Our rules and Constitution

Updated as agreed at our AGM on the 10th May 2025.

1. NAME. The Society which shall cover Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire North of the Sands, shall be called the LAKELAND DIALECT SOCIETY.

2. OBJECTS. The objects of the Society shall be to encourage interest in Dialect speech in the writing of Dialect verse, Prose, Drama, to stimulate the publication of Dialect Literature and the production of dialect plays; to study the origins and history of Dialect, Folk-lore, Folk songs and Local Customs and Traditions. The Society shale endeavour to bring together lovers of dialect so as to develop interest therein. If possible it shall make tape recordings of the various dialects within the area.

3. MEMBERSHIP. Members shall be elected at an Annual Meeting or at a Committee Meeting. The Annual Subscription shall be £10.00, payable 1st April each year. Patrons subscribers of not less than £15.00, Life Membership £100.00.

4. MANAGEMENT. The Society shall be governed by a Committee of not less than EIGHT members.

5. ANNUAL MEETING. The Committee shall summon an Annual Meeting for receiving of the Annual Report and balance sheet and for the election of Officers, Committee and any other business. The President shall have the right to preside in the absence of the Chairman of the Committee.

6. OFFICERS. There shall be a President, Vice Presidents, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Editor, and Auditor. These officials shall be ex-officio members of the committee.

7. NOTICE OF MEETING. All members shall receive notification of the Annual Meeting through the Journal, together with the next year's programme. If any member desires to propose a motion he shall give at least a month's notice to the Secretary.

8. QUORUM. FOUR members shall form a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

9. RECORD OF MINUTES. All resolutions and minutes of the Annual Meeting and of Committee Meetings shall be entered in a book by the Secretary and this shall be signed by the Chairman at the next meeting.

10. SECRETARY, TREASURER & AUDITOR. The offices of Treasurer and Secretary may be held by the same person. The Treasurer shall keep a record of all Members. He shall be responsible for all monies received and see that it is regularly paid into the bank. He shall have the Pass Book and shall submit a financial report to the Annual Meeting and to the Editor for publication in the Journal. He shall pay accounts as described by the Committee, and sign all cheques. If the treasurer is not available to sign cheques, the Chairman can authorise two nominated signatories to sign such cheques. The accounts of the Society shall be balanced at least 30 days before the Annual Meeting, the Balance Sheet shall be handed to the Auditor with all books and documents relevant to it. The Auditor shall report upon this statement to the Annual meeting.

11. THE COMMITTEE. The Committee shall meet at least once each year at the discretion of the Chairman and Secretary. Five shall form a quorum and record of attendance shall be kept.

12. THE JOURNAL. The Journal shall contain a Statement of Accounts, a List of Officers, Committee and Members. A copy shall be sent free to each member.

13. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP. If a member shall be two years in arrears with his subscription, his membership shall be considered to have lapsed.