12 Endeavour Square

London

E20 1JN

Tel: +44 (0)20 7066 1000

Fax:+44 (0)20 7066 1099 www.fca.org.uk

The attached model rules sponsored by National Society of Allotments and Leisure

Gardeners Ltd described as:

Model rules 2019

is confirmed as acceptable for use, for the time being, as a model set of rules under Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, for a Co-operative Society.

Date: 24 May 2019

Registered as a Limited Company in England and Wales No. 1920623. Registered office as above.

MODEL RULES FOR A REGISTERED
SOCIETY/ ASSOCIATION
Under Sponsorship of the National Allotment and
Leisure Gardeners Society
The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd
O’Dell House
Hunters Road
Corby
Northamptonshire
NN17 5JE
List of Rules
• Name
• Registration
• Registered Office
• Use of Name
• Objects
• Membership
• Membership Agreement
• Shares
• Voting Rights
• Management Structure and Organisation
• Meetings
• Membership Subscriptions
• Financial Affairs
• Copies of Rules
• Amendment and Application of Rules
• Indemnity
• Dissolution
THE NATIONAL ALLOTMENTS SOCIETY LIMITED
SPONSORSHIP RULES
1. NAME
1.1 The name of the organization shall be Bramfield Avenue Allotment Holders Association Limited. Hereafter referred to as the Society.
2. REGISTRATION
2.1 The Society shall be registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014
3. REGISTERED OFFICE
3.1 The Registered Office of the Society shall be (Supplied)
In the event of any change in the situation of the Registered Office, notice shall be sent to the
Registrar.
4. USE OF NAME
4.1 The registered name of the Society shall be mentioned in legible characters in all business
letters of the Society and in all bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques
and orders for money or goods purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the Society and in
all bills, invoices, receipts and letters of credit of the Society.
Any documentation or publication produced or statements made under the heading of the
Society must be approved by its Management Committee or under powers delegated by it.
5. OBJECTS / POWERS OF THE SOCIETY
5.1 The objects of the Society are to :
5.1.1 Manage the Bramfield Avenue allotment site
5.1.2 Promote allotment gardening as a community resource; encouraging
participation and membership.
5.1.3 By various means further the interests of members with regard to the proper cultivation, good management and safe enjoyment of the allotments.
5.2 The Powers of the Society are to:
5.2.1 Take measures to protect Members and the site against damage, trespass and theft.
5.2.2 Maintain the site and the facilities and if necessary erect, pull down, repair, alter or otherwise deal with any buildings thereon.
6. MEMBERSHIP
6.1 Membership shall be open to the following persons and bodies who support the objects
of the Society.
6.1.1 Plot-holding Members who have paid the appropriate annual subscription for their plot
6.1.2 Associate Members, who by mutual agreement, share the use of a plot with a Plot-holding Member and who have paid the Associate Member subscription.
A maximum of two associate members are allowed per plot. Associate Member status does not confer an automatic right to take over the plot when
the Plot-holding Member resigns.
6.2 Allocation of Membership
6.2.1 Membership shall be open to such persons as may be admitted by the Secretary from time to time.
6.2.2 The Secretary shall have the right to, for good and sufficient reason,
reject an application for membership.
6.3 Extraordinarily, any member or associate member may be asked to relinquish their
membership of the Association by resolution of a majority of members present at a Committee Meeting. In this event the member to whom the expulsion applied would have previously been given at least one verbal request by a spokesperson of the committee of management and at least one letter from the committee of management setting out the issue at hand and its referral to a Committee Meeting if not satisfactorily resolved within a reasonable and set time period.
6.4 A Member shall cease to be a member in the following eventualities:
6.4.1 The death of the Member
6.4.2 The expulsion of the Member under Rule 6.3
6.4.3 The withdrawal of the Member from the Society by sending notice in writing to the Society Secretary at the Registered Office of the Society.
6.4.4 The non-payment of subscription for a period of 40 days after it becomes due,
terminates membership.
6.5 A member may withdraw from the Society by sending notice in writing to the Secretary at the Registered Office of the Society. Upon withdrawal, all sums paid by the Member on account of shares shall be forfeited and the Member's share shall be extinguished.
6.6 Proceedings on Death or Bankruptcy – Upon a claim being made:
6.6.1 The personal representative of the deceased Member; or
6.6.2 The trustee in bankruptcy of a Member who is bankrupt: or
6.6.3 The Office Holder to any property in the Society belonging to such a member The Society shall transfer or pay property to which the office Holder has become entitled as the Office Holder may direct them.
6.6.4 A Member may in accordance with the Act, nominate any individual or Individuals to whom his/her property in the society at the time of
his/her death shall be transferred, but such nomination shall only be valid to the extent of the amount for the time being allowed in the Act.
On receiving a satisfactory proof of death of a Member who has made a nomination the Society shall, in accordance with the Act, either transfer or pay the full value of the property comprised in the nomination to the individual or individuals entitled thereunder.
7. MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT
All members shall agree in writing, to;
7.1 Accept the rules of the Society and to abide by the terms and conditions therein.
7.2 Adopt plot and site management practices as set by the Committee of Management and agreed by a majority of Members at a General Meeting.
8. SHARES
8.1 Every member admitted under Rules 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 shall hold one non-withdrawable share, which is not transferable. The share shall have the
nominal value of £1.00, payable in full by a member on joining the Society.
8.2 Couples who are joint plot holding members or joint associate members shall hold one share each.
8.3 One share shall be the maximum shareholding of any member.
9. VOTING RIGHTS
9.1 Each member i.e. all plot holding members and associate members, shall be entitled to one vote at Society meetings.
9.2 Couples who are joint members or joint associate members shall be entitled to one vote each.
10. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION
10.1 The Governance of the Society shall be vested in the Annual General Meeting whilst day to day management of the affairs and property of the Society is delegated to the Management Committee. Hereafter referred to as the Committee.
10.2 At the Annual General Meeting members shall elect a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer for the Society and in addition, other members will be elected at the AGM, to fulfil other Committee roles such as are considered appropriate at that time. The Management Committee shall comprise of not fewer than five members and not more than nine.
10.3 Prior to each AGM all members shall be given the opportunity to stand as a candidate for a committee role. In the event of there being more than one candidate for a particular role the outcome shall be determined by a ballot of the members present at the AGM. Committee members shall be eligible to stand for re-election each year.
10.4 The Committee shall be able to co-opt any additional members to fill vacancies or
additional roles, during the year.
