Disabled photographers society

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For the sake of the all concerned cant everybody sit around a table and just communicate with each other like the sensible adults we all are:cuckoo:
 
Tom Molloy said:
As trustees of a charity we have a legal duty of prudence to see that the funds of the charity are spent only in furtherance of the charity objects, as stated in our constitution.

Tom Molloy
Acting Chairman of the Disabled Photographers' Society
Click to expand...

Whilst this may be technically true there is nothing stopping the DPS from amending its constitution to include other objectives.

Also is it true that you turned down a request for a extraordinary general meeting? If so why did you turn it down?

I am sure you are aware that if you did turn down a legitimate request for a extraordinary general meeting you are walking on very sticky ground
 
I opened this thread as I thought it may be of interest to me, despite the fact that I am not disabled - I do have chronic ME, so I thought it may be good to see what this group was about, as I often cannot get about, but I turn to macro photography in those times.
I am quite disappointed at what I have read though, I can imagine that a good deal of the members are very disappointed too. So are there no plans for the future of this group now? Surely if there are enough people who are passionate about it they could get together to a discuss possible future, things dont need to remain the same, situations can always be adapted.
 
Firstly, welcome Tom to this discussion, at long last a senior member of the DPS participating in an open discussion on the issue of the Bristol studio and other aspects of the DPS.

May I please ask all contributors to respect views that may be different to your, and, that includes any comments made by Tom.

A little of my background. Although visually impaired all my life I do not do the disabled bit very well, I don’t participate in groups for disabled people. Last year I visited Sight Village, for the benefit of those that do not know its a very large exhibition in Birmingham for visually impaired people. The DPS, rightly, had a stand there. I was very impressed by what I saw, yes the studio was a very big draw and yes I live in Bristol. But something else was on offer, the chance to meet other disabled photographers, that was very appealing and yes it should be acknowledged this society does do some very good work, the studio included.


Tom, I think there are others who no the history of this decision better than I, I would of liked the opportunity to have heard those issues from other committee members but I have not been given the chance. I think they may be able to make more informed comment than I, they may wish to join this discussion.

I would hover like to draw peoples attention to the following sections of the DPS constitution available for all on its website.

25. The stated objects of the Society per Rule 2 may be amplified in that the following actions and activities may be undertaken, with the approval of the Committee:
c) Hold an Annual Exhibition of members’ work and award trophies and certificates of merit in recognition of high standards. Hold quarterly competitions which are reported in our magazine.
d) Award the Society’s Distinctions; Licentiateship, Associateship and Fellowship, for photographic excellence, commensurate with recognition of the applicant’s disabilities.
e) Organise seminars and training workshops from time to time to provide therapeutic photographic benefits to members.
f) Publicise the Society and its aims by circulating sets of slides of members’ work to photographic societies, camera clubs and similar organisations.
g) Undertake any photographic and/or charitable activities which meet and enhance the aims of the Society.
h) To communicate with the Society’s members and others by the publishing and distribution of the D.P.S. Magazine nominally on a quarterly basis.
i) Generally, to act in an appropriate manner, to promote and encourage people with disabilities to take up, or continue with photography in its many forms. Help with the welfare of persons with a disability by provision of cameras and other equipment suitably adapted to meet their individual needs to enable them to engage in and enjoy photography as a recreational activity.

Section H is the one you used to stop me making further comment on the website yet the society now posts a copy of a letter to all members there, some of content of which may in fact be libellous.

Section I is very interesting, for me that is exactly what the studio and the contact with the members there did, it doesn’t say you can set up a studio, but it doesn’t say you can’t! The studio attracted several members in the Bristol area perhaps that demonstrates that is the current need, interestingly this society met that need effectively. Sadly that facility was only available here, that IS wrong, Tesco’s started with one store it did close it because others couldn’t access it they opened more stores!

The society needs to think about its position and its use of its constitution, is it legal to set up a website, to run a forum there? Previous minutes of AGM’s speak of the sale of donated equipment at Focus, but that is contrary to the constitution. These are not my issues but they demonstrate how the constitution is used to fetter opinion within the society.

