Captain Tom Foundation under investigation after accounts raise concerns
Founded in June 2020 by the army veteran’s family, accounts show the foundation has spent vast amounts on "consultancy fees", "management" and "advertising and marketing"
An investigation has been launched into the accounts of the Captain Tom Foundation, founded by the army veteran's family in June 2020, after concerns were raised about the management of its accounts.
Now the Charity Commission, which is independent but run by the government, has confirmed that it has opened a case to assess the recently submitted accounts
The commission has already been working closely with the trustees since March last year after issues surrounding its governance arose in 2021.
The Captain Tom Foundation was founded in June 2020 by the beloved army veteran’s family after he became a household name by walking 100 laps of his garden to raise money for NHS Charities Together at a time when there was a huge shortage of PPE.
The foundation aims to support the older generation and promote social inclusion, but following the publication of the charity’s accounts on Friday the charity watchdog has confirmed it will now look closely at its regulatory compliance.
According to the published accounts – which cover the charity’s first year from 5 May 2020 to 31 May 2021 – The Captain Tom Foundation accumulated £1.1 million in donations and paid out grants to four charities worth £40,000 each (£160,000 in total).
However, it then spent £209,433 on support costs – including £162,336 on “management”.
Of these named management costs, £126,424 was spent on “fundraising consultancy fees”, and £20,884 was used in “advertising and marketing expenditure”.
The financial statement also showed reimbursement costs of £16,097 paid to Club Nook Limited – a company which is run by Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore – and these costs were for said to be for accommodation, security,and transport relating to Captain Tom “travelling around the UK to promote the charitable company”.
Speaking on the investigation, a spokesperson for The Charity Commission said: “We have been in ongoing contact with the trustees of the Captain Tom Foundation on its set-up and governance arrangements and as part of this work will now assess the charity’s recently submitted accounts.”
It said it had an open regulatory compliance case into the charity, but that did not mean it had made any finding of wrongdoing.
In response, Stephen Jones – Chair of Trustees for The Captain Tom Foundation – said: “As a young charity, we have been working closely with the Charity Commission since we launched, and we welcome their input following the publication of our recent audited annual accounts.”
Captain Tom – who was born in Keighley in Yorkshire, and sadly passed away back in February 2021 at aged 100 after testing positive for COVID-19 – captured the hearts of the nation in April 2020 after he raised over £39 million for NHS Charities Together before becoming a centenarian.
After first receiving the title of honorary colonel, Sir Tom was then knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in July 2020.
He died from coronavirus in February 2021.
Featured Image – Captain Tom Moore
News
Leeds pub requests extended opening hours after Otley Run ban
A pub in Headingley which failed in a bid to join the Otley Run has applied for later opening hours.
You may remember back in December when The Golden Beam in Headingley requested to join the ever so famous pub crawl, The Otley Run.
The application was denied by Leeds City Council, but now they're focusing their efforts on a different application in a quest to extend their opening hours.
The pub which serves until 10:30pm on weekdays and midnight on Friday and Saturday, has applied to operate until midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 00:30 at weekends.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds City Council will consider the application at a hearing next Tuesday 20 January.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 22 objections have been made by locals and from Headingley and Hyde Park councillor Tim Goodall.
Goodall said in a letter: "Allowing the Golden Beam to open later is likely to lead to increased consumption of alcohol, which is then likely to lead to an even higher rate of drunk and disorderly crime."
At the hearing councillors will have the option of granting or refusing the application, or allowing it with additional conditions when considering the extended hours.
A spokesperson from The Golden Beam said: “The Golden Beam has extensive seating and lavatory facilities within the pub, CCTV throughout, no music, food availability until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday and highly trained staff."
10 alcohol-free activities in Leeds to keep you busy during dry January
Clementine Hall
Just because you're doing dry January doesn't mean you have to stay inside all month.
Listen, we get it. After an entire month of boozing (and spending) it's nice to have a reset and live the sober life for a few weeks.
But if after one week you're sat at home twiddling your thumbs in boredom, then allow us to add a bit of spice into your life with 10 activities that are a barrel of laughs but don't include alcohol.
I know, we didn't think it could be done either but it truly can.
So, without further ado let's get into 10 alcohol-free activities in Leeds.
Tadatuft
New York Street
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If you're looking to learn a brand-new hobby this year, then why not make your own rug? This brilliant spot will walk you step by step through the magical world of rug tufting. With prices starting from just £10, it would be rude not to.
Chance and Counters
Merrion Street
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We all love a board game, and this cosy spot on Merrion Street has them in abundance. Get settled with your mates and try out some of the wackiest games on the market or keep it simple with Monopoly, we won't judge.
NQ64
Merrion Street
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Just up the road you'll also find NQ64 where you can unleash your competitive side by playing loads of arcade games.
OMG! Moru Garden
The Corn Exchange
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This one has to be a favourite, downstairs in The Corn Exchange you will find the cutest little shop where you can make your very own Moru doll. You'll be guided through the workshop to make your furry friend then you can dress it up however you like.
Go Ape
Temple Newsam
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This one's for the outdoorsy folk...brave the cold and grab a harness at Go Ape as you tower above the trees. Prices start at just £21 per person.
Green Room Run Club
Wellington Street
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If one of your New Year's resolutions was to be more active, then joining a run club is an absolute no brainer. Every single Saturday head to Green Room to meet up with like minded people and head out on a run, followed by fresh pastries, juice and coffees because you've well and truly deserved it.
Adorn
Koncept Studios, Kirkgate
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Create your own charm necklaces and bracelets at this gorgeous studio, whether for yourself or for a loved one this is such a special treat that can be completely personalised to your taste.
Sunken Studios
Butterley Street
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Try your hand at a pottery class where you can learn, practice and craft your own skills. There's plenty of courses and workshops to get involved in, all at varying price points.
Bloc Studios
Chapel Allerton
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There's no time like the present to have a go at reformer pilates, and this beautiful studio in Chapel Allerton is the perfect spot. It's just £28 for two sessions too.
The Hoot -
10th February 2022 
