Constitution
Constitution of the Leytonstone Area Residents’ Association
The Organisation shall be called the Leytonstone Area Residents’ Association.
The aims of the Organisation shall be to promote the common interests and encourage common interest and community spirit in Leytonstone. The Association shall form no political or religious affiliations and shall practice no distinctions of race or colour. This will be done by providing a forum for members to exchange information and experience, and to draw attention to developments which may affect the quality of life in Leytonstone; representing the interests of members, monitoring and commenting on major issues affecting Leytonstone residents, including planning, traffic management, licensing, cultural activities, community safety and policing. To protect the general welfare, amenities, environmental and communal rights of all members. To encourage a community spirit.
Membership
Membership of the Association shall be open to all residents in the area of Leytonstone Bounded by Whipps Cross Road, Preston Road, Colworth Road, Hainault Road, Fairlop Road, Wallwood Road, Queens Road to A12. These boundaries shall be varied at the discretion of the committee.
Honorary Officers
Members shall elect such officers as it may from time to time determine, but shall always include Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
The Committee
The policy and general management of the affairs of the Organisation shall be directed by a Committee which shall consist of nine members. The committee shall include the four Honorary Officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer) and five ordinary members of the Association; these may hold portfolios as required by the committee. The Committee shall have power to co-opt not more than three other persons. All members shall retire annually, but shall be eligible for re-election. Elections may be held by postal ballot. Once in each year, in the month of October, the Committee shall present to members an Annual Report of the Committee, the annual audited Statement of Accounts. The Committee shall appoint an Independent Examiner. The Financial Year Ends 31st March.
Two Meetings to be held each year in March and October. Additional meetings may be convened to address any major issue affecting the membership.
Other Committees
The Committee shall have the power to appoint such sub-committees as it shall determine.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting shall be held in October. At least 21 days notice shall be given to all members by the secretary. The election of the committee shall take place at the Annual General Meeting. Nominations for officers and committee members must be submitted at least five days before the Annual General Meeting. Individuals nominated must have agreed to stand. Application Forms to be available by post, email or online on the website www.leytonstoneresidents.org.uk
Special General Meeting
The Secretary shall, within 14 days of receiving a written request to do so by not less than 10 members, call a Special General Meeting of the Association. The agenda of any Special General Meeting shall be circulated to members not less than 14 days before the date of the meeting, by post, email or online on the website www.leytonstoneresidents.org.uk
Newsletter shall be published at a frequency determined by the committee.
Subscriptions
The individual members shall pay such subscriptions as the Committee from time to time recommends. Subscriptions shall be due on 1st April each calendar year and payable to the Treasurer of the Association. On the recommendation of the Treasurer, the Committee shall have the authority to vary any individual subscription for new members joining after the start of the year.
Quorum
Decisions taken by the committee must be agreed by the majority of its members with not less than five members voting. The chairman shall have a casting vote.
Minutes
Minute books shall be kept by the Organisation, the Committee and all sub-committees.
Dissolution
If the Committee, by a simple majority, decides at a Special General Meeting that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Organisation, it shall seek the approval of a simple majority of all members. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be applied towards charitable purposes for the benefit of the residents’ association.
Alterations to the Constitution
Any alterations to this Constitution shall only be made at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting and shall require the approval of a minimum of two thirds of the members, providing that the members have been given not less than 14 days notice of the wording of the proposed alteration. Notice given shall be made available by post, email or online at the website www.leytonstoneresidents.org.uk. Members unable to attend may appoint a proxy.
