Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 08:17:37 +0100 (BST)
From:
"Fabienne Gimenez" Subject: Treasurer signature needed
To: "Margaret Brennan"
Dear Margaret,
I would like to pop in to your place as you need to sign the TA contract as the treasurer and send it back to Camfed ASAP.
I usually leave in the morning around 9am and back after 6/7pm, tomorrow 8pm or 8.30pm, so I hope you don't mind if I knock on your door, you'll know it's me, ok? It won't take a minute...
See you soon
Hope your sister is all right
Very best wishes,
Fabienne
_________________
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 01:19:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: Re: Treasurer signature needed
To:
"Fabienne Gimenez" Fabinenne
I will not be at home between 8pam or 8.30 today and indeed for the rest of the week until Friday when I will be around all day and in the evening. You can either put it through my door or you can call when I am in which will be on Friday this week.
Regards
Margaret
___________________
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:58:04 +0100 (BST)
From: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Subject: Re: Treasurer signature needed
To: "Margaret Brennan"
Could you possibly knock on my door when you get back in the evening, I need to send Francis the papers ASAP, I won't go to bed before 11pm, it won't take a
minute..
All hte best
Fabienne
______________________
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2006 01:31:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: Re: Treasurer signature needed
To:"Fabienne Gimenez"
Ok, I will get home tonight around 10pm , I could knock just after 10.pm. this evening or tomorrow evening but you can always come down for a cup of coffee on Friday evening if you are free.
Regards
Margaret
______________________
Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 03:17:20 -0800 (PST)
From: Margaret Brennan
Subject: TRA accounts - handover
To:
Fabienne Gimenez
Dear Fabineen
I understand that the TRA books have now been passed on to you. I will collected them as soon as possible from you and get everything in order and sort out signatures.
I am not sure how true this is but I have been advised that there has been a sum of money £600 to £700 pounds has been paid to the TRA. If this is correct then this will have to be paid into the TRA account as soon as possible or have you paid this into the account already?
Again not sure how true this is but I have been advised that you have purchased a computer from the TRA accounts for the TRA to use, if this is true what arrangement have you make for other TRA members to use it, unless of course it is a laptop and then it would be no problem for people members to passes it around as appropriate. However, I remember reading somewhere that the council has stopped giving money to the TRA for computers therefore I am not sure if the information is correct?
I have got a response from Camden in relation to the various issues that I have raised over the pass couple of weeks and I will circulate it to you and other member as soon as I have compiled a reply.
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
_______________________
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:28:26 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Subject: Re: TRA accounts - handover
To: "Margaret Brennan", "Kieran Sweeney"
Dear Margaret, Kieran and Katy,
How are you? Nice to hear from you. Yes, Joan had enough to wait and did not want to keep the treasurer's papers any longer, so I've got them at home in a bag. Margaret, please come and collect them.
As Joan probably explained, I applied for a grant for a PC from Camfed, which was accepted. I thought it was useful for me to have a more powerful PC as I've been struggling sending pictures to the council for example when making a complaint. Also my own PC keeps crashing, which is very annoying. I have spent so much time and energy -as you know fighting to get things sorted.
I received and gave the cheque (£629)to Joan who put in the bank and gave me the cash to buy it. I haven't made any arrangements yet at the moment, but, by all means, we can talk about it....
Last night I attended the DMC meeting, which finished at 10:30pm!!!! Kieran, I sent your apologies as you still have the flu. Some items to improve the garden have been approved. for some odd reason the £70K bid on internal work (and sheds/garages door repainted) was on the list but i said we refused as it should be done by Housing DPt and it had already been accepted.
I am sorry you could not keep me informed of your communication with the council sooner Margaret, as I spoke to Ben and Ian Williams about this scalfolding problem last night and Ben said he had already replied to you about it!
It was rather embarrassing. As I've been extremely busy, I might have missed your mail about it.
As I previously suggested, it is very important you copy your mails to me when writing to the council so we show the council we all know what is going on and this prevents both of us having a go at them on the same issue. otherwise, they will understandably get annoyed about it...
Nevertheless, thank you for your support and keep the ball rolling so we will eventually get things sorted
I'm still very busy all week end until Wednesday. I'm meeting (again) next Friday morning for Ground maintenance and garden/ street improvement.
Very best wishes,
Fabienne
______________________________________
From: Margaret Brennan
Sent: Fri 10/11/2006 11:27
To: Fabienne Gimenez
Dear Fabienne
Fabienne, I am amazed that you went and purchased a very expensive computer for yourself with the TRA money without even consulting anyone about it? £629.00 is a lot of the TRA money to spend and I would have thought that you would have at very least consulted the member and other residents that own the money before you used it to purchase a computer for yourself! Just because you are chair does not give the authority to spend a very large amount of the TRA money on things that you feel are useful for you?
We have all the necessary computers that are need for TRA business over at Charlie Ratchford just across the road where we have the meetings! I used it all the time and it is open whenever we need to use it. When the centre is closed on Saturdays we can used the library computers. Therefore, I am requesting that you reimburse TRA accounts with money you taken from it for your purchase, as you have taken it without any authorisation from anyone?
That £629.00 could be put to good used for the tenants at Hardington and we should discuss every penny that is taken out of the accounts with all the tenants or at the very least with other TRA officers. Also, as mentioned in my email to you yesterday the council has said that they are not providing any more money to be spent on computers for TRA’s.
