Uncertain Future for Captain Tom Foundation
The admission was made during a hearing regarding an appeal against an order to demolish a structure on the grounds of the late fundraiser’s £1.2 million home, filed by the fundraiser’s daughter and her spouse.
Investigation into the Captain Tom Foundation
As a result of an investigation into its administration, the Captain Tom Foundation is likely to cease operations, according to testimony at a hearing concerning the fate of an unauthorized spa at his daughter’s residence.
Currently under investigation by the Charity Commission is the organization established in June 2020 as a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through sponsored circuits of his garden.
Barrister Scott Stemp, representing the deceased fundraiser’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and her spouse, Colin, stated, “It appears that the Charity Commission has initiated an investigation that will result in the closure of the foundation.”
He told the hearing at Central Bedfordshire Council offices that the foundation’s survival was “improbable.”
During an appeal that Ms. Ingram-Moore and her spouse filed against a demolition order for a structure situated on the premises of their £1.2 million residence in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, they made the admission.
Initially, authorities granted the couple permission to construct an L-shaped edifice in their garden in 2021; their blueprints indicated that they would utilize the location “in part in connection with The Captain Tom Foundation and its charitable objectives.”
However, they submitted a retrospective application for a larger, C-shaped structure with a leisure pool, kitchen, and restrooms last year.
Central Bedfordshire Council denied the revised application and subsequently issued an enforcement notice requiring the demolition of the “now-unauthorized building.”
In court, chartered surveyor James Paynter said the proposal “evolved” to include the hydrotherapy pool.
“It was determined that a larger structure could provide the necessary space for this additional facility in the future,” he explained. The spa pool possesses the capacity to provide rehabilitation sessions for the local geriatric population.
“They intend to provide one-on-one sessions no more frequently than once or twice per week.” They believed that this additional limb, which formed a C-shape, was essential for the construction of this facility.
According to Mr. Paynter, the structure would additionally provide a “space for individuals to convene on a monthly basis for coffee mornings; that’s probably not going to exceed once per month, much like a church hosting a Macmillan coffee morning.”
“There’s going to be the opportunity to open the garden – we’ve heard the garden will open once per year for a fete,” he commented.
He asserted in a written appeal declaration that the heights of the authorised and new structures were “identical.”
Planning inspector Diane Fleming, appointed by the secretary of state, presided over the hearing.
Neighbor Concerns and Impact
Approximately half a dozen neighbors attended the meeting, one of whom stated that the structure is in close proximity to his property and is “49% larger than what was agreed upon,” adding, “It’s very brutal.”
“A bite into a monstrosity”
Ms. Fleming saw the spa complex from neighbours’ yards, including retired credit manager Jilly Bozdogan, during the hearing.
Subsequently, Ms. Bozdogan characterized the structure as “almost monstrous.”
She said, “It has completely obstructed the view. “To attempt to block it out, I’ve planted trees for that reason.”
She added that her 99-year-old cohabiting mother “sits there and sobs.”
The attempt “significantly impacted” the foundation, and Ms. Bozdogan said she would “not contribute any further funds to it.” “Quite a few people” concurred with this sentiment.
Frances Shaw, whose property also backs onto the complex, stated that the situation “taints” the reputation of Captain Sir Tom and added, “Here’s hoping that people continue to value his contributions.”
Central Bedfordshire Council’s planning enforcement team leader, Richard Proctor, stated, “The initial building’s approval was based on the principle that public good outweighed harm.”
He additionally stated: “There hasn’t been any information provided to the council about the use of the spa.”
Ms. Fleming stated that she would visit the location prior to composing a letter of intent at a later time.
In March 2021, the Charity Commission initiated an investigation into the Captain Tom Foundation’s financial statements, which revealed that the organization spent £240,000 on management and fundraising expenses and £160,000 on charitable grants in its first year.
The oversight body elevated the investigation to a statutory inquiry in June 2022 subsequent to developing apprehensions regarding the charity’s dealings with a company associated with the couple.
The foundation ceased accepting contributions from donors this summer subsequent to the issuance of the demolition order by council officials.
Captain Tom’s Legacy
Including Gift Aid, Sir Tom raised £38.9 million for the NHS by completing 100 circuits of his garden prior to his 100th birthday in April 2020, during the height of the first national lockdown.
The late Queen knighted him in an unusual outdoor ceremony at Windsor Castle in July 2020. The date of his passing was February 2021.
