Club Rules

Definitions

The name of the club shall be David Brown Tractor Club Ltd, also known as DBTC. Our official social media channels are:

• Facebook: David Brown Tractor Club Ltd (official)

• Instagram: David Brown Tractor Club Ltd

• YouTube: David Brown Tractor Club

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Objective of the Club

The purpose of the Club is to preserve the legacy of David Brown, David Brown tractors, and implements both within the UK and internationally. The Club aims to unite all David Brown tractor owners, former employees, current and past dealers, and anyone interested in the former David Brown Tractor organisation and its products. Additionally, the Club will operate and maintain a museum housing archives related to David Brown.

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Headquarters

The Club’s headquarters, archive, and museum are located at:
Unit J2, Gate 4, Meltham Mills Industrial Estate, Knowle Lane, Meltham, HD9 4DS

 

Postal address:
David Brown Tractor Club Ltd
PO Box 990
Holmfirth
HD9 1YH

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Membership

Membership is open to all.

• Ordinary Members: All ordinary members are entitled, subject to the rules, to participate in all Club activities. Membership does not create any financial liability except for the payment of the annual subscription.

• Honorary Members: Any Club member may propose an Honorary Member. The Committee will decide on granting Honorary Membership, which may be awarded at any time during the Club’s financial year.

 

Members must notify the Membership Secretary of any change of address.

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Meetings

Meetings shall be classified as:

• Ordinary Meetings

• Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs)

• Committee Meetings

• Annual General Meeting (AGM)

 

The Committee will aim to hold at least three Ordinary Meetings per year, as well as the AGM. An Ordinary Meeting may follow the AGM at the Committee’s discretion. At least six Committee Meetings will be held annually (financial year: 1 June to 31 May). All paid-up members may attend any meeting. Voting at the AGM and EGMs will be by simple majority.

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EGMs may be called if 25% or more of the membership submit a request to the Secretary. A minimum of 28 days’ notice must be given for such meetings.

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Officers of the Club

The Officers shall be:

• Chairman

• Vice Chairman

• Treasurer

• Club Secretary

• Membership Secretary

 

Officers are responsible for financial management, data protection (GDPR compliance), safety, security, and record keeping in their respective roles.

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• Chairman: Chairs meetings, acts as Chief Executive Officer, and holds a casting vote if necessary.

• Vice Chairman: Supports the Chairman and assumes responsibilities as required.

• Club Secretary: Organises meetings, events, and manages the day-to-day running of the Club, including correspondence and minute-taking. May delegate tasks as appropriate.

• Treasurer: Maintains accurate accounts, collects subscriptions and other monies, pays bills responsibly, and ensures audit information is available. Holds a petty cash sum as decided by the Committee. Withdrawals require two signatures from any two of Chairman, Vice Chairman, or Treasurer.

• Membership Secretary: Maintains all member contact details in accordance with GDPR.

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The Committee

The Committee comprises the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other ordinary paid-up members elected at the AGM by simple majority after nomination and seconding. There is no limit on the number of ordinary committee members.

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Non-officer committee members may hold specific appointed roles supporting the Club’s objectives. These appointments are made at Committee Meetings.

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A quorum for Committee meetings is five members; otherwise, the meeting will be cancelled or rescheduled.

The Committee may co-opt additional members without an AGM vote; co-opted members must stand for re-election at the next AGM. The Committee may also appoint subcommittees to assist in Club operations.

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Club accounts will be audited by a qualified accountant. The Committee is responsible for daily management, strategy development, and efficient operation of the Club.

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Committee resignations must be submitted in writing to the Secretary. Members failing to attend or communicate for three months following a Committee meeting will be deemed to have resigned.

 

Committee members must be fully paid-up members. Nominations for election must be sent in writing to the Company Secretary at least eight weeks before the AGM.

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Financial Year

The Club’s financial year runs from 1 June to 31 May. The Treasurer will close accounts at the year-end and provide audit information to the Committee or accountant.

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Fees

Membership fees are set annually by the Board and are due by 1 May or shortly thereafter. New members joining mid-year pay the full fee, which includes entitlement to the annual magazine.

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Members’ Conduct

Members must conduct themselves appropriately and not bring the Club, its members, or the David Brown organisation into disrepute. The Club name may not be used for private or commercial gain without written Committee approval. The Club accepts no liability for members’ actions.

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Disciplinary Procedure

Formal complaints or allegations will be investigated by the Committee. Members may be asked to provide statements but this does not exclude any Committee member from disciplinary hearings.

 

All parties must keep proceedings confidential. If allegations appear valid, the member in question will be invited to a formal hearing, usually within 28 days of investigation conclusion, with the right to reply.

 

If substantiated, disciplinary measures may include immediate termination of membership, with full details recorded by the Club Secretary. Decisions will be communicated in writing or in person.

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Right of Appeal: Members may appeal disciplinary decisions in writing to the Committee, who may confirm, overturn, or amend the decision. The Committee’s appeal decision is final.

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Alterations to Club Rules

Rules may only be changed at the AGM. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing at least eight weeks before the AGM to allow notification to all members.

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Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Club holds an AGM each year following the financial year end. The audited accounts and balance sheet will be presented.

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Voting: Members unable to attend may vote by post via a signed ballot paper returned to the Secretary. Postal votes must be available for counting at the AGM. The Club is not responsible for postal delays.

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Proxies: Members entitled to vote may appoint one or more proxies (who must be Club members) to attend, speak, and vote on their behalf. Proxy appointments must follow the procedures outlined in the proxy form, available on request via secretary@dbtc.co.uk.

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Changes to proxy instructions must be submitted before the deadline; late amendments will be disregarded. Proxy appointments may be revoked by written notice to the Club no later than 15 days before the AGM. Attending and voting in person automatically cancels any proxy appointment.

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Communication

Members with queries about meetings must contact the Secretary in writing or by email. No other communication methods will be accepted.

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Webmaster

The Webmaster has authority, delegated by the Committee, to withhold any content from the Club’s website (www.dbtc.co.uk) deemed unsuitable.

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Social Media Rules

Members posting on the Club’s official Facebook or Instagram pages may not charge for advice, advertise professional services, or solicit business. Violations will result in immediate blocking without notice.

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Members will receive a copy of these rules and must comply.

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The Club’s Forum is no longer administered by DBTC and is managed independently. The Club accepts no responsibility for Forum content.

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Suspension

The Committee may suspend members for any reason. Suspended members have the right to appeal to the Committee. In matters not covered by these rules, the Committee’s decision is final.

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Version: V1010522

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