The Society shall be known as the Crewkerne and District Astronomical Society (CADAS).

2. Aims

(a) to promote friendship and co-operation among members;

(b) to instruct its members and the wider public in astronomy;

(c) to further the interests of its members in all aspects of astronomy;

(d) to encourage its members, especially the young, in the pursuit of astronomy.

3.1. Realisation of Aims

These aims are to be realised by:

(a) the provision of lectures by suitable speakers;

(b) the accumulation of the Society's expertise and facilities;

(c) provision of a library;

(d) encouraging the production of a newsletter

(e) organising field meetings and other astronomy-related events.

3.2. Light Pollution

The Society will seek to educate the public, and civic and other public bodies, on the detrimental effects of light pollution.

(a). The general conduct and arrangement of business of CADAS shall be in the hands of the Council of CADAS (hereafter referred to as the Council), composed of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and not more than six (6) other members.

(b). The Council members shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

(c). All Council members shall retire at each successive Annual General Meeting, but shall be eligible for re-election.

(d). The Council shall meet as necessary, but not less than twice a year.

(e). Four members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, of which two (2) must be office holders.

5. Membership

Membership shall be open, subject to the discretion of the Council, to all interested persons. The acceptance of CADAS's rules by members shall be implicit in their membership.

(a) Visitors are welcome to attend the Society's meetings and will normally be charged an entrance fee.

(b) All members and visitors shall be required to sign the attendance book at each meeting.

(c) Members will be required to register a contact address and telephone number with the secretary.

(d) The Council shall have the power to expel any member whose conduct is prejudicial to the aims and interests of CADAS, without refund of subscription.

6. Subscriptions

Each member shall pay an annual subscription.

(a) The amount of the annual subscription shall be decided by the Council.

(b) The subscription shall be due at the January meeting. Subscriptions are not refundable except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Council. Subscriptions not paid by 31 March will be assumed to mean resignation.

(c) Subscriptions of members sixteen or under, or in full time education, shall be fifty per cent (50%) of the full amount.

(d) Any new members joining the Society after the due date shall pay pro rata.

(a) Any account shall be kept in the name of CADAS.

(b) All money received by CADAS shall be promptly deposited in the CADAS account, with the exception of a cash float, which should not normally exceed fifty (50) pounds.

(c) Withdrawals and cheque payments require the signature of CADAS’s treasurer and one other officer.

(d) The Treasurer, at his or her discretion, may reimburse any person for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of CADAS.

(e) Gifts and property given to CADAS shall remain the property of CADAS.

(f) Expenditure of effort on behalf of CADAS shall normally be unpaid.

(a) The Annual General Meeting shall normally be held during January each year.

(b) The quorum for the AGM shall be at least one third of the members.

(a) Extraordinary General Meetings may be called by the Council, or, upon petition to the secretary, by at least one third of the paid-up members of the society. The EGM will then take place within 60 days.

(b) The quorum for the EGM shall be as for the Annual General Meeting.

(c) Members will be informed of the EGM in advance.

10. Amendments to the Constitution

The Constitution may be amended only at an EGM called for that purpose, or at the AGM. Any member may submit any proposed amendment to this Constitution to the Council for their consideration.