1] The Association shall be called the British Westerners Association (Hereafter referred to as the “B.W.A.”), and the name and logo of the B.W.A. {See end of Constitution for emblem} is the property of the B.W.A. and shall not be used without the express written permission of the B.W.A. Committee (Hereafter referred to as the “Committee”).
2] The aims of the B.W.A. shall be:
2a] To form a link between those people interested in all aspects of the “American West”;
2b] To arrange activities during the year so that members, whatever their interests, may take part and compete.
2c] To keep Members informed of any items of Western interest through a Magazine, Website, Facebook or News sheet.
2d] To donate a percentage of the yearly profit over Five Hundred pounds made by the B.W.A. to charity, (the charity donation can be suspended at the discretion of the Committee for a period of an agreed time).
3] The B.W.A. shall consist of Single, Family, Couples, Clubs, Affiliated Club and Business Memberships, and Overseas Memberships in each of these categories. Honorary or Complimentary memberships may be arranged by agreement of the committee.
4] Subscriptions shall be rolling on a month to month basis and shall be as the Committee decides.
5] Any persons applying for membership must give their correct full name as well as any Western Alias.
6] The Committee shall consist of up to eleven members who shall be elected by a show of hands at each Annual General Meeting (Hereafter referred to as the “A.G.M.”) by the membership.
7a] Any member standing for election, or re-election, onto the Committee must be present at the A.G.M., unless otherwise agreed prior to the A.G.M. by the Committee.
7b] Each year Three members of the Committee shall be appointed for a three year term of office and will remain in office for their three year term, unless they decide to stand down.
8] At the A.G.M. all Committee Members, not appointed for a three-year term, shall stand down and shall be, should they so desire, eligible for re-election. If the members are agreeable and should circumstances require (i.e.. no other members stand for election) the Committee can, should they all be agreeable, be re-elected ‘en-bloc’
9] Should a vacancy occur on the Committee at any time :
9a] The unsuccessful candidates at the last election of Committee Members shall be notified in order of voting results; or
9b] The committee may co-opt a member (who has volunteered) to fill the vacancy. Co-opted member shall be eligible to vote at Committee meetings.
10] Members applying for Committee Membership must have been a member of the B.W.A. for at least one year and must take up Single, Couple, Family or have Honorary Membership.
11] The Committee shall be responsible for forming the rules that make up the Constitution and Rules of the B.W.A., including B.W.A. show / event rules.
12] Only Members present at the A.G.M. shall be entitled to vote. There shall be no voting by proxy or in writing unless the Committee think fit to make exceptions.
13] At every A.G.M. the B.W.A. accounts, audited by a competent person, which are made up to the 31st.July of each year, will be distributed with the B.W.A. magazine or newssheet following the A.G.M.
14] The Officers of the B.W.A., who will constitute all or part of the Committee, may consist of such positions as the Committee deem necessary, The committee will decide what positions are required at any given time.
15] The Committee shall meet at least FOUR times annually, which can also include liaison over social media to arrange the affairs of the B.W.A.. The Committee will decide venue and meeting times. Committee Members must be prepared to attend all meetings. Three members of the Committee shall constitute a Quorum, one of whom shall be the Chairman / Vice Chairman.
16] Any Committee Member being absent from two consecutive meetings without reasonable cause shall be deemed to have resigned from the Committee. Committee Members unable to attend a committee meeting must notify the Secretary, preferably in writing, as soon as possible.
16a] The Committee reserve the right to ask for the resignation of another Committee Member, providing there is a majority vote of no confidence in favour of the resignation.
17] A member may apply for the position of B.W.A. Area Deputy, in order to assist B.W.A. Members and to promote the B.W.A. in their area, providing that member is over 18 years of age and has had one full years membership of the B.W.A. The duration of the post will be for one year and is renewable on re-application after that time at the discretion of the B.W.A. Committee. Area Deputies will be required to give a report at regular intervals of work achieved in their area to the Area Deputy Coordinator, who will, if he/she is not a member of the B.W.A. Committee, be responsible to the B.W.A. Committee.
18] Should it be necessary to ban a person or persons from the B.W.A., the committee shall not be obliged to give any reason for the ban. Any members: -
18a] Causing damage to property, or
18b] Causing threat, fear or injury to, or
18c] Bringing the B.W.A. name into disrepute, or
18d] Using profanity or abusive language in front of another member or member of the general public, render themselves liable to instant dismissal from the B.W.A.
19] All members shall be tolerant towards all other members no matter how their interests may differ within the Western Scene.
