Worcestershire Malayalee Cultural Association (WMCA) was formed by a group of enthusiastic malayalees. The first annual general body meeting was held on 24th September 2005 at community hall, London road Worcester nominating a committee of eleven members.

WMCA was officially inaugurated and came into force on 07th January 2006 by Honourable Member of Parliament Mike Foster. We also had the privilege of Managerial staff of Worcestershire Royal Hospital  on that occasion. Cultural activities were performed marking the Kerala Fest.

Onam was celebrated with great zeal on 10th September 2006 at St. Joseph Primary School Hall. Traditional Onam events and Sadhya was organised on this occasion a total of 210 people from different parts of UK participated in this joyous event.

New Committee of 2006-2007 came into being with one-third participation of female members. One of the major achievement by this committee is the creation of WMCA website which gives an opportunity for other people from different parts of the world to know about us.

Currently WMCA comprises of 105 families from Worcester, Malvern and  Droitwich,  and in near future hoping to include more families.

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                                                                               BY LAW

ARTICLE-I

 A.     Name of the Association: 

The name of the Association shall be WORCESTERSHIRE MALAYALEE CULTURAL ASSOCIATION (herein after called Association).  “Worcestershire Malayalee Cultural Association (WMCA) is a cultural organisation catering to the social and cultural needs of the Indian Community, Malayalees in particular, living in and around     Worcester , located in the beautiful heart of British Midlands.”

 B.     Established:

 WMCA was established by the general meeting held at Community Hall, London Road on the 24^th September 2005 by Malayalam speaking residents of Worcestershire.

 C.     Registered Office

 The registered office of the Association shall be the residence of the elected president from time to time, till a suitable and permanent office is available. 

 In the event of any change in address, the Secretary shall note it to the registrar with 14 days in writing.

 D.     Membership

 The membership of the association shall be on individual basis who are 18 years or above, which shall be subject to no other restriction than:

 1)      Malayalee by birth ( born to Malayalee parent or parents)

 2)      Person, who has adopted Kerala, India as his/her state.

 3)      Person born in Kerala.

 4)      Person who speaks the language of Malayalam.

 5)      Spouse of a Malayalee or Keralite.

 6)      Being able to work for the fulfilment of Association’s aims.

 7)      No record of any scandalous activities, which might damage the Association’s reputation.

 Acceptance of membership: - Individuals may apply to Executive Committee for membership. The Committee shall have the right for good and sufficient reason to terminate the membership of an individual and the member concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Committee before a decision is made.

 E.      Incorporation

 The association shall incorporate under the appropriate authority of the U.K and perform as a non-profitable organization to achieve the organizational goal.

 F.      Administration

 Subject to the matters set out below the Association and the property shall be administered and managed in accordance with this Constitution by the members of the Executive Committee constituted by Article VI, section A of this Constitution (The Executive Committee).

 

ARTICLE II

 Aims/Objective

 The aim of Worcestershire Malayalee Cultural Association is to provide opportunities and capabilities for people of all age group to provide leadership and service to the community they live in and to the motherland Kerala/India, with special emphasis to the development of the new generation of expatriate Malayalees who feel cultural and social alienation in their adopted country.

 a)      To provide a non-political forum to bring together people of Malayalee/Kerala origin and to strengthen & bolster the common bonds of culture, tradition, social uniqueness and way of life and give resilience and understanding towards other cultures with which they have to co-exist and interact.

 b)      Role of Minorities in Nation Building : Having a better say in County Council Elections, registration in voters list for Local Council Elections etc.

 c)      To represent the community and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities concerning ethnic problems, social welfare and educational needs.

 d)      To promote racial harmony.

 e)      Provide help and support to fellow needy Malayalees.

 f)        Provide help for victims of natural or civil disaster.

 g)      To encourage and promote all types of voluntary activities particularly in aid of organizations indulged in supporting others both home and abroad.

 h)      To liaise with other organisations in areas of common interest.

 i)        Networking of Malayalees worldwide.

 j)        Connect with the next generation and continue through generations to come.

 Activities:-

 a)      Carryout regular sports, youth, ladies, cultural, social and educational activities. The proposed regular activities to be undertaken include Malayalam classes, Onam games competitions, ladies cooking classes, Vishu, Easter, Christmas, New Year Get-together, etc.

 b)      Presentation of scholarships and educational awards to our best achievers.

 c)      The celebrations of National Day and Onam to be an annual affair where all Malayalees, irrespective of their social or religious differences participate. Also to help anyone who has sought its help with its charity work as far as its funds permit. WMCA is determined to provide better services to the members in particular and to the Society in general.

