Constitution and Rules

1. Name

1.1 The name shall be the Looe Boat Owners Association (LBOA)

2. Organisation

2.1 The organisation is not for profit and any funding received would be for the benefit of the members and the community.

3. Membership

3.1 Membership of the Association, which is irrespective of political party, nationality, religious opinion, sex, race or colour, shall be open to all owners of boats kept in Looe, and the surrounding district. Social membership may be available for non-boat owners who have an interest in boating. 3.2 Prospective members must be proposed and seconded by members of the Association. 3.3 The Executive Committee may withdraw membership, if in their opinion, just cause for such removal is given. 3.4 Applications for membership shall be made on the form prescribed by the Association and shall contain an undertaking to abide by the Rules of the Association. 3.5 The Executive Committee shall have the power to reject an application for membership and shall not be required to give reasons for such a rejection.

4. Subscriptions

4.1 The subscription for the forthcoming year shall be agreed at the Annual General Meeting. Subscriptions shall be the same for all members. 4.2 Subscriptions are payable in advance and are due on 1st May each year. 4.2.1 Those not paying on time will receive a reminder and will be excluded from membership if not paid by 1st August. 4.3 Applications shall be made to the Membership Secretary. 4.4 An Association pennant shall be made available to all members for display on their boat.

5. Objects of the Association

5.1 The objects of the Association shall be to promote, protect and further the interests of boating of all kinds in Looe and the surrounding district. To further education of members in boat safety, navigation and maintenance. To foster the community spirit by including social activities both ashore and afloat.

6. Management

6.1 The Management of the Association shall be invested in an Executive Committee, comprising: 6.1.1 The officers, i.e. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer and a maximum of five other members to be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt members as it feels necessary forconfirmation at the next convenient general meeting of members. 6.1.2 The Executive Committee shall also comprise the Finance Committee. 6.2 A banking current account shall be opened in the name of the Association into which all income shall be paid; 6.2.1 Accounts for expenses incurred must be submitted to the Finance Committee when reimbursement is necessary. Expenditure must be passed to the Finance Committee before payment. 6.2.2 Up to three personally unrelated signatories, i.e. the Officers of the Association, shall be available for signing cheques and orders, (the cheque signing panel) any two of which will suffice. 6.3 The Treasurer shall report on the Association’s finances to each general meeting. Should the account become overdrawn or appear to be in imminent danger of becoming overdrawn, the Treasurer shall immediately inform the Chairman in advance of the next meeting. 6.4 The Financial year of the Association shall end on 31st March each year. 6.5 Accounts shall be made up and audited forthwith and submitted to each Annual General Meeting of the Association for approval. 6.6 Unless accounts are approved by a vote without auditing, Auditors shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting

7. Meetings

7.1 General meetings of the Association shall normally be held as considered necessary by the Executive Committee. Adequate notice of such meetings shall be given. 7.2 The Executive Committee shall meet as often as it considers necessary. 7.3 An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be convened at the request of not less than eight members and by a letter signed by all parties. Notice shall be given to the Secretary of the business specified at least fourteen days before the meeting, who will then contact all members. 7.4 The Annual General meeting shall be held each year within 3 months of year end. 7.5 Sub-Committees shall be set-up as necessary to progress specific projects and shall comprise at least one member of the Executive Committee.

8. Voting

8.1 On matters requiring a vote, voting procedure shall be on the basis of one vote per subscription.

9. General

9.1 Neither the Association nor its Officers shall be held liable for any loss, damage or injury, howsoever caused, in respect of any persons or property present at or participating in any meeting or other activity of the Association.

10. Dissolution

10.1 The Association may at any time be dissolved, by the consent of a majority of the membership, consequent upon a resolution to dissolve the Association first having been carried at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting which shall decide on disposal of the assets. 10.2 Assets, including unused funds after liabilities, would be distributed among “not for profit” like minded groups or local charities, should the organisation be wound-up.

11. Rules

11.1 Each member of the Association shall be provided with a copy of these Rules 11.2 No alteration of these rules may be made, except at the Annual General Meeting or a special meeting called for this purpose, notice of which must be given to all members (see 7.3) 11.3 The decision of the Executive Committee (and ultimately the Chairman) with regard to the interpretation of these rules shall be final. Latest amendment 2nd March 2015. Adopted at the 16th April 2015 AGM.