Time to end moves to wipe out trade charities'

I wish through the columns of the Morning Advertiser to make a heartfelt plea to all in the trade to oppose the surreptitious moves that have been hatched by a group of individuals who have been plotting to abolish more than 200 years of charitable history. Some readers will be aware of stories that a scheme has been formulated between the paid officers of the Society of Licensed Victuallers, and the Licensed Victuallers National Homes that will, to all intents and purposes, wipe out these organisations that have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help educate the children of distressed trade families, provide funds and retirement homes for the elderly, financially support the sick and provide them with convalescent facilities. All of this was achieved by adhering to sets of rules that, in the main, were set many years ago and which could only be changed or set aside by each charity's members at what are, in the case of the SLV, known as Quarterly Courts. These courts, held four times a year, were advertised in the MA at least three weeks beforehand in order that all members of the charity had opportunity to attend. Only at such meetings could changes to rules be considered. Yet we now have a situation where a few people, who were ostensibly elected to maintain the charity and promote it for the benefit of future generations, have been actively ignoring the wishes of the rank and file members, riding roughshod over the rule book, supported or encouraged by individuals who have only ever received remuneration from the charities for their involvement. These trustees, it would appear, have even decided to ignore the rules of election, thus allowing themselves to illegally remain in office whilst selling the family silver to the highest bidder. There are, without doubt, sound reasons for the amalgamation of the SLV and the LVNH, and it has been heralded in the trade for some considerable time. However, the decision to sink all traces of a proud and successful charity, such as the SLV, into a body that, it seems, would be managed by the officials of an organisation that has manifestly failed to handle its own affairs in recent years, leaves me speechless. While not wishing to be rude about the manner in which the officials of the LVNH have run that charity, it is no secret that the LVNH has little if any finances to speak of. Denham Garden Village and the nursing home are now run by Anchor Retirement Housing and one could be forgiven for wondering just what the LVNH have come to the negotiating table with. It is time both charities paid due respect to their members. A period of mutual consultation where preconceived ideas play no part should prevail. If such a situation can be brought about, and a return to the rule book can be achieved, I sincerely believe that a long-term agreement that satisfies all parties in this unseemly disagreement can be achieved. JG Mulroy Senior Past Governor of the SLV 3 Redwood Grove Bude Cornwall EX23 8ER Creation of one charity will add to family silver' Thank you giving me the opportunity to answer the points made by Mr Mulroy in his open letter to the licensed trade. He is one of a small group of past trustees of the Society of Licensed Victuallers who have for many years played no part in the affairs of this charity, although some of them have benefited from our charitable giving. I am delighted that Mr Mulroy supports the formation of one trade charity but I would like to correct a number of inaccuracies in his letter. Some four years ago the governor and trustees of the SLV met with their counterparts at the LVNH to see what common ground they shared and how together they could best help their beneficiaries. These talks progressed to a joint meeting of both trustee bodies, held in January 2003, when it was agreed to establish a working party tasked with exploring the possibility of merging to form one trade charity for the licensed trade. Subject to ratification by each charity the final proposal, constitution and rules will be put to our members. It is only the members of the SLV and LVNH who can vote on this proposal and allow it to be actioned. Mr Mulroy and others will know that the SLV, like all charities, is unable to remunerate its trustees and officers, save for expenses properly incurred whilst conducting the affairs of the charity, and in our case as laid down in our rules, approved by the Charity Commission. It is our intention to use the two constitutions of the SLV and LNVH, plus the SLV Royal Charter for the new charity. We will in fact be adding to "the family silver" of both the SLV and LVNH, not selling it. The aim of the amalgamation is not to wipe out the organisations and what they stand for, but to strengthen the assistance and support available. In view of the seriousness of these negotiations, and for continuity, both trustee bodies unanimously decided that the existing governor and chairman remain in office until negotiations were completed. Your readers may be interested to learn that the LVNH was formed by a small group of SLV trustees and others in 1827. Since that time they have gone through many changes. More recently, difficult decisions have had to be made to ensure the survival of their estates and to protect the wellbeing of their residents. To this end, a mutually beneficial agreement was entered into for Anchor Trust to purchase their estates and to carry out a most ambitious rebuilding and refurbishing programme. In return the LVNH has been able to concentrate its resources on welfare benefits to its members and in addition will now be able to nominate 100 residents each year to Anchor Retirement Housing (at present 22,700 units at 650 locations across the United Kingdom). There are also unlimited nominations to Anchor Trust Nursing and 94 registered Nursing Care Homes. This is a far more effective use of charitable resources and together with funds, expertise in housing, nursing care and grass roots support will mean that the LVNH is a valuable partner to the SLV. Finally, let me appeal to all those members of the SLV and LVNH who are truly interested in the future wellbeing of our beneficiaries and ask them to attend the two special courts to be held on 13 May at the New Connaught Rooms, London WC2. Before this date, every member will have the opportunity to request the rules and constitution of the proposed charity and vote for its creation. With the help and support of our members and your readers, the vision of one trade charity can succeed and ensure another 200 years of caring for those in the licensed drinks trade. Colin Wheeler Chief Executive On behalf of the Governor & Trustees The Society of Licensed Victuallers Ascot Berkshire