Over the past year the Friends' operations have not fully complied with rules laid down in the FoPH constitution.

The Problem

It is difficult to get sufficient number of members to attend general meetings, e.g. the Annual General Meeting. Specifically it was noted that there were insufficient members attending the FoPH AGM in October 2008 to form a quorum under the rules of the current constitution. Yet, as a charity registered in England, FoPH is clearly bound to comply with its own rules.

FoPH was formed 35 years ago with, presumably, an essentially local membership. The composition of the membership has changed over the years. The more than 600 current members live not only in the area close to the Reserve but includes persons residing across the UK and abroad, some as far as Australia. This may be seen as gratifying; a result of the international importance and reputation of the Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve. Inevitably, however, logistical problems arise when organising meetings where the rules require a minimum number of members to attend. Moreover the long distances effectively disenfranchise a significant portion of FoPH's membership.

The FoPH Committee's Actions

The FoPH Committee/Trustees responded in the following ways:

1. We sought assistance and advice from the Charities Commission who issued an order authorising the Trustees to continue to pursue the business of FoPH and to call a Special General Meeting of members to formally approve a revision of the Constitution.

2. We carried out a thorough review of the constitution to change the quorum requirements and generally bring the constitution up to date. The Charity Commission's model constitution was used as a basis for the revision. It may be noted that the fundamental 'objects ' of the Friends of Pagham Harbour have not been changed.

3. We decided to call a Special General Meeting immediately preceding the next AGM, 10^th October 2009, to approve the changes to the constitution. Members will have the opportunity to indicate their agreement or otherwise by a postal postal voting scheme. Instructions are being mailed to all registered members.

It is very important that all members take part in the voting, either in person or using the postal ballot scheme!

Text of Constitution. Download PDF versions.