Rules for the Airborne Forces Riders Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association
1. Introduction
1.1 These rules govern the operation of the Airborne Forces Riders Branch (hereafter referred to as “the Branch”) of the Parachute Regimental Association (PRA).
1.2 The Branch aims to foster camaraderie among members, promote the values and traditions of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, and engage in activities that support veterans and their families.
2. Membership
2.1 Eligibility: Membership is open to all former and serving members of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, and their friends and families, who share an interest in motorcycling.
2.2 Application: Prospective members must complete an application form to join the Parachute Regimental Association (unless a current member) and submit this to the PRA for approval. Once approved by the PRA, the prospective member shall complete the online membership form to join the Airborne Forces Riders Branch, either as a Rider or as a Supporter, and upload a photograph of their PRA Membership Card. The Branch Secretary will confirm membership by email.
2.3 Types of Membership:
There are two types of membership:
- Rider: Open to former or serving members of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces who has completed training and has served as a qualified Military Parachutist with British Airborne Forces, Air Assault, Airborne Brigade and/or Special Forces.
- Supporter: Open to family members, friends, and supporters of Airborne Forces with an interest in the Branch and motorcycling.
2.4 Membership Fees:
Annual membership fees (subscriptions) are payable annually immediately after the AGM and should be paid promptly. The amount may be determined either by the Branch Committee or voted in at the AGM if raised as an agenda item.
3. Branch Committee
3.1 Role and Structure: The committee is responsible for the running of the Branch, ensuring decisions are reached for the benefit of both the Branch and its’ membership. The Trustees will have oversight and give direction on governance, but as a collective body are not otherwise involved. The Committee comprises the following non- elected and elected officers:
- Chairman (Non-Elected) This position is held by the President of the Branch
- Vice-Chairman (Normally to be held by the Immediate Past President)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Assistant Treasurer
- Fundraising Co-ordinator
- Social Media Representative
- Webmaster
- Welfare Representative
- Standard Bearer
3.2 Elections:
Officers are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and serve a term of one year. They may be re-elected.
3.3 Duties:
- Chairman: Presides over Branch meetings, represents the Branch, coordinates the committee and ensures the proper conduct of Branch affairs.
- Vice-Chairman: Assists the Chairman and acts in their absence.
- Secretary: Maintains Branch records, maintains the membership list and advises on membership matters, handles correspondence, prepares meeting agendas and minutes.
- Treasurer: Manages Branch finances, maintains accounts, maintains subscriptions records and liaises with the Secretary and presents financial reports.
- Assistant Treasurer: Assists the Treasurer and acts in their absence
- Fundraising Co-ordinator: Organises and manages fundraising activities
- Social Media representative: Controls and monitors the Facebook page, and any future media etc
- Webmaster: Controls and maintains the AFR website. Governance artefacts and minutes are to be made available to the membership therein.
- Welfare Representative: Provides support and assistance to members in need.
- Standard Bearer: Stores the Standard and carries at appropriate events and funerals.
4. Meetings
4.1 Branch Committee Meetings:
4.1.1: Frequency: The Branch Committee will meet at least twice a year. Any committee member unable to attend in person will be accommodated by either Teams or Zoom where feasible.
4.1.2 : Quorum and Decisions: Five members of the committee present at a committee meeting would constitute a quorum, and as such would be able to pass binding resolutions. Decisions are made by majority vote, with the Chairman having a casting vote in case of a tie.
4.1.3: Agenda Items: Items to be discussed at meetings need to be submitted to the secretary for inclusion at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting, at which point the agenda will be finalised and closed. Only items on the agenda are to be discussed at meetings.
4.1.4: Emergency Meetings: Emergency meetings may be called by either the Chairman or Vice-Chairman and the rule 4.1.3 above does not apply to these calls.
4.2 Annual General Meeting (AGM): Held annually to review the past year’s activities, elect officers, and discuss matters of importance to the Branch. All items for inclusion on the agenda must be submitted to the Branch Secretary, in writing, at least 14 days before the meeting, at which time the agenda will be closed and circulated. Only paid current members are permitted to raise agenda items or vote. Votes must be submitted in person buy those in attendance, thus allowing voting members the opportunity to have heard arguments for and against a proposition. All proposals must have a proposer and a seconder.
4.3 Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM): Can be called by the Committee or at the request of at least 10% of the membership to address urgent matters.
4.4 Notice of Meetings: Members must be given at least 14 days’ notice of AGMs and EGMs. Agendas must be circulated in advance.
5. Activities and Conduct
5.1 Events: The Branch organises rides, social events, and other activities to promote camaraderie and support the PRA’s objectives.
5.2 Code of Conduct: Members must behave respectfully and responsibly, upholding the values of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. Any behaviour that brings the Branch into disrepute may result in membership being revoked and being barred from AFR events. The Branch will not involve itself in political matters and political views are not permitted on AFR social media pages.
5.3 Safety: Members must adhere to all road safety regulations and ensure their motorcycles are in good working condition, taxed and properly insured. Participation in rides requires appropriate protective gear. All members participating in rides do so at their own cost and responsibility. At all times, when it comes to personal safety the motto “Ride your own ride” applies. That notwithstanding, all members riding are expected to follow instructions and conduct themselves with the discipline expected of an airborne soldier.
6. Finances
6.1 Accounts: The Treasurer maintains accurate financial records and presents a financial report at each AGM.
6.2 Expenditure:
6.2.1: Expenditure up to £100 can be authorised by the Chairman.
6.2.2: Expenditure in excess of £100 must be approved by the Committee.
6.2.3: Significant expenses exceeding £1,000 require the approval of the membership at a general meeting. In the case of urgent welfare cases the Committee may refer to the Trustees for permission to waive this rule.
6.3 Audit: The accounts must be audited annually by an independent, suitably qualified auditor appointed by the Committee or by two members of the Branch who are not office holders.
7. Amendments to Rules
7.1 These rules may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at an AGM or EGM or as provided for in Paragraph 7.3.
7.2 Proposals for amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least 28 days before the meeting and circulated to members at least 14 days before the meeting.
7.3 These rules may also be amended by the Chairman and Trustees, by a majority vote, at a duly constituted meeting of Trustees. At such meetings, the Chair of the Board of Trustees would have a casting vote in the event of a tie.
8. Dissolution
8.1 The Branch may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote at an AGM or EGM.
8.2 In the event of dissolution, any remaining funds and assets will be transferred to the PRA or a related charitable organization as determined by the Committee.
9. Miscellaneous
9.1 The Branch shall not discriminate against any member or applicant on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
9.2 The Branch Committee has the authority to interpret these rules and make decisions on matters not explicitly covered herein.