20] A person shall, upon ceasing to be a member of the B.W.A., forfeit all rights to, and any claims upon the B.W.A., its property and funds.
21] Where guns are carried or used by members, the following rules must be STRICTLY OBSERVED:
21a] ONLY BLANK CARTRIDGES MAY BE USED UNDER ANY AND ALL CIRCUMSTANCES UNLESS THE USE OF OTHER AMMUNITION IS AUTHORISED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR A SPECIFIC EVENT.
21b] Only weapons specifically designed to fire blank cartridges, or firearms for which the Member has written authorisation from the proper authorities which permits the carrying and use of a firearm (to which the current firearms legislation applies for theatrical purposes) may be carried (with the exception of shotguns which are dealt with in rule 21d and 21e).
21c] No illegal converted firearms or replicas will be tolerated under any circumstances.
21d] Shotguns: Only Members who have written authorisation from the proper authorities, which permit the carrying of a shotgun, may carry these weapons.
21e] No live ammunition is to be carried or used under any and all circumstances unless authorised by the Committee for a specific event.
21f] No shotgun is to be discharged within a 30 foot radius of any other person unless as part of an organised event.
Members applying to the authorities for Firearms Certificates must not do so in the name of the B.W.A. Firearms Certificates must be obtained on the merit of the individual. Members must not obtain Firearm Certificates on which “for use with B.W.A.” or “under the auspices of the B.W.A.” or similar phrase is stated, without the express written permission of the B.W.A. secretary, and after discussion with the committee.
21g] With reference to Rule 21, In the event of an investigation or visit by the Police to a B.W.A. organised or related event, all members will be expected to stand on their own cognizance and responsibility in relation to the Laws regarding the legality and ownership of any and all weapons in their possession.
21h] Any Committee Member or Person appointed by the committee may at any time carry out a physical check of any weapon carried by anybody at our events, including perusal of firearms certificates.
21i] No BB guns, Air Soft, Air Rifles are to be used or brought to any B.W.A events. Other than the ones owned by or authorised by the B.W.A. committee for events.
Under no circumstances are any firearms to be loaded outside of the arena at any time.
THE B.W.A. DOES NOT CONDONE THE CARRYING OF OR USING OF LOADED WEAPONS (INCLUDING EDGED WEAPONS) AT ANY SOCIAL GATHERING OR IN PUBLIC PLACES. WHEN TAKING PART IN SHOWS MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT SHOW ORGANISERS FOR PERMISSION TO CARRY OR USE LOADED WEAPONS (INCLUDING EDGED WEAPONS). MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE FIREARMS ACT, AND TO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL POLICE FOR DETAILS OF FIREARM CERTIFICATION APPLICATION.
Rule 21 will be deemed to have been amended automatically by any change in the law covering the use, ownership, and carrying of Firearms, Shotguns, “Model Guns” and Edged Weapons
22] Individual Members may, if they wish, put on, or help with, western shows without consulting the Committee, providing the B.W.A. is not mentioned in any publicity for such a show. The B.W.A. will not be held responsible for any mismanagement or accident, which may occur to any person or property at these shows.
23] The B.W.A. will not be held responsible for any loss of or damage to property during any B.W.A. event or B.W.A. Affiliated event.
24] Any member or Committee Member acting on behalf of the B.W.A. shall notify the B.W.A. secretary when organising or negotiating any venue or show on behalf of the B.W.A. Copies of correspondence between Members and party or parties concerned shall be sent to the B.W.A. secretary so that it may be entered in the B.W.A. Files.
25] If a member wishes to call on the resources of, or use the name B.W.A. in any respect, then the Committee must be consulted beforehand to ensure that the “Western Scene” will not be bought into disrepute with the general public.
26] If a person relinquishes their membership and then renews after a year or more, that person cannot retain their original Membership number unless all back-subscriptions are paid.
26a] A person who so renews their membership cannot stand for committee (even with previous committee membership) without another full years membership of the B.W.A
26b] A committee member or an Area Deputy must renew their membership within three months of expiry or face automatic removal from office.
27] Should the B.W.A cease to exist, or if at any time the committee feel that it is no longer a viable proposition to continue, The B.W.A. funds and properties, and funds from the sale of such properties, shall not be distributed among the Committee or Membership, but shall be donated to such organisations or charities as the Trustees deem appropriate once all bills have been paid for.
28] Any member who wishes to collect for charities at other events other than round-up in the name of the B.W.A must do so only with express written consent from the Secretary, after discussion regarding if it is in the clubs best interest.
