SoSLUG - Club Association

Attendees:
Derek Shaw
Peter Horwood
Alan Campion
Paul Derbridge
Anthony Shaper
Dan Patynski
Andy Knight
Barry Stroll
Paul Sanders
Chris Cherry
Keiron Lee
Peter Smith

Introduction

At present SoSLUG is now an Association of Club Members, a motion was suggested by Derek Shaw for the Club to attain an Association status on Monday 18th April 2011 and has suggested some of the following reasons for doing so. At present this Club whilst it has run quite happily since March 2003 it has done so without Membership of any kind, relying on friendship a willingness to help and a willingness to help others. Last year the club agreed to open a bank account for the receipt of funds from sponsors and organisations that wish to contribute. These funds are controlled by two individuals Peter Horwood and myself (Derek Shaw), although no monies are extracted without a meeting being held to ask permission. Both Peter and myself are the signatories for the account and a request has been made to the bank concerned that both signatures are required on each cheque issued. As members become more involved in group activities it becomes apparent to me at least we need a formal club to ensure that whatever happens next that the Club endures and continues to thrive. This in my view is achieved best as a Club Association.

As we are progressing to work with other organisations such as DEC (Digital Exploration Centre), METAL and TAP with workshops, events and projects, increasingly we will rely on funding if we are to work for these organisations the Club should be paid so that members can decide where that money should be spent. Graham Harwood has also suggested we become an Association as this makes it a lot easier for organisations to fund or sponsor money to us.

Calling for a vote by Derek Shaw, "yes" being the acceptance of the proposal, the motion has been carried unanimously. Peter Horwood has been asked to look into Club Association for SoSLUG and return with the appropriate forms. Each member will be asked to contribute a nominal fee of £1.00 per year for membership (since Monday 25th March 2013 club membership is now set at £24 PA) all funds to go to the appointed Treasurer (Peter Horwood) it will be his job to log and record all funds and report at least once a year or where funds alter in the bank for whatever reason. There will from now on be four meetings a year where anyone can attend and a single Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year but if a vote is called this will only be between paid up members and to be accepted by a two thirds majority.