Recent Developments at the Datchet Recreation Centre
Dear residents of Datchet,
You may have heard about recent events concerning the Datchet Recreation Centre Charitable Trust (DRCCT) and Datchet Parish Council (DPC). There are conflicting accounts of what has transpired, and we believe it's important for residents to understand the legal framework governing charitable trusts and how this applies to our community assets.
Community Notice: This page aims to provide factual information about charitable trust governance and how it relates to the current situation. We encourage all residents to seek information from multiple sources and attend public meetings to stay fully informed.
What is a Charitable Trust?
A charitable trust is a legal entity established to serve specific charitable purposes. Key facts about charitable trusts include:
- Independent legal status - A charitable trust exists as its own legal entity, separate from individuals or other organizations
- Governed by trust deed - The trust's founding document sets out its purposes and how it must be governed
- Regulated by the Charity Commission - All charitable trusts in England and Wales are regulated by the Charity Commission, which ensures they operate in accordance with charity law
- Assets held in trust - Any property or assets owned by the trust must be used for the charitable purposes specified in the trust deed
The Datchet Recreation Centre Charitable Trust was established in 1967 and purchased the Sabatini Land to promote the social, moral, and physical wellbeing of Datchet residents.
Legal Framework: Parish Councils and Charitable Trusts
It's important to understand the relationship between parish councils and charitable trusts:
- Separate legal entities - A parish council and a charitable trust are distinct legal entities with different governance structures
- Trustee responsibilities - If a parish council acts as trustee of a charity, it must act in the best interests of the charity, not in the interests of the council
- Trust property - Property owned by a charitable trust remains the property of the trust, not of the trustee(s)
- Governance changes - Changes to trust governance must follow the procedures set out in the trust deed and comply with charity law
The Charity Commission provides clear guidance on these matters, stating:
"When a local authority is a trustee of a charity, it must manage that charity's affairs in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries, and in accordance with the charity's governing document."
Questions Raised by Recent Events
The recent dissolution of the DRCCT committee by Datchet Parish Council has raised several important questions:
- What does the DRCCT trust deed specify about committee appointments and removals?
- Were proper procedures followed according to both the trust deed and charity law?
- If DPC is acting as trustee, is it fulfilling its duty to act solely in the best interests of the charity?
- What oversight role can the Charity Commission play in this situation?
- How will the continuity of services at the village hall be maintained?
These are complex legal matters that may require clarification from charity law experts or the Charity Commission itself.
Timeline of events - 1967 to Now.
Property Rights and Charitable Assets
It's worth noting some key facts about the property involved:
- The Sabatini Land is legally owned by the DRCCT
- Buildings on this land, including the village hall complex, belong to the charity
- Charitable assets must be used in accordance with the trust's purposes
- Unauthorized access to or control of charity property may raise legal concerns
Changes to locks or attempts to take control of DRCCT property, employees and money without proper authority could potentially constitute interference with the charity's assets.
Getting Involved and Staying Informed
As residents of Datchet, you can:
- Attend public meetings of both the Parish Council and the DRCCT
- Request to see the DRCCT trust deed (which should be a public document)
- Contact the Charity Commission with concerns (charity number should be available on the Register of Charities)
- Submit Freedom of Information requests to the Parish Council for relevant documents
- Form or join community groups focused on preserving community assets
The governance of community assets affects all residents, and your engagement is vital to ensuring these assets continue to serve their intended charitable purposes.
The Path Forward
For the benefit of the Datchet community, it is essential that:
- All parties act in accordance with charity law and the DRCCT trust deed
- Transparency is maintained regarding decisions affecting community assets
- The independence of the charitable trust is respected
- The focus remains on providing valuable services to Datchet residents
We hope that a resolution can be found that respects both the legal framework governing charitable trusts and the needs of our community.
History of the Datchet Recreational Centre Charitable Trust (DRCCT)
The opportunity to build a new village hall for Datchet was created by a Datchet resident and benefactor Mr Denys Randolph who established a charitable trust called the Datchet Recreational Centre Charitable Trust (DRCCT) in 1967. He bequeathed a sum of £6,250 for the purchase of land on which a new recreation centre could be built.
At the time Mr Randolph lived at Nutt's Corner in Montagu Rd and he owned the well-known company Wilkinson Sword. Having recently sold the razor blade section of his business to Gillette and thereby come into a considerable sum of money, he wished to use some of this wealth for the benefit of the village; hence the establishment of the DRCCT with its bequest of £6250.
Shortly after the establishment of the trust the trustees bought a piece of land which lies between the ditch on the Recreation Ground and the Horton Road. This strip of land had been owned by Mr Frederick Sabatini who in the 1940s bought the house in Horton Road called The Lawn, including this strip of land which was part of the Lawn's property. The Trust bought the land from his widow in 1967 using Denys Randolph's bequest. Not surprisingly this piece of land is known as the Sabatini land and it is, to this day, owned by the DRCCT.
The Parish Council of the day then set about the task of planning a new Hall and raising the necessary funds for its construction and its furnishings. This they did successfully, and the new Village Hall was completed and opened in 1976. The total cost was £118,000. It is interesting to note that £90,000 of this was raised by the compulsory purchase of allotment land for the development of the houses in the Holmlea estate.
As a part of the DRCCT set up by Denys Randolph in 1967, the Village Hall is successfully run by volunteers and used by various organisations. The charity owns and/or leases the land and property. After some debate - in early 2019 it was agreed that the DRCCT be transferred to new trustees. Current details - including financials - may be found on the Charities Commission web site. The Charity Number is 252303.
The Original Founding Deed - signed 21st March 1967
Community Orchard Project 2024
In 2024 the DRCCT granted a license to Datchet Parish Council to create a Community Orchard on the DRCCT land.
License document with site maps
The License Agreement (which includes review/renewal at 5-year intervals) was signed by Ewan Larcombe (DRCCT Chair) and the DPC Clerk on 15th August 2024.
DRCCT 2023/24 Annual Accounts
Datchet Parish Council received the DRCCT 2023/24 Annual Accounts at their meeting on Monday 12th August 2024 prior to submission to the Charities Commission.
DRCCT Accounts 2023/24