At the end of June 2003, I came into contact with some people from the Interlock project and local youth groups.

I was very impressed with the work being done, and asked the pertinent question, "WHY do I not know about your work?"

It was explained that information had been in some BDC, and other, publications. But, the question still remained. It 'emerged' that it could be a good idea to have a Northlands Park web site.

Because I was very thankful, for myself, and my neighbours, I offered to set up a web site.

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In 1985 there was a crisis in my marriage. After my daughter had died a year previously, we decided to move and settle elsewhere.

For some reason, my wife decided to leave. She just left without telling me. I sold up, and returned to my old area to try to get the family back together.

I was given digs by a friend. It was to prove to be a bad move. She said that I had to leave because of domestic problems.

I contacted "friends" for help and no one could help me. All had "good" reasons. I was very depressed. Luckily, a taxi driver radioed his office and found me accommodation.

During this time, I was seeing my wife and trying to persuade her to return and get the family back together again.

I was in a terrible emotional state. I visited the doctor, and while there, had a breakdown. She looked after me for an hour. She wrote to the housing people, and within about three weeks, I was allocated a house. It was in a "hard to let" area (like the one near Felmores?), but beggars cannot be choosers.

The doctor had spoken to the local councillor, and I believed that she had also helped.

My wife returned, with her daughter, to live with me.

I had been in the house for only a few months when the secretary of the residents' association asked me to look at the accounts. He had heard that I had accounting knowledge, and believed that money was missing.

"NEVER VOLUNTEER" we are always told. But, as I had been helped in such a period of crisis, I felt compelled to help my neighbourhood committee.

Below is a note that I gave out to all the residents in order to shout a 'wake up' call. This was in 1985, so the amounts mentioned need to be adjusted (X 10)?

It all ended with me "having the frighteners put on me" by "the heavy mob" and by the police, and being offered the bribe, by Mr. X, of a house in a "better" area! (You all know what I mean!) The treasurer even tried to blackmail me!

The secretary, who first involved me, was found 'cremated' in his armchair! He had set light to himself while drinking whisky, and smoking. I will make no comment!

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TENANTS' ASSOCIATION

Did you know that your treasurer did not attend a single committee meeting for seven months?

Did you know that £120 was missing from your treasurer's accounts when an audit was carried out?

Did you know that between April.85 and Oct.85 about £400 of your association's funds has been handed to your chairperson? None of that is covered by receipts from suppliers.

Did you know that your "Drop In" cafe was open for 14 days? The council granted £100 for cafe equipment but only £26 was used for that purpose. Your cafe sold refreshments for a profit of between 25% and 200% per item but no records of takings were kept and no money was paid into your association's accounts. After 14 days operation the cafe had lost £69 of your funds.

Did you know that within a few hours of my report, mentioning the cafe "losses", being handed to the staff of your resource centre for copying, that the originals were 'lost' and your cafe had closed. Your chairperson operated the cafe.

Did you know that the council granted your association £250 for the purchase of garden tools for your use? Your £250 was handed to your chairperson. Some garden tools were "bought' for your £250. There are no receipts from suppliers, only a note signed by your chairperson.

Did you know that the garden tools were hired to tenants, through your chairperson, throughout the summer but no records were kept and no money was paid into your association's accounts?

Did you know that the committee voted themselves free use of the tools and that your constitution forbids members benefiting in cash or kind from their activities?

Did you know that a garden "competition" was held and that only eight people entered? The council granted your association £50 for prizes. Your £50 was handed to your chairperson. The "competition" was judged by members of your committee and a member of your committee won first prize of £25.

Did you know that three weeks after your committee received a full, and detailed, report on the above matters your committee gave a ten to nil "vote of confidence" in your chairperson?

Did you know that a senior member of council staff was present during the above period? His duty was to advise the committee.

Did you know that the director of housing has no control if the grants he gives to your association are mismanaged?

Did you know that as a result of issuing the reports to your committee I received a letter from a solicitor, acting for your chairperson, alleging defamation? ( I told them, "PLEASE take me to court." But they didn't. Wonder why?)

Did you know that your District and Regional Councillors would not help in these matters?

Did you know that I was expelled from the committee for raising these matters with the police, and press, when NO ONE would take any action to put things right?

Did you know that the secretary resigned after bringing the missing money to the committee's attention? He has now been re-elected by the committee? (After he gave his vote of confidence for the chairperson!)