29] Non members can take part in the events for fun, but will not be in the results for the trophies.
The Trustees are : Robert Mills, Mark Gaden and Dot Beacham.
2] The aims of the B.W.A. shall be:
2a] To form a link between those people interested in all aspects of the “American West”;
2b] To arrange activities during the year so that members, whatever their interests, may take part and compete.
2c] To keep Members informed of any items of Western interest through a Magazine, Website, Facebook or News sheet.
2d] To donate a percentage of the yearly profit over Five Hundred pounds made by the B.W.A. to charity, (the charity donation can be suspended at the discretion of the Committee for a period of an agreed time).
3] The B.W.A. shall consist of Single, Family, Couples, Clubs, Affiliated Club and Business Memberships, and Overseas Memberships in each of these categories. Honorary or Complimentary memberships may be arranged by agreement of the committee.
4] Subscriptions shall be rolling on a month to month basis and shall be as the Committee decides.
5] Any persons applying for membership must give their correct full name as well as any Western Alias.
6] The Committee shall consist of up to eleven members who shall be elected by a show of hands at each Annual General Meeting (Hereafter referred to as the “A.G.M.”) by the membership.
7a] Any member standing for election, or re-election, onto the Committee must be present at the A.G.M., unless otherwise agreed prior to the A.G.M. by the Committee.
7b] Each year Three members of the Committee shall be appointed for a three year term of office and will remain in office for their three year term, unless they decide to stand down.
8] At the A.G.M. all Committee Members, not appointed for a three-year term, shall stand down and shall be, should they so desire, eligible for re-election. If the members are agreeable and should circumstances require (i.e.. no other members stand for election) the Committee can, should they all be agreeable, be re-elected ‘en-bloc’
9] Should a vacancy occur on the Committee at any time :
9a] The unsuccessful candidates at the last election of Committee Members shall be notified in order of voting results; or
9b] The committee may co-opt a member (who has volunteered) to fill the vacancy. Co-opted member shall be eligible to vote at Committee meetings.
10] Members applying for Committee Membership must have been a member of the B.W.A. for at least one year and must take up Single, Couple, Family or have Honorary Membership.
11] The Committee shall be responsible for forming the rules that make up the Constitution and Rules of the B.W.A., including B.W.A. show / event rules.
12] Only Members present at the A.G.M. shall be entitled to vote. There shall be no voting by proxy or in writing unless the Committee think fit to make exceptions.
13] At every A.G.M. the B.W.A. accounts, audited by a competent person, which are made up to the 31st.July of each year, will be distributed with the B.W.A. magazine or newssheet following the A.G.M.
14] The Officers of the B.W.A., who will constitute all or part of the Committee, may consist of such positions as the Committee deem necessary, The committee will decide what positions are required at any given time.
15] The Committee shall meet at least FOUR times annually, which can also include liaison over social media to arrange the affairs of the B.W.A.. The Committee will decide venue and meeting times. Committee Members must be prepared to attend all meetings. Three members of the Committee shall constitute a Quorum, one of whom shall be the Chairman / Vice Chairman.
16] Any Committee Member being absent from two consecutive meetings without reasonable cause shall be deemed to have resigned from the Committee. Committee Members unable to attend a committee meeting must notify the Secretary, preferably in writing, as soon as possible.
16a] The Committee reserve the right to ask for the resignation of another Committee Member, providing there is a majority vote of no confidence in favour of the resignation.
17] A member may apply for the position of B.W.A. Area Deputy, in order to assist B.W.A. Members and to promote the B.W.A. in their area, providing that member is over 18 years of age and has had one full years membership of the B.W.A. The duration of the post will be for one year and is renewable on re-application after that time at the discretion of the B.W.A. Committee. Area Deputies will be required to give a report at regular intervals of work achieved in their area to the Area Deputy Coordinator, who will, if he/she is not a member of the B.W.A. Committee, be responsible to the B.W.A. Committee.
18] Should it be necessary to ban a person or persons from the B.W.A., the committee shall not be obliged to give any reason for the ban. Any members: -
18a] Causing damage to property, or
18b] Causing threat, fear or injury to, or
18c] Bringing the B.W.A. name into disrepute, or
18d] Using profanity or abusive language in front of another member or member of the general public, render themselves liable to instant dismissal from the B.W.A.
19] All members shall be tolerant towards all other members no matter how their interests may differ within the Western Scene.
20] A person shall, upon ceasing to be a member of the B.W.A., forfeit all rights to, and any claims upon the B.W.A., its property and funds.