The letter to members raises the issue of bankruptcy, yes if the studio continued to be a drain in resources that is a fair comment to make, but please take a look at the societies accounts available by phoning the Charity Commissioners, this is not a rich society by any means, but the closing of the studio two and half months from the end of its period of notice when the rent had already been paid in advance is hardly going to significantly alter the societies financial situation.
I would like to lay down a challenge, Tom post a thread on the DPS website to this thread, email as many members as possible to notify them of that thread and allow open discussion moderated, hopefully by a person who is independent of this argument. Can you rise to that challenge Tom?

Chris
 
Zarozinia Hi

The Bristol members are, as you may have already guessed, very passionate about this issue feeling that there was great benefit to the DPS members in having a studio, that group would also support the setting up of other studios run by the DPS to counter this problem of unequal access raised by Pete and Tom, in essence that issue is current there is unequal access and that is wrong, what the disagreement is over is the solution to that problem. Part of the arguement centres on there being quite a few memebrs in the Bristol area who used the studio wanting to take over the society, refer to the letter sent to all DPS members openly available at www.disabledphotographers.co.uk, this large memebrship actually is around 15 memebrs out of 500.

The Bristol members are not trying to force the DPS out of existance my knowledge of their views is that is far from what they want quite a few of them having worked very hard for the society and having benefited from their contact with it.

Its extremely hard to put into words the passion that memebrs had for this facility, I am not a long term member but let me give you an example of its work.

Jenny, not her real name, joined the group two months ago using a point and shoot camera, she took part in a studio shoot supported by experienced members of the group, her photography flourished over the next weeks also attending workshops on photoshop. She is passionate about this issue to fully support it after only two months in the society. That actaully says something about this society when it works at its best.

Chris
 
Densley said:
Zarozinia Hi

The Bristol members are, as you may have already guessed, very passionate about this issue feeling that there was great benefit to the DPS members in having a studio, that group would also support the setting up of other studios run by the DPS to counter this problem of unequal access raised by Pete and Tom, in essence that issue is current there is unequal access and that is wrong, what the disagreement is over is the solution to that problem. Part of the arguement centres on there being quite a few memebrs in the Bristol area who used the studio wanting to take over the society, refer to the letter sent to all DPS members openly available at www.disabledphotographers.co.uk, this large memebrship actually is around 15 memebrs out of 500.

The Bristol members are not trying to force the DPS out of existance my knowledge of their views is that is far from what they want quite a few of them having worked very hard for the society and having benefited from their contact with it.

Its extremely hard to put into words the passion that memebrs had for this facility, I am not a long term member but let me give you an example of its work.

Jenny, not her real name, joined the group two months ago using a point and shoot camera, she took part in a studio shoot supported by experienced members of the group, her photography flourished over the next weeks also attending workshops on photoshop. She is passionate about this issue to fully support it after only two months in the society. That actaully says something about this society when it works at its best.

Chris
Click to expand...

I second that. Regarding 'Jenny', I sat down with her, set up my 5D2, she loved it. We talked through aperture, shutter, holding the camera. She was in awe that someone would let her use a 2K SLR. And that in a nutshell is why we are all very upset about how things have been handled. As ever, a shame.
 
I still can't understand how Tom Malloy can say the studio was losing money and costing the society 4 grand a year, Tescos sponsered 1 grand towards the rent of the studio, there was another 1,500 pounds coming from first group, organised by one their drivers, which now has been cancelled because of the closure (it was for the studio costs not the DPS in general) plus their was funds coming in from danated equipment which although not specifically for the studio, if it wasn't for the studio the equipment wouldn't be donated because the people of Bristol wouldn't have known about it, here in Bristol know we were privedged to have access to the studio and hoped that others would be started in other parts of the UK, unfortunately the committee of the DPS don't have the foresight to see something that is an advatage to the society. And yes I also know Jenny as mentioned in a previous posting, her photo's have come along way in a couple of months, from out of focus snaps to some real good pictures that I would be proud of, being totally wheelchair bound she no longer has an outlet to meet and mix with the people who have helped her so much, which is what I thought this society was supposed to be about. COMMITTEE SHAME ON YOU>
 
:popcorn:

somehow i doubt there will be much of a reply, as this is a bit too public and dont believe they will see a benefit in the discussion.
 
