CLUB RULES

1. NAME OFFICE OBJECT

The Club shall be called TOWN GARDENS BOWLING CLUB and its Registered Office shall be the Town Gardens Pavilion, Quarry Road or such other place as a majority of the members shall determine.

The object of the Club is to provide its members with the facilities for playing the game of bowls.

The Club will seek to work with Swindon Council and other bodies to promote, develop and implement policies that aid participation in bowls. This applies particularly to disadvantaged groups such as some young people,disabled people etc..

The Club will aim to organise its management and control so as to allow all members the opportunity to influence all Committee decisions.

The Club Committee will seek to operate so as to give all eligible membersthe chance for election.

The Committee will offer equal representation to male and female members to give a balanced approach to Club decisions.

2. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

A candidate for membership shall be nominated by two members (with at least 6 months membership). Notice of such nomination ( which shall include name and address of the candidate ) shall be posted in the Club Registered Office at least seven days before election. A roll of membership shall be held at the office.

3. MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION

a) The subscription for members shall be determined by members of the Club at the Pre-season general meeting.

b) All subscriptions to be payable on election or by the first day of the season in every subsequent year.

c) Where there has been meritorious service to the Club the Management Committee may recommend to members that this should be recognised by awarding honorary life membership.

d) Membership will be allowed for juniors (10-17 years) but between the ages of 10 to 15 years they must be accompanied by an adult when playing.

4. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership will cease when the Management shall by resolution decide that a members conduct, by breach of rule or otherwise, has rendered him or her unfit for membership.

5. OTHER SOCIETIES

Societies and other organisations wishing to use the green for any game of bowls must notify the Fixtures Secretary in writing. Applicable green fees to be paid by arrangement.

6. TIMES OF OPENING

a) The Club will be opened and closed at times determined by the Management within the limits of the contract with the Town Council.
b) The Club bar will be opened and closed at times determined by the Management within the permitted laws laid down by the Licensing Acts then in force.

7. ADMINISTRATION

a) The Management of the Club will be conducted by a Committee comprising (1) President* (2) Treasurer* (3) Mens Secretary (4) Ladies Secretary (5) Ladies Captain (6) Mens Captain (7) Fixtures Secretary* (8) Competition Secretary* (9) Social Secretary* and one other*.
* These positions are all open to female and male nominations. A member may not hold more than one position on the Committee.
b) The above shall all retire and be eligible for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting.
c) The Committee will meet as necessary during the close season and monthly during the playing season, which meeting will be called by the Club Secretary. The date to be posted on the notice board at least seven days before the meeting.
d) Five members of the Committee are required to form a quorum.
e) Minutes of all meetings to be recorded in a Minute book.
f) The Club Secretary may be either the Ladies Secretary or the Mens Secretary and should be determined by the membership at each Annual General Meeting. The female or male elected as Club Secretary should be
designated “Club/Ladies” Secretary or “Mens/Club” Secretary as appropriate.

8. TRUSTEES

Three Trustees comprising the President, Treasurer and Club Secretary are appointed to represent the Club in all technical matters including the License of the green from Swindon B.C. and bar licensing authorities.

9. GENERAL MEETING

a) The date of the Annual General Meeting will be arranged by fourteen days notice, to be given to all members complete with agenda.
b) The financial year will end on the last day of September and the Annual General Meeting will be held at least six weeks after the end of the financial year.
c) An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened by the Management under the same rules as 9(a).
d) A Special Meeting may be convened at any time upon receipt in writing, signed by no less than ten members setting forth the reason for the request.

10. ALTERATION TO THE RULES

The rules may be amended by a majority of members present at the Annual General Meeting, or Extraordinary General Meeting convened for that purpose, and notice of any amendment shall be given to the Secretary at least 21 days prior to the meeting.

11. TEAMS SELECTED TO PLAY

Members selected to play in any match but unable to do so MUST advise Team Captain immediately.

12. DRESS ON THE GREEN

This will be as laid down by the E.B.A. and E.W.B.A. rules.

13. EQUIPMENT

a) Green mat protectors must be used when conditions deem it necessary.
b) All equipment must be returned to the Clubhouse at end of play.
In League and Friendly matches it is the responsibility of the Skips to ensure (a) and (b) are complied with.
c) No equipment, furniture or fittings which the Club is responsible for may be removed from the Club without permission of a Trustee.
d) All Trophies remain the property of the Club and should be returned by Finals Day each year.

14. AUDITOR

An Auditor will be elected at the Annual General Meeting. That person cannot be a member of the Committee.
Rules Revised 25 July 1998

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