1 General

1.1 The types of membership of the Society are set out below.

1.2 All members will be entitled to all of the benefits described in the appendix below unless otherwise stated.

1.3 The fees payable by each type of membership may vary and will be determined by the charity trustees from time to time.

1.4 Individuals are adults aged 18 or over.

1.5 Membership is subject always to the constitution of the Society.  This includes a duty for each member to exercise their powers as a member of the Society in the way they decide in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of the Society.

2 Types of Membership

2.1 Individual Members.  Annual fee.

2.2 Joint Members.  Two individuals living at the same address. Each individual will be a registered member and entitled to vote. Annual fee.

2.3 Individual Life Member.  One-time fee for life.

2.4 Joint Life Members. Two individuals living at the same address. Each individual will be a registered member and entitled to vote. One-time fee for life.

2.5 Family Members.  One or two adults and up to three children aged 6-17. Each adult will be a registered member and entitled to vote.  The Society will only communicate directly with the adult(s).  Annual fee.

2.6 Student Members. Individuals who are in full time higher education. Annual fee.

2.7 Honorary Members.  Individuals who are of particular distinction or individuals who have been benefactors of the Society. They must be elected as Honorary Members for life or for a specified period at an annual meeting of the Society on the recommendation of the charity trustees. The total number at any one time shall not exceed six. No annual fees.

2.8 Honorary Joint members.  As for Honorary Members but in respect of two individuals living at the same address. Each individual will be a registered member and entitled to vote.  No annual fees.

2.9 Long Standing Members. An individual who has been a member of The Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society and/or the Society for over 50 years. No annual fees for their 51st year and thereafter.

2.10 School Members. Benefits limited to one copy of the Proceedings, advance notice of events, newsletters and e-bulletin. Each such organisation must nominate an individual to represent it as a member of the Society and to receive communications and to vote. Annual fee.

2.11 Associated Societies. Benefits limited to one copy of each volume of the Proceedings, advance notice of events, newsletters and e-bulletin. Each such organisation must nominate an individual to represent it as a member of the Society and to receive communications and to vote.  Any established society within the historic county of Somerset with objectives relevant to those of the Society may apply to become an Associated Society. Annual fee.

2.12 Institutions which are unincorporated. Benefits limited to one copy of the Proceedings, advance notice of events, newsletters and e-bulletin. Each such organisation must nominate an individual to represent it as a member of the Society and to receive communications and to vote.  This membership is open to libraries, universities, and other organisations and societies outside Somerset. Annual fee.

2.13 Institutions which are incorporated.  Benefits limited to one copy of the Proceedings, advance notice of events, newsletters and e-bulletin. Each such organisation will be a member in its own right but it must nominate an individual to receive communications and to vote on its behalf. This membership is open to libraries, universities, and other organisations and societies outside Somerset which are incorporated. Annual fee.

2.14 Complimentary Individual Membership. Individuals approved by the charity trustees to receive a complimentary membership (no annual fees) for a limited period (typically no more than one year) in response to specific support or services provided to the Society.

3 Non-Member Institutions

3.1 These are typically academic and research institutions with long-term exchange agreements with the Society. They are entitled to receive a copy of each volume of the Proceedings for free.  As non-members they have no other rights or benefits.  Their identity will be determined by the charity trustees from time to time.

3.2 The UK’s designated legal deposit libraries are entitled to delivery, free of charge, of one copy of every publication of the Society, including the Proceedings.

4 Subscriptions

Subscriptions are due for renewal on 1st January. The first subscription paid by new members between October 1st and December 31st  in any year shall cover the period up to December 31st in the following year.

Appendix

Membership benefits

• Each member shall be entitled to vote at meetings of the Society in accordance with the Society’s constitution.
• Each member shall be entitled to hold office.
• Each member shall receive a Welcome Pack on joining.
• Each individual shall receive a membership card.
• Each member shall be entitled to receive one printed copy of Somerset Archaeology and Natural History (the Society’s Proceedings).
• Each member shall be entitled to borrow books from the unrestricted section of the SANHS library collection.
• Each member shall be given advance notice and booking of talks and guided walks.
• Each individual member shall have reduced entry cost to Somerset Rural Life Museum.