Being a disabled photographer myself, not involved in any way with the problem being discussed, I have read through this thread and find it very sad that there is so much anger being expressed, particularly as I imagine the charity is run by volunteers.Its sad that the facility in Bristol had to close, for whatever reason, but surely if there is a need and local volunteers who are still wanting to help then it is just a matter of doing some fundraising and starting up again with another studio, not run by the DPS.If the charity is just a small one and meant to cover the country it may not be fair if a disproportionate amount of its funds were spent in a small geographical area.

I think it is horrible that people are talking about suing and libel etc. It should be possible to be helping each other and discussing things freely as I dont think anyone is trying to be deliberately difficult.I really enjoy this site and appreciate the difficult job that the moderators do as I am the moderator of a small site and know how much work it can involve.

I hope that this matter can be resolved pleasantly by discussion and with good will from all sides.
 
Gutten Tag a flash of inspiration why don't the dps refund all the members money then they could pick there own little group
 
Ok, can I make something clear here please. I have commented a few times on this thread in this forum as it is a forum.

Please can people (I'll not publicly name names) refrain from contacting me about this subect via my flickr account. I have had an email sent to me there regarding this thread. I use my flickr to share my photo's with others and as a bit of a portfolio until I get a website going. When I want to discuss things, I come here, as do many others I'm sure. A PM via here would have been more appropriate rather than a flickr mail.
I'm happy to discuss this topic further in this thread if I feel its worth contributing (though I do now think its a dispute thats for the DPS and members to sort out on thier own now, help/info has been offered a plenty).

I wish the DPS and members all the best with settling this and it would be interesteing to hear if a compromise gets reached.

Please, no more spam via Flickr.

Cheers!

Rob
 
LadySue Hi

Please don't mistake what is being said about libel and court action, Marcel mentioned this first in his thread, but what he is saying is that people need to be careful what they post and that as a moderator he needs to protect TP against the risk of litigation. My comment about the posting of the letter on the DPS website isn't in anyway suggesting anyone is considering that action its just to highlight that saying some of the things said in that letter publicly could cause probelms. It is worth though drawing peoples attention to the last paragraph of that letter.

I am not aware anyone is considering court action, but if they were that should not be discussed within this thread.

Chris
 

Hi everyone, my name is Shirley Britton I am the last elected Chairman of the DPS, the one that just resigned her position because of the awful decision the committee took cancelling the AGM which should have been in Bristol on May 10th. That AGM would have been the ideal time to discuss and vote on any issues.
I could do nothing to stop the events that have just taken place although I did try.

I would like to see a peaceful solution to the problem and will do whatever it takes to achieve this.
A little of my background
I am a wheelchair user through FMS and arthritis, which means I am in constant pain. I have for the last 5 years had a passion for photography as a hobby.
Not being able to work now I went back to college 1999 – 2003 gained qualifications in photography, art, IT and teaching. 2004 I joined the DPS, 2005/6 I was their general secretary and 2007 I became their chairman as a volunteer. 2005 got my L, then A & F.

My aim was to help as many members as possible within the Society and try to make a difference to the Society by growing it and reaching out to as many people as possible, growing it to all it could be.
The Society has great people within it, members who are in the words of Bob Aylott, of Amateur Photographer mag, “the bravest photographers’ he knows” just to do what most take for granted holding a camera, is a huge challenge.

I have media and business skills, so used them to get the society publicity, upgraded the magazine In Focus with a local photographer with huge international acclaim, Betty Billingham to edit it, generally to update the society.
Helping others with Photoshop in weekly lessons, with no payment in the studio etc.
Bristol helpers have met every challenge the DPS members through at us it was a commitment of passion by a lot of people hence the strong sentiments expressed here and other places. The volunteers gave their time and saw the difference they made.
I made my home telephone number available to all members.

