Our Constitution
The NAME of the group is
WARMINSTER COMMUNITY GREEN ASSOCIATION, called ‘WCGA’ in these rules.
AIMS
(1) To preserve the open setting to the west of the Chapel of St Lawrence and thus to enhance the Conservation Area
and improve the appearance and welcome of the town centre, by buying 3 High Street, Warminster.
(2) To create a green space with facilities for the use of the community * and a separate wild garden for ecological and educational purposes. * the ‘community’ is the residents and businesses of Warminster and visitors to the town
POWERS
To further these aims, WCGA may exercise the following powers:
(3) Raise funds and receive contributions, donations, sponsorship and otherwise, providing that the group shall not undertake any permanent trading activity.
(4) Charge a First Stage Membership fee of £5
(5) Bring together residents, organisations, businesses and other bodies represented in Warminster.
(6) To raise awareness and share information through the website, social media, emails, word of mouth, radio and printed media.
(7) Produce leaflets and publicity material to promote WCGA aims.
(8) Pay the necessary expenses involved in running WCGA.
(9) Pay for specialist work when necessary.
(10) Undertake any other lawful activity to further WCGA’s aims.
(11) Amend, delete or add to, any part of this document at an AGM or an EGM. Details of the proposed changes will be circulated with the notice of the meeting.
MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership is open to anybody who is in sympathy with WCGA aims and willing to abide by the WCGA Constitution.
2. Each member has one vote and is eligible to stand for election onto the Committee.
3. First Stage community fundraiser groups have automatic membership and are also allowed one group vote.
4. The Association is non-political, non-sectarian and is committed to non-discriminatory practices and equal opportunities.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
1) The Committee has between 3-10 members who will direct the policy and management of WCGA.
(2) They are elected to serve for one year after which time they may stand for re-election.
(3) The Chair has a casting vote in the event of a tie.
(4) The Committee has the power to co-opt members if it wishes to use this power.
(5) The Committee will meet 4-6 times a year. The Quorum level will be set at 1/3 number of members with a minimum of 3.
(6) Decisions between meetings can be made via email group communication and recorded as additions to the following Minutes.
(7) From amongst the Committee, a Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Fundraiser will be selected.
8) Other members may be appointed to undertake specific tasks.
MEETINGS
(1) General Meetings shall be held as often as necessary and at least four times a year.
(2) An Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group will be held every year in the month of April. All members shall be notified not less than fourteen days before the meeting. An Agenda will be circulated.
(3) Business of the AGM will include electing the Committee, reporting on the activities of the last year, making amendments to the Constitution, and approving the WCGA’s accounts.
(4) An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) can be held at the Chair’s discretion or by written request to the Chair of not less than ten members.
(5) An EGM will only discuss the business specified in the request.
FINANCES
(1) Any money raised shall be used to further the aims of WCGA and for no other purpose.
(2) Bank account
1.1.1. This shall be in the name of Warminster Community Green Association, for membership and
Sponsorship money.
1.1.2. The account will require two signatures on any cheque or bank document, except paying in slips.
1.1.3. There will be three signatories available to the Treasurer for signing cheques, decided by the
Committee.
1.1.4. A simple written note of the group’s financial position will be produced and available at Committee meetings.
1.1.5. A Statement of Accounts verified by a competent person who is independent of the group shall be tabled at the AGM.
1.1.6. No member shall derive any financial benefit from WCGA except for the payment of reasonable expenses.
1.1.7. No money will be paid out in the name of the group without a receipt being presented.
1.1.8. Donations by Sponsors cannot be refunded.
3) Fiscal Holding account
1.1.1. This is for Members’ donations.
1.1.2. This money will become non-returnable and will be transferred to the WCGA General Account to be used for funding the project if the First Stage is successful.
1.1.3. Donations by Members will be refunded if the First Stage fails.
1.1.4. Before any money can be taken from this account, members must approve its transfer at a General Meeting (GM, EGM or AGM).
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
If amendment(s) to the Constitution are necessary, members will be informed in writing and given the opportunity to consider and vote on the amendments. The amendment(s) will be made if there is a two-thirds majority vote of those responding.
DISSOLUTION
The project to achieve the Aims will be in three stages:
First stage - fundraising and bidding for grants.
Second Stage - buying the site and building works.
Third Stage - creation of a community green and a wild garden.
If the First Stage ends in failure, defined as the development of the site by another individual or business, the Second and Third Stages of the project cannot proceed and the WCGA shall be dissolved.
If the Committee, by a two-thirds majority, deem it advisable to dissolve WCGA for any other reason, it shall call a meeting of all members of the WCGA, giving not less than 14 days notice.
If such a decision is confirmed by a majority of those present, then identified donations shall be returned to their donors. The remaining assets of WCGA will be transferred to other local voluntary groups with heritage or ecological aims.
Adopted on the 27th day of May 2026.
Signed: Richard Haes .... Chair
Signed: Ken Andrews .... Treasurer
Signed: Helen Dooley .... Secretary (Acting)
Signed: Maggy Daniell ... Fundraiser
Warminster Community Green Association May 2026