they so see fit.
Financial Year.
11. The Branch's financial year shall end on 31st December in every year. The Treasurer will then forthwith prepare a proper set of accounts which may be audited and presented to the Branch at the Annual General Meeting.
Annual General Meeting.
12. The Branch shall hold an Annual General Meeting not later than 31st March in each year.
13. Any Member wishing to have any matter placed on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting shall give notice to the Branch Secretary at least fourteen days prior to the meeting.
14. The purpose of the Annual General Meeting shall be:
a. to receive a report from the Committee.
b. to receive the annual accounts.
c. to elect the Officers for the ensuing year.
d. to elect the Committee.
e. to appoint Auditors if desired.
f. to enact such business as has been given to the Branch Secretary with proper notice.
g. to enact such other business as the person presiding in the Chair may allow.
15. The Committee shall consist of Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and five other Members. Nominations for these posts shall be received by the Branch Secretary seven days prior to the published date of the Annual General Meeting. All such nominations shall be proposed and seconded by Members of the Branch and the consent of the nominee must be obtained in writing.
Committee.
16. The duties of the Committee shall be: President: To preside at the Annual General Meeting and assist with furthering the aims of the Branch. The President can be an ex-officio member of any Committee or Sub-Committee. Chairman: To chair meetings of the Branch and to co-ordinate the duties of other Officers and Committee Members. In the event of the Chairman's non-attendance, the Committee may elect one of their number to take the Chair for the purpose of that meeting. Treasurer: All funds of the Branch, whether in cash or securities, shall be at all times kept under the custody and control of the Treasurer who shall be responsible for making all bankings and disbursements ordered by the Committee and for keeping proper accounts of the Branch's financial affairs. Secretary: The Secretary shall summon all meetings and shall keep proper minutes of the proceedings. In the absence of the Secretary the Committee may elect one of their number to keep a record of proceedings of that meeting.
17. The Committee shall have powers to co-opt such Members or Associates as is deemed necessary to form sub-committees for the proper running of the Branch's affairs.
18. The Committee shall ensure that the necessary insurance cover is in place in respect of
a. events specifically organized and run by the Branch.
b. Officers carrying out activities, duties and responsibilities for the Branch.
19. The Committee shall meet regularly to properly carry out the aims and objectives of the Branch. A minimum of four Members must be present to form a quorum.
Dissolution.
20. The Branch shall only be dissolved by resolution passed by a majority of 60% of those present and voting at an Extraordinary General Meeting called for the purpose. In the event of dissolution any financial assets remaining in hand after realization of assets and payment of debts shall not be distributed among Members but be distributed to charitable purposes of like aim to the Branch or as the Committee with the consent of the meeting shall determine.