RULES OF THE SOCIETY

1. The Society shall be called WIRRAL AND NORTH WALES FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY.

2. The objects of the Society shall be:

· To promote and heighten awareness of all aspects of archaeological and historical interest in the area.

· To execute programmes of fieldwork, study and archaeology in the region.

· To survey standing buildings and other features of historical interest with special emphasis on those under threat.

· To undertake excavation and study work using recognised disciplines and in a professional manner.

· To record and publish results of research and archaeological discoveries within a reasonable time scale.

· To be independent, impartial, honest and truthful with regard to all findings.

· To protect all sites of historic significance as far as is possible.

· To liaise with those involved in education, encourage and provide the fullest co-operation in the teaching of all age groups within the region.

· To participate in the development and promotion of Culture and Heritage within the region of activity.

3. Membership of the Society shall be open to all persons who are interested in furthering the aims of the Society. A person shall become a member of the Society on being proposed by a member, accepted by the Committee and having paid the annual subscription. The Society shall be composed of a Committee, Ordinary, Student, Associate Members and Associated Societies.

4. The Committee shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Equipment and Safety Officer, and Auditor. The Committee may also co-opt additional officers as considered necessary

5. The Committee shall have authority to transact all business of the Society. Four members of the Committee shall form a quorum.

6. The Committee shall meet at least four times per year at a time and place of its own choosing. A meeting of the Committee shall be called at not less than seven days notice by any Committee member only with the prior agreement of the Chairperson.

7. A member of the Committee who is absent from four consecutive meetings, without reasonable cause, will be deemed to have resigned and may not be considered for re-election except in extreme circumstances.

8. Three members of the Committee or Honorary Officers jointly shall have the power to consult and act in matters of urgency and shall report their actions to the next Committee meeting. This consultation may be by any means available and not necessarily through a meeting.

9. The Society’s year shall run from 1^st October to 30^th September. Subscriptions for that year shall be due on 31^st October. Each Ordinary, Student and Associate member shall pay an annual subscription. The subscription rate to be determined at each AGM by the Committee.

10. All Officers and Committee members, except Auditor, shall hold office for a period of three years, at the end of which they must retire but shall be eligible for re-election. The Auditor will be elected annually at each Annual General Meeting.

11. The property of the Society shall be vested in two trustees, the Secretary and the Treasurer, holding office.

12. The accounts of the Society shall be checked and endorsed annually by the Auditor, presented to the AGM and made available to any member or third party, on request.

13. There shall be an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in each Society year. At least 21 days notice of the Annual General Meeting will be given to members. Any new rules or rule alterations may also be approved at the AGM providing always that due notice of such new rules or alterations to the rules have been given to each member of the Society in the notice calling the AGM.

14. At each AGM the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts shall be presented. The AGM will also provide for the election of Auditor and, as appropriate, other Officers and Committee members.

15. The Committee shall, every three years, elect a Chairperson and shall have power to appoint Sub-Committees as they deem appropriate.

16. The Committee shall make arrangements to open Bank accounts for custody of the Society’s funds. Such accounts to be in the custody of the Treasurer who, together with the President and Secretary, shall be authorised to sign cheques on the Society’s behalf.

17. The Committee shall be required, on the requisition of one third of the Society’s members, to call a Special General Meeting of the Society. Not less than 21 days notice shall be given to members of such a meeting and the notice shall specify the reason or purpose of the meeting.

18. The Society may be dissolved by a resolution supported by not less than two thirds of those present and voting at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called for that purpose, of which at least 21 days notice shall have been given to all members.

19. If, on the winding up or dissolution of the Society, there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, it shall not be paid to, or distributed amongst the members of the Society. Instead, such property shall be given or transferred to some other charitable institution having main objectives similar to the main objectives of the Society.

20. The Committees decisions on the interpretation of these Rules shall be final and binding on all members of the Society.