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WPCC Election - John Cameron's Q&A

Unfortunately John Cameron was unable to attend the Hustings arranged by the Wimbledon Society which was held on Wednesday this week. The Society refused to allow me as his designated representative to read his statement or answer questions. He had prepared answers to 10 "tough" questions, and in a spirit of openness has asked me to copy them here:JOHN CAMERON – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSQ. Can you really work together with other Trustees considering you have failed to do so for the last three years? A. I haven’t failed to do so - from April 2015 to November 2016 I participated fully in all the board matters. The ‘disagreements’ were over fundamental issues which I considered to be misconduct . It was clear to me that a faction of the board were colluding to kick the undersale into the long grass. They were doing so with the support of professional advisers. Trustees and advisers failed to disclose material conflicts of interest, which are now known, and these have been passed to the Charity Commission. As a Trustee I was exposed to this collusion, misconduct and mismanagement. I was elected as a Trustee to serve ONLY in the interests of the charity, and that is exactly what I did. To participate in a cover up would not have been in the interests of the charity, it would have been misconduct. Q. Why do you want to sack Simon Lee? A. Simon Lee deliberately misled the Charity Commission in January 2015 when he stated in writing that the WPCC did not have a case to answer in respect of the undersale of the access. We now know the undersale caused a loss of £1.55m. Mr Lee participated in the very obvious attempts to block an independent and fair investigation. He also participated in the appointment of Daniel Watney LLP which does not stand up to scrutiny. The Daniel Watney LLP valuation cost some £40,000 and has now been shown to be fatally flawed in terms of its assumptions and conclusion. This is misconduct and mismanagement. CEO’s need to take responsibility for their actions. The board, as Lee’s employer, will need to review his actions in due course. There are a number of fundamental reasons why Simon Lee’s leadership should be reviewed including whether he continues to have the support of the WPCC team members. Q. Your actions have caused the financial crisis the charity is in by forcing the board to spend £400,000 with lawyers? A. My actions have not caused the financial crisis. The conflicted Trustees went on a ‘spending spree’ with lawyers to run up as large a bill as possible. The initiative was led by the conflicted Trustees to enable them to close down the Putney Hospital investigation without procuring an independent valuation. When it was clear to me and other Trustees that BWB were acting in the interests of the conflicted Trustees, BWB were challenged and quit. A material conflict of interest was not disclosed. Charles Russell Speechlys were then a mirror image of BWB. A material conflict of interest was again not disclosed. The unnecessary expense was committed by the board in order to try and avoid taking responsibility for the the deliberate undersale. The financial meltdown was deliberate and instigated by Trustees. The Charity Commission have the evidence of this, and have been continuously informed from the summer of 2015.Q. Why do you want to remove the benches on Putney Common outside the Spencer pub on Putney Common? A. I do not want to remove the benches. My opposition to them was driven by the lack of consultation. The benches appeared overnight. The charity charged the Spencer a token amount, without taking any professional advice. When I became a Trustee I challenged this and advice was taken from unqualified advisers. Their advice was fundamentally wrong, based on incorrect assumptions. The advice then suggested that the Spencer could ‘go legal’ if they did not get their way. The advice was worthless, yet accepted by the board and acted on. If the Spencer want benches the Trustees have a fiduciary duty to ensure that the agreement is on the best available terms in the interests of the charity. That is not the case, as the benches are under rented. In December 2018 the WPCC made a deliberate misrepresentation to Wandsworth Council over the planning application for a permanent change of use. The application has now been withdrawn. Q. Why did you refuse to abide by the agreed policy of the board not to disagree publicly with agreed actions? A. For the simple reason of ensuring that levy payers were fully informed of the serial misconduct and mismanagement of the WPCC. To not do so would not be in the interest of the charity or the levy payers. It would be mismanagement and misconduct.Q. You shouted at other members of the board and acted unreasonably to such an extent that you had to be excluded. Is that the sort of behaviour we should expect from a Trustee? I have not shouted at anyone or acted unreasonably. I have simply argued my corner. I have been threatened physically, lied to repeatedly and placed under huge amount of financial stress by the board to force my resignation. When I resisted this and asked questions about transactions a vexatious complaint was submitted by Prue Whyte and Simon Lee to the Charity Commission. It was rejected by the Commission as I and my lawyers refuted it line by line. There was no case to answer. The WPCC tried to sack me and failed. They wasted £60,000 of levy payers funds with lawyers, an utterly shameful misuse of the charity’s resources.Q. Why don’t you want the charity and its management to work with the local community. Aren’t Stakeholder groups important? A. Stakeholder groups are important. But the Trustees have the legal responsibility for the charity and the founding legislation. Derogation of setting strategy, governance and legal responsibility is completely contrary to good governance. Q. Will you accept the Statutory Inquiry report if it decides that no action should be taken to recoup the losses incurred at Putney Common? A. There is ample evidence to support the case that undersale in 2014 was deliberate. I have been interviewed by the Interim Manager and made my position clear to the Charity Commission. It is up to the Charity Commission to make whatever Direction(s) it decides. I believe that the losses are recoverable and it would be in the interests of the WPCC to do so. To not do so because of personal loyalties or conflicts of interest is contrary to the legal responsibility of Trustees.Q. Why are you suggesting that the democratic election of Trustees will be abolished? A. It is clear to me that there is an agenda to make sweeping changes to the 1871 Act. This will include the cessation of elections which allow residents to have a voice in the governance of the WPCC. Other changes include vesting more power in the executive, the ability to commercialise the commons, including the sale of land if it is in the interest of the charity to do so. The commons are coveted; 1,140 acres of freehold land in central London. The 1871 Act has not protected the commons due to weak Trustees. Trustees who act as a clique cannot be trusted. We know from experience that cosy cliques are prepared to roll over for political allies or personal friends. Protecting the commons is paramount, for us, our children and their children. Q. Why won’t you support the Strategy and Vision statement? A. It is management speak and white noise. A document which is not costed and cannot be implemented. Designed to deflect from the real issues. It is not necessary to commission market research as what the WPCC’s role is in modern society. The commons are precious. Managing them is not challenging. Balance the books. Invest wisely. Keep it simple. Do it well. Be a little better each year. Repeat. John Cameron, 7 February 2018

