Forum Topic

Putney lower common

I have spent many years walking over Lower Putney Common, rarely missing a day whatever the weather.  Recently my dog died and I wanted to plant a tree as a memorial.  Applied to Rangers as I had no idea how to go about it.Was told I could only replace a tree and had to take the species on offer.  In this case a horse chestnut.  The replacement site was nowhere near I ever walked.  No responsibility would be accepted for vandalismCost £150Was not happy.  For many reasons, but sad more than anything. just wanted to remember my dog with an appreciation for the common.

Barbara Shillabeer ● 2658d9 Comments

So sorry Barbara. My partner and I once planted our Christmas tree, with good roots, in a small corner on the Common.  We used to visit it several times a week and one day it was gone, replaced by a deciduous small tree.  It's a bit of a shock, but they are there to protect and take care of our commons.Have you thought of putting a plaque on a bench for your dog?

Bunny Payne ● 2658d

Barbara, I’m sorry to say I’m not surprised by the brusque way you were treated, this seems to be par for the course. Did you receive an email from a named member of staff, or just an anonymous email from the Rangers Office? Can I suggest you get in touch with Shirley Gillbe as she is always helpful. I can send you her email address if you contact me at ncsevans@gmail.com. Sorry to hear of the loss of your dog.Nick(Who has been told by the Charity Commission that we should not expect their Statutory Inquiry report until the Autumn. Like other ex-Trustees I was sent a draft for comment  back in May.)

Nicholas Evans ● 2658d

The memorial plaque is a lovely idea.

Sue Hammond ● 2657d

Thank you Nick.  Yes I did get an email, signed.  To be fair I had already spoken on the phone and the position had been partially explained to me. I hadn't really expected so many intractable rules and regulations to something which appeared so simple to me. As I don't like hassles I will consider other options.I watch with great interest the difficulties you encounter and greatly admire your tenacity against the procrastination from all sides that you receive. I have learned over many years, generally to my disadvantage, that official ( ?! ) bodies have a nasty habit of managing to obscure the truth. and making themselves out to be the victim.So I hope so much you are both vindicated in your aims.

Barbara Shillabeer ● 2657d

There is no doubt that the investigation into the sale of common land will fully vindicate criticisms of the WPCC and Simon Lee. We already know that there was an undersale, misconduct and mismanagement. The WPCC's CEO Simon Lee lied to trustees, levy payers and the Charity Commission.  Lawyers acting for the WPCC failed to declare conflicts of interest with trustees and Lee and colluded to kick the losses into the long grass, using the gerrymandered Daniel Watney to produce a fundamentally flawed valuation.  All of this was done in plain sight by trustees to protect their interests.In December 2017 the Charity Commission aimed to produce their final report by June 2018.  In September 2018, the Commission said the report would be available by October or November. The Commission then said it would be mid December.In March 2019 is slipped to June.  In July it was postponed to Autumn 2019.The Commission commenced their regulatory enquiry in August 2014. 

John Cameron ● 2656d

Considering that we are supposed to be planting MORE trees in order to double our tree cover you'd have thought that they might be a bit more flexible and in view of all the controversy even more so.

Philippa Bond ● 2656d

The CC began their enquiry four years ago. Wow!  And no guarantee that a final report will conclude it this year.

Sarah Roberts ● 2654d

Kicking the can down the road, hoping we'll all forget about it.  Keep up the good work John.

Chantal Blake-Milton ● 2653d

Bunny.  Re placing a plaque.  Thanks for the lovely idea.  Apparently all benches are 'owned' by people who supply their own plaque..  I can have a plaque if I supply a bench.Incidentally, I'm not sure if John would agree with you as to the protection of the common. As I don't, in regard to desecration by the nursery of certain parts of common.

Barbara Shillabeer ● 2653d