Restore Trust
@RestoreTrustNT
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The forum where members and friends of the National Trust can discuss their concerns about the charity's future. SUBSCRIBE at https://t.co/Fu62b8Ue4W
Joined May 2021
A @nationaltrust volunteer writes:. 'Today I have been forced regrettably to resign from my volunteer role as I refused to carry out the diversity training. I was advised that the training must be done but I should consider if "the Trust was the right place for me?"'.
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Please support our brilliant @nationaltrust Council candidates and our two members' resolutions so that together, we can restore trust in the @nationaltrust. Follow this link for more info
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The best people to serve on the Council of the National Trust are Bola Anike, Prof. Jeremy Black, Phil Bradby, Edward Bulmer, Philip Gibbs, Zareer Masani and Rosamund Roxburgh. They will hold the Trustees to account and will not rubber-stamp decisions.
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Since Mr Parker resigned @nationaltrust has been silent. There has been no announcement of how his replacement will be selected. We are seeking a confirmatory vote to ensure the new Chairman understands the charity’s real purpose.
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On the resignation of Tim Parker, Chairman of @nationaltrust . "We are pleased that Mr Parker has decided to resign, following the posting of our motion of no confidence in him that would have been put to this years Annual Meeting. (1/3).
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SECURE YOUR VOTE AT THE NATIONAL TRUST AGM by renewing your NT membership—the deadline to do so is 26 August! We can only effect the governance reform required to change the NT's course if we vote in our reformative members' resolutions and Council candidates. PLEASE RETWEET!!!.
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Zewditu Gebreyohanes calls on all @nationaltrust members to help #restoretrustinthenationaltrust by voting for Bola Anike, Jeremy Black, Phil Bradby, Edward Bulmer, Zareer Masani and Rosamund Roxburgh, as well as for our two members' resolutions by 28 October. PLEASE RETWEET!!
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"His position was clearly untenable given everything that has happened and the current crisis of confidence in the National Trust amongst its staff, volunteers and members. What the National Trust needs now is a Chair with a deep understanding of our nation’s heritage. (2/3).
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Well done to Min Grimshaw, Guy Trehane and Andrew Powles for being elected to the Council of the National Trust. Now the work of holding the Trustees to account begins, and they are the right people to do it.
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"We call on the Board of Trustees to make this an open and accountable process so that their shortlist of potential candidates is published and they present themselves and their proposals for the Trust to members in open events in the coming months.". (3/3).
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"It is sad to see the National Trust being torn to pieces over its politics when it should be worrying about its gardens.".
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We would like to thank the thousands of National Trust members who have shown their support for our campaign so far and agree with us that the senior leadership of the Trust is no longer up to the task of protecting, preserving and promoting Britain’s magnificent heritage.
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As Harry Mount said: "Here’s hoping the new National Trust chairman will end the politics and the hatred of the past and concentrate on the job – looking after its artistic, architectural and landscape treasures.".
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Big day today—AGM at Bath Assembly Rooms!.Let's hope we succeed in our efforts to #restoretrustinthenationaltrust.Whatever happens, thank you to all those who have supported us ❤️ .Together we've been able to raise awareness of some of the most significant issues affecting the NT.
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IMPORTANT NEWS!! @RestoreTrustNT recommends that National Trust members vote for these Council candidates, who we believe will hold the NT's Trustees to account:. BOLA ANIKE.PROF. JEREMY BLACK.PHIL BRADBY.EDWARD BULMER.PHILIP GIBBS.ZAREER MASANI.ROSAMUND ROXBURGH. Please retweet!.
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What do you think of our new logo? . Let us know with a like. Retweet if you love it!
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The National Trust needs a Chairman who understands and cares about historic houses, gardens and landscapes. The new Chairman will be appointed by the end of the year.
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Not too long ago, the National Trust meant art, architecture, gardens, and countryside. As members, let’s restore the National Trust. #SaveOurNationalTrust
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The National Trust tells us that a restoration of Clandon Park's Marble Hall would be a "reproduction". Should the Assembly Rooms in Bath not have been restored after being bombed in 1942? The AGM was held in this splendid 1960s "reproduction".
