Constitution of Togher Tidy Towns

1. Name

The name of the group shall be Togher Tidy Towns, hereafter referred to as “the Group”

2. Objectives

● To enhance the physical and social environment of Togher. 
● To represent Togher in the National Tidy Towns competition and any other relevant 
initiatives that promote the area. 
● To work in line with the principles, policies, and guidelines of the National Tidy Towns 
programme. 
● To liaise with local authorities and relevant organisations to promote a clean, green, 
and sustainable environment. 
● To collaborate with local community groups to improve the local area. 
● To promote sustainability, biodiversity, waste reduction, and local heritage. 
● To uphold equality, inclusion, and respect for all members of the community, and to 
prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. 

3. Membership 

● Membership is open to anyone who supports the objectives of the Group. 
● Each active member is entitled to one vote at general meetings. 
● Voting members must be over 18 years of age. 
● Membership is free of charge. 
● The Group recognises the value of members under 18 and supports their 
involvement under the supervision of a parent or guardian. 

4. The Committee 

● A committee shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and will 
serve for 12 months. 
● The committee shall include a Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. 
● Committee members have equal voting rights. 
● The committee may co-opt additional members where necessary. 
● Vacancies may be filled by co-option during the year. 
● A minimum of three committee members must be present to make decisions. 
● Committee members must declare any conflict of interest. 
● A member may be removed from the committee if they fail to attend three 
consecutive meetings without valid reason. 

5. Conduct of Business 

● The Chairperson shall chair meetings, or another member in their absence. 
● Members shall speak through the Chair. 
● Decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote. 
● In the case of a tie, the Chairperson shall have the casting vote. 
● Meetings shall start and end at agreed times. 
● Offensive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. 
● Members acting against the interests of the Group may be cautioned or removed by 
majority vote, with the right to appeal. 

6. Finances 

● The Group may raise funds through grants, sponsorship, donations, and other 
appropriate means. 
● All funds shall be used to support the objectives of the Group. 
● A bank account shall be maintained in the Group’s name. 
● The Treasurer and at least one other officer shall be signatories. 
● Proper accounts shall be kept and made available when required. 
● All expenditure must be approved by the committee. 
● Financial records shall be reviewed annually before the AGM.

 
7. Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

● An AGM shall be held each year. 
● The AGM will review activities, present accounts, and elect the committee. 
● At least 21 days’ notice shall be given. 
● A quorum shall be a minimum of 5 members present.

 
8. Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) 

● An EGM may be called by the committee or by members with sufficient support. 
● At least 14 days’ notice shall be given. 
● Voting rules shall be the same as for the AGM. 

9. Changes to the Constitution

 
● Changes may only be made at an AGM or EGM. 
● A two-thirds majority of voting members present is required. 
● Notice of proposed changes must be given in advance. 

10. Dissolution 

● The Group may only be dissolved at a special meeting called for that purpose. 
● At least 21 days’ notice shall be given. 
● A two-thirds majority is required. 
● Any remaining funds or assets shall be distributed to local community groups or 
charities with similar objectives.