CONSTITUTION

NAME

The name of the organisation shall be Bridport Local Food Group (“the Organisation”).

OBJECTIVES

To raise public awareness of local food and drink producers
To encourage education in food production particularly among school children
To encourage local eating places to use locally produced food
To discourage ‘food miles’ by buying locally produced and seasonal food
To attract visitors to the town to help boost the economy

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Organisation shall be controlled by a Management Committee elected by the organisation to carry out the official and administrative business of the Organisation.

The Organisation shall appoint a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Operations Manager, Food and Drink Co-ordinator and any other such officers as they deem necessary to be the Management Committee and to carry out the official and administrative business of the Organisation. The chairman will normally stay in post for a maximum term of three years.

The Management Committee will meet once every six months or when deemed necessary by the Chairman, or when requested by any member of the organisation.

The duties of the Management Committee shall be to devise methods of achieving the objectives of the Organisation, primarily the running of the Bridport Food Festival.

The Management Committee may delegate any of its powers to sub-groups. In the exercise of any powers so delegated, the sub-group shall conform to any regulations which may be imposed on them by the Management Committee from time to time.

The Management Committee has the power to co-opt members as they deem necessary.

ACCOUNTS

The Organisation shall cause to be kept accounts of all monies belonging to the Organisation. Such accounts shall be independently examined annually and then presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Organisation. The financial year shall run from the first of October to the thirtieth of September. All funds of the Organisation shall be held in accounts at a local bank.

Cheques to be signed by any two of the Chairman, Operations Manager or Treasurer. Banking can be done online with authorisation for payments over £300 by email from the Chairman or Operations Manager

GENERAL MEETINGS

A general meeting of the Organisation, Management Committee and the other interested parties shall be held annually. No less than fourteen days notice of the meeting shall be given.

The General Meeting shall receive an Annual Report and Statement of Accounts and shall elect a Management Committee.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Organisation shall seek to develop and adopt an Equal Opportunities policy and in all respects to welcome people without discrimination as to age, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or health, caring responsibilities, religious belief, social class, political belief, employment status, union membership, place of residence or housing status.

EXIT POLICY

In the event of the Organisation being dissolved, if after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, there shall remain any property and assets whatsoever, the same shall be transferred to a Bridport organisation having similar objects to the Organisation, as agreed by members of the Organisation.

CONSTITUTION

The above constitution shall only be altered by resolution of a two thirds majority of a general meeting of the Organisation and at least fourteen days notice must be given of the proposed amendments.

INTERPRETATION

The decision of the Organisation shall be final on any questions regarding the interpretation of the Constitution.

Revised document adopted at a meeting of Bridport Local Food Group Steering Group on 20th October 2015.

Originally conceived by the West Dorset Food and Land Trust with support from the Countryside Agency, The Marshwood Vale Magazine, Denhay Farms, and Bridport Town Council, the Festival was launched in 2004 with the help of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Over the past 20 years, it has blossomed into a beloved event, attracting over 3,000 visitors annually and becoming a cherished highlight of Bridport’s food calendar.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the planning of the Bridport Food Festival—whether by joining our committee, hosting a food event during Festival week, or exploring sponsorship opportunities—please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!