Constitution of ‘STRIKE UP THE BAND’
[1] Name
The formal name of the organisation is STRIKE UP THE BAND (hereinafter referred to as "the Association"). The Association is an unincorporated association.
[2] Legal Liability Note: As an unincorporated association, individual members are personally responsible for any debts and contractual obligations incurred by the Association.
[3]. Aims: To produce high-quality entertainment events to raise money for designated charities.
[4] Membership: Membership is governed by the following criteria and procedures:
Eligibility: Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of the Association and participates in its activities.
Fees: There shall be an annual membership fee of £30. This fee is payable upon joining and is subject to review and adjustment by the membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Friends Of Strike Up The Band: A second tier of membership will be available to supporters and volunteers . This will purely be a ‘support’ group, and these members will not be personally responsible for any debts and contractual obligations incurred by the Association.
Administration: A formal membership list shall be maintained by the Secretary or a designated Membership Secretary to ensure clear records for voting, governance, and communication.
Ceasing Membership: Members may resign at any time by notifying the Secretary in writing.
Failure to Pay: Any member who has not paid their membership fee for a period of one year will be contacted by the Committee to discuss their status; the Committee will then decide if that member is deemed to have resigned.
Offensive Behaviour: Offensive behaviour, including racist, sexist, or inflammatory remarks, will not be tolerated. The Committee may remove a member for such behaviour or for actions that contravene the Association's aims.
Right to be Heard: Before a final decision on removal for behaviour is reached, the individual concerned has the right to be heard by the Management Committee, accompanied by a friend.
4. Equal Opportunities: The Association is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. No individual shall be excluded from membership or participation on the grounds of sex, race (including colour, ethnic or national origin), sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment, religious or political belief, pregnancy or maternity, marital status, or age
5. Management Committee and Officers: The Association shall be managed by a Committee elected annually at the AGM.
Composition: The Committee shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 members. This total includes the core Officers.
Officers: The core leadership roles shall be:
Chair: Responsible for facilitating meetings and providing an overview of the work of the Association.
Secretary: Responsible for minutes, correspondence, and the distribution of papers.
Treasurer: Responsible for maintaining financial records and reporting on the financial situation.
Election: All Committee members and Officers are elected each year by the membership at the AGM.
Powers: The Committee may co-opt up to two additional members to serve if specific skills (such as fundraising or legal expertise) are required.
Attendance: Any Committee member not attending a meeting without apology for three months will be contacted by the Committee and asked if they wish to resign.
6. Meetings
6.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM) An AGM must be held at least once every calendar year, with a maximum interval of 15 months between meetings. Members must be given at least 3 weeks' notice. The business of the AGM includes the annual report, presentation of approved accounts, and election of the Committee. 6.2 Special General Meetings (SGM) An SGM may be called by the Committee or by a written request from the greater of 10% of the membership or 10 individual members. At least 2 weeks' notice must be given.
6.3 General Meetings General Meetings open to all members shall be held at least once every 3 months. Members must be given at least 2 weeks' notice.
6.4 Committee Meetings The Management Committee shall meet at least 4 times a year. Committee members must receive at least 7 days' notice.
6.5 Quorum AGM/SGM: 10% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater.
General Meetings: 10% of the membership or 5 members, whichever is greater.
Committee Meetings: At least 3 Committee members.
7. Rules of Procedure for Meetings: The Association seeks to reach decisions through consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions will be made by a simple majority vote of those present. In the event of a tied vote, the Chair holds a casting vote.
8. Finances
1. A bank account shall be maintained in the name of 'STRIKE UP THE BAND'
2. The Committee shall nominate 3 authorised signatories who are not related or living in the same household.
3. All transactions require the authorisation of 2 of the 3 signatories.
4. Electronic Banking: For BACS, debit card, or cash payments, a requisition note must be signed by two signatories and retained by the Treasurer.
5. The Treasurer shall provide a financial statement at every meeting and a full annual statement at the AGM.
6. All funds must be used solely to further the Association's aims.
9. Data Protection The Association complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 .
Purpose: Data is collected only for specific purposes related to Association administration under "Legitimate Interests" or "Recognised Legitimate Interests" (RLI).
Transparency: A Privacy Notice will be provided the first time an individual is contacted or when data is collected.
Direct Marketing: The Association may utilise the "charitable purposes soft opt-in" for email communications regarding its aims, provided a clear opt-out is offered in every message.
Security: Data shall be stored securely (password-protected or locked). No individual shall be designated as a "Data Protection Officer" to avoid unnecessary regulatory obligations.
Retention: Data will be kept accurate and deleted when no longer required for its original purpose. Members may request data removal at any time.
10. Amendments to the Constitution: Amendments may only be made at an AGM or SGM. Proposed changes must be circulated with the meeting notice and require a two-thirds majority of
those present and entitled to vote.
11. Dissolution
Dissolution requires a resolution passed by a simple majority at a General Meeting or SGM. After all debts are satisfied,
any remaining assets must be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital .
12. Adoption of the Constitution
This constitution was formally accepted and adopted by STRIKE UP THE BAND on: 16th AUGUST 2026
THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE WERE APPOINTED OFFICERS AT THE AGM ON 16th AUGUST 2026, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTITUTION.
CHAIRMAN: MR ALAN CHARLES GRAY
SECRETARY: TISH MOUSELL
TREASURER: NICHOLAS BELL
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: FENTON GRAY