Articles of Association of Burgundy Friends

1. The name of the Association, governed by the law of July 1, 1901 and the decree of August 16, 1901, shall be BURGUNDY FRIENDS
2. The purpose of this association is to provide a network for English speakers in Burgundy, to assist them in integrating with the local French community and to provide opportunities and occasions to socialise and do business together
3. Registered office
The registered office is situated at The Mairie, 71990 St Léger-sous-Beuvray
It can be changed by a resolution of the Board of Directors provided it is later ratified at the AGM

4. The Association will be composed of:
a) Patron Members
b) Affiliate members
c) Ordinary Members

5. Admissions
New members can be accepted by common consent at any meeting.

6. Members
- Patron Members are those who render services to the association and, as such, are exempted from subscriptions
- Affiliate Members are those who provide some benefits to other members, and will pay an annual subscription, the amount of which will be agreed by the AGM each year.
- Ordinary members pay an annual subscription of €25.00.

7. Dismissals
Membership can be terminated by:
a) resignation
b) death
c) dismissal by the board of directors for non-payment of subscription or gross misconduct. In the latter case, the person involved must be informed, by registered letter, and given the opportunity to present a defence before the board

8. The assets of the association comprise:
1 - the total of the membership fees and contributions
2 - any state, departement or local council grants
3 - income received from website adverts

4-Fixed,moveable or other assets of the Association that the Committee considerr outside of the normal day to day expenditure of the Association

9. Committee
The Association is controlled by a committee of  members, the number to be determined as being sufficient to manager the aqffairs of the Association, but not less than 5 members elected for 1 year at the AGM. All committee members are re-eligible for election.
From these members, the committee assigns the following officers: president; secretary; vice-secretary, publicity officer and treasurer.
In the absence of any member, the committee is empowered to provide a temporary replacement from amongst the members of the Association. Their permanent acceptance must be agreed at the next AGM. Members thus elected will serve the remainder of the time allotted to the replaced officer.

10. Committee meetings
The committee must meet once at least once every six months. A meeting can be convened by the president or by a request of one quarter of the membership.
Decisions are taken by a simple majority of member votes; in the event of a tie, the president has the deciding vote.
Any member of the committee who, without valid excuse, fails to attend three consecutive meetings can be summarily dismissed.

11. Annual General Meetings
All members of the association can attend an AGM.
The AGM is held each January.
The secretary must give all members 15 days notice of the AGM.
The president, assisted by the other committee members, chairs the meeting and gives his annual report.
The treasurer presents the financial statements for the members' approval.
New board members are elected by secret ballot -such ballot to be verified independantly by a member not on the Board of the Association. The results of the secret ballot to be notified to members of the Association. The only questions allowed at the AGM are those listed on the agenda.

12. Extraordinary general meetings
The President must call an EGM if a request is made by more than half the registered members. The meeting should follow the same format as the AGM.

13. Rules of procedure
Rules of procedure can be decided by the committee and must then be approved at the AGM. These rules are intended to augment anything not envisaged in the articles of association, in particular areas relating to the internal administration of the Association.

14. Dissolution
Agreement to dissolve the Association must be approved by at least two thirds of the members present at an AGM and one or more liquidators must be then appointed. Any remaining assets must be disposed of in accordance with article 9 of the law of July 1, 1901 and the decree of August 16, 1901.