Nicholas Evans ● 2240d0 Comments ● 2240d

WPCC Election 2018 - why I am not standing

Why I am not seeking re-election as a Conservator in the February 2018 election…..and why I am recommending that none of the Conservators elected in February 2015 do so either.We need a clean sweep so that the charity can move forward with confidence into the next triennium.  Our precious open spaces are more important than any individual or group of individuals.Regrettably there is an extremely destructive small group who, in my view, will go to almost any lengths to try and bring the charity down.  This, I believe, is their aim.  The Charity Commission’s statement of 22nd December 2017 made clear ‘It would encourage those with appropriate knowledge and skills to consider standing.’The statement continues: ‘The Commission hopes that after the election all the elected and appointed trustees will work together to take the charity forward. This would include considering mediation to resolve any outstanding issues within the trustee body and putting into place any actions issued by the Commission.’It is not encouraging to think the new Board may have to consider mediation as a starting point.  With new, ‘fresh faces’ and open minds this should not be needed.The Commission has given an indication, but without commitment, that they are looking to close the Statutory Inquiry within the first six months of 2018.It is my understanding, from a meeting I had with the Charity Commission on 18th December 2017, that the Commission wants to bring this whole matter to conclusion so that the trustees can get on with running the charity.  I am equally clear that the only issue that the Commission is investigating is that within the current remit of the Interim Manager.I will be looking to give my five votes to candidates who are able to prove to me that they are not coming with any ‘baggage’ or arguments from recent past disputes. We have many talented levy-payers with sound common sense and appropriate skills including the ability to work collectively who we need to support to take on these important Conservator/trustee roles.  I will give them my full support in whatever way I can.  I will also continue to give my full support to the quite excellent staff that WPCC is fortunate enough to employ.  Prue WhyteElected Conservator

Prue Whyte ● 2280d1 Comments ● 2279d

Starfish Breakfast Run and Picnic 24th Sept Clapham Common

Join Starfish for the 10th annual Breakfast Run and Picnic on Clapham Common on Sunday 24th September 2017!Our friendly Breakfast Run and Picnic offers a choice of distances –2k, 5k, 10k or 15k - and this year we have teamed up with fitness and events specialists, Innovation Sports, to make 2017 the biggest and best yet. The course is totally flat around the common, so you can run as fast or as slow as you like. There’s always a supportive and friendly atmosphere, with crowds cheering along the route, and everyone receives a medal and Starfish t-shirt upon finishing. But the fun doesn’t stop after the run! Everyone gets a picnic basket to enjoy on the common, and there will be a tombola, free 100m kids dash and other stalls for all members of the family. Entry includes: Starfish branded T-shirt Chip timing Medal Picnic basket with healthy snacks to help you re-energise after the run!The event is on Sunday 24th September, starting at 9.30am by the band stand in the centre of Clapham Common (Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE). Facilities include secure bag storage, toilets, medical support and water stations. Prices:  2k (under 12s): £8 5k: £17 10k: £20 15k: £23Get your ticket here - https://starfishbreakfastrun2017.eventbrite.co.ukMoney raised will go towards Starfish projects in South Africa, bringing life, hope and opportunity to the vulnerable and orphaned children Starfish cares for. We invest in the future of over 12,000 children a year so they can grow into happy and independent young adults.We look forward to seeing you there!