If you are concerned about sending photos to the council I have sent photos to the council from Charlie Ratchford and they council got them OK so why do you need a need computer to do this?
I would have picked the papers from Joan before the next TRA meeting and had everything sorted out but now I am no so sure that I want to take over the job as treasurer. I feel that there is a lot of skulduggery around the accounts, which I feel that I do not want to get involved in.
As you know, I have been in constant contact with the council and I have kept you informed at all times you regarding the internal cleaning and indeed I sent you an email last week regarding the hassle I got from one of the tenants blaming me for always complaining to the council about the cleanness of the block?
Regarding the letter that I received through the post on 6 November from Ben which was also on behalf of Ian Williams, as mentioned to you in my email yesterday, this a very detailed reply to the email that I sent to housing, I also copy you in as well all other email that I have sent to the council.. I said to you in my email yesterday that I would let me you have a copy of my reply and soon as I composed it because there were a lot of issues that I had raised and the reply that I received was a lengthy one as well, I feel that 4 days is not a long time to wait for a reply. We are all very busy people and have other commitments as well as keep you up-to-day with all my emails to the council.
I am sorry that you were embarrassed at your meeting last night at your meeting with Ben and Ian Williams. I have always consulted you regarding any issues around the TRA and emails that I have sent to the council regarding the cleanness of the block!
What I will say is......... I would never have taken out £629.00 of other people’s money without first consulting them to spend on a computer that I felt that I needed, like you have just done??
I have finished my reply to the letter that I received through the post on 6 November and here a copy of my reply for your information.
Regards
Margaret
___________________________
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:33:59 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Subject:
RE: TRA accounts - handoverTo: "Margaret Brennan"
CC: "Simon Hmarcovic", "Kieran Sweeney", "Larraine", "Francis" "Frances O'Brien".
Dear Margaret,
I am utterly shocked by your comments and your attitude. What on earth is going on with you? How can you accuse me of taking some money from the TRA, buying a PC for "myself" "without consulting anyone"?
It seems it is common practice in your book to really see the worse in people and be suspiscious of everyone. I thought you knew me better. My aim is to bring everyone together, to work together as a team and respecting each other in order to live in a better, safer and more pleasant environment. I have worked very hard for the TRA because I care, not to get freebies for myself!!! We are all volunteers but we want to make a difference.
Since last year, I have done my best and encourage you to take part in the TRA as you seem to care for what it is happening in Hardington and email the council on a regular basis too. You attended your first meeting at our our AGM a few weeks ago, which I welcomed you open arms, you were elected treasurer straight away (people trusted you then)and a few weeks later, without any proper facts in your hands (understandably as you are new within the TRA), you just make up and spread lies about me. I just cannot believe it!!!!
I'm not going to waste my time unnecessary. The fact is (and at least Francis from Camfed and Kieran, then Treasurer can confirm), I enquired for the possibility of getting a grant from Camfed to buy a better PC a year ago but Francis said Camfed funding was suspended for a while due to high demand so I should wait for a bit. When funding was available this year I put forward the application, which was accepted. What is wrong with that?
Margaret, you became Treasurer end of september and have not picked up the Treasurer paperwork from Joan, which she requested me to take. I know we are all busy so I am not going to attack you (as you seem to do on a regular basis to everyone) and make a fuss about it but I thought you would have liked to get familiar with your role and the situation. I don't wish to become a one man show in this TRA, first of all, it is not democratic.
As I said previously, I am extremely busy until Wednesday. Please, in the meantime, I would really appreciate if you could read again this email you sent me as I think it is very damaging and completely inapropriate. I think it is essential, whatever the circumstances, that we use a tactful and respectful approach, especially when we represent a group of people, not just ourseves as individuals. Moreoever, there is enough conflict in this world, let's try to be at least civil to each other.
By all means, I agree with you, reflect about your own position within Hardington & Belmont St TRA and I think, in these circumstances, we will have to hold a special meeting about it. Francis, could you possibly advise me on the matter?
Kind regards,
Fabienne Gimenez
Hardington & Belmont St TRA Chair
____________________________
Subject:
RE: TRA accounts - handoverDate: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 11:31:04 -0000
From: "Francis Brazil"
To: "O'Brien, Frances", "Margaret Brennan", "Fabienne Gimenez"
CC: simonhm@, katehollyhosey@, rlaryma@, kieransweeney@
Dear All
This correspondence trail is unhelpful. It would be better if individuals spoke to each other and obtained the facts before writing incorrect information. The computer money was a grant applied though Camden Federation (on behalf of the council). This money would not have been given to the TRA unless a computer was being purchased. The computer is for the use of the TRA and was purchased with the knowledge of the committee at that time. Associations receiving computers is part of e-government and is designed to make work more efficient for the TRA and for the council.
If an individual has behaved in an inappropriate way then a complaint, in writing, can be sent here. I attach the complaint form for information. I would also like to suggest that the TRA working well together will help improve the environment and build better community relations. The hard work of the members up to now shows that co-operation with each other is an effective way to ensure that the council fulfils its obligations.
Yours sincerely
Francis Brazil
Tenant Support Worker
_______________________________
From: Margaret BrennanSent: 13 November 2006 13:45
To: Francis Brazil
RE: TRA accounts - handover
Dear Francis
When was the form submitted for the computer? I understand that £500.00 paid to TRA therