Friends of Athlone Gardens constitution
Decided by majority of Voting Members on 27 May 2026
1. Name
The name of the group is Friends of Athlone Gardens.
2. Purpose
Friends of Athlone Gardens exists to help protect, improve and care for Athlone Gardens as a safe, welcoming, nature-filled community space for local residents and regular users.
The group’s purpose is to:
3. Character of the group
Friends of Athlone Gardens is a local, non-party-political, not-for-profit community group.
The group will aim to be practical, open and constructive. It will work collaboratively with the council and others where possible, while remaining independent and willing to challenge decisions where residents and park users are not being properly heard.
The group should stay simple to join and simple to help. Members should be able to contribute in small, practical ways without taking on unnecessary admin.
4. Membership
Anyone who signs up to hear from or support Friends of Athlone Gardens is a supporter of the group.
Voting members (Member) are supporters who have given more than just an email address, using whatever simple sign-up or survey process the group is using at the time. This will usually mean name, email, postcode or local connection, and contact preferences. People who joined before this constitution was adopted will be treated as voting members if they completed the first member survey or gave equivalent information.
Each Member has one vote.
Membership is free unless Members vote to introduce a subscription or voluntary contribution.
Personal details will not be shared publicly without consent.
5. Priorities
The group’s initial priorities are:
6. Committee or organising group
The group will have a small committee or organising group to carry out day-to-day work.
The committee should include at least three Members, normally including:
The committee may speak to RBKC, Peabody and other bodies on behalf of the group, provided it acts in line with this constitution and any decisions agreed by Members.
Until the first annual general meeting, Members may appoint Interim Coordinators to may act as the interim organising group.
7. Meetings and decisions
The group will hold at least one annual general meeting each year.
Other member meetings may be called when needed, especially before major decisions, consultation responses or public statements.
Members should normally receive at least 7 days’ notice of a meeting, unless there is urgent consultation or council business.
Member decisions may be made at a meeting or by email, online form, or other written/electronic vote.
Quorum is met if at least five Members, or one third of the current Members, whichever is lower, attend the meeting or respond to the written or electronic vote.
Decisions are made by a simple majority of voting Members voting, unless this constitution says otherwise.
Notes of formal meetings and agreed actions should be shared with Members.
8. Communication
The group may communicate through email, WhatsApp, flyers, meetings, surveys, social media or any other practical channel agreed by the committee.
The group will aim to keep Members and supporters informed without overloading them.
Public statements should be clear about whether they are made on behalf of the committee, the full membership, or individual Members.
9. Money
The group may raise or receive money to support its purpose.
Any money held by the group must be used only for the benefit of Athlone Gardens or the running of the group.
If the group holds money, the treasurer should keep basic records of income and spending and report these to Members and supporters at least once a year.
Spending above £100 should be approved by the committee, unless Members agree a different limit.
10. Equality and inclusion
The group will aim to be open, respectful and inclusive.
It will seek to represent a broad range of local users, including residents, families, dog walkers, young people, older people, people who use the park for exercise, and people who value it as green community space.
11. Changes to this constitution
This constitution may be changed by a simple majority Member, provided members have been given the proposed changes in advance.
12. Ending the group
The group may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote at a member meeting called for that purpose.
Any remaining money or assets must be given to another local community group, charity or project with similar aims, and must not be distributed to individual members.
Decided by majority of Voting Members on 27 May 2026
1. Name
The name of the group is Friends of Athlone Gardens.
2. Purpose
Friends of Athlone Gardens exists to help protect, improve and care for Athlone Gardens as a safe, welcoming, nature-filled community space for local residents and regular users.
The group’s purpose is to:
- Make sure residents and park users are properly consulted about changes to Athlone Gardens.
- Help shape the co-design process with RBKC, Peabody and any other relevant bodies.
- Protect and improve trees, wildlife, biodiversity, planting, drainage and the general quality of the park.
- Support cleanliness, maintenance, safety, entrances, seating, play space and long-term care.
- Encourage practical volunteering, including planting, gardening, clean-ups and community events where useful.
- Share clear information with members and neighbours about plans, consultations, meetings and decisions affecting the park.
3. Character of the group
Friends of Athlone Gardens is a local, non-party-political, not-for-profit community group.
The group will aim to be practical, open and constructive. It will work collaboratively with the council and others where possible, while remaining independent and willing to challenge decisions where residents and park users are not being properly heard.
The group should stay simple to join and simple to help. Members should be able to contribute in small, practical ways without taking on unnecessary admin.
4. Membership
Anyone who signs up to hear from or support Friends of Athlone Gardens is a supporter of the group.
Voting members (Member) are supporters who have given more than just an email address, using whatever simple sign-up or survey process the group is using at the time. This will usually mean name, email, postcode or local connection, and contact preferences. People who joined before this constitution was adopted will be treated as voting members if they completed the first member survey or gave equivalent information.
Each Member has one vote.
Membership is free unless Members vote to introduce a subscription or voluntary contribution.
Personal details will not be shared publicly without consent.
5. Priorities
The group’s initial priorities are:
- Proper consultation with residents and park users.
- A meaningful role in the co-design process.
- Protection and improvement of trees, wildlife and biodiversity.
- Better planting, seating, drainage and general park quality.
- Cleanliness, maintenance and long-term care.
- A park that works for families, dog walkers, older residents, teenagers and people using it simply to sit, walk, meet friends or enjoy nature.
6. Committee or organising group
The group will have a small committee or organising group to carry out day-to-day work.
The committee should include at least three Members, normally including:
- Chair or coordinator
- Secretary or admin lead
- Treasurer, if the group holds money
The committee may speak to RBKC, Peabody and other bodies on behalf of the group, provided it acts in line with this constitution and any decisions agreed by Members.
Until the first annual general meeting, Members may appoint Interim Coordinators to may act as the interim organising group.
7. Meetings and decisions
The group will hold at least one annual general meeting each year.
Other member meetings may be called when needed, especially before major decisions, consultation responses or public statements.
Members should normally receive at least 7 days’ notice of a meeting, unless there is urgent consultation or council business.
Member decisions may be made at a meeting or by email, online form, or other written/electronic vote.
Quorum is met if at least five Members, or one third of the current Members, whichever is lower, attend the meeting or respond to the written or electronic vote.
Decisions are made by a simple majority of voting Members voting, unless this constitution says otherwise.
Notes of formal meetings and agreed actions should be shared with Members.
8. Communication
The group may communicate through email, WhatsApp, flyers, meetings, surveys, social media or any other practical channel agreed by the committee.
The group will aim to keep Members and supporters informed without overloading them.
Public statements should be clear about whether they are made on behalf of the committee, the full membership, or individual Members.
9. Money
The group may raise or receive money to support its purpose.
Any money held by the group must be used only for the benefit of Athlone Gardens or the running of the group.
If the group holds money, the treasurer should keep basic records of income and spending and report these to Members and supporters at least once a year.
Spending above £100 should be approved by the committee, unless Members agree a different limit.
10. Equality and inclusion
The group will aim to be open, respectful and inclusive.
It will seek to represent a broad range of local users, including residents, families, dog walkers, young people, older people, people who use the park for exercise, and people who value it as green community space.
11. Changes to this constitution
This constitution may be changed by a simple majority Member, provided members have been given the proposed changes in advance.
12. Ending the group
The group may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote at a member meeting called for that purpose.
Any remaining money or assets must be given to another local community group, charity or project with similar aims, and must not be distributed to individual members.