Starfish Greathearts Foundation ● 2397d0 Comments ● 2397d

Did you miss out on the ballot for the Royal Parks Half Marathon? Starfish has some available spots!

Starfish have guaranteed places in Royal Parks Half Marathon London 2017 on Sunday 8th October, and we are looking for runners to join the Starfish team and help us change lives. With your support Starfish can provide life saving healthcare, education and child protection to children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in South Africa.Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the world’s biggest half marathons and with 16,000 runners taking part in the 13.1 mile run, it will be an exciting event for everyone involved. This year it is set to be better than ever as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this race.Starting in Hyde Park, the 13.1-mile route will take you on through four of London’s stunning Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James Park and Kensington Gardens – and past many of London’s iconic landmarks. As a part of a Starfish team, you will receive:  A fundraising pack with exciting ideas to help you smash your targets Ongoing support and pre-event information A free Starfish branded running vest! Jaffa Cakes and bananas to boost energy levels And of course, cheering support from the loudest voices on the course to keep you motivatedThe fundraising target for each runner is £350 and your sponsorship will help Starfish provide lifesaving healthcare and education to vulnerable children in South Africa.  Registration ends 1st August, so sign up before it is too late!To register please visit the Starfish website http://bit.ly/2sKZqJT. For more information please email us at ukinfo@starfishcharity.org, or call the Starfish team on 0207 597 3797.

Starfish Greathearts Foundation ● 2452d0 Comments ● 2452d

Run for Starfish Greathearts Foundation in the Virgin British 10k on July 9th 2017!

Lace up your trainers and get ready to run the iconic Virgin British 10K London Run on Sunday 9th July. This historical and exciting run takes you through the heart of London on closed roads, past the world-famous London landmarks in Westminster and the heart of London, including London Eye, Nelson Mandela statue and the Houses of Parliament. Join our team and run for Starfish Greathearts Foundation. Running for Starfish, there is a £20 registration fee to take part, and members of the Starfish team will need to fundraise £150. All funds raised will go towards Starfish’s projects in South Africa, where we invest in the future of over 12,000 children a year that have been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. This is done through community projects in the areas of healthcare, child protection and education. We support the Starfish running team by providing:  A fundraising Pack including top tips and sponsorship forms Ongoing support and pre-event information A free Starfish branded running vest! And of course, cheering support on the event day and finish line refreshmentsTo register for this exciting run, please visit the Starfish website http://www.starfishcharity.org/get-involved-uk/run,-cycle,-jump/british-10k-london-run-09072017.aspx For any more information about the event and how you can you get involved, please email  ukinfo@starfishcharity.org We look forward to hearing from you!

Starfish Greathearts Foundation ● 2474d0 Comments ● 2474d

The Chairman fails to tell us why

The often declared intention to operate openly and transparently has fallen on deaf ears as far as Prue Whyte, Charman of Wimbledon and Putney Common Conservators is concerned. Does this matter? Is this just me having another so-called "rant"? No, this time the standard of governance has fallen to such a low level that all 60,000+ Council Tax payers need to be very worried indeed.A year ago the Charity Commission imposed a formal action plan. The most important element of that plan was to establish whether a loss had occurred through a 'Qualified Surveyors Report' (QSR) when they sold the access rights at Putney Hospital. A subject that has been discussed here for over three years.So what has changed? This time the board of Trustees have decided to spend over £60,000 on a second unnecessary QSR, without discussing the existing one they commissioned from Montagu Evans LLP. The one that ME offered to review in the light of any additional information the Conservators might provide. The one that their own lawyers said could be considered. Ignored? Completely. This means that the loss-making WPCC Trustees are quite happy to waste yet more money to avoid facing up to their earlier mistakes. Mistakes we as so-called "Levy-payers" have to accept.So, no explanation of why they are acting like this. No reaction to the 150+ people who have signed the FofPC petition, just pretence that everything is alright. Just refer everything to their lawyers. Call no 'Open Meetings' as they promised. Keep the governance of the charity under wraps. People will just get bored and drop the subject, after all what's another £60,000 for the lawyers and the advisers. The much-vaunted new governance processes have been suspended, and how the tax-funded charity is run goes from bad to worse. If they can make such a hash of this, what else is being hidden? Their procedures are now so bizarre that they issue a press statement about their special board meeting before the Trustees have seen the minutes.They lost over £1.5m. It's a year since they were told what action should be taken. The Charity Commission must appoint an interim manager now to sort this mess out. For all our sakes.Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 2752d0 Comments ● 2752d