It was never for personal gain or accolades’. The opportunity to rent some space for a studio came up because of my work as a volunteer in a place that is unique in Europe called the Vassall Centre, which is a social landlord. It happens to be in Bristol near me.
An ex hospital which rents space to charities that employ or include disabled people as volunteers.
It is difficult to feel valued when you are disabled in an able bodied world so it was an ideal opportunity.
For a disabled person even volunteering is difficult, I once volunteered for the Samaritans but there training room was upstairs, wheelchairs don’t go up stairs.

This of course would not have happened without committee approval. I promised them that the society would not suffer financially because of the studio indeed it would give a base to prove if the idea worked. Given its chance I know the studio project would prove to be everything we wanted, in difference to the current committee I saw it as a sucess. It ran for just 12 months.
In this time the studio if all income from it is counted paid its rent.
The lease was for 2 years with a 3 month get out clause, so if the society found itself unable to support the project we could terminate the lease. The society is better off now than it has ever been, making a small profit the last 3 years, before this it ran at a loss. This last year the publicity and membership has increased.

I worked hard with a small team to get the awareness of the studio up and increase local membership so that we had help and support in Bristol, some wonderful people joined and are very committed to the idea of the DPS, especially hands on with the studio, a big thank you to all of those people.

Without notice the “committee” changed the AGM date over my head, using emotive language and giving members only in some cases 2 days notice, just 5 days after, removing all equipment from the studio. Taking the decision without consultation to close the studio, which could have happened in open debate at the original AGM.
The rent is paid upfront until the end of July. There was a camera club using the studio and making a donation up until the day before its closure.
Why did committee take the action they did?

It’s a good question, one I can’t answer because the reasons do not make sense. They saw the increase in Bristol membership as a threat, not welcomed them as new members, so one of the reasons was the “independence of the society” citing unusual nomination activity, which did not happen until the AGM was cancelled.
There are flaws in the constitution but how I read it, what they have done is not within the constitution hence my only way out was to resign.
Also they saw the monies raised through donated equipment as not income from the studio, some £2500. Users of the studio donated money and equipment to sell. Local camera clubs and individuals responded to my requests for used equipment.
I had written to 50 other bodies for donations, they may or may not come in, and if they do they would have to be returned.
Although I can find no other similar sales in the accounts before the studio they claim the donations would be there anyhow, which I dispute.
The society is a charity it is allowed to sell unwanted equipment to raise funds.
I looked at the society as a whole, indeed that is how the income is shown as a whole lot of donations.
The last years accounts in spite of opening the studio were at the same level of reserves as the year before, increasing in Jan, Feb and March having a significant improvement, defiantly enough to meet the society’s outgoings including the studio, which attracted donations.
I think the committee will regret its actions, I hope they can be big enough to get around a table and talk. Some of the language used by Tom Molloy in committee emails to me has been really damaging, words like “Bristol Mafia”, which is unfortunate. So is the banning of members views on the DPS forum. It seems there is no place for comment as a member.
Meanwhile the anti is growing; my health has suffered as countless others I am sure have, as they have learnt of this erosion of independence to make pictures.
I am truly sorry, thanks to everyone who has shown their support.
 
crikey
if even half of that is true it does sound very strange :shrug:

more power to your elbow, Shirley
 
I would guess the chances of the comittee overturning the decision is about 0%

The way forward is to move on and reform.. there seems anough people and enough passion..

The way backward is to spend all your time looking for someone to blame and asking for explanations..

IF? its done and no going back.. then go forward...

Thats my opinion..

A Greenwood www.awads.co.uk
 
"This has been explained before and I have no intention of entering into a further pointless debate, as our hands are legally tied". Tom Molloys public statment in addressing this issue, I suspect he will make no further comment, those of us in Bristol are used to that senario.

