can someone advise. If the Chairman resigns for personal reasons, what is the protocol for the election of a new Chair. can the existing committee appoint or does it have to have a specila meeting, agm or such like. Thanks

the committee can appoint an "Acting Chairperson"  either at each committee meeting, simply to chair the meetings.. or until next AGM.. no need to call a special meeting.  Any schedules or catalogues for shows which fall before AGM, can be printed with the words *Acting Chairperson*

Thanks Kayc. We have got someone prepared to do it but needed to be sure of protocol

When our chairperson resigned a couple of months ago.. our secretary phoned the KC to check,.... KC says.. for every committee meeting, there must be a chair.. can even be voted in on the night just to chair, doesnt need to be same person each time.... or one person for the duration until next AGM.. new chair must only be called acting chair.. Votes for new chairperson will be as usuall at AGM.. all really simple ... and yes.. I ended up as acting chairperson for the duration :D

Usually your Constitution will lay the procedure out, as some clubs have a Chairman voted by the membership and some elect one of the committee to be their chair

the above is only if chair resigns midterm... effective immediately.. if chair gives notice to resign at next agm the the individual clubs constitutions apply