Constitution (1997-2004)
This Constitution was adopted by a special meeting on 12 May 1997
- The name of the Group shall be "Hog's Back Writers".
- The object of the Group shall be to promote the study and practice of creative writing and all matters relating thereto.
- Membership shall be open to those who support the objectives of the Group, and members shall abide by the Constitution and any Members Guidelines, which may be amended from time to time.
- The Group shall be managed by a Committee of five, elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.
- The Committee shall comprise Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and one other member.
- The Committee shall stand down at every Annual General Meeting. The Chairman may serve a two year period only and cannot offer himself for re-election for one year thereafter. The other members of the Committee shall stand for one year only but may offer themselves for re-election with no restriction on years of service.
- The Committee shall:
- arrange the programme of activities of the Group
- co-opt any other officials or sub-committees from among the membership
- recommend the rates of subscription for membership to be confirmed at the AGM
- recommend Members Guidelines for approval by the membership
- represent the views of the membership of the Group
- Three Committee members, one of whom shall be Chairman or Vice-Chairman or appointed Deputy, shall form a quorum at Committee meetings.
- There will be an Annual General Meeting:
- known as the Annual General Meeting convened on the last Monday of April.
- date to be given by an agenda one month prior to the meeting, at an interval not exceeding 13 months.
- to consider reports on the activities of the Group and on its financial affairs.
- to elect Committee members for the following year. Elections shall be by secret ballot. Nominations to be received two weeks prior to the AGM and advised to the membership.
- Postal votes will be allowed.
- An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called when considered needful by the Committee, or upon signed requisition to the Secretary of any six members. Twenty-one days' notice shall be given, stating the business to be conducted.
- The Officers and Committee shall be bound by the directions of the members in a resolution at a General Meeting.
- In the event of the winding up of the Group, any surplus assets shall be devoted to objectives similar to those of the Group, otherwise according to the wishes of subscribing members in a General Meeting.
- Only paid-up members shall be eligible to serve on the committee.
- This Constitution shall be amended only by a majority of members at a General Meeting.