I have often wondered where the term 'ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM' originated. It is probably down to an over sized person who likes to portray a larger than life presence and make a lot of noise. However at the end of the day produces nothing more than hot air and flatulence.

He's disappointed me I thought better of him and having him on board would be a great benefit to our cause, he seems to have done the opposite. His lasting legacy.

Well said that man

Thanks for the reply TRB, keep up the good work.

Sandal Cat

I am sure the vast majority of supporters appreciate the efforts and dedication of yourself and others involved. However I wonder if you could clarify a couple of points.

1. Is it true that SRW attended meetings with both Yorkcourt and the council and no other member of the trust was present ? If so did you know the full account of discussions or see written minutes or were you only told what SRW was prepared to divulge ?

2.Secondly could it be possible that meetings took place with SRW and other said parties that even to this day you and the trust are not aware of.

You do not have to answer if you choose not to, I will understand. However if you do wish to comment it may reinforce the extreme dificulites that you guys and the club have had to endure throughout this whole process

It's very difficult to answer your points when I and other Trust Members were not present at these meetings so don't know what was said or discussed but this is my opinion:

1. As far as I am aware SRW attended many meetings with the Council and Yorkcort with no other Trust Members present. We were advised of what was discussed by SRW at Trust Board Meetings. There were no minutes taken as far as I am aware as none were presented so we only have SRW's account of the meetings.

2. It possible that meetings took place that we were not aware of but we cannot be certain.

I have always maintained that at least 2 Trust Members should attend meetings with Yorkcourt and the Council. Firstly so there is corroboration of what was discussed and agreed and secondly to protect the Trust Members present in the event that the other parties claim that something was said/agreed that wasn't. Also if minutes are not being taken then I make my own notes.

Sandal Cat

Thanks for the above reply , it really outlines the difficult circumstances people have had to deal with.

I was going to suggest that the council should be approached to see if they kept minutes of the meetings to which SRW attended on his own.

I then remembered that they once were faced with a difficult and highly controversial planning decision and therefore decided to take legal advice in order to decide what could be a very costly outcome. However it seems although they acted on the said advice, they failed to keep a copy of it and no one can actually prove it ever existed.

Therefore its highly unlikely they will have kept records of any other meetings relating to the same issues.

Not taking a shot here but why with such a huge topic for the club and the people of Wakefield did the trust not request/demand official minutes?

And again this will come across poorly but- "it stops now"- hasn't the horse already bolted?

So Rodders did walk and wasn't pushed then?

Very Very disappointed in RMW, particularly if things were "going off" behind the Trust's backs. I worked with him over fifty years ago and had much respect for him then and ever since (until now), even though we are diametrically opposed in political beliefs.
He keeps a very low profile now unlike twenty or so years ago when he was almost part of the Look North and Calendar staff. Did he ever give any explanation for his resignation from the Trust??

As a retired accountant and company secretary I find it unbelievable that meetings were held and unlimited.
This would immediately raise a warning flag with me.
Who requested meetings to be held without minutes? Surely the trust should have smelled a rat.
Of greater concern though to me is that this Box controlled council has not got the gravitas to minute meetings.
What other things have they done behind the backs of the public.
Do they think that they are not accountable to the electorate.
Grow a pair Wakefield Express and let's start asking questions, starting with why a man of Sir Rodney Walker's stature and being a former Trinity director, engaged in such seedy meetings that he considered that notes should not be minuted. Secondly why does our council not take notes of meetings. Is this policy? I for one would never vote for any culprits found to to be engaging in this sort of activity.

Isn't hindsight wonderful. I guess the Trust had faith in the Chairman.

Has the horse already bolted ? SRW has resigned from the Trust, the 7 other Board Members remain and so the Trust continues.

He left on his own accord.

Did the Trust smell a rat - yes, that's why someone left. Did we try and stop him holding meetings on his own - yes, several times.

Has any one ever questioned his motives face to face?