If 50% is ture ... I have known Shirley for around 5 months, no I did not invite her to join this thread, a significantly bigger percentage than half is correct.

Chris
 
Densley said:
LadySue Hi

Please don't mistake what is being said about libel and court action, Marcel mentioned this first in his thread, but what he is saying is that people need to be careful what they post and that as a moderator he needs to protect TP against the risk of litigation. My comment about the posting of the letter on the DPS website isn't in anyway suggesting anyone is considering that action its just to highlight that saying some of the things said in that letter publicly could cause probelms. It is worth though drawing peoples attention to the last paragraph of that letter.

I am not aware anyone is considering court action, but if they were that should not be discussed within this thread.

Chris
Click to expand...

Chris
I wasnt in any way criticising you or suggesting that you shouldnt protect TP. I think you do a great job. I feel sad that, by allowing the subject to be aired on this forum, you were then being criticised by people upset at the DPS decision.

I really hope that the matter can be resolved by goodwill and debate.
Sue
 
KIPAX said:
I would guess the chances of the comittee overturning the decision is about 0%

The way forward is to move on and reform.. there seems anough people and enough passion..

The way backward is to spend all your time looking for someone to blame and asking for explanations..

IF? its done and no going back.. then go forward...

Thats my opinion..

A Greenwood www.awads.co.uk
Click to expand...


I totally agree with you. I know I am not involved but that is what I was suggesting. Bristol is obviously blessed with people committed to helping disabled photographers so i am sure they will be able to raise the funds and provide the facilities themselves without involving DPS.I wish them the best of luck as I'm sure their help will be much appreciated.
Sue
 
Hiya all,

thank you for your many comments and support it really is appreciated.

Perhaps the most annoying or sad things about this whole situation is that the only place it has been openly and constructively aired is here, in public for all to see. This type of conversation would have made no more than 1 entry on the DPS website before it would be closed.This thread has now taken 1200 hits!

I spoke to Shirley shortly after reading her thread this afternoon, as she said then the DPS has been 5 vears of her life, walking away from it is almost like walking away from a toddler because you have argued and getting a new child because of an arguement. People here not not want to split or split from the DPS, somehow the Society has to learn something about democracy, but I wonder if it ever will!

I am guessing we will hear nothing more from Tom Molloy I am sure he will not rise to the challenge I set him.

Would it be helpful to start a new thread looking at the needs of disabled photographers, if there is to be a new society it would be helpful to hear a broad range of views as to what is needed.

I can also point you in the direction of a very new forum for disabled photographers

http://disabledphotographerssoc.myfineforum.org/

Which people are very welcome to join, Marcel please remove that section if that is not allowed here.

Regards

Chirs
 
Shirley Britton said:

Hi everyone, my name is Shirley Britton I am the last elected Chairman of the DPS, the one that just resigned her position because of the awful decision the committee took cancelling the AGM which should have been in Bristol on May 10th. That AGM would have been the ideal time to discuss and vote on any issues.
I could do nothing to stop the events that have just taken place although I did try.

I would like to see a peaceful solution to the problem and will do whatever it takes to achieve this.
A little of my background
I am a wheelchair user through FMS and arthritis, which means I am in constant pain. I have for the last 5 years had a passion for photography as a hobby.
Not being able to work now I went back to college 1999 – 2003 gained qualifications in photography, art, IT and teaching. 2004 I joined the DPS, 2005/6 I was their general secretary and 2007 I became their chairman as a volunteer. 2005 got my L, then A & F.

My aim was to help as many members as possible within the Society and try to make a difference to the Society by growing it and reaching out to as many people as possible, growing it to all it could be.
The Society has great people within it, members who are in the words of Bob Aylott, of Amateur Photographer mag, “the bravest photographers’ he knows” just to do what most take for granted holding a camera, is a huge challenge.

I have media and business skills, so used them to get the society publicity, upgraded the magazine In Focus with a local photographer with huge international acclaim, Betty Billingham to edit it, generally to update the society.
Helping others with Photoshop in weekly lessons, with no payment in the studio etc.
Bristol helpers have met every challenge the DPS members through at us it was a commitment of passion by a lot of people hence the strong sentiments expressed here and other places. The volunteers gave their time and saw the difference they made.
I made my home telephone number available to all members.

