1. Name

The name of the Federation shall be the National Federation of Bridleways Associations (hereinafter called 'the Federation').

2. Objects

The objects of the Federation shall be:

(a) to protect and defend existing and potential bridleways and byways and the rights of all bridleway and byway users;

(b) to promote public awareness of the need for and the existence of bridleways and byways and to publicise routes;

(c) to raise funds to enable the Federation to fulfil its objectives;

(d) to educate and advise member groups on bridleway- and byway-related issues;

(e) to promote the viability of member groups and to encourage the formation of new groups;

(f) to conduct research into the historical basis of bridleway and byway claims;

(g) to develop a bridleways/byways network by coordinating cross-border routes and by promoting the creation of new regional routes (e.g. disused railways, canal towpaths);

(h) to monitor where possible any regional or national trends which may affect equestrian access;

(i) to seek representation on any appropriate regional or national organization concerned with access, recreation or sport;

(j) to foster links with other user organizations nationally.

3. Area covered

The area covered by the Federation shall be England and Wales.

4. Membership

Membership shall be open to all bridleway and byway groups and individuals with the same objectives in England and Wales.

5. Subscriptions

Member groups shall each pay an annual subscription of £7.50 plus 10p per member capitation and individual members shall each pay £7.50 or such amounts as may be determined by the Executive Committee on an annual basis.

6. Meetings

(a) The annual general meeting of the Federation shall be held in or about June each year to receive the Executive Committee's annual report and audited accounts.

(b) The Executive Committee shall give six weeks' notice of the annual general meeting.

(c) The annual general meeting shall be open to members of affiliated groups and to individual members whose subscription is up to date.

(d) The Chairman or Secretary may at any time at his/her discretion, and shall within 21 days of receiving a written request so to do signed by not less than a third of the member groups and individual members giving reasons for the request, call a special general meeting for the purpose of altering the constitution in accordance with Clause 9 hereof or of considering any other matter referred to them by the membership or for any other purpose.

7. Executive Committee

(a) The Executive Committee shall consists of representatives of the member groups, each group nominating two representatives.

(b) The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt additional members.

(c) The Executive Committee shall be responsible for running the affairs of the Federation and may take decisions on its behalf. A quorum for meetings of the Executive Committee shall consist of six.

(d) The Executive Committee shall elect from among its members a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary plus any other officers as it may from time to time determine.

8. Finance

(a) The Executive Committee shall have power to make appeals, solicit donations and canvass monies for carrying out the objects of the Federation.

(b) The Executive Committee shall, out of the monies received by the Federation, pay all proper expenses of administration and management of the Federation and shall use the residue of such monies as it thinks fit for or towards the objects of the Federation.

(c) The Treasurer shall keep proper account of the finances of the Federation and shall open a bank account in the name of the Federation.

(d) The accounts of the Federation shall be audited at least once a year by an independent qualified auditor and for this purpose the financial year shall end on 31 March.

(e) Any two out of the Treasurer, Chairman and one other member approved by the Executive Committee shall have the power to sign cheques on behalf of the Federation.

9. Amendments to the Constitution

The constitution may be amended by a two thirds majority of members present at the AGM or at a special general meeting, provided 21 days' notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to all member groups and individual members and provided that nothing therein contained shall authorise any amendment permitting the expenditure of funds on any object which is not an object of the Federation.

10. Dissolution

If the Executive Committee by a simple majority decides at any time that on grounds of expense or otherwise it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Federation it shall call a meeting of all the members of which meeting not less than twenty-one days' notice stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed thereat shall be advertised in Byway and Bridleway and the British Horse Society's Tracks. If such decision shall be confirmed by a simple majority of those present and voting at such meeting the Executive Committee shall have power to dispose of any assets held by or in the name of the Federation. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be applied towards objects similar to the objectives of the Federation in the area covered as previously defined as the Executive Committee may decide.

Back