Anglesey Antiquarian Society Constitution
Revised at the AGM, 15 May 2026

1. Name and Legal Status

  • • The name of the charity is “Cymdeithas Hynafiaethwyr Môn / Anglesey Antiquarian Society.”
  • • The Society is governed by this constitution and registered with the Charity Commission.
  • • The Society’s status is that of an unincorporated charity.
  • • Constitution Version 2026

2. Charitable Objects

The objects of the Society are the advancement of public education in the history, archaeology, and environment of Anglesey.

To achieve this, the Society will:

  • • encourage the conservation and appreciation of sites and artefacts of historic and cultural importance
  • • foster community engagement through lectures, excursions, workshops, and publications
  • • develop key resources for study, including newsletters, Transactions, and a designated website
  • • collaborate with kindred organisations, academic institutions, and statutory bodies

The Society exists for the wider public benefit and not solely for its members.

3. Powers

In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise, the Trustees may:

  • • raise funds, invite contributions, and engage in lawful fundraising activities
  • • acquire, manage, and dispose of property and equipment necessary for activities
  • • award grants and donations to individuals or bodies whose work meets the Society’s charitable objects, subject to annual membership approval
  • • co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies, and statutory authorities
  • • appoint advisory committees or working groups to carry out specific functions

4. Language Equality

  • • The Society will treat Welsh and English on an equal basis.
  • • Lectures, publications, and digital content may be delivered in Welsh or English, and members may choose their preferred language when communicating with the Society.

5. Membership

Membership is open to:

  • • individuals aged 16 and over who support the Society’s objects and pay the annual subscription
  • • bodies corporate or unincorporated associations that support the Society’s objects and pay the annual subscription

Membership categories include:

  • • Ordinary Member
  • • Under-25 Member (reduced subscription)
  • • Honorary Member (exempt from subscription). In this context, the Society’s Patron to be considered an Honorary Member
  • • Corporate / Association Membership

Members may attend all activities. Certain events will in addition be explicitly open to the wider community to further public engagement.

6. Subscriptions and Resignation

  • • Annual subscriptions are set by the Annual General Meeting and payable in advance on April 1st. each year.
  • • Any member who fails to pay within 18 months of the last payment shall be deemed to have resigned.
  • • Written notice of resignation must be sent to the Secretary before the end of the financial year to avoid liability for the next subscription.

7. Trustees and Officers

  • • The Society is managed by up to 12 Trustees.
  • • Some of the Trustees are also office holders and have designated responsibilities.
  • • All Trustee appointments have to be approved by Members in the Annual General Meeting and each Trustee must be over 18 years of age and meet the eligibility requirements of the Charity Commission.
  • • The Trustees receive no remuneration except reimbursement of approved expenses.
  • • To assist with the management of the Society’s activities non-Trustees may be appointed as required and although the non-Trustees can partake fully in discussions, all decisions on finance and governance can only be voted on by the Trustees. The Trustees and Non-trustees constitute the Committee.
  • • The key Officers of the Society shall be the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and the Trustees can appoint further Officers (for example: deputies to the key officers, editors, programme organiser, membership secretary, publications officer).
  • • Key and other officers can be appointed by the Trustees should a vacancy occur between Annual General Meetings. Continuance in a key officer role will be subject to the approval of an Annual General Meeting.
  • • For the role of President and the named Key posts, a minimum fixed term of office will be adopted and any extension of this term will require the approval of the Members. All Trustees may offer themselves for re-election every five years.

8. Co-option, Vacancy, and Removal

  • • The Trustees may co-opt additional Trustees (or Non-trustees taking on Officer roles), provided the total number of trustees does not exceed 12. Any co-option of Trustees must meet with the approval of Members in the next Annual General Meeting. Non-trustees (who can also be described as non-voting Committee members) can be appointed or co-opted by the Trustees, without having to refer to the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
  • • A trustee ceases to hold office if
    • • disqualified (as defined in the Charity Commission Guidelines)resigns with noticeis absent from four consecutive Committee meetings without apology or explanation
    • • is removed by resolution of the Committee for good reason.

9. Meetings of the Committee (consisting of Trustees and Non-trustees)

  • • The Committee shall meet at least four times a year.
  • • A special meeting may be called by the Chair or any two trustees with four days’ notice, or 21 days’ notice if co-option is on the agenda.
  • • A quorum is five trustees. Decisions are by majority vote, with the Chair holding a casting vote if needed.

10. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  • • The AGM shall be held each May.
  • • At least 25 bona fide members constitute a quorum.

The AGM will:

  1. receive reports and independently examined accounts to 31 March
  2. elect or re-elect officers, and additional trustees up to a maximum of 12
  3. appoint an independent examiner (not a trustee)
  4. decide on any grant-making proposals for the coming year
  5. set the annual subscription

Written notice of proposed resolutions from bona fide members must reach the Secretary at least 21 days before the AGM.

11. Special General Meetings (SGM)

  • • An SGM may be called by the Trustees at any time or by at least ten members submitting a written request stating the business.
  • • Notice of an SGM, including agenda items, must be given to all members at least 21 days in advance.

12. Financial Administration

  • • All funds are held in bank accounts in the Society’s name.
  • • All Bank Account payment authorisations will require two approvals. Expenditure greater than £500 per transaction requires Trustee approval unless covered in a budget already approved by the Trustees.
  • • The Treasurer is to present a report to each Committee meeting
  • • Funds must be applied only to the Society’s objects.

13. Amendments to the Constitution

  • • Alterations to Clause 1, 2, and 14 (name, objects, dissolution) require a two-thirds majority at a general meeting and Charity Commission consent.
  • • Other amendments require a simple majority of members present and must be reported to the Charity Commission within 21 days.
  • • No amendment may jeopardise the Society’s charitable status.

14. Dissolution

  • • If the Trustees decides to dissolve the Society, a meeting of all members will be called with at least 21 days’ notice given.
  • • A two-thirds majority of those present and voting is required to confirm dissolution.
  • • After settling liabilities, remaining assets will transfer to a charity with objects similar to those of the Society.
  • • The Trustees will notify the Charity Commission and submit final accounts as required.

This constitution was approved by the membership on 15 May 2026 and replaces all previous versions.