It was never for personal gain or accolades’. The opportunity to rent some space for a studio came up because of my work as a volunteer in a place that is unique in Europe called the Vassall Centre, which is a social landlord. It happens to be in Bristol near me.
An ex hospital which rents space to charities that employ or include disabled people as volunteers.
It is difficult to feel valued when you are disabled in an able bodied world so it was an ideal opportunity.
For a disabled person even volunteering is difficult, I once volunteered for the Samaritans but there training room was upstairs, wheelchairs don’t go up stairs.

This of course would not have happened without committee approval. I promised them that the society would not suffer financially because of the studio indeed it would give a base to prove if the idea worked. Given its chance I know the studio project would prove to be everything we wanted, in difference to the current committee I saw it as a sucess. It ran for just 12 months.
In this time the studio if all income from it is counted paid its rent.
The lease was for 2 years with a 3 month get out clause, so if the society found itself unable to support the project we could terminate the lease. The society is better off now than it has ever been, making a small profit the last 3 years, before this it ran at a loss. This last year the publicity and membership has increased.

I worked hard with a small team to get the awareness of the studio up and increase local membership so that we had help and support in Bristol, some wonderful people joined and are very committed to the idea of the DPS, especially hands on with the studio, a big thank you to all of those people.

Without notice the “committee” changed the AGM date over my head, using emotive language and giving members only in some cases 2 days notice, just 5 days after, removing all equipment from the studio. Taking the decision without consultation to close the studio, which could have happened in open debate at the original AGM.
The rent is paid upfront until the end of July. There was a camera club using the studio and making a donation up until the day before its closure.
Why did committee take the action they did?

It’s a good question, one I can’t answer because the reasons do not make sense. They saw the increase in Bristol membership as a threat, not welcomed them as new members, so one of the reasons was the “independence of the society” citing unusual nomination activity, which did not happen until the AGM was cancelled.
There are flaws in the constitution but how I read it, what they have done is not within the constitution hence my only way out was to resign.
Also they saw the monies raised through donated equipment as not income from the studio, some £2500. Users of the studio donated money and equipment to sell. Local camera clubs and individuals responded to my requests for used equipment.
I had written to 50 other bodies for donations, they may or may not come in, and if they do they would have to be returned.
Although I can find no other similar sales in the accounts before the studio they claim the donations would be there anyhow, which I dispute.
The society is a charity it is allowed to sell unwanted equipment to raise funds.
I looked at the society as a whole, indeed that is how the income is shown as a whole lot of donations.
The last years accounts in spite of opening the studio were at the same level of reserves as the year before, increasing in Jan, Feb and March having a significant improvement, defiantly enough to meet the society’s outgoings including the studio, which attracted donations.
I think the committee will regret its actions, I hope they can be big enough to get around a table and talk. Some of the language used by Tom Molloy in committee emails to me has been really damaging, words like “Bristol Mafia”, which is unfortunate. So is the banning of members views on the DPS forum. It seems there is no place for comment as a member.
Meanwhile the anti is growing; my health has suffered as countless others I am sure have, as they have learnt of this erosion of independence to make pictures.
I am truly sorry, thanks to everyone who has shown their support.
Click to expand...

I have to say I feel awful for the people who were benefiting from the studio, it seems a very odd decision to have closed it, and seems like it has touched a lot of people in an amazing way; giving them a chance they did not have before.
 
I know Shirley very well, she is an amazing lady, her main concerns are always how she can help others, this whole situation has knocked her sideways, she could easily have just walked away, but no.. she has stuck with it and fought to try and keep the studio going, As this forum will testify she has many supporters who will fight with her and have their say. Unfortunately it won't do any good, the studio is gone. It is an issue that I am sure the DPS will regret, it has given them so much bad publicity, I for one don't want to be involved with the DPS any more, what I thought was a great charity with the outlook to help the disabled have a worthwhile hobby has become a farce. Myself and the others involved won't be put down, we will continue to bond the frienships that have been forged, helping each other, where there is a will, there is always a way. THREE CHEERS FOR SHIRLEY.
 
