As we approach the conclusion of the amalgamation vote we would like to remind members of both societies of the process should the amalgamation be approved.
Shakers Community Society had just over 1400 eligible voters and Bury FC Supporters’ Society had around 1300. These are big numbers in the context of fan ownership, and turnouts were high last time at 80% and 75% respectively. We are pleased to report that we will be near those turnout numbers again.
There are two votes required to pass the motion to amalgamate the two societies. The first is the most critical as it requires under law a two thirds majority from each society’s members. The results will be announced after 7pm on Friday 5th May.
There will be a second confirmatory vote, which simply asks members to ratify the decision made with the results announced at another Special General Meeting 14 days later on Friday 19th May. This should be a more of a formality as it requires a simple majority of 50% of members to vote in favour.
Both societies need to approve both votes independently for it to go through.
If it’s all agreed, the paperwork will be filed with the Financial Conduct Authority, and an interim Community Benefit Society board will be formed to deal with administration such as banking and to launch a full election so that a new board can be created based on the votes of the combined membership of both societies. The Terms of Reference for the Interim Board can be found here.
The election process is already written and part of the paperwork members were issued with before the current vote started and should complete by 30th June, so that a new, fully elected Community Benefit Society board is in place in advance of the start of the new season.
There is no need to cancel your current membership. This revenue is critical to us. They will remain valid, with the same voting rights until we start to transfer memberships to the new Community Benefit Society. This could take some time, but as the new Society membership will be £5 per month or £60 per annum any renewal subscriptions paid to either Society will be credited forward.
We are hopeful that the vote will be approved this time, and look forward to welcoming everyone to Gigg Lane to watch Bury Football Club in the summer.
Shakers Community members will receive an email invite to the Zoom meeting for the General Meeting on Friday.