10.5 Tenure of any post as a Committee Member shall be voluntary, unpaid and open only to
Members of the Society. Arrangements will be put in place by the Committee for the
reimbursement of appropriate and legitimate out of pocket expenses.
10.6 The Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and other elected members of the Committee shall keep
accurate records of their dealings on behalf of the Society, which shall be available for inspection by Members.
10.7 A quorum for the Committee shall consist of 3 committee members including two of Chair, Secretary or Treasurer.
11. MEETINGS
11.1 The Society shall in each year hold an Annual General Meeting at such time and place, as the Committee shall determine. Not more than 15 months shall elapse between the date of one Annual General Meeting and that of the next.
11.2 The Committee may also convene further General Meetings as deemed necessary.
11.3 Members will be given at least 14 days notice of the Annual General Meeting and other
General Meetings.
11.4 Special General Meetings may be called by either, a quorum of the Committee, or by written request from a member which states the reason for the meeting and is signed by at least 5 members.
Such request to be delivered to the Secretary. The business of the Special General Meeting will be restricted to items on the original request with no amendments being accepted.
Details will be notified to members, along with notice of the meeting, at least 14 days prior to
the meeting date.
11.5 No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum is present. The
quorum at any General Meeting shall be 25% of the shareholding members including two of
Chair, Secretary and Treasurer being present.
12. MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS
12.1 At the General Meeting / Annual General Meeting held nearest to and prior to September 30th in each year the Committee shall seek approval for any changes to the Membership Subscriptions due in the following April.
12.2 Membership subscriptions for the calendar year are due to be paid no later than 1st April. Failure to pay on time can lead to termination of membership under Rule 6.4.4.
13. FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
13.1 The Society is a non-profit making organisation and all surplus funds arising from the
business of the Society shall be used for the furtherance of the objects of the Society.
13.1.1 The Society shall have the power to borrow money from its Members and others to further its objects, providing the amount outstanding at any one time does not exceed £30,000.
13.1.2 The Society shall have the power to mortgage or charge any of its property
including assets and undertakings of the Society, present and future and issue loan stock,
debentures and other securities for money borrowed or for the performance of any contracts of the Society or its customers or persons having dealings with the Society 13.1.3 The rate of interest on money borrowed, except on money borrowed by way of bank loan or overdraft or from a finance house or on mortgage from a building society or
local authority, shall not exceed 5% per annum or 2% above the Bank of England base rate at the commencement of the loan, whichever is the greater.
13.1.4 The Society may receive from any person donations or loans free of interest, in order
to further its objects but shall not receive money on deposit.
13.2 The shares held by members shall not carry any interest and shall not confer any right to
dividend.
13.3 The Secretary shall register every issue or cancellation of shares by making an appropriate entry in the register of members relating thereto.
13.4 Upon withdrawal from membership all sums paid by the Member on account of shares shall be forfeited and the Member's share shall be extinguished.
13.5 The Committee may open Bank or Building Society Accounts in the name of the Society in which shall be lodged all monies received on behalf of the Society. These accounts shall be used to administer and record funds received and disbursed on behalf of the Society.
Any funds available for term investment may be invested to earn interest with a Bank or Building Society on the recommendation of the Committee and on approval by a majority of members at a General Meeting.
13.6 At the conclusion of each financial year the Treasurer shall complete accounts
and a balance sheet for presentation and approval at the Annual General Meeting.
After approval the revenue accounts and balance sheet must be signed by the secretary
and two committee members of the society acting on behalf of the society's committee.
13.7 Within the time allowed by legislation the Secretary will send to the Financial Conduct Authority an Annual Return of the Society's affairs (in the form prescribed by them) accompanied by the signed copy of the accounts and balance sheet, referred to in rule 13.6
13.8 Auditing of Society accounts and balance sheet:
13.8.1 The members shall vote annually, at each annual general meeting, as allowed by Section 84 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit
Societies Act 2014. At the Annual General Meeting to have, when necessary in law or where the membership requires:
• An audit carried out by a qualified auditor
• An audit carried out by two or more lay auditors
• A report by a qualified auditor
• Or unaudited accounts, where the conditions for such exist
*
13.8.2 If a full audit or a report is required, a person who is a qualified auditor under section 91 of the Co-operative Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 shall be appointed. The qualified or lay
auditors, if so appointed, shall not be officers or servants of the Society and nor shall they be partners of, or in the employment of, or employ,
an officer or servant of the Society. Lay auditors shall be chosen by the Committee of Management from the general membership and / or others.
13.8.3 If the membership votes for unaudited accounts, the society’s income and expenditure ledger shall be scrutinised by the secretary and the Committee members only and signed, as a true record, by the Secretary and two Committee members or any other number as may be required by legislation. An income / expenditure report will be prepared to present to the Society’s members at each Annual General Meeting.
14. COPIES OF RULES
14.1 It shall be the duty of the Committee to supply free of charge to all members a copy of current rules which may be delivered by email or by delivery of a hard copy. Where a member has already been provided with a copy there may be a charge of up to £5 for a second copy (under s18 of the 2014 Act).
15. AMENDMENT AND APPLICATION OF RULES
15.1 Changes to the rules of the Society (ie. new rules made, rules amended or rescinded) may only be made at a General Meeting and when a majority of voting members who are present at the meeting approve the change.
15.2 No new rule or amendment of rule is valid until registered with the Financial Conduct
Authority in accordance with the 2014 Act.
15.3 The Society shall be run in accordance with its registered rules
16. INDEMNITY
16.1 Every member of the Committee shall be indemnified by the Society against all losses
and liabilities incurred by him in relation to the execution of his Office providing that nothing
in this clause shall entitle him to any indemnity against liability arising through negligence or fraud or similar actions on his part.
17. DISSOLUTION
17.1 The Society may at any time be dissolved by the consent of two thirds of the members testified by their signatures to an instrument of dissolution in the form prescribed in the 2014 Act.
17.2 If on winding up or dissolution of the Association any of its assets remain to
be disposed of after its liabilities are satisfied, none of these assets shall be distributed among the Members but should be passed to a similar organisation.

