2.3.2025

Dear All
Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
We need to address membership issues early in our proceedings. While we have reviewed
the constitution for guidance, unfortunately, we find that the community constitution,
established in 1994, is both misleading and insufficient. As the Workforce group, it is our
responsibility to facilitate an open debate.
The motions for discussion are:
1) What should the eligibility criteria, entrance requirements, and membership fees be?
2) What benefits should be expected in return for this membership?
I will now open the floor to members of the WhatsApp group and will conclude this debate
in 48 hours.
Jazakallah.

Date: 4th March 2025

Committee Members Charter
Mission & Vision:
The committee is dedicated to enhancing the well-being, growth, and development of its members,
ensuring that its efforts contribute to positive change, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Objectives:
 Promote Islam through gatherings of remembrance and Niaz.
 Support the physical, spiritual, and mental health of its members.
 Provide assistance in Ɵmes of bereavement and funeral services.
 Offer discounted venue rental rates for members who have completed three years of full
membership.
 Provide free membership to individuals aged 65 and above.
Core Values:
The committee operates with core values of integrity, compassion, respect, and professionalism,
maintaining ethical standards in all decisions and interactions.
Governance:
The committee will adhere to best governance practices, ensuring transparency and accountability in all
decision-making processes. This includes safeguarding children, vulnerable adults, and other at-risk
populations, in accordance with applicable laws in 41cvthe UK.
Finance:
The committee will manage its financial matters with transparency and responsibility.

Members Charter
Eligibility for Membership:
Membership is open to individuals of Cutchi heritage and residents of Blackburn and its surrounding areas
within a 10-mile radius, as well as former members who have moved out of the area.

Membership Fees
There will be NO membership or enrolment fees until the next elections and the new committee will decide
on the amount of these fees.

Voting Rights:
Voting members must have paid their membership fees, be at least 18 years old, and are entitled to one
vote per member.
Non-paying members are welcome to attend events but are not entitled to participate in the governance of
the organisation, including voting or holding positions within the community.

Rights:

o Members are entitled to be treated with fairness, respect, and privacy.
o Members have the right to access information regarding the committee’s activities,
decisions, and available services.
o Members have the right to participate in decision-making processes where appropriate.
o Members can raise concerns in a transparent and constructive manner.

Responsibilities:

Members are expected to respect the committee’s processes and actively engage in the
community’s activities with dedication and good faith.
Members must provide accurate and honest information when required.

Information:

Members have the right to receive clear, detailed, and timely information about the status
and operations of the Cutchi Community Centre.

Complaints:

Members have the right to file a complaint if they believe their rights have been violated or
if they are dissatisfied with the operations of the community.

5.03.2025
Dear All
If you are 18 years or older, of Cutchi heritage, residing in Blackburn or its surrounding areas within a 10-
mile radius, a former member who has moved away and would like participate in remembrance gatherings
and Niaz, receive support for your physical, spiritual, and mental well-being, access funeral service
assistance, and enjoy discounted venue rental rates and all these at currently NO cost to you, we warmly
invite you to become a member of the Cutchi Community Centre.
To join, simply send your name and phone number to Issak Bhojani at 07852 996952. Rest assured; your
personal details will be handled with the utmost care in line with CDPR guidelines.
You may already be a member but I would still like you to send your details so we can have your most up to
date details. Please extend this invitation to your extended family members or friends who fulfil the
entrance criteria.
JZK

5.03.2025
The question regarding membership fees is valid, and I’m sure many, myself included, are
wondering about it. However, as the current Task Group, we have not introduced any
membership fees. Any decisions regarding fees will be made by the newly elected
committee. If they choose to introduce fees, I encourage you to ask them the same
question. By then, they should have a clearer understanding of the budget and will be able
to provide more informed answers.
That said, I believe it’s important to give some context. To begin with, I want to
acknowledge a potential conflict of interest: Alhamdulillah, the task group members are
financially comfortable, and whether or not we agree on membership fees, it won’t have a
significant impact on us. I do understand, though, that for others, the additional burden of
taxes and potential fees could be concerning.
There have been several arguments presented in our group discussions regarding
membership fees, and I encourage you to refer to those. I also recognize that if the
membership fee is set at a nominal level, the logistics of collecting it may outweigh the
amount collected, which raises the question of whether it would be worth the effort.
Ultimately, the elected committee will need to decide on the matter when the time comes.
To address the question you raised, the hall generates about £2,000 per month in income,
but after covering expenses, we are left with around £1,500. We have both short-term and
long-term plans that will require more resources, and our current income is insufficient to
cover these costs. Membership income, even if small, will likely contribute towards these
needs.
The true value of membership, regardless of the fee amount, lies in the sense of belonging
it fosters. Our founding members made significant sacrifices, investing heavily in the
community, building the hall, and ensuring its continuity through self-funding. Their
contributions have earned them great respect, and it’s only fair that current members also
contribute in some way, rather than receiving everything without any investment.
I hope this provides a clearer answer to your question. Please feel free to share any further
thoughts or feedback.