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You can help us restore trust in the National Trust. Voting for the National Trust Council is now open, and your vote will make the difference. 📷 Find out more information and details of how to vote at
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The second talk in our series will feature @mounth, editor of @OldieMagazine, in conversation with Restore Trust director Zewditu Gebreyohanes, and will be held at @ShilstoneHouse in Devon on 17 July. LIMITED TICKETS—book now.
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We support these candidates for the National Trust's Council because they have the right experience and vision to bring the charity back to its founding objectives:.Philip Gibbs.Andrew Gimson.Violet Manners.Philip Merricks.Jonathan Sumption.
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"As a member of the National Trust for many years, I can safely say that she [@HilaryMcGrady] doesn’t speak for me and has no right to suggest she does", writes Garry Curran from Crowthorne, Berkshire in a letter to the @Telegraph editor ✍️.
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Last year, a “Quick Vote” was introduced on the AGM voting papers, encouraging voters to tick a box to vote in line with all the recommendations of the Trustees and of the Nominations Committee. This is little more than a rubber-stamping exercise for what the management wants.
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In the Times today: "For more than a century the National Trust has thrived with a winning formula of beautiful houses, interesting artefacts, glorious gardens and decent refreshments.".
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"One of the most depressing aspects of watching the National Trust AGM online was having to listen to the egregious nonsense talked by its officials about the non-restoration plans for Clandon Park", writes former @GeorgianGroup Secretary Roger White ✍️
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"Instead of just railing against “wokery”, she is lobbying against the way the trust treats its properties.".Read the fantastic profile of our Director, Zewditu Gebreyohanes, and the work of @RestoreTrustNT by @iamliamkelly in the @thetimes today.
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"It must aim to maintain these delights for us all, not to fight political battles that provoke, divide and take us far from the peace that Octavia Hill intended.".
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"The National Trust has been accused of blocking critics from its AGM after members were turned away from attending in person.".Here is what Tom Oliver, who was one of those barred from attending and is a former NT employee, told the @Telegraph. [1/3].
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The greatest power you have to bring about change is to vote at the National Trust 2021 AGM. We hope you will consider voting with us at the AGM to protect our heritage.
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Welcome to the new Director of Restore Trust, Zewditu Gebreyohanes! She joins us from the think tank @Policy_Exchange, where she was Head of the History Matters Project.
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Keep up to date with the latest on our campaign to get the @nationaltrust back to its real mission. Our trustees are concerned about the appointment process for the new Chairman and have written to the charity seeking clarity. by @christopherhope and @Telegraph.
** Exclusive in today's Telegraph ** . National Trust members should be given a veto over new chairman to stop charity hiring a political campaigner, rebels demand. But the National Trust says no. @RestoreTrustNT @nationaltrust. Full story:.
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Join the @nationaltrust TODAY if you would like to have a say at this year's AGM and #SaveOurNationalTrust. You must have been a member for at least 70 days to be able to vote at the AGM on 30th October 2021.
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The NT "director of curation and experience told the AGM that . the executive team is committed to 'put more emphasis on play'"."One member asked how 'if the aim is to preserve history' the charity could justify turning the property into 'a theme park'.".
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Unbelievable! The @nationaltrust's Communications Director @CeliaRichards0n, who spends much of her time on Twitter attacking @RestoreTrustNT without any basis, now claims (completely falsely) that we have links to Tufton St. We have reported this to Twitter for misinformation.
It’s been a long year trying to explain to normal people the links between this place 55 Tufton St and the opaque, funded ‘grass roots’ members’ campaign to undermine the National Trust. @mrjamesob @peterjukes @Sathnam @campbellclaret @BylineTimes @BrianCathcart.
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In her @telegraph interview, Zewditu Gebreyohanes laments the NT's commercialisation: “when you’ve got an institution that exists principally to raise profits, rather than having a genuine desire to preserve history and heritage, that warps the agenda”.
