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 are around 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
