Name

1. The group shall be known as The Lowry String Group.  

Objects

2. To facilitate the enjoyment and the means by which members can play stringed instruments within an ensemble under the direction of an appointed Conductor/Director.

Membership

3. Membership shall consist of players of violins, violas, violincellos and double basses of the age of eighteen years and over. All members shall be eligible to vote at a general meeting and to hold office.

 4. The group to meet on a regular basis throughout the year. The year to be divided into a minimum of six block  periods, each consisting of approximately six weeks.

 5.Membership subscription to be paid in advance at the commencement of each block period.

 6. If any member fails to pay his or her subscription within fourteen days after the same has been due, he or she will be considered in arrears and notice of default shall be sent in writing by the Hon. Treasurer. If the sum is not paid within fourteen days thereof he or she shall cease to enjoy the privileges of membership, unless the delay in payment is accounted for to the satisfaction of the committee.

7.Each member to be individually responsible for any music taken and to be liable to cover the cost in the event of loss or damage of the said music.

8. Any person, having ceased to be a member of the group, shall cease to have any claim upon the group, its property or funds.

9. Any member wishing to resign must send a written notice to the Hon. Secretary together with the subscription up to the date of the resignation taking effect.

Committee

10. This to consist of six members comprising of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Librarian and Publicity Officer. The Committee to be decided annually by ballot at the Annual General Meeting.

 11. The Committee shall have power to appoint a Musical Director/Conductor who will sit as an ex-officio member of the committee.

 12. The Musical Director to be paid a fee, the amount of which to be fixed at the Annual General Meeting.

 13. The Chairperson shall chair the Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meetings and make decisions based on a simple majority. In the event of a tied vote the chair shall be entitled to a casting vote.

 14. The Hon Treasurer shall receive all monies for the group. The debts of the group shall be paid as the Committee may direct by cheques signed by any two of the Hon. Secretary, Treasurer or Chairperson holding office at that time. The Hon. Treasurer shall render to the Committee each block period a statement of accounts and shall prepare an annual balance sheet  to be submitted at the Annual General Meeting.

 15. The Hon. Secretary shall on all occasions in the execution of his or her office act under the supervision, direction and control of the Committee. He or she shall keep the documents and papers of the group in such a manner and for such purposes as the Committee may appoint. He or she shall call and attend all meetings and take minutes of the proceedings.

 16. The Committee shall meet at least once during each block period and four members shall form a quorum.

Rules

24. The rules may be altered by a majority vote of members in a General Meeting. Notice of such proposed resolution shall be included in the notice calling the meeting.

Powers of Committee

 17. The Committee shall have the powers to conduct the general business of the group and to enforce the rules. The Committee may appoint a sub-committee who shall act under the authority of the Committee.

 18. The Committee has discretionary powers to waive membership fees for such a period as it deems fit in respect of a member who is undergoing financial difficulties.

 19. No claim shall be recognised or paid for any work done or goods supplied to the group without the sanction of the Committee.

Annual General              Meeting

20. The Annual General Meeting of members will be held in October or as soon as possible thereafter. A statement of accounts and a balance sheet will be submitted to the members attending the Annual General Meeting.

Special General              Meeting

21. Upon request forwarded to the Hon. Secretary and signed by one third of the members stating their objects, a special General Meeting will be called. Such meeting shall be held not less than fourteen days and not more than twenty eight days from the date of the receipt of the request by the Secretary. One third of the members shall form a quorum.

22. No other business except that for which the meeting has been called will be brought before a Special General Meeting.

Dissolution of the          group

23. In the event of the group being disbanded, all debts and liabilities shall be paid from existing funds. The remaining assets will be donated to a musical group or organisation having similar objectives to the Lowry String Group. No assets will be paid or distributed to members.