Royal Parks Half Marathon 2016

Starfish have guaranteed places in Royal Parks Half Marathon London 2016 and we are looking for runners to join the Starfish team and help us change lives. With your support Starfish can provide life saving healthcare, education and child protection to children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in South Africa.Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the world’s biggest half marathons and with 16,000 runners taking part in the 13.1 mile run, it will be an exciting event for everyone involved. Starting in Hyde Park, the 13.1-mile route will take you on closed roads through four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James Park and Kensington Gardens. After the run, Food & Fitness Festival will provide loads of entertainment and fun activities throughout the whole day. As a part of a Starfish team, you will receive:  A fundraising Pack including top tips and sponsorship forms Ongoing support and pre-event information A free Starfish branded running vest! And of course, cheering support on the event day and finish line refreshmentsThe fundraising target for each runner is £300 and your sponsorship will help Starfish provide lifesaving healthcare and education to vulnerable children in South Africa.  To register please visit the Starfish website http://bit.ly/29JHGHf, and for more information please email us ukinfo@starfishcharity.org or call the Starfish team on 0207 597 3797. Places are limited, don’t miss out!Judith

Elinor Middleton ● 2808d0 Comments ● 2808d

Vitality British 10K

The Vitality British 10K has returned to the capital, one of the most unique routes in the world! Set yourself a challenge for 2016 and register now with Starfish to run the iconic Vitality British 10K London Run on Sunday 10th July. The historial and exciting run takes you through the heart of London on closed roads, past the world-famous London landmarks in Westminister and the heart of London, including London Eye, Nelson Mandela statue and the Houses of Parliament. You will be joined by tens of thousands of spectators lining the route from start to finish, you can’t miss it ! Join our team and run for Starfish Greathearts Foundation, a charity supporting children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in South Africa by providing life, hope and opportunity. Running for Starfish, there is a £20 registration fee to take part, and members of the Starfish team will need to fundraise £150 to help bring life, hope and opportunity to the children Starfish cares for in South Africa. We will support you throughout, providing: Fundraising Pack including top tips and ideas  Free Starfish running vest  And of course, cheering and welcome refreshments once you complete the race.To register for this exciting run, please visit the Starfish website http://www.starfishcharity.org/get-involved-uk/run,-cycle,-jump/british-10k-london-run-10072016.aspxFor any more information about the event and how you can you get involved, please email me at ukinfo@starfishcharity.org. We look forward to hearing from you,Judith Solanas

Elinor Middleton ● 2857d0 Comments ● 2857d

LONDON FAMILIES WANTED FOR BBC2 BACK IN TIME SERIES

Wall to Wall Television, the makers of hit series ‘Back In Time For Dinner’ and ‘Back In Time for the Weekend’ are looking for a fun, food-loving family to go on an adventure further back in time.Guided by the experiences of real families in the early 20th century, one family will be fast-forwarded through 50 years of incredible history to explore how we lived and what we ate.Wall to Wall are currently casting in the London area for a family to immerse themselves in history for their series. This time the family will go further back in time to the early 20th century and then on through five decades of dramatic history, experiencing for themselves how British families lived and ate in the years before modern technology and conveniences.Previous living history series Back in Time for Dinner and Back in Time for the Weekend for BBC2 were both extremely well received and were among BBC2’s top rating factual shows last year, averaging 3 million viewers a week. Both series followed a modern family as they lived through each decade from the 50s to the 90s with their home, clothes and diet all transformed accordingly. Everything they did was underpinned by historical data that detailed real spending and eating habits of each period.This is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for a family to share in the amazing experience of being filmed over the summer, taking part in a truly immersive journey back in time.Wall to Wall are currently looking to hear from families with a minimum of two children aged 8+ who are available to film over the summer holidays this year. Anyone interested can simply email backintime@walltowall.co.uk for information.Below are links to interviews with previous contributors, who came away from the series with a rewarding and truly unforgettable family experience. Links:Back in time for Dinner –Brandon Robshaw’s diary for the Independent: - http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/new-bbc-series-savours-half-a-century-of-food-in-britain-from-vesta-curries-to-nouvelle-cuisine-10071775.htmlBack in Time for the Weekend - http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/feb/02/gadget-free-1970s-was-happiest-period-says-time-travelling-tv-family

Paul Braund ● 2872d0 Comments ● 2872d