 

ARTICLE-III

 Section A – Rights and Privileges.

 1)      Every member of the Association shall subject to the provisions herein and the by-laws for the time being in force and to any decisions by the Executive Committee be entitled to use and enjoy in common with the other members of the Association all the facilities accorded by the Association from time to time.

 2)      The President and General Secretary shall be the official spokesmen of the Association.

 3)      The members of the Association shall interest in furthering the objectives of the Association and pay the annual subscription laid down from time to time.

 4)      Members of the Association in case of change of address or leaving Association shall be required to notify immediately to the General Secretary of the same.

 5)      Every member shall have the right to cast a vote in general voting.

 SECTION B – Nomination to Offices.

 Members of at least six months standing may be nominated for any of the offices of the Association. Nominations shall be included in the notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM). All nominations shall be proposed and seconded by members of at least twenty-one clear days before the AGM. The General Secretary shall give written notice to each member at least seven days before the AGM and such notice shall contain the names of all nominees, proposed and seconded members.

 Procedure at Elections:

 Any two or more members of the Association may nominate candidates for various positions in the Committee by depositing the names of such candidates in writing together with a written consent of the candidate to accept office, if elected, with the Secretary by a date, not later than 7 days before the AGM. In the event of the number of nominations exceeding the number of vacancies, the election shall be decided by showing of hands of the members present or if necessary by a secret ballot. If there is a tie, the Chairman may have a casting vote. Each election shall be decided by a single majority of the votes cast in that election. If nominations are not received in respect of any vacant positions, the chairman of the Committee shall ask the members present to nominate their candidates.

 SECTION C – Subscriptions.

 There will be a non-refundable subscription of Ten pounds payable by each member/family that may be reviewed by the committee from time to time and shall be due on the first day of January in each year, subject to ratification at an AGM.

 

ARTICLE-IV

 SECTION A: Management

 1)      The affairs of the Association shall be carried out by and Executive Committee elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall comprise of the following officers, namely: The President, The Vice-president, The General Secretary, Joint Secretary, The Treasurer and Ten other Members. The number of committee members shall be reviewed and increased or decreased from time to time {ratified by AGM}.

 2)      The Executive Committee shall have the right to invite any observers in any committee meetings, as it thinks fit.

 3)      The Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint such sub-committee. As may be deemed necessary and may determine their terms of reference, power, duration and composition. All acts and proceedings of such sub-committee shall be reported back promptly and fully to the Executive Committee.

 4)      The Executive Committee may appoint and dismiss such paid officers, not being members of the Executive Committee, as considers necessary.

 5)      No person shall hold the same offices whether on the Executive Committee or a sub-committee, for more than two consecutive years. But the immediate past President of the Association should be ex-officio member of the Executive Committee for a period of one year or until the next AGM as the case may be, to ensure continuity.

 6)      Unless otherwise stated, a decision of the Executive Committee shall be by way of simple majority of those present and voting. Seven members of the Executive Committee shall constitute the quorum.

 7)      The office of the office Bearer / Member of the executive Committee shall be vacated as such office bearer/member

 i)                    Becomes bankrupt or makes arrangement or composition with his/her creditors generally.

 ii)                   Becomes of unsound mind.

 iii)                 Resigns his/her office by notice in writing.

 iv)                 Is absent from three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee with good reason and or of such reason or for any other good and sufficient reason (subject to the person in question first having the right to be heard by the Executive Committee) and the other members pass a resolution by a two thirds majority that the office of such office bearer or other member of the Executive Committee shall be so vacated, provided that the Quorum shall be 7 members of the Executive Committee.

 8)      In the event there being a vacancy in the Executive Committee, any member of the Association over the age of eighteen may be co-opted onto the Executive Committee by a simple resolution of the executive committee until the next AGM or Extraordinary General Meeting.

 9)      The Executive Committee shall meet at least once in each calendar month and a special meeting of the Executive Committee may be called at any time by the President or the Vice-President or seven members of the Executive Committee upon seven clear days notice in writing being given to all members and such notice shall give details of all the matters to be discussed.

 10)  Whenever possible three clear day’s written notice shall be given for all ordinary meeting.

 11)  The Executive Committee shall meet together for the dispatch of business and adjourn and otherwise regulate the meeting, as they think fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a simple majority, each member of the Executive Committee having one vote, but in case of and equality of votes the chair shall have a second or casting vote. The herein after mentioned provisions related to the chairing of the general meeting of the society shall apply to the meeting of the Executive Committee.

 12)  A bound minute book shall be provided and kept by the Executive Committee and the secretary (or in his/her absence, a member of the Executive Committee) shall enter therein a record of all proceedings and resolutions of each meeting or at some subsequent meeting when the minutes shall have been duly confirmed.

