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HISTORY & OBJECTIVES

The Church Monuments Society was founded in 1979 and offers a focus for all who have
an interest in church monuments of all types and periods. It was conceived to encourage
the appreciation, study and conservation of church monuments both in the UK and abroad.

The Society organizes biennial symposia, annual study days, an AGM, at least three excursions a year and some additional ad hoc events.

The Society publishes an annual academic journal 'Church Monuments' and a less formal,
informative twice yearly Newsletter. These publications are provided free to members, but may be purchased separately.

Please note that the Church Monuments Society is not able to offer grant aid.

The Society's Constitution is reproduced below.

Church Monuments Society Consitution as of 10th September 2011
1	The name of the Society shall be THE CHURCH MONUMENTS SOCIETY.
2	The object of the Society shall be to promote, for the public benefit, the study, care and conservation of funerary monuments of historical, artistic, architectural or educational importance and related art of all periods and of all countries. 3          The Society shall consist of Individual Members, Family Members, Student Members, Corporate Members and Honorary Members.
4	The Officers of the Society, all of whom shall be Honorary, shall be:             The President             The Vice-Presidents             The Secretary             The Treasurer             The Conservation Cases Recorder             The Events Co-ordinator             The Journal Editor              The Membership Secretary             The Newsletter Editor             The Publicity Officer              The Archivist
5	The Society shall be managed by a Council which shall consist of the Officers and six Members (which may include one representative of any Corporate Member). Each Member is to be elected for a three year term.  Any such Member retiring shall not be eligible for election for one year.
6	The Officers and other Council Members shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting.  Nominations to fill vacancies on the Council should be received in writing, duly proposed and seconded by two Members of the Society, and confirming the willingness of the nominee to stand for election, and must reach the Secretary not less than three weeks before the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Council shall have the power to fill any vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting, and to co-opt such additional Members as they think necessary, and to appoint sub-committees with delegated powers.
7	The President shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting each year but shall not serve continuously for a period of more than five years, and, on relinquishing the post, s/he will not be eligible for any office for a period of one year.
8	The Council may terminate the membership of any Member at any time and without assigning any reason.  Any person or body ceasing to be a Member shall, if the Council sees fit, forthwith forfeit any rights to claim upon the Society and its funds or property.
9	The maximum liability which members of the Society (whether or not members of the Council) shall incur shall be limited to an amount not exceeding one year's subscription
10	Student Members being under twenty-one years of age or being in full-time education shall be entitled to attend meetings and to receive the Society's publications
11	Honorary Members may be elected at the Annual General Meeting on nomination of the Council.
12	All Members, except Honorary Members, shall pay an annual subscription to be fixed by an Annual General Meeting on the recommendation of the Council.  This subscription shall be due on 1st June.  Any Member whose subscription appears in arrears for six months shall be notified to that effect, and if payment is not made within three months, membership of the Society shall cease.
13	The Annual General Meeting shall normally be held in September for the purpose of: Receiving a report by the Council Receiving a statement of the accounts             Electing Officers and Members of the Council             Appointing an independent examiner of the accounts             Dealing with any business pertinent to the Society
14	A Special General Meeting may be called by the Council at any time or on a requisition signed by at least fifteen Members (who may include representatives of Corporate Members) stating the purpose for which the meeting is required.
15	Notice of General Meetings shall be given not less than one calendar month beforehand.
16	The Quorum of a General Meeting shall be twenty Members, who must include the President or Vice-President or the Secretary or the Treasurer.  Decisions at a General Meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote.
17	Notice of an intention to propose a resolution at an Annual General Meeting must reach the Secretary not later than fourteen days before the date of the next meeting
18	The financial year of the Society shall end on 31st March. 19        The Council shall appoint three cheque signatories from the Council in addition to the Treasurer.
20	The Treasurer may reimburse Members for expenses reasonably incurred on the Society's business.
21	Corporate Members may send up to three representatives to any general meeting or function of the Society. One member per organisation can vote at general meetings. Likewise there is one vote per family membership. Members under 18 years, have no voting rights at the AGM.
22	The registered address of the Society shall be c/o The Society of Antiquaries of London, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J OBE.
23	Dissolution of the Society shall be effected by resolution of a Special General Meeting. Any such resolution shall provide for the disposal of the Society's assets solely to a charitable organisation or organisations having objectives similar to that of the Society.
24	Amendments may be made to these Rules by the Society in a General Meeting.  Amendments shall be duly proposed and seconded and lodged with the Secretary so that three weeks notice may be given to Members.
Approved at AGM, 10 September 2011.