Hola if a model had a regular income from the dps studio could she claim for redundancy or unfair dismissal
 
I don't know if it is just me but from reading Shirley Britton's post I get the impression that the studio was a personal project of hers, a "pet project" if you like, and whilst this is not necessary a bad thing it can sometimes cloud ones judgement and makes it so you cant see the wood for the trees and thus end up perhaps not doing things in the best interest of all the members of the DPS and the charity as a whole.

Earlier in this thread I said that if members of the DPS were disgruntled there were procedures in place that they could take in order to get some sort explanation/resolution to this issue.

This was met with the following response:

rvharry said:
morning all Keith we have asked the d.p.s. for a e.g.m. but have refused. The charity commission are toothless and do not wont to know just fobbing us off with a differant excuse everytime, as there lettere contrdict what the previous letter from a differant person said.:cuckoo:
Click to expand...

Having worked for two major charities in my time I just do not buy into the above answer, if the correct procedures were followed and an extraordinary general meeting was asked for then the DPS have little choice but to agree to that request and should they not agree to it then they would be treading on a very sticky wicket.

Also the charity commission are far from being toothless and they most certainly will act if there is any suspicion of inappropriate conduct in the management and running of a charity.

If, as rvharry has said, they have asked fro an extraordinary general meeting and it was refused and that they have had various letters from the charity commission in relationship to this then I for one would like to see the proof of this.

In closing I would just like to say that whilst healthy discussion on any given subject is great I sure hope that Talk Photography doesn't become a refugee camp/whipping ground for disgruntled members of the DPS.
 
flightyfairy said:
Unfortunately it won't do any good, the studio is gone. .
Click to expand...

So whats the point of this thread?.. just to use TP to have a public attack on the DPS it seems.. better to channel your energies into reforming IMHO :)


ADDYONBIT : Posted before seeing keith W post above...
 
Keith W said:
I don't know if it is just me but from reading Shirley Britton's post I get the impression that the studio was a personal project of hers, a "pet project" if you like, and whilst this is not necessary a bad thing it can sometimes cloud ones judgement and makes it so you cant see the wood for the trees and thus end up perhaps not doing things in the best interest of all the members of the DPS and the charity as a whole.

Earlier in this thread I said that if members of the DPS were disgruntled there were procedures in place that they could take in order to get some sort explanation/resolution to this issue.

This was met with the following response:



Having worked for two major charities in my time I just do not buy into the above answer, if the correct procedures were followed and an extraordinary general meeting was asked for then the DPS have little choice but to agree to that request and should they not agree to it then they would be treading on a very sticky wicket.

Also the charity commission are far from being toothless and they most certainly will act if there is any suspicion of inappropriate conduct in the management and running of a charity.

If, as rvharry has said, they have asked fro an extraordinary general meeting and it was refused and that they have had various letters from the charity commission in relationship to this then I for one would like to see the proof of this.

In closing I would just like to say that whilst healthy discussion on any given subject is great I sure hope that Talk Photography doesn't become a refugee camp/whipping ground for disgruntled members of the DPS.
Click to expand...
If you ever run for Prime Minister I'll vote for yer! (Just watch those expenses though ;) )

Great post.
 
the project had gone beyond being one persons pet project, its supported by quite a few people within this area who do have relationships with the DPS.

Keith, there is a view expressed, not mine, that the constitution of this society is flawed seriously, it often says what can happened but then does not give the "hows" an example, there are 12 committee members, but no proceedures for electing them, removing them or even for how long they serve for, have a look at the constituion it is on the DPS website. That constitution has been challenged. There is no provision for an EGM, you can have an extra-ordinary committeee meeting if four mebers of the committee request it.

Its seems refusing an EGM is legal because there is no provision for it!!