 13)  The President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer jointly may if the circumstance warrant it make any decision concerning the day to day management of the association without approval from the full Executive Committee, by in such circumstances shall be under a duty to report fully to the Executive Committee at its next meeting.

 SECTION B – Powers of the Executive Committee

 In furtherance to the objective but not otherwise the Executive Committee may exercise the following powers:-

 1.      Power to raise funds and to invite and receive contributions provided that in raising funds the Executive committee shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities shall confirm to any relevant requirement of law.

 2.      Power to buy or take on lease or in exchange any property necessary for the achievement of the objects and to maintain and equip it for use.

 3.      Power subject to any consent required by law to sell, lease or dispose of all or a part of the property of the association.

 4.      Power subject to any consent required by law to borrow money and to charge all or any part of the property of the association with repayment of the money so borrowed.

 5.      Power to employ such staff (who shall not be members of the Executive Committee) as are necessary for the proper pursuit of the objectives and to make all reasonable and necessary provision for the payment.

 6.      Power to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objectives or of similar charitable purposes and to exchange information and advice with them.

 7.      Power to establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for all or any of the objectives.

 8.      Power to appoint and constitute such advisory committees as the Executive committee may think of.

 9.      Power to do all such lawful things as is necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the Association.

 

ARTICLE-V

SECTION A – Duties of the Executive Committee

 The policy and general management of the affairs of the association shall be directed by the executive committee (Herein after called ‘the committee’). The committee shall consist of: The President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer and ten members.

 All officers and members of the Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting in accordance with procedure at elections. All members of the committee shall serve a period of one year in office/ till handing over the charge to next working committee.

 1. The President

 The president shall be elected in accordance with the procedure at elections who shall:

 a.       Be a full member of the Association who must be prepared to work without reward for the fulfilment of Association’s aims.

 b.      Be able to provide leadership and guidance to members within the framework of association’s constitution.

 c.       Have no record of any scandalous activities of that nature which might damage Associations reputation amongst its members and the community.

 d.      Act as chairman in all meetings.

 e.       Convene meetings on the advice of Secretary.

 f.        Represent the Association to outside bodies / organisations.

 2. Vice- President

 The vice-president shall undertake/help to undertake the activities, rights and duties of the president respectively in their absence and in general duties.

 3. The General Secretary

 The general Secretary shall be elected in accordance with the procedure at elections who shall:

 a.       Be a full member of the association who must be prepared to work without reward of the fulfilment of the Association’s aims.

 b.      Be able to provide leadership and guidance to members within the frame work of association’s constitution.

 c.       Have no record of any scandalous activities of that nature which might damage association’s reputation amongst its members and the community.

 d.      Be in charge of the day to day running of the association.

 e.       Keep records of Associations activities and handle all communications both inside and outside the Association.

 f.        Monitor all activities of the association and take appropriate actions as and when necessary within the boundaries of the constitution.

 g.       Represent the association to outside bodies/organisations.

 h.       To organise meetings and other functions as and when necessary.

 4. Joint Secretary

 The joint Secretary shall undertake/help to undertake the activities, right and duties of general secretary respectively in their absence and in general duties.

 5. The Treasurer

 a.       A full member of the Association who must be prepared to work without reward for the fulfilment of Associations objectives who shall:

 b.      Control all financial activities of the Association.

 c.       Keep adequate records of all financial transactions and make available for auditing and presentation to members as and when necessary.

 d.      Use association’s funds wisely and explore ways to increase it.

 e.       Notify any problems to the Secretary and the committee.

 

ARTICLE-VI

 SECTION A – General Meeting

 1)      The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association shall be held within sixty days from the 24^th of September. At least thirty five clear days notice shall be given by the General Secretary for such a meeting. The quorum of the meeting shall be on eighth of the voting members. The business of such a meeting shall be:-

 i) To receive and if approved to adopt the Annual Report and an Audited Statement of Accounts to the end of the preceding year.

 ii) To elect members of the Executive committee and officers of the Association.

 iii) To elect an Auditor who shall be an Accountant by profession.

 2)      Extraordinary General Meeting may be called by a notice to the General secretary I n writing at least forty – two clear days before the date upon which the AGM is sought to be called, and such notice must be signed by:

 i) A majority in number of the Executive committee, or

 ii) At least one quarter of the paid up members of at least three months standing, and must state fully in the form of resolution the matter upon which the request is made. The general secretary must, in the case of such notice be given, give at least fourteen clear days written notice to all members, and such notice shall contain the names of all the members seeking the Extraordinary General Meeting to be called and the resolution sought to be passed.

 iii) No business shall be transacted at such meeting other than that specified in the Notice and no amendment to any resolution proposed at the meeting shall be allowed. Quorum of AGM shall be one third of the paid-up membership. The president or, in his/her absence, the Vice-President of the Association shall preside as chairman/chairperson at a General Meeting, and if neither is present within minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting or is willing to act, the meeting, and if neither is present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting or is unwilling to act, the meeting shall choose some other member of the Executive Committee who is present and will to act as Chairman/chairperson of the meeting.

