Volunteer Joe O'Connor Republican Flute Band

Constitution and Rules
Revised December 2004

1. Name

1.1. The Band shall be known as "Volunteer Joe O'Connor Republican Flute Band"

2. Objectives

2.1. The objectives of the Band are to promote the establishment of a 32 county sovereign republic in Ireland and for the right of the Irish people to self determination. The band also raises money for the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association (more commonly known as IRPWA)

3. Management

3.1. The day to day administration of the Band shall be carried out by an Executive Committee (the "Committee"), comprising of the following: Five Officials, who will also be the trustees of the band:

a) Chairman
b) Secretary
c) Treasurer
d) Social Convener

3.2. At least three members of the Committee shall be playing members of the Band.

3.3. The Committee shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting AGM). Any vacancies that arise during the year are to be filled by an election at an Extra General Meeting (EGM).

3.4. A quorum for Committee meetings shall be no less than five persons.

3.5. Members under sixteen years of age shall not be permitted to stand for election as Committee members.

3.6. The Committee may co-opt other Band members onto the Committee as is deemed necessary for the efficient administration of the Band.

4. Finance

4.1. The Treasurer shall keep records of all financial transactions and have annual accounts prepared, subject to an independent examination. These accounts will be presented at the AGM.

4.2. Such bank and/or building society accounts shall be maintained as are deemed necessary by the Treasurer.

5. Band Property

5.1. An up-to-date inventory of all instruments, accessories, uniforms, music and other equipment shall be maintained by the Band Sergeant.

5.2. Individual band members shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of all properties of the Band.

6. Membership

6.1. Membership shall be open to all Republican minded persons who share the same aims and political viewpoint of the Band. However, Membership will be denied if any individual is or was a member of any organisations such as The Crown forces i.e.. British Army, Police Force etc. or Political groupings opposed to the establishment of a democratic sovereign republic in Ireland, free from British rule.

6.2. The band recognise The 32 County Sovereignty Movement, The I.R.P.W.A. & Fianna Na hEireann as the Republican Movement, therefore we reject the Good Friday Agreement, as it usurps Irish Sovereignty.

6.3. Each individual is required to pay £25 towards uniform costs and £25 towards instrument cost. Upon leaving the band, members are required to return all property belonging to the band who will then refund any monies owed.

6.4. The consumption of alcohol in band uniform is prohibited unless the committee has granted permission to do so. Please note this will only happen in exceptional circumstances.

6.5. Under no circumstances shall junior members under the age of eighteen consume alcohol while representing the band.

6.6. Membership shall be open to supporters and parents of Junior Members.

6.7. Prospective Members shall be given a copy of this constitution and acceptance shall be understood as agreement to all conditions.

6.8. All Members shall be required to pay weekly dues in accordance with band Rules set at the AGM.

6.9. Each Member shall abide by the decisions of the Committee.

6.10. Each Member shall be responsible for all Band property in his/her possession and shall make good any loss or damage thereto resulting from his / her neglect or carelessness.

6.11. Membership may be terminated by decision of the Committee for breach of these rules or on any grounds they deem sufficient. Any such decisions may be further considered at an AGM or EGM, on appeal.

7. Meetings

7.1. The Executive Committee shall hold at least two ordinary meetings each year. A special meeting may be called at any time by the chairman or by any two members of the Committee.

7.2. The chairman shall act as chairman at all meetings. If the chairman is absent the members of the Committee shall choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting before any other business is transacted.

7.3. In case of equality, the Chairman shall be entitled to a casting vote.

7.4. Minutes shall be kept by the Secretary (or their nominated substitute) of proceedings at all meetings.

7.5. Seven days written notice to Members is required for an Extra General Meeting.

7.6. An EGM shall be held within four weeks of the Committee receiving notice, in writing, that it is the wish of a two thirds majority of Band Members that such a meeting be held.

7.7. Nominations for members of the Executive Committee can be made at any time prior to voting taking place.

8. Dues & Rates

8.1. Dues & rates shall be fixed by the committee.

8.2. Any Member who's Dues are not fully paid up for the year, or part thereof, will not be entitled to vote at meetings.

9. Dissolution

9.1. If the Executive Committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Band, it shall call a meeting of all Members of the Band of which not less than twenty one days written notice (stating the terms to be proposed) shall be given. If the proposal is confirmed by two thirds majority of those present and voting, the Executive Committee shall have power to release any assets held on behalf of the Band. At the time of dissolution any assets, remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities, must be given, or transferred to such Organisation's the Band support.

Signed on behalf of the committee
Chairman, Band Sergeant, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Convener.