I HAVE received several comments in past months that CaRT is very generous in its use of charity funds, writes Jimmy Lockwood.
Events have been organised at ‘interesting venues' where presentations have been given on CART progress to relevant audiences.
What's wrong with that I hear you say? Nothing on the face of it. However, look a little more closely and what do we find?
Aspirations but no hard facts
The presentations are of the self-congratulatory type and talk more about aspirations than hard facts. Okay, so we expect some of that.
The locations appear to have little connection with waterways. Why not as there are plenty of opportunities to display their attraction?
Civil servants and the like
The audience may be composed of civil servants and their like who doubtless enjoy the chance of time out for which they can charge expenses; a token IWA person; lower ranking local authority staff and a few local worthies.
An attractive buffet will be offered plus drinks—must not run out as that would appear to be bad planning!
CaRT staff
However the majority of attendees may be CaRT staff!
Well there has to be the local manager and his number two in case he gets asked awkward questions; someone responsible for fund raising; another who can discuss heritage; of course environment must be represented; then the volunteering recruiter who adds another face; a construction manager to discuss the towpaths; a member of the planning department is essential. Oh yes! We nearly forgot to include the local Trustees!
Is this type of occasion really the most effective use of charitable funds?
Perhaps others know it is not and this explains why CaRT have so much difficulty in attracting donations.