21] Where guns are carried or used by members, the following rules must be STRICTLY OBSERVED:
21a] ONLY BLANK CARTRIDGES MAY BE USED UNDER ANY AND ALL CIRCUMSTANCES UNLESS THE USE OF OTHER AMMUNITION IS AUTHORISED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR A SPECIFIC EVENT.
21b] Only weapons specifically designed to fire blank cartridges, or firearms for which the Member has written authorisation from the proper authorities which permits the carrying and use of a firearm (to which the current firearms legislation applies for theatrical purposes) may be carried (with the exception of shotguns which are dealt with in rule 21d and 21e).
21c] No illegal converted firearms or replicas will be tolerated under any circumstances.
21d] Shotguns: Only Members who have written authorisation from the proper authorities, which permit the carrying of a shotgun, may carry these weapons.
21e] No live ammunition is to be carried or used under any and all circumstances unless authorised by the Committee for a specific event.
21f] No shotgun is to be discharged within a 30 foot radius of any other person unless as part of an organised event.
Members applying to the authorities for Firearms Certificates must not do so in the name of the B.W.A. Firearms Certificates must be obtained on the merit of the individual. Members must not obtain Firearm Certificates on which “for use with B.W.A.” or “under the auspices of the B.W.A.” or similar phrase is stated, without the express written permission of the B.W.A. secretary, and after discussion with the committee.
21g] With reference to Rule 21, In the event of an investigation or visit by the Police to a B.W.A. organised or related event, all members will be expected to stand on their own cognizance and responsibility in relation to the Laws regarding the legality and ownership of any and all weapons in their possession.
21h] Any Committee Member or Person appointed by the committee may at any time carry out a physical check of any weapon carried by anybody at our events, including perusal of firearms certificates.
21i] No BB guns, Air Soft, Air Rifles are to be used or brought to any B.W.A events. Other than the ones owned by or authorised by the B.W.A. committee for events.
Under no circumstances are any firearms to be loaded outside of the arena at any time.
THE B.W.A. DOES NOT CONDONE THE CARRYING OF OR USING OF LOADED WEAPONS (INCLUDING EDGED WEAPONS) AT ANY SOCIAL GATHERING OR IN PUBLIC PLACES. WHEN TAKING PART IN SHOWS MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT SHOW ORGANISERS FOR PERMISSION TO CARRY OR USE LOADED WEAPONS (INCLUDING EDGED WEAPONS). MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE FIREARMS ACT, AND TO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL POLICE FOR DETAILS OF FIREARM CERTIFICATION APPLICATION.
Rule 21 will be deemed to have been amended automatically by any change in the law covering the use, ownership, and carrying of Firearms, Shotguns, “Model Guns” and Edged Weapons
22] Individual Members may, if they wish, put on, or help with, western shows without consulting the Committee, providing the B.W.A. is not mentioned in any publicity for such a show. The B.W.A. will not be held responsible for any mismanagement or accident, which may occur to any person or property at these shows.
23] The B.W.A. will not be held responsible for any loss of or damage to property during any B.W.A. event or B.W.A. Affiliated event.
24] Any member or Committee Member acting on behalf of the B.W.A. shall notify the B.W.A. secretary when organising or negotiating any venue or show on behalf of the B.W.A. Copies of correspondence between Members and party or parties concerned shall be sent to the B.W.A. secretary so that it may be entered in the B.W.A. Files.
25] If a member wishes to call on the resources of, or use the name B.W.A. in any respect, then the Committee must be consulted beforehand to ensure that the “Western Scene” will not be bought into disrepute with the general public.
26] If a person relinquishes their membership and then renews after a year or more, that person cannot retain their original Membership number unless all back-subscriptions are paid.
26a] A person who so renews their membership cannot stand for committee (even with previous committee membership) without another full years membership of the B.W.A
26b] A committee member or an Area Deputy must renew their membership within three months of expiry or face automatic removal from office.
27] Should the B.W.A cease to exist, or if at any time the committee feel that it is no longer a viable proposition to continue, The B.W.A. funds and properties, and funds from the sale of such properties, shall not be distributed among the Committee or Membership, but shall be donated to such organisations or charities as the Trustees deem appropriate once all bills have been paid for.
28] Any member who wishes to collect for charities at other events other than round-up in the name of the B.W.A must do so only with express written consent from the Secretary, after discussion regarding if it is in the clubs best interest.
29] Non members can take part in the events for fun, but will not be in the results for the trophies.
The Trustees are : Robert Mills, Mark Gaden and Dot Beacham.
