Introduction.
At last night’s discussion group meeting [Datchet Hall – 5/10/2026] with residents, this email was read out to clarify to all present, the legal facts presented by Solicitor Robert Craig paid for jointly by the DPC and the DRCCT Management Committee.
I ask that the following be circulated to all Councillors similarly to other recent documents regarding the DPC/DRCCT issue.
Thank you,
Cllr Ian Thompson.
Statement.
The DPC Meeting of 13th March 2019 minutes were approved at the DPC Meeting 8th April 2019 by the Council and signed by the Chairman Mrs Linda O’Flynn. Therefore the Council has accepted and approved a legal document and the actions it contains.
Similarly the DPC has accepted and approved the minutes of the 8th April 2019 Meeting. Thereby agreeing with the contents of both legal documents, which contained statements of law from Solicitor Robert Craig and the appointment of the new trustees.
Points of law statements made by Robert Craig.
Minutes of meeting 13th March 2019 Pages 1&2. Item 18.205. Pages 57 & 58. Shortened Version
Para 1. Lots of correspondence and confusion.
1967 Document . the trustees are to hold the land in accordance with the charity deed. (Re 1967 is referenced).
1973 Document not legally ratified.
1976 Document The Charity Commission has pointed out that these 1976 rules do not have any legal validity. There is no signed copy, it is not dated, it does not refer to Mr Randolph’s charity.
In 2012/2013 the effective committee was a successor committee to the one in 1976 except it was never established in a legal document.
Mr Craig said that the Datchet Parish Council does not have title to the land. Messrs Owen and Wilson did not transfer title to the land when they retired.
18.206 the freehold still belongs to the charity.
It would be impossible for the DPC to claim adverse possession.
Page 60 Mr Craig stated the 1976 document was never signed.
Mr Craig stated The 1976 document was not adopted.
The Parish Council is not in control of the money.
If you are a charity trustee, you will be in control of the accounts and monies
Mr Craig’s attendance was paid for by the retiring Management Committee and the DPC.
Ref Item 5F of the original 1967 deed, re charitable purposes (inc relief of poverty)
The way I see to close this is obtain a solicitors statement stating that you are Monica are the true Trustees and that the DRCCT is an independent organisation and not under the DPC.
Cllr Ian Thompson.