About Us

NAME & PURPOSE

– The Woodfield Social and Sports Club Limited operates as a community focused organisation, promoting sporting activities and social engagement.
– Its core mission is to provide young people and the local community with opportunities to develop sporting skills and enhance their quality of life.

POWERS

– The club is empowered to take any action necessary to achieve its objectives.
– However, all activities must promote equal opportunities across all sections of the community.
– This commitment to inclusion ensures fair access to its services regardless of background.

MEMBERSHIP

– Open to individuals, corporate bodies, or nominees who support the club’s mission.
– Membership requires an annual subscription (if applicable).
– The Committee of Management:
  – Reviews membership applications.
  – Has absolute discretion over accepting new members.
  – Keeps a register with details on names, addresses, shares, and other assets.
– Membership can cease if:
  – A member resigns or fails to pay their subscription.
  – A member is expelled for conduct deemed prejudicial.
  – A corporate body is wound up or an individual passes away.
– Expulsion process:
  – Must be approved by the Committee after the member is given a chance to present their case.
  – Re-admission requires a 2/3 majority vote at a General Meeting.

GENERAL MEETINGS

– Annual General Meetings (AGM) occur within six months of the financial year’s close.
  – Includes financial reports, elections, appointment of auditors, and decisions on surplus funds.
– Special General Meetings are held when:
  – Called by the Committee.
  – Requested by three members or 10% of total membership.
– Notices & Voting:
  – Meetings require 14 days’ notice.
  – Voting is typically by a show of hands, but secret ballots can be demanded.
  – Resolutions need a simple majority unless otherwise specified.

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT

– Structure:
  – Must have at least 3 members, but no more than 12.
  – Founder Members appoint the initial Committee.
– Election & Removal:
  – Members serve until the next AGM and are eligible for re-election.
  – The Committee can co-opt members if there’s a casual vacancy.
  – A Committee member must declare conflicts of interest and may be removed for failing to do so.
– Responsibilities:
  – Manage club finances, memberships, events.
  – Set annual subscription fees.
  – Delegate work to sub-committees.
  – Ensure transparency through recorded minutes.

FINANCIAL RULES

– Share Capital:
  – Each member holds one non-transferable share valued at £1.
  – Shares cannot accrue dividends, interest, or bonuses.
  – On membership cessation, shares are cancelled and become club property.
– Borrowing:
  – The club can borrow up to £10 million for development.
  – Interest rates are capped at 6.5% or 3% above the base lending rate.
– Investments:
  – Funds can be invested under Section 31 of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965.

AUDIT & ACCOUNTS

– The club must appoint an auditor, unless legally exempt due to low income/expenditure.
– Auditors cannot be club officers or employees.
– Members must vote on whether to allow audit exemptions annually.
  – Approval occurs if less than 20% of votes oppose it.

DISSOLUTION & DISPUTES

– If dissolved:
  – Surplus assets must go to a non-profit entity rather than members.
– Disputes:
  – Must be resolved by arbitration or, if necessary, taken to County Court.