The Signatures of the Secretary and Members follow:

Signature of Secretary
………………………………………………………………………….
Full Name Block Capitals
………………………………………………………………………
Signature of members
1.…………………………………………………………………………….
Full name Block Capitals
…………………………………………………………………………..
2…………………………………………………………………………….
Full name Block
Capitals…………………………………………………………………………..
3……………………………………………………………………………
Full name Block
Capitals………………………………………………………………………….

Community Engagement and Support

Joining the Bramfield Avenue Allotment Holders Association offers more than just a plot to grow your plants; it connects you to a thriving community of gardening enthusiasts. Members benefit from regular events, workshops, and social gatherings designed to foster knowledge sharing and community spirit. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the association provides a supportive environment to cultivate your skills and make lasting friendships.

Expert Guidance and Resources

Our association prides itself on providing expert advice and resources to all members. From soil preparation and pest management to sustainable gardening techniques, we ensure that our members have access to the latest information and best practices. Our experienced members and occasional guest speakers offer hands-on support and tailored guidance, helping you maximize the potential of your allotment plot.

Commitment to Sustainability and Local Growth

Bramfield Avenue Allotment Holders Association is committed to promoting sustainable gardening practices that benefit both the environment and the local community. By encouraging organic growing methods and responsible resource use, we help protect local biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. Our allotments not only produce fresh, healthy food but also contribute to the green spaces that enhance the quality of life in our area.