Constitution

CONSTITUTION OF BOLTON BRIDLEWAYS ASSOCIATION SECTION 1 AIMS The Association shall: 1.1 Work within the law to improve riding opportunities and facilities for all in the Smithills area by the preservation, maintenance and improvement of legal and permissive access to the countryside rights of way network for horse riders and carriage drivers; 1.2 Atively promote an awareness of safe riding; 1.3 Encourage amicable relationships with central and local government, with owners and occupiers of land and with other user groups, while insisting upon observance of and compliance with the law by all concerned, including equestrians; 1.4 Support the involvement of individual horse riders and carriage drivers in the voluntary efforts that in turn create the interest and sympathy of providers of access facilities; 1.5 Follow the policies of the British Horse Society as published and where this is not possible, submit a list of the reason(s) why and submit such a list to the CABO for the area for consideration. It is understood that agreement by the Society’s representatives shall be forthcoming only in matters of practical necessity and safety and not in broader policies outside the policy of the BHS. SECTION 2 - AFFILIATION In order to affiliate to the British Horse Society, the Association will ensure that: 2 .1 The Chairman shall be a full member of the British Horse Society; 2.2 Approval by the BHS for affiliation shall be stated on application forms; 2.3 The Association will pay the appropriate annual fee to the BHS; 2.4 The Association will inform CABO of the dates and numbers of any path-clearing operation carried out; 2.5 In return for the required subscription, the Association will receive: · valuable insurance cover · free subscription to 'TRACKS' · copies of all policy and advisory leaflets · advice as required from County and Regional Access & Bridleways officers and from Stoneleigh · invitations to ‘rights of way training days’. SECTION 3 OFFICERS 3.1 There shall be appointed a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and Assistants as required. 3.2 The Association will work closely with and under the guidance of the Bolton Countryside Service. SECTION 4 MEETINGS 4.1 Meetings will be held at least four times a year or more often where appropriate. Minutes will be recorded and will be available for inspection by the membership. 4.2 The Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting each year between 1st of January and 31st March. At least 14 days notice of such a meeting setting out the business to be transacted shall be given to all members. 4.3 An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called by the chairman, by a majority vote of the committee or may be requisitioned in writing by 20 members. The requisition, which shall be served on the secretary, shall set out details of the business to be transacted. Notice of such a meeting will be sent out to all members within 21 days of receipt of the requisition. SECTION 5 SUBSCRIPTIONS 5.1 Subscriptions will be set at £5.00 per person, per annum and are aimed to cover the expenses of the Association. 5.2 The initial subscription will include a membership card. 5.3 Subscriptions shall be paid annually and fall due on 1 January or on admission to Membership. SECTION 6 ACCOUNTS 6.1 The Treasurer(s) will keep detailed records of income and expenditure including subscriptions. 6.2 The accounts will be audited annually. SECTION 7 INSURANCE 7.1 The annual subscription by the Association to the BHS contributes towards the insurance premium paid by the Society in respect of its affiliated bridleways associations, for the purposes of providing cover for third party public (legal) liability during events. The Association will receive a free copy of the Access & Rights of Way Department's newsletter, 'TRACKS', published three times a year. 7.2 The Association, affiliated to the British Horse Society, is covered for Public (Legal) Liability through the Society. 7.3 The insurance granted by the above policy shall apply only in respect of liability arising out of equestrian activities officially organised by the Association, including social and fundraising equestrian activities. 7.4 During equestrian activities organised by the Association, the Association itself is covered for any liability it incurs as organiser (including officials appointed for events). Members of the Association are covered individually only whilst they are taking part in these activities. Riding to and from such an event is not covered. 7.5 The Policy includes an indemnity to any landowner in respect of his liability arising out of any organised equestrian activity or event organised by the insured (the Association) on land owned by such landowner. Provided that such landowner shall as though he were the insured observe, fulfil and be subject to the terms, exceptions and conditions of this Policy as far as they can apply. 7.6 Notification, in writing, of any clearing party on any right of way or permissive route will be made to the Chairman of the BHS County Committee or the CABO of that Committee at least three days before the date of the clearing party. 7.6 The Association will endeavour to ensure that all proper care will be taken with the handling of tools/machinery and that chain saws, in particular, will be used only by people qualified and/or experienced in their use, and that they are properly clothed and equipped. 7.7 It is understood that the limit for any one claim is £5,000,000. Use of 4-wheel drive vehicles or motor cycles for official purposes is subject to British Horse Society Guidelines, or an exclusion of £1,000 in respect of use will be applied. 7.9 Third Party Public Liability means liability for damages incurred by a person who accidentally injures someone else or damages property belonging to someone else. it does not cover a person for any injury or damage inflicted by himself on himself, nor does it cover a person for loss or damage incurred by himself. The Policy exists to indemnify a person being a member of the Association against claims against him or her for some damage or injury caused by him or her, for which they are liable at law. The Policy also covers expenses incurred with the Underwriters' consent in connection with any claim. Throughout this document, the 'Association' shall be the Bolton Bridleways’ Association.

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Bolton Bridleways Association

Keeping Bolton's horse riders informed and safe by keeping them off the roads where possible.