 

ARTICLE – VII

 SECTION A – Amendments to the constitution

 Any proposal to alter the constitution must be given in writing to the secretary not less than 28 days before the date of the meeting at which it is first to be discussed. An alteration will require the approval of both: (a) a simple majority of the members of the committee and voting at a committee meeting and (b) two-thirds majority of members who vote at an oral meeting. Notice of such meeting must have been given in accordance with the normal procedure but not less than 14 days prior to the meeting in question and giving the wording of the proposed alteration.

 SECTION B - Association Funds

 1)      The treasurer at reputable banks approved by the Executive Committee shall maintain the association funds. Any such account shall be in the name of the Association.

 2)      The Treasure and either The President or General Secretary, authorization of the expenses having been made by the Executive committee, shall ony draw cheques jointly.

 3)      The income and property of the Association when so ever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of objectives of the Association set forth in ARTICLE II and no proportion shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to any member of the association, provided that nothing herein shall prevent the payment  in good faith of reasonable and proper remuneration to any employee of the association or the payment of reasonable and proper out of pocket expenses.

 4)      The Association shall have the power to obtain, collect and receive money and funds by means of contribution, donations, subscriptions, deeds of covenant, legacies, grants or any other lawful method, and to accept and receive gifts of property of any description.

 5)      The funds belonging to the Association shall be applied only in furthering the objectives of the Association.

 SECTION C – Property

 Subject to the provisions of sub clause (2) of this section the Executive Committee shall cause the title to:

 1)      All land held by or in trust for the Association, which is not vested in the official custodian for charities.

 2)      All Investment held by or on behalf of the association.

 SECTION D – Accounts

 The Executive Committee shall comply with their obligation with regard to:

 1)      Keeping accounting records for the association.

 2)      The preparation of annual statements of accounts.

 3)      The auditing and independent examination of the statements of accounts of the association.

 4)      The transmission of the account statements of the association to the commission.

 SECTION E – Auditors

 Two auditors are appointed at the annual general meeting for the purpose of examining and certify financial statements prepared by the Treasurer.

 SECTION F – Annual Report

 The executive committee shall comply with their obligations under the Charities act 1993(or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that act) with regard to the preparation of an Annual report and its transmition to the commission and to all members on Annual General Meeting.

 SECTION G – Annual Returns

 The executive committee shall comply with their obligations under the Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that act) with regard to the preparation of an Annual Report and its transmition to the commission and to all members on Annual General Meeting.

  SECTION H – Notices

 Any notice required to be served on any member of the association shall be in writing and shall be served by the General Secretary or the Executive committee on any member either personally or by sending through registered post in a pre-paid cover addressed to such a member at his/her known address in the United Kingdom and any letters, so sent, shall be deemed to have been received within ten days of posting.

  SECTION I – Termination of Membership

 If any member is found to be acting contrary to the Association’s constitution and general, he /she shall be dealt with in the following manner:

 After the cause of concerned for an explanation. The member shall be referred to the Committee if the explanation is found to be unsatisfactory and the Committee shall take the necessary action depending on the seriousness of the problem. This shall be: a) warning (b) pay compensation, fine or both (c) expulsion. The committee’s decision must be informed to the individual, in writing.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 SECTION A - Dissolution

 If the Committee, at any time, decides by a two thirds majority that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Association, it shall call a meeting of all members of the Association (giving 21 days notice stating the terms of the resolution). If such a resolution shall be carried by simple majority of those present, the Committee shall have the power to dispose off any assets held by the Association to its members equally or donate to any Charitable Organisations. The decision must also be advertised in at least two of the national daily newspapers.

 SECTION B – Legal Jurisdiction

 If any dispute arise of any sort and any legal formalities / cases is to be put, all the side case and judicial matters will be dealt within the County of Worcestershire jurisdiction only. Any settlement/ suing will only be dealt with the funds held by WMCA and not form individuals involved, except for theft, bribery swindling, etc.

 SECTION C – Declaration

 On behalf of the WMCA, we the undersigned Executive Committee Members certify that the above Constitution have been authorized by the General Body of the Association and passed by majority in the special Meeting held on______________ .

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