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Royal Mint dropped National Trust coin after charity judged ‘troubled’
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Why is colonialism so often conflated with slavery? In his letter to the Editor, Kevin Harvey suggests that colonialism is far more nuanced and that "we should be appraised of the good it brought as well as the bad and be given a more balanced history".
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"The members and volunteers have only ever wanted what the trust was founded to do: preserve buildings of national interest, along with their furniture and pictures, and preserve beautiful landscapes. It’s the management that’s turned political." @mounth .
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“The culture wars are not over @nationaltrust - and if they can happen there, they can happen anywhere.”. @afneil & @andrewdoyle_com give us our first outing on new @GBNEWS ! . #RestoreTrust.
'What on earth is happening at the National Trust?' . Andrew Neil is joined by Andrew Doyle to discuss the National Trust's adoption of woke culture.
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As the @Telegraph reports, votes cast using the new Quick Vote "were not identified in the final tally, and campaigners argue that the process is undemocratic as members could be handing their vote to the trustees without knowing what they are voting for".
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What a difference a year makes. Hanbury Hall in 2021 and 2022. Vote for our council candidates in the upcoming @nationaltrust elections if you want history preserved, not rewritten.
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A very big thank you to everyone who supported our recommended candidates and resolutions in this year's AGM. We truly appreciate your help and enthusiasm in our mission to Restore Trust in the National Trust.
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We are optimistic that the new NT Chairman, René Olivieri, will bring a measured and unbiased approach to the very complicated governance of the largest independent conservation charity in the world.
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The National Trust carries out a vital and complex task in looking after historic buildings, collections, gardens and countryside. It needs to maintain high standards and cannot afford the distraction of campaigning on political and social issues. #RESTORETRUST #nationaltrust
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If you want to see change at the National Trust, become a member and vote with us in 2022. Please help us spread the word by liking and sharing this tweet. #RESTORETRUST #NationalTrust
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"If you are saddened to see the National Trust going down the wrong path, please make sure you renew your membership by August 26 to secure your vote at the upcoming AGM" writes @RestoreTrustNT director Zewditu Gebreyohanes in @Telegraph. PLEASE RE-TWEET!.
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The National Trust needs a new chairman who loves and understands not only coast and countryside, but also houses and gardens.
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This AGM was a chance to show the Trust’s leadership that their members can no longer be ignored and taken for granted and was an excellent starting place for our campaign.
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Looking ahead we will use every tool at our disposal to hold the trustees and the senior management to account and prevent them from politicising, closing or dumbing down their glorious properties, and from bullying or denigrating their excellent staff and volunteers.
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A @thetimes article today brings to light the Orwellian way in which a @nationaltrust volunteer and staff member have been suspended by the National Trust for submitting critical letters to the editor for publication on the @RestoreTrustNT website.
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Strong letter in the @Telegraph criticising the @nationaltrust voting system, which is described as 'yet another stain on the trust's management record'.
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The first talk in our new series of Restore Trust events will feature @DanBJohnson, founding editor of @TweetTheArticle, in conversation with our director Zewditu Gebreyohanes and will be held at @HoughtonHall2, Norfolk. Limited tickets—book yours today:.
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Do you think the 17th-century Sudbury Hall should be a children's playground with historic furniture cleared out of the way, or an historic house furnished as when the family lived there on display to the public?. Poll below. #sudburyhall #nationaltrust
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Let’s stick together and stand up for heritage. The National Trust carries out a vital and complex task looking after historic buildings, gardens and countryside. It needs to maintain high standards and cannot afford the distraction of campaigning on political and social issues.
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As we suspected, the annual report shows that the NT is much richer than it's ever been, holding significantly more in reserves than its policy threshold figure. What, then, was the justification in making thousands of people, especially long-serving expert curators, redundant?!.
@RestoreTrustNT @HilaryMcGrady @CeliaRichards0n @christopherhope @MossyMosbacher Hello, thanks for bearing with us. Unfortunately we experienced some design issues with the new format, delaying the website publication. You can find our latest Annual Report here:
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It is time to vote for National Trust Council candidates at You need to do this not later than 22 October.
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“If ever the Trust is deflected from protecting individual places of historic interest and natural beauty, then it will have betrayed its fundamental objectives. ".
