Constitution

1. NAME
The name of the Society shall be the "Peeblesshire Archaeological Society", hereinafter termed the Society.

2.  OBJECTS

The objects of the Society shall be to advance the education of the public in the archaeology and history of the Peebles area and in furtherance thereof: -

  • to stimulate public interest in the history and archaeology, principally of Tweeddale District, but also further afield
  • to encourage the preservation of features of general historic and archaeological interest
  • to promote archaeological recording, excavation and publication
  • to pursue these aims by fieldwork, meetings, exhibitions, lectures, publications, publicity and other appropriate actions

3.  MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to all that are interested in and abide by the aims of the Society. Membership shall lapse if the subscription is unpaid six months after notification.

4.  SUBSCRIPTION
The subscription shall be determined each year at the Annual General Meeting.

5.  MEETINGS
The Annual General Meeting shall be held in or about April of each year to receive the Executive Committee's report and audited accounts, and to elect Officers and Members of the Committee. The Committee shall decide when ordinary meetings of the Society shall be held and shall give at least ten days notice of such meetings to all full members. Special General Meetings of the Society shall be held at the request of 25% of the current membership. Ten members personally present shall constitute a quorum for the Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting of the Society.

6.  OFFICERS
Nominations for the election of Officers shall be made at or before the Annual General Meeting. The election of Officers shall be completed prior to the election of further committee members. The Officers of the Society shall consist of:

  • Chairman
  • Vice Chairman
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

All of whom shall relinquish their office each year and shall be eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meeting of the Society for periods to be decided at each meeting.

7.  COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers and not more than five further members. The Committee shall have the power to co-opt further members (who shall attend in an advisory capacity but non-voting capacity). The Executive Committee shall be responsible for running the affairs of the Society and may take decisions on its behalf. A quorum for meetings of the executive Committee shall consist of five members.

8.  APPEALS
The Executive Committee shall have the power to make appeals, solicit donations and canvass monies for carrying out the objects of the Society.

9.  EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATION
The Executive Committee shall out of monies received by the Society, pay all proper expenses of administration and management of the Society, and shall use the residue of such monies as it thinks fit for or towards the aims of the Society.

10. INVESTMENT
All monies at any time belonging to the Society an not required for immediate application for its objects shall be invested by the Executive Committee upon such investments, securities or property as it may think fit.

11. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of members present at an Annual or Special General Meeting, provided that twenty one days notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to all members.

12. ACTIVITIES

  • The Executive Committee shall encourage members to engage in bona fide fieldwork under competent supervision.
  • Member shall not engage in any fieldwork or searching for sites or artefacts by excavation, metal detecting or other means, under the aegis of the Society, unless such work is approved by the Executive Committee. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the Society.
  • Members of the Society engaging in fieldwork or site visits are ambassadors for the Society and must conduct themselves accordingly, obeying the Countryside Code and always seeking permission to be on private land.

13. WINDING UP
In the event of the winding up of the Society the available funds of the Society shall be transferred to such one or more charitable bodies having objects similar to those herein declared as may be chosen by the Executive Committee.

Constitution ratified at a Special General Meeting of Peeblesshire Archaeological Society held on Thursday 15 November 2001.