A constitution for Writers Forum (adopted but now superseded)
The first post-Cobbing convenors of Writers Forum, Lawrence Upton and Adrian Clarke, were appointed by Bob Cobbing from his hospital bed on 27 September 2002; and they took office on his death a few days later, 29 September 2002. He gave them Writers Forum (WF) on the basis of previous discussions over some years (2000-2002 approx) held in the knowledge of Cobbing's terminal illness. Bob was the first among equals in the creation of the organisation as its current form in 1963; and it was clearly his to give.
It had no written constitution at the time of his gift beyond that implicit in the manner of its operation under Cobbing's direction; and the only reason for this document is our desire to extend the work of WF which may increase its level of finance and so make it attractive to pretenders or to prepare for any circumstances in which people who attend the workshop might make a false claim to have a decisive say in its direction.
There are at the time of writing this constitution two convenors as appointed by the late Bob Cobbing.
There shall be one or more convenors at the discretion of the existing convenor(s). On the resignation of a convenor, the remaining convenor(s) shall appoint another convenor to replace them if they deem it appropriate to do so.
A convenor contemplating resignation may recommend to his / her colleague(s) the name of a potential replacement. If there is agreement, then the recommendation will be effected; otherwise, the decision remains with the remaining convenor(s).
All decisions relating to Writers Forum including location of workshops and other events, scheduling of workshops and other events, verbal and written statements on behalf of Writers Forum, editing and publishing of books and magazines shall be taken solely by the convenors. Any such decision may be delegated by consensual decision of the convenors.
Decisions of the convenors shall be consensual except when the convenors have consensually agreed to delegate a decision. It is realised that this is potentially catastrophic administratively; but it is how Bob Cobbing chose to leave things and is, for now, accepted.
Those who attend the Writers Forum Workshop are members of that workshop only during the workshop(s). No matter how long or often people attend, they do not have any say in its management or future as of right.
The WF convenors shall listen to the opinions and suggestions of those who attend the workshops and act on them as they see fit.
Attending Writers Forum Workshops does not entitle anyone to be included in publications by Writers Forum.
Adopted by the convenors 1st September 2004