Broadsword Association Constitution

Background
The Broadsword Association was established in 1996, in order to foster links between those who have served in Her Majesty’s Ships of that name and also with the City of Chester. The Association is affiliated with similar associations through the Federation of Naval Associations under the patronage of the Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command (CINCNAVHOME) and, as such, enjoys charitable status.

Membership
Membership of the Broadsword Association is open to all ranks that served in any of Her Majesty’s Ships of that name who have paid and maintained their annual subscription. Annual subscriptions will ONLY be accepted by the Association in the form of a bank transfer payable via the Association bank account. Associate Membership is also open to direct relations of full member’s (current or deceased) families. Any such Associate Member would be Ex- Officio and would therefore not be able to cast a vote on any matter at AGM’s or on any other matter concerning the running of the Association. A 50% discount of the full membership annual subscription will be enjoyed by Associate Members. Associate Members’ annual subscriptions, also to be paid, by a bank transfer to the Association bank account.

Regulation
The Association is served by an elected committee whose members are elected/re-elected at the bi-annual meeting of the AGM. The Association is a non-profit making organisation of which the accounts shall be presented for verification at the AGM. The annual subscription should be set at such a level such that the costs of postage, printing, telephone calls and essential travel by members of the committee (i.e. for setting up of AGM’s and reunions) is covered with a small margin for contingencies and any deserving causes as agreed at the AGM. Such a margin should not normally exceed £500 in the Number One Account. A Second account shall be used to hold larger amounts of monies for the payments to caterers etc at reunions.

A quorum of the committee is deemed to be the Chairman (or his representative) and a minimum of two other committee members. The President of the Association (an ex-Officio post) shall be elected/re-elected as and when it is deemed necessary on the understanding that the office holder may either request or be invited to stand down as the occasion arises.

City Of Chester
In view of HMS Broadsword’s (1979 – 1995) adoption by the City of Chester the continuing link with the City is regarded as crucial.

Reunions
Bi-Annual AGM’s & official bi-annual reunions shall be held at Chester with the permission of the City of Chester Council unless otherwise voted for by the membership or permission by Chester City Council is withdrawn

Termination
The Association may be wound up if that is the wish of at least 50 per cent of the current membership. Any funds held at the termination shall be audited and distributed among charitable organisations as stipulated by the committee.