CONSTITUTION OF:  THE UK METEOR NETWORK

 

ADOPTED ON: 12th of March, 2023

 

1.                   Name:
The UK Meteor Network also known as the “Group” or UKMON.

 

2.                   Aims:

a.       To collect and analyse meteor data collected over the UK and other regions by means of video, radio or other means of detection.

To provide a database of detections and other information of scientific utility in the analysis, understanding and discovery of information about meteors and meteorites.

b.       To engage the public to engender an interest in meteors and meteorites.

c.        To collaborate with other organizations globally in recovery of any meteorites reaching the ground.

3.                   Powers:
To achieve its aim the Group may raise money, open bank accounts, take out insurance, organise courses and events, work with other groups, exchange information, and do anything that is lawful.

 

4.                   Membership:

a.                   Membership of the Group is open (1) to any person over the age of 18 who is interested in helping the Group to achieve its aims and (2) is willing to abide by the Group’s code of conduct set out in this Constitution or otherwise.

b.                   Membership shall be offered without regard to gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual preference, religion or belief.

c.                    A membership may be terminated for good reason by the Committee, but the member has a right to be heard by the Group before a final decision is made.

d.                    There shall be no fee for membership of the Group.

 

5.                   Management:

a.                   The Group will appoint a committee consisting of a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer along with any others co-opted from time to time, up to a maximum of eight.

b.                   The duties of the President are to chair meetings and to direct the activities of the Group, unless unavoidably absent or subject to a conflict of interest, in which case the Committee shall appoint a temporary Lead.

c.                    The duties of the Secretary are to prepare agendas, keep minutes, maintain the membership list, keep an accurate list of attendees at all public events organised by the Group and to undertake any administrative tasks necessary for the continuation of the Group.

d.                   The duties of the Treasurer are to keep proper accounts and to manage the Group’s bank account.

e.                   The Committee shall meet at least four times a year.

f.                     Committee meetings shall be quorate provided that 50% plus one of the Committee are present.

g.                   Voting at committee meetings shall be a show of hands. If there is a tie, then the President shall have a second vote.

h.                   The Committee may by a three quarters majority and for good and proper reason remove a committee member provided that the person has the right to be heard before a final decision is made.

 

6.                   Behaviour and Disciplinary Matters:

a.                   Members may not act such a way as to contravene this constitution, to disrupt Meetings, to harass other Members. or to bring the Group into disrepute.

b.                   Any member so acting will be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Committee.

c.                    Any decision of the Committee will be final.

 

 

7.                   Finance:

a.                   Any money obtained by the Group shall be used only for the Group.

b.                   Any bank accounts opened for the Group shall be in the name of the Group.

c.                    Any money issued in any form shall be authorised by two members of the Committee, including the Treasurer, either in writing or by email.

d.                   All monies raised on behalf of or in connection with the Group shall be paid into the Group bank account in a timely manner.

e.                   All claims for expenses incurred on the Group’s behalf shall be evidenced in a manner acceptable to the committee.

 

8.                   Annual General Meeting:

a.                   The Group shall hold an AGM within 12 months of adopting this Constitution and in each calendar year thereafter.

b.                   The AGM shall be held online, in person or in hybrid form at the discretion of the Committee.

c.                    Notice shall be given at least fourteen days in advance by email, social media or other method agreed by the committee.

d.                   All members shall be entitled to attend and vote.

e.                   The management committee shall be elected at each AGM.

f.                     The business of the AGM shall include receiving a report on the Group’s activities and on the Group’s finances.

g.                   AGMs shall have a quorum of 10% of members, including the Committee.

 

9.                   Other Meetings

a.                   Ad hoc committee meetings may be convened by any Committee member provided adequate notice is given to the Committee.

b.                   Any other meeting shall be deemed an Extraordinary General Meeting and may be convened by the Committee or by petition of at least a quarter of members. Notice and location shall follow the terms set out in 8.b and 8.c.

 

10.                Alterations to the Constitution

Any changes to this Constitution must be agreed by at least two-thirds of those members present at any General Meeting.

 

11.                Dissolution

The Group may be wound up if agreed by two-thirds of those members present at any General Meeting. In the event of winding up, any net assets remaining shall be given to another Group with similar aims.

 

 

 

Adoption approved by:

Richard Kacerek
Jim Rowe
Peter Campbell-Burns
Mark McIntyre
Chris Dakin