The Society is required by the Financial Conduct Authority (F.C.A.) to keep a Rule Book which helps us to run the society well and function cohesively as a group.
The following is a summary of the Rule Book:
(items marked * are not in the Rule Book but are considered useful for members to be aware of)
(items marked * are not in the Rule Book but are considered useful for members to be aware of)
- An address has to be given as the Registered office of the Society – currently this is the address of David Whiting (Vice-President and Trustee)
- The objects of the Society are the promotion of art by bringing interested people together, holding events for the practice of and learning about art, and holding exhibitions.
- The management committee of the Society is the Council. The President serves a three year term, and can serve one further term; other officers elected each year at the Annual General Meeting are Vice-President(s), Treasurer, Secretary, Exhibition Secretary, Membership Secretary; other Council members take roles especially Programme Secretary (*formerly Syllabus Secretary). Council meetings must be held at least every two months.
- The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) must be held by the end of March. At this meeting the Council members are elected, the financial accounts are presented, an annual report is presented, and any discussion points can be raised by members.
- Members’ meetings are held fortnightly on Saturday afternoons between September and May. *These consist of demonstrations and workshops. *During the summer months meetings are arranged monthly at various outdoor locations. The Council may also call Special General meetings if required.
- An Annual Exhibition must be held (*usually September to late October). *For many years this has been held at Huddersfield Art Gallery. *All members are able to submit works, which have been subject to selection by an invited non-member.
- Anyone wishing to join the Society should contact the Membership Secretary, and return the application form with payment of the subscription. Life Members, who are elected at an A.G.M., are exempt from subscription.
- The Council has the right to refuse membership applications. If the Council considers that the conduct of any member is derogatory to the Society, a Special General meeting can be called to decide by vote if that member shall have membership discontinued.
- Subscriptions are payable at the start of the year (*reduced for students). Anyone joining late in the year is required to pay 25% of the full fee.
- Two or three members are appointed as Trustees by a vote of members and are responsible for overseeing and signing documents relating to the Society’s financial assets. Their names must be submitted to the F.C.A.
- The Annual Accounts are prepared by an independent auditor, elected or confirmed at the A.G.M,. who does not have to be qualified; (*this is currently done by WYCAS (West Yorkshire Community Accounting Service).
- The Society may be dissolved at any time by a special resolution, and any remaining funds donated to other cultural societies or charities as decided by the members.
Copies of the full Rule Book are held by all members of Council (the management committee of the Society) a copy of which can be provided to any member on request by clicking the button below.