Constitution
1. Name:- Shepley and District Naturalists Society. We are based at Cliffe House Lane Head Road Shepley HD8 8DB
2. Aims:- To provide a focal point for anyone in the area interested in Nature in any or all of its forms, by way of organising weekly guided walks throughout the Summer, providing monthly illustrated talks from guest speakers in the Winter and arranging lunches at various times throughout the year. This acts as a social hub for all members, even those no longer able to join the walks.
3:- Members. We are happy to welcome any adults in the district who may be or wish to be interested in the wide range of subject matter we offer.
4:- Organisation. The society is managed by a Committee, elected annually in September at the Annual General Meeting, which includes a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and up to three other officers all holding honorary positions. The Committee will meet from time to time and requires a quorum to approve any decisions made.
5:- Finance. An annual subscription is set by the Committee, which is affordable to all, is collected at the start of the financial year on 1st September. Expenses for speakers, room hire and incidentals are covered by cheques signed by the Treasurer and Secretary. A bank account in the name of the Society is used.
6:- Activities. As in 2. a wide variety of walks, visits to bird and wildlife reserves, classroom courses on identification of plant and animal life, as well as occasional purely social gatherings to keep all members in contact.
7:- Extraordinary meetings. Will be called to discuss/vote on urgent matters as well as Alterations to the Constitution or Dissolution of the Society. All members will be given 14 days notice in advance by e-mail
TERMS AND DISCLAIMER
The purpose our Society is to arrange informal walks and visits on a semi- regular basis. The Society does not have insurance and any person participating in any such activity does so entirely at their own risk.
It is not the responsibility of this Society's organisers of any walk or activity to check and ensure the suitability of individuals to complete it.
It is the responsibility of any person participating in any walk or other event arranged by the Society's members to ensure that they are in a fit medical state to complete the walk and also that they are suitably prepared and have the correct kit, including walking footwear, for the conditions - both terrain and weather.
By joining the Society and attending a group walk:-
1) You acknowledge that the organiser of this event does not necessarily hold any formal qualifications in relation to walking leadership, or medical qualifications or training.
2) You agree and acknowledge that this Society has no legal duty of care to its members and 'guests' and that it accepts no liability for any accident occurring from, or for any injuries arising out of travel to, and participation in this Society's activities and that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times.
3) You are not required to register for any of the Society's events in advance - merely to attend in good time on the day advertised on the programme and/or the Website.
4) You agree to keep to the pace of the group, accepting that the walk leader has to consider the pace of the slowest walker on any given day, and don't go off ahead without the leader's agreement even if you think you know the route. You agree that you will wait for the leader and all of the group at any point along a given walk route as requested by the leader.
5) You agree that if you are struggling with the pace or have health or other issues at any point during a walk you will ensure the walk leader is made aware immediately.
The purpose our Society is to arrange informal walks and visits on a semi- regular basis. The Society does not have insurance and any person participating in any such activity does so entirely at their own risk.
It is not the responsibility of this Society's organisers of any walk or activity to check and ensure the suitability of individuals to complete it.
It is the responsibility of any person participating in any walk or other event arranged by the Society's members to ensure that they are in a fit medical state to complete the walk and also that they are suitably prepared and have the correct kit, including walking footwear, for the conditions - both terrain and weather.
By joining the Society and attending a group walk:-
1) You acknowledge that the organiser of this event does not necessarily hold any formal qualifications in relation to walking leadership, or medical qualifications or training.
2) You agree and acknowledge that this Society has no legal duty of care to its members and 'guests' and that it accepts no liability for any accident occurring from, or for any injuries arising out of travel to, and participation in this Society's activities and that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times.
3) You are not required to register for any of the Society's events in advance - merely to attend in good time on the day advertised on the programme and/or the Website.
4) You agree to keep to the pace of the group, accepting that the walk leader has to consider the pace of the slowest walker on any given day, and don't go off ahead without the leader's agreement even if you think you know the route. You agree that you will wait for the leader and all of the group at any point along a given walk route as requested by the leader.
5) You agree that if you are struggling with the pace or have health or other issues at any point during a walk you will ensure the walk leader is made aware immediately.