Why continue, the thread started with requests for comments about the DPS in general. All is not yet lost, although the studio has been dismantled the space is still there, and, to our knowledge the equipment used there is in store so the battle has not yet been totally losted.

Chris
 
who owns the equipment?
DPS?
named individuals?
no-one?

just wondered
 
Mike,

I am guessing a little but am fairly sure it belongs to the DPS. Where there might be a problem is if it were in anyway funded with restricted funds - funds given to a charity for a specific purpose - e.g. for use in the Bristol studio, if that were the case then that is the purpose the equipment should be used for or the donation returned to the donator.
Chris
 
Keith Hi

Never hoped it would be a refugee camp just hoped I might find others with experience of the DPS here!! Mind in posting I may have had to claim political asylum I may still need to!

But picking up on your point I am wondering whether there is any more mileage in this tread and whether it would be appropriate to call time on it, not quite sure how you do that.

Chris


PS. Keith, refugee camp, no the local pub is a much better place for that than here!!
 
Hi all i believe one was a co-oped onto be the exhibitions secretary and the other was a volunteer there was also a second volunteer who resigned (before she was pushed) when it all blew up:bang:
 
Yes , I was relieved of my post ,for several reasons :


they believe that over the past few weeks my behaviour has shone a lack of confidence and a degree of contempt for the comittee, I have made accusations in private and public to substanciate this.

They believe the organisation of the exhibition cannot be assured and could be put in jeopardy because I seek to undermine the working of the society

They believe I am willing to bypass the committee

Also aparently there were many complaints about last years exhibition so they have lost their confidence in their delivary team.
:nono:


I have no objections to answering any questions about these points, and I actually welcome the discussion
 
are there beliefs true? it all seems a bit hearsay and random to me

not trying to offend, but know nothing about how or what they do...
 
Fletch Hi

Knowing Mandy, the very last thing she would do would be to in anyway produce a less than well organised exhibition. Its nearly 7 months since the last exhibition, strange complaints only just filter through, strange also that many said it was one of the DPS's best exhibitions. I would guess the major fault was that it was in Bath, rather close to Bristol!

What has Mandy done wrong, well I guess she isn't following the committee line.

Chris
 
Last years exhibion was said to be the best for a long time, it was well organinsed mainly by the two members who have now been dismissed. They put in a lot of hard work and this year I volunteered to help as well, when all the trouble started I declined and left the DPS, but not wanting to leave them without help said I would help them where ever I could, I have since tried to renew my membership (nearly 4 weeks ago), I have had no answer and I fully expect to have my money returned, Why? I live in the west country, guess that it is too near Bristol, all any of us wanted to do was run a sucessful studio and help others less fortunate than ourselves but the powers that be won't let us, which is such a shame all because the west country and bristol membership outnumbers the rest of the UK (nearly a quarter is in the west of England).:exit:
 
Good morning everybody i have recieved letters from the dps and shirley and i am so confused i have 2 letters telling myself differant things about the same issue please could somebody from the dps and bristol both respond mabey using a differant thread as it seems that the issues are getting so clouded and i am so afraid that this charity is on its last legs as there seems to be no communication from anybody
Zara p
 
Dear Orian
The confusion has arissen because the DPS committee postponed the AGM and closed the studio and the now x chaiman( Shirley ) did not agree with their reasons, she then resigned. Since then the committee relieved Shirley from her position on the committe and as a trustee.

The DPS committee decided not to take any questions or conversation on the matter. They used some volitile language regarding the people who asked the questions. This upset many members so they felt that the disisions the committee used should be made known to the membership so they have both sides of the story.
Unfortunatly the discussion was not allowed on the DPS forum so felt the only way to voice their concerns was by letter, hence why Shirley has sent this information out.

I hope this clarifies the situation a little, this is just a brief summary so I am sure if you have any other questions then people on the forum will be willing to give an answer as honestly as they can.
 
wow. It sounds like the remaining 'committee' are a right bunch of buffoons.

What a mess.
 
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