Marldon Local History Group Constitution Amended June 2024
Article I: Purpose
The Marldon Local History Group aims to promote and study the history of the Parish of Marldon and its surrounding area. We strive to disseminate historical information through meetings, publications, and other relevant activities.
Article II: Membership
1. Membership is open to any interested person upon payment of an annual subscription. The specific amount of the subscription fee shall be determined by the Committee.
Article III: Group Continuity
1. To maintain active status, the group must fulfill all Officer roles and committee positions as outlined in Article IV.
2. Additionally, the group should maintain an active and growing membership base, consisting of 30 or more members plus the committee.
3. If the group fails to meet these criteria, the following procedures shall be adopted:
a) The Archive: A custodian and contact person will be appointed to oversee the group’s historical records.
b) Website Maintenance: Our website, containing a wealth of information, pictures, and catalogues related to our archive and graveyard burials, will continue to operate as long as it remains financially viable. Occasional updates will be made when appropriate.
c) Annual General Meeting (AGM): An AGM shall be held in Marldon Village Hall each year in September. A quorum shall be formed by ten or more Members being present.
d) Reactivation Process: To reactivate the group, the following positions shall be elected at each AGM for a one-year term: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and at least three Committee Members. The Committee may also recommend the election of a President.
Article IV: Annual General Meeting (AGM)
1. An AGM shall be held in Marldon Village Hall each year in September.
2. During each AGM:
a) The Secretary shall present the minutes of the previous AGM and provide a summary of the previous year’s activities.
b) The Treasurer shall present a formal adoption statement regarding financial matters.
c) A quorum shall be formed by ten or more Members being present.
Article V: Committee Responsibilities
1. The Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Group. They may take reasonable steps to further the Group’s objectives and actively participate in its activities.
2. The Committee may co-opt non-Committee Members to be responsible for or assist with specific projects or activities as required.
Article VI: Special Group Meeting (SGM)
1. A Special Group Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time upon the request of three or more Committee Members or ten or more other Members of the public.
2. The purpose of the SGM shall be notified in writing by those requesting it.
3. At least 14 days’ written notice of any SGM shall be given to all Members.
4. A quorum shall be formed by ten or more Members being present.
Article VII: Voting and Chairman’s Casting Vote
1. At all business meetings of the Group, voting shall be by a simple majority.
2. In the event of a tied vote, the Chairman of the meeting shall have an additional casting vote.
Article VIII: Additional Business
1. At any business meeting of the Group, any Member may, with the consent of the Chairman obtained prior to the meeting, raise any other business or issue under the heading of “Chairman’s Business” on the agenda of that meeting.
Article IX: Winding-Up and Asset Disposal
1. Any proposal for the winding-up of the Group and the disposal of its assets shall require the support of not fewer than 60% of Members present at the AGM or any SGM where the proposal is made.
2. Any assets shall be distributed to the Marldon Village Hall Council. If they do not wish to take responsibility for the archive, it will be offered to another local history group or similar.
3. These rules may be amended or added to only at an AGM or SGM.
Additional Notes
• The procedures followed in forming The Marldon Local History Group and compiling this constitution have been based on information found in the book: “In Pursuit Of Devon’s History – A Guide For Local Historians In Devon.”
• The Group accepts sole responsibility for the procedures and steps taken by it.
Marldon Local History Group 