Mission Statement

‘The Friends of Queens Park exists to maintain and improve the facilities of the park by representing the interests of all who use it.’

Objectives

To liaise and work the with Park Authorities, Police and local community to ensure:

  1. A continuous and high standard of maintenance in respect of the Park’s current and future infrastructure, facilities and plantings.
  2. Protection of the park’s wildlife, historical integrity and character to maintain a balance of attraction and represent the interests of all park users.
  3. Encourage the involvement of the local community of park users in the long term management of the park and enhance such involvement and enjoyment through the organisation of a programme of communal events throughout the year.

CONSTITUTION

1.      Name

The name of the group will be Friends of Queen’s Park.

2.      Aim

Protection and improvement of the park environment for the people who use it (to include, but not limited to: activities, facilities, infrastructure, heritage landscape, historic buildings and wildlife).

3.      Objectives

The group will seek to fulfil the Aim by:

  • a) Opening and operating bank account(s);
    b) Taking out insurance;
    c) Carrying out and promoting both environmental improvements and practical conservation to educate, encourage and support park users by working with statutory and non-statutory agencies;
    d) Working with similar groups and exchanging information and advice with them;
    e) Involving the community of park users in the long-term management of the park;
    f) Assisting with and/or leading current and future projects that will improve the park;
    g) Raising funds and receiving contributions where appropriate to finance the work of the group;
    h) Engaging with the local authority and elected representatives for the area, while maintaining political neutrality at all times;
    i) Taking any lawful action which would help to fulfil its aims.                      

4.      Membership

Registration and termination of Membership:

Membership of the Friends of Queens Park shall be open to anyone who is interested in helping the group to achieve its aim and who is willing to abide by the rules of the group, regardless of age, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexuality, orientation, belief or political affiliation.

The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse or terminate membership of an applicant or member, where it is considered such membership would be detrimental to the aims, purposes or activities of the group.  Any member of the group may resign their membership by giving the Secretary of the group written notice to that effect.

The Management Committee may, by resolution passed at a meeting thereof, terminate or suspend the membership of any member, if in its opinion their conduct is prejudicial to the interests and objects of the group, provided that the individual member or representative of the member, shall have the right to be heard by the Management Committee before the final decision is made.  There shall be a right of appeal to an independent arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement.

5.      Management

  • a) The Friends of Queens Park shall be administered by a Management Committee of not less than five people (5), and not more than twenty five (25), elected at the group’s Annual General Meeting.Committee members must at least eighteen (18) years old.
    b) The Officers of the Management Committee shall be:

The Chairperson
The Vice Chairperson
The Treasurer and or Joint/Treasurer
The Secretary

and any such other officers that the Group shall deem necessary.

  • a) The Management Committee shall meet at least twice a year.
    b) At least 5 Management Committee members must be present for the Management Committee meeting to take place.
    c) Voting at the Management Committee meetings shall be by a show of hands on a majority basis.If there is a tied vote, then the Chairperson shall have a second vote.  Alternatively, a confidential ballot may be requested by any member of the Management Committee.
    d) The Management Committee shall have the power to set up sub groups and work parties as deemed necessary.They shall be accountable and report to the Management Committee.  They may include under-18 year olds, provided that all appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed.

 6.     Finance

An account/accounts will be maintained on behalf of the group at a bank/banks agreed by the committee.  Signatories to the account will be a minimum of three (3) and maximum of five (5) Officers of the Management Committee.  All cheques or electronic payments will require two signatures to authorise the payment. Records of income and expenditure will be maintained by the Treasurer and a financial statement given at AGM.

All money raised by the group will be spent as agreed by the Management Committee and shall be applied only in furthering the aims and objectives.

7.   Annual General Meetings

  • – An AGM will be held within fifteen months of the previous AGM.
  • – Where possible Members will be notified personally, otherwise notice will be deemed served by advertising the AGM locally.
  • – The AGM will be publicised at least two weeks beforehand.
  • – A quorum for the AGM will be at least 8 people, of whom no more than 4 shall be Management Committee Members. In the event of the meeting failing to achieve a quorum, business may be discussed and proposals put to the next meeting for ratification.
  • – Items for the agenda, or motions to the meeting, must be given in writing to the Chair or Secretary before the meeting.
  • The business of the AGM shall include:
  • – Receiving a report from the Chairperson of the group’s activities over the year
    –     Receiving a report and presentation of the group’s financial accounts from the Treasurer
    – Electing new Management Committee and considering any other matters appropriate to such a meeting.

8.      Amendments to the Constitution

  • Any proposal to amend the constitution must be given to the Secretary before the meeting at which it is to be discussed.
  • Any proposal to amend the constitution will require a two-thirds majority of those present

 9.     Special General Meetings

The Secretary will call a Special General Meeting if asked to do so, in writing, by members.

10.    Dissolution

If a meeting, by a simple majority, decides that it is necessary to close down the group it may call a special meeting to do so, giving at least 21 days’ notice to members. The sole business of this meeting will be to dissolve the group and the treasurer will, after paying all legitimate expenses, disburse remaining funds to a charity chosen by a majority of the committee at the final meeting.

Signed:       …………………………………………………….   Chair

Signed:       …………………………………………………….   Vice Chair

Signed:       …………………………………………………….   Treasurer

Signed:       …………………………………………………….   Treasurer

Signed:       …………………………………………………….   Secretary

History of Constitution

Original                   25 July 2005
Amendment 1        26 July 2006
Amendment 2        Adopted 03 June 2009
Amendment 3       Adopted 06 November 2013
Amendment 4       Adopted 21 October 2014
Amendment 5       Adopted 14 March 2016
Amendment 6       Adopted 15 July 2021

Replacement Constitution supersedes all previous versions of the Friends of Queens Park Constitution