Constitution

Aims

To promote knowledge of the life of John Snow and of his works, to encourage communication and collaboration between specialists of the many disciplines that have benefited from Snow's work, and to ensure that John Snow's memory continues to be celebrated in the pub bearing his name, at the site of the famous pump - and also to have fun and benefit from the networking opportunities.

Membership

The Society shall consist of Members and Honorary Members. The number of members will be without limit. Members joining during 1993 and 1994 will be known as Founder Members. Eligibility to join the Society is defined as wishing to celebrate the memory of John Snow. The Society welcomes all those with a serious interest in John Snow and related research, and those who wish simply to share its activities, network or gatherings at the pub bearing his name. Members with current membership status are defined as those who have paid any current fee or subscription levied, and whose membership card and mug remain intact.

Governance and administration

1. The Society is administered from the Royal Society for Public Health. The Royal Society will administer the affairs of the John Snow Society, with regard to membership and finance. The Royal Society will also administer John Snow events, under the guidance of the John Snow Committee.
2. The John Snow Committee shall comprise: Pumphandle President, Secretary, and between 5 and 9 members, who shall normally include representatives from HPA / Centre for Infections, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, at least one water specialist and a representative from the Royal Society (who shall normally be the Chief Executive). Representatives for particular roles (such as meetings, water, anaesthetics and international chapters) will be appointed as seen fit by the Committee or as proposed at the AGM.
3. Officers and Committee Members shall be appointed for three years, after which time they must stand down or be re-elected.
4. The Committee's tasks shall include setting the joining fee, or a subscription level if this proves necessary for the Society's finances, deciding on the Annual Pumphandle Lecture and advising on design of further additions of the John Snow mug and other commemorative items that may be produced. A minimum of two members of the Committee, in addition to the Pumphandle President and Secretary, should be consulted for decisions that have to be made between meetings of the Committee. The Committee will also encourage the RSPH to maintain the traditions of the Society and review progress of any events and publications related to Dr John Snow.
5. The Committee will meet at least once every year, and more often if necessary, in addition to attending the AGM if possible.

Finance

1. The joining fee shall be determined by the John Snow Committee. This should be reviewed at least every 3 years and the need for an annual or other form of renewal subscription will be considered at the same time.
2. Honorary Members, elected by the Society at its Annual General Meeting, will not be required to pay a joining fee or subscription. Honorary Members shall be selected from amongst those who have eminently distinguished themselves in the specialities related to the work and memory of John Snow. Honorary Membership may be conferred on Pumphandle lecturers, Nobel Prize winners and those of similar merit.
3. The finances shall be administered by the Royal Society, in accordance with their Standing Financial Instructions and in line with Charity Commission advice.
4. Members joining the Society who pay the current joining fee or subscription are entitled to a John Snow mug and membership card. Postage/ carriage for those who cannot collect the mug personally must be paid by members. Replacement of broken mugs incurs a replacement fee of £5, to be reviewed from time to time.

Activities

1. The Society shall run an Annual Pumphandle Lecture. The lecture will be chosen by the John Snow Committee. This will, where possible, be held on or near the anniversary of the removal of the pumphandle, 8th September.
2. The AGM of the Society will normally be held in the John Snow Pub following the lecture.
3. From time to time the Committee may organise a Blessed Chloroform Lecture, on or near 7th April, to commemorate John Snow's work in anaesthetics and other activities.
4. Members of the Society are encouraged to establish informal groups, chapters (divisions) and meetings in their own countries and localities. John Snow Scandinavia is recognised as affiliated with the Society and its members as members of the John Snow Society, providing current joining fees or subscriptions have been paid. Local groups may levy an additional fee to finance their local activities. A John Snow Society meeting can be declared wherever and whenever at least two card-carrying members of the Society are present. A photographic record of meetings and events may be sent to the Secretary at the RSPH for inclusion in the Society's archives.
5. The Annual Pumphandle and any other events arranged by the Society will be notified in the RSPH's quarterly Journal, Health &Hygiene, and by email to members who have provided a current email address. It is the responsibility of members to notify any changes to the RSPH. Information about the Society will be included in the RSPH journal and on the website.
6. The Broadsheet, the newsletter of the Society, is an occasional production with no regular publishing schedule. When or if it is produced, efforts will be made to ensure that it is available from a link or address listed in the website of the RSPH as well as from the Society's own website. The Broadsheet will not normally be produced in paper form, to minimise costs.
7. The Society will endeavour to develop its website, assisted as necessary by the RSPH, and to pursue links with other commemorative websites referring to Dr John Snow or the Snow tradition.

John Snow Public House

1. The John Snow Society shall maintain, wherever possible, its connections with the John Snow Pub, Broadwick Street, Soho, where the visitors book may be signed in the upstairs bar; and also with the brewery responsible for the pub.
2. The John Snow Society will aim to ensure that the reputation of John Snow is strengthened by memorabilia on display and sale in the pub.

Culture

The John Snow Society plays a serious role, in commemorating John Snow's work and in helping to preserve the site of the Broad Street outbreak. It also aims to provide a network for epidemiologists and others trained in the Snow tradition, who work across the world and who might, in the tedium or strain of their labours, lose sight that epidemiology and anaesthesia should also provide fun, an interest in new ideas, and the memory of the rich history left by John Snow and those who followed him. A mixture of serious intent and informality should thus be preserved.