Newent Bridge Club Constitution

Amended - 2011

      The Panel will take evidence from the accusers and any other members of the

      Club, either in writing or orally. The accused member will be entitled and expected

      to attend but may decline to attend at his or her discretion. The accused member

      may be supported by any other member of the Club of his or her choice. The

      accused member will have the right to address the Committee and submit

      evidence, in writing or orally. The supporting member may address the hearing,

      but may not answer questions on behalf of the accused.

      The Panel will retire to discuss the evidence and will either give their verdict at the

      hearing, or within a stated time frame being no longer than seven days. The Panel

      will have the power to suspend membership for a stated period, or to expel the

      member permanently from the Club.

      The member will have the option to appeal the decision of the Panel. The appeal

      will be heard by three members of the Committee (the Appeal Panel) who were

      not members of the original Panel and who were not involved in any discussions of

      the proceedings. The composition of the Appeal Panel will be at the direction of the

      Chairman. The decision of the Appeal Panel will be final.

11.  Winding up

      In the event that the number of fully paid up ordinary members falls below 10, the

      Committee will have the discretion to call an EGM and recommend the winding up

      of the Club. Funds permitting, the Committee will refund all the ordinary members

      a sum equivalent to the annual subscription. The assets of the Club shall be sold or

      otherwise disposed of, as the Committee sees fit and after deductions of all

      outstanding expenses, the balance in the accounts should be donated to the

      Gloucestershire Contract Bridge Association (GCBA).

12. Definitions and Interpretations

      The Committee will be the sole authority for interpretation of the Constitution and

      Rules and the terms contained therein. The Constitution and the Rules are binding

      upon all members, whether or not the member has received copies of the

      documents, or any notices of variations

      June 2011