Good  to see the Western Morning News ( WMN) covering the plight of Woodcot and its residents this week.

Philip Bowern’s column in the WMN raises important questions about leaving property to charity and how long the donors wishes should be respected. 

It also begs the question of just what the Age UK press office are actual telling journalists.

According to several recent reports Age UK press office are suggesting that there are no legal restrictions preventing a sale of Woodcot. Nor any requirement for it to remain a residential home. 

UNTRUE. 

This remains to be seen. So far Age UK have shown no evidence to support this claim. Until they do journalists might consider the covenant ( shown on this petition) which absolutely makes it clear that Miss Jennings gave Woodcot to charity ON CONDITION - legally bound- that it remained as a residential home for old people. 

WHAT HAS CHANGED AGE UK? 

Age UK are hoping that this will not be challenged. The optics of using charity funds to overturn a donors covenant would not look good.

Journalists in pursuit of the truth should be questioning the claims made by large charities which disrespect and disavow the wishes of the donor. 

Age Uk are prevaricating and playing for time…..there is now a substantial regional charity interested in taking Woodcot over yet  Age UK are still delaying a meeting and putting out the same statement to anyone who asks. 

This one came yesterday. 

“……we don't believe now is the right time for a local meeting, as we don't have any more information beyond what we have already shared in our statements.

As we have shared previously, we decided to speak to the tenants and let other key people in Salcombe know at this very early stage because we thought it important to be transparent about our thinking. However, doing this early does mean that unfortunately we don't have a lot more information or answers to questions at this stage. We would welcome the opportunity to engage more with the local community and Town Council at a later date, when we have more information.”

BLAH BLAH BLAH…

YAWN.

That  same old press statement has been wheeled out to anyone who asks since May. It is time to move this conversation forward. 

So Age UK - you say you would welcome the opportunity to engage… so would we.

The residents of Woodcot, the people of Salcombe, the 2,400 people who signed this petition - we are all waiting on  you.

Name The Day.