Southdown Sheep Society Extraordinary General Meeting
January 16th 2020
The Society EGM on Thursday 16th January which was called to vote on three resolutions, resulted in one resolution being passed and two being defeated.
A total of 84 valid proxy votes were received, along with a further three votes cast in person at the EGM.
In additions five proxy votes were deemed invalid as they were received after the closing time for proxy votes to be cast.
A further nine proxy votes were disallowed as they were not submitted on an official proxy form.
On ordinary resolution one: 'That the members of the Southdown Sheep Society have confidence in the Council of the Society, its running of the affairs of the Society and its management of the Society in accordance with the Articles of Association in the best interests of the Society to the benefit of all members in future.' A total of 65 members voted in favour of this resolution, with 21 members voting against it and one member abstaining. This resolution was, therefore, passed.
On special resolution one: 'That Council accept the motions as advised and agreed at the EGM dated 29th October 2019. If this is accepted then no further action will be required.' There were 28 members in favour of this motion, with 56 voting against it and one abstaining. Two members chose not to vote on this resolution. This motion was defeated. It was also noted that the meeting held on 29th October was not a valid EGM of the Society.
And, on special resolution two: 'That a meeting is convened where full details are made available to the membership of legal spending, including dates, amounts and which Council Members agreed, disagreed or abstained. Copies of minutes for the last 9 meetings to be made available plus any other relevant documentation.' This vote saw 29 members vote in favour, 53 vote against and three abstain. Two members again chose not to vote on this resolution. This motion was, therefore, also defeated.
In light of the above results the Society’s democratically elected Council will continue with the body of work it is already engaged with, largely via its sub-committees, to ensure the Society is acting in the best interests of the membership.
Society chairman Jonathan Long recorded a vote of thanks to the Council and the Society's secretary, Gail, for their work over the last few months.
“These results should not be seen as a victory or defeat for any member or group of members. These have been important votes on the governance of the Society. I ask that everyone in the Society respects the outcome, no matter their personal views.
“It is now time for everyone to focus on the tremendous good that exists within our breed and our Society and to work together to forge an even greater future for the breed we are all so passionate about. “Let us all focus on the important thing, the sheep we breed and which this Society represents,” he added.
