Constitution of the Society

1. NAME
The name of the Society shall be "The Friends of DalesRail" (herein referred to as the Society).

2. AIM OF THE SOCIETY
The aim of the Society is to support the running of regular train services on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line, other lines in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas, and their utilisation by walkers.
To support this aim our objectives are:

i. To encourage members of the public, especially walkers, to enjoy the Pennine Dales and other surrounding areas of natural beauty.

ii. To organise and provide leaders for guided walks from trains. Excursions may include the use of local bus services to extend the walking area.

iii. To organise other walking excursions and appropriate social events for members of the Society.

iv. To co-operate with other organisations having a similar aim.

3. MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all who share the aim of the Society. A member is defined as a person named on the membership database held by the Membership Secretary.
Membership shall be available in the following categories:

i. Household - open to individuals living at the same address, including children. These must be named on the membership form at the time of paying their subscription. Subsequently, any additional household members must be notified in writing, by one of the original household members, to the Membership Secretary

ii. Honorary - individuals appointed at an AGM by recommendation from the Committee.

iii. Corporate - open to voluntary bodies or societies, local authorities, companies or other bodies approved by the Committee.

4. MANAGEMENT
i. The management of the Society shall be undertaken by a Committee which shall consist of not less than 8 and not more than 14 members comprising:

(a) Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Events Secretary (the Officers)

(b) up to 10 elected members

(c) up to 4 co-opted members

ii. Officers and elected members shall serve for two years and be eligible for re-election. Two officers and half the elected members shall retire in alternate years.

iii. In the event of an officer's resignation, the Committee shall elect one of its members to serve until the next AGM, when a replacement will be elected to see out the original term of office.

iv. The Committee shall carry out the whole business of the Society, administer its funds, organise its activities and resolve any questions regarding the interpretation of the constitution.

v. The Committee has the power to co-opt members and appoint sub-committees as required. All decisions of sub-committees are to be ratified by the Committee.

vi. The Committee may appoint assistants to carry out particular roles. These assistants may attend meetings, but will have no vote.

vii. The Committee shall hold not less than two meetings per year. A record of meetings shall be kept.

viii. The quorum shall be 50% and voting shall be by a simple majority of committee members present. The person chairing a meeting shall have a second and casting vote.
ix. The Committee shall have the power to terminate membership of the Society.

5. FINANCES
i. The financial year shall end on 31st October.

ii. The Committee shall instruct the Treasurer to hold the Society's funds in accounts opened at a bank and/or building society under the name of Friends of Dalesrail.

iii. Withdrawals shall be agreed by the commitee and authorised by any one of the four officers.

iv. The funds and all monies accruing shall be used only to meet the expenses of running the Society and to further its aims and objectives.

6. SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions shall be paid yearly, one per household, or per corporate member, and shall be due on 30th November. The level of subscription shall be set by the Committee

7. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
i. The Annual General Meeting shall be held in November.

ii. Notice of the AGM shall be sent to members not less than 21 days prior to the meeting and shall specify the business of the meeting.

iii. The business of the AGM shall include the election of officers and committee, the appointment of a scrutineer, the presentation of accounts and other relevant reports and the confirmation of honorary membership on persons who have rendered special service to the Society. Only business on the agenda may be voted on. Other business may be raised by a paid up or honorary member and any issues will be referred to the Committee or a subsequent AGM.

iv. Nominations for the Committee shall be given to the Honorary Secretary not later than two weeks prior to the AGM.

v. The quorum shall be 36 adult members or 60% of the membership whichever is smaller.

vi. Voting: each adult member, and the named representative of a corporate member, shall have one vote. Motions shall be carried by a simple majority of those present and eligible to vote. The Chairperson shall have a second and casting vote.

8. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
i. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) shall be called on instruction from the Committee or at the written request of at least ten paid up members of the Society.

ii. Notice of an EGM shall be sent to members not less than 21 days prior to the meeting and shall specify the business of the meeting; no other business shall be undertaken.

iii. Alterations and additions to the constitution and the dissolution of the Society shall be decided at an EGM.

iv. The quorum shall be 36 members or 60% of the membership whichever is smaller.

v. Voting: each adult member, and the named representative of a corporate member, shall have one vote. The motion will be carried by a 5/6ths majority of those present for the dissolution; a simple majority for all other matters.

9. DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution, any assets remaining after liabilities have been discharged shall be transferred to: (an) organisation(s) having aims similar to those of the Society and shall not be distributed amongst remaining members.

EGM October 1991 as amended at EGMs November 1995, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2021.

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