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We urge all our supporters to keep in touch and keep or renew their NT membership so they can have an effective say in the Trust’s future and vote with us in 2022.
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Please share our campaign leaflets ahead of the @nationaltrust AGM! See below for info on our campaign to return the NT to its charitable objectives, our fantastic council candidates and recommended members' resolutions
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Who's waging a war on culture? . Those trying to preserve and protect our history for future generations, or those seeking to 'manage change'?. What do the loyal members of @nationaltrust think?.
Culture Warriors’ claims grow more ludicrous. This is nonsense and deliberately designed to provoke anger and division when our nation needs to heal. #responsiblejournalism #bekind
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The National Trust received a £63 million insurance pay-out, with unrestricted reserves of £366 million. We believe that this money should be used to bring Clandon's glorious staterooms by Giacomo Leoni back to life. Read more here 👇.
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The National Trust continues to detract from democratic voting. Members have made their concerns clear. It is a shame that the National Trust refuses to listen. Sign up on our website for news of our campaign.
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Deeply saddening to hear of Her Majesty the Queen's death. Throughout her reign she stayed true to her duty and unfailingly loyal to her subjects in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, setting an example to us all.
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Really?? "mouth frothing lunacy by NT members"?! Is that what you think about member-led attempts at greater democracy and accountability, @joanishereish? Doesn't reflect very well on you. .
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Restore Trust is proposing 4 member resolutions at the 2021 AGM. *** All NT members are eligible to vote ***. Use your vote to support our resolutions and get the National Trust back to its real mission #restoretrust. Read the resolutions on our website:
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A robust, fair voting system needs to be simple. Free from powerful nudges such as the quick vote. The National Trust is no exception.
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Watch @NewCultureForum's discussion between Restore Trust director Zewditu Gebreyohanes and @prwhittle, on why we are calling for members to REJOIN THE NATIONAL TRUST BY 26 AUGUST IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO VOTE FOR CHANGE AT THE UPCOMING AGM!. Please retweet!.
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"Curatorial expertise has been replaced by a soulless managerialism, in which profit-making, and therefore brand-selling, is the paramount concern", writes @RestoreTrustNT's director Zewditu Gebreyohanes in her article for @thetimes ✍️.
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Excellent critique of the NT and the @guardian in the @Telegraph today. The claim in yesterday's Guardian that we are targeting the NT on rewilding and LGBT+ issues "made a good headline" but "was flatly untrue"—instead we are calling for greater democracy and accountability.
Astonishing to see how our detractors continue trying to undermine us not by argument but through blatant misinformation! @benquinn's article in today's @guardian is just the latest example of this: see the thread below👇. PLEASE RETWEET!!. Let's #restoretrustinthenationaltrust.
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Given that you've spent lots of time making/encouraging racist and other rude/unjustified attacks on our director Zewditu and her Restore Trust work, might you like to have a face-to-face discussion with her? Or can you only do cowardly one-sided discussions from behind a screen?.
What qualifications does this 23 year old PPE graduate have to become a V and A trustee? Her brief working life seems to have consisted entirely of sound bites and working for the very opaquely funded Policy Exchange "think tank".
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Mr Oliver says that “I am not a natural critic of the trust. But the senior paid management are increasingly a law unto themselves. “They are betraying the founders, their own staff, their volunteers, and most of all their members. They have gone too far.” [2/3].
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"The curator had chosen to downplay any historical perspectives not associated with either colonialism or slavery. I did not join the Trust to be force-fed a diet of selective history.”. Read @RestoreTrustNT’s first 'Comment' piece, by Linda Walton ✍️.
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Yet another example of National Trust management ignoring the views of its visitors and members. 👇
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BROKEN TRUST. "Since it was founded in 1895, the Trust has endured many controversies, but until now the shared acceptance of its founding purposes has seen it through." . It's time to #RESTORETRUST. via @spectator.
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In an article for @thetimes, @JamesSBeal covers the tragic story of Sudbury Hall's transformation into a children's play area. He notes that "Restore Trust was established to remind the charity of its original purpose of protecting the nation’s heritage"✍️.
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Should Sudbury Hall be a children's playground or an authentically furnished historic house?.
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Astonishing to see how our detractors continue trying to undermine us not by argument but through blatant misinformation! @benquinn's article in today's @guardian is just the latest example of this: see the thread below👇. PLEASE RETWEET!!. Let's #restoretrustinthenationaltrust.
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"Zewditu Gebreyohanes—director of Restore Trust, which says it aims to “return the trust to its founding aims and ethos"—accused management of “obfuscation” for refusing to answer questions on its democratic processes and the restoration of Clandon Park".
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SAVE THE DATE: This year's National Trust AGM will take place on Saturday 5 November 2022. We are delighted to see that the AGM will be held in the splendid setting of the Bath Assembly Rooms. Please circulate far and wide; we encourage all our supporters to join us on the day!!
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UK heritage charity the National Trust is ending the year richer than ever—so why all the staff cuts?:
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During the AGM, Zewditu "accused the management of “disingenuous obfuscation” because they were not answering questions directly. She repeated questions from members about what information had come to light to mean the Trust had abandoned plans to largely restore Clandon Park".
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With a notable exception being (the political lobbying company) BLM, @CeliaRichards0n?.
Good morning. Just a reminder: the National Trust has been independent & free of interference from political parties, private business and lobbying companies for 127 years. But we mustn’t take this for granted. If you’re a member please do use your vote
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“The system for attending the AGM seems to have been designed to discourage reasonable dissent and suppress legitimate challenges to actions of the trust [. ] the trust is well aware of its errors of judgment and wishes to avoid proper scrutiny.” [3/3].
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In @TweetTheArticle today, Zewditu highlights "the extraordinary fact that those at the top of the @nationaltrust have been resorting to desperate attempts to silence dissenting voices among the membership and to thwart member-led attempts at reform." ✍️.
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Attingham Park reviewed on Tripadvisor on 27 September:"This is the National Trust at its money grubbing worst. Only the ground floor of the house is open and this has been ruined by modern toys and tat meant to show a ‘party’. The display is an insult to this lovely old house."
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Great letter in the @Telegraph urging @nationaltrust members not to 'despair and waste their vote' in upcoming elections and to vote against the @nationaltrust preferred candidates
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An important message to all those keen to make a real difference and return the National Trust to its founding aims and objectives:. THERE ARE CURRENTLY 𝟰 NT TRUSTEE VACANCIES. Deadline to apply: 10th July. RE-TWEET and let your friends/family know!.
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National Trust backlash after it closes thriving independent cafe for its own
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The @Telegraph reports that Orlando Fraser, chairman of the Charity Commission, will call on charities including the @nationaltrust to "model a better kind of public discourse” that will “inspire and inform, rather than stifle and poison, reasoned debate”.
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Important letter in the @Telegraph last week about how the National Trust is losing volunteers by forcing them to take often irrelevant "e-learning modules" before being allowed to work.
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No, we didn't. Restore Trust was established to 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 the NT by passing on the concerns of long-standing members and volunteers, not to "be a stone in the NT's shoe" (the clue is in the name). Please do visit our website (it doesn't take long) before spreading misinformation.
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We are also putting forward two members' resolutions: 1) The Chairman’s discretionary proxy vote on members’ resolutions should be abolished 2) An independent office of Ombudsman to ensure the NT is accountable to its stakeholders and able to resolve complaints effectively.
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The Guardian reports that a new all-party parliamentary group will be dedicated to the National Trust. A circular in Parliament stated that the group’s purpose ‘is to apply parliamentary scrutiny to the operational and strategic direction of the National Trust’.
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At present, members, volunteers, tenants and other NT supporters/stakeholders have no clear method of redress if they have a complaint—many have told us they are routinely ignored. An ombudsman would ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.
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Thank you to all who attended @RestoreTrustNT's recent event featuring Charles Moore in conversation with Zewditu Gebreyohanes. It was a very successful evening, with a full house—wonderful to see so much support for our campaign to return the @nationaltrust to its founding aims!
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