An OPEN LETTER from Ewan Larcombe – Chair of the Datchet Recreation Centre Charity Trust (DRCCT) – Charity Commission (CC) Reg. No. 252303 – to Datchet Parish Council.
26th May 2026
Some new and co-opted members of Datchet Parish Council (DPC) have spent the last year (since April 2025) in a misguided attempt to hijack the assets of the DRCCT. This is history repeating itself and their action has failed – as happened 50 years ago.
- The names of the Councillors involved in the 14/4/2025 Windsor meeting are recorded on a DPC statement here
- The Clerk has refused to supply papers presented at that meeting.
- DPC is claiming that the DRCCT website is unofficial here.
- DPC is refusing to mediate/negotiate as directed by the CC.
- The DPC Chair has neglected to maintain his Member Interest Form dated 2/6/2023 that can be found here
THE DRCCT POSITION.
- The DRCCT was created 60 years ago by a local benefactor.
- The DRCCT is registered with the CC.
- The current trustees were appointed in April 2019.
- The trustees operate in accordance with both trust and CC rules
- The DRCCT trustees are happy to agree mediation and/or negotiation – but will continue to perform their duty to protect the charity and its assets.
- There are some unresolved conflicts of interest and in particular, the DPC is failing to operate in accordance with the ‘division of responsibilities’ agreement.
- The Trust will not accept DPC continuing to use DRCCT property without a lease. The Trust offered a draft Memorandum of Understanding to DPC in November 2025.
- The Trust will not accept the Football Club continuing to use DRCCT property without a lease. The Trust offered a draft lease to the Football Club in January 2026.
- The 2025/26 Annual Report and Accounts is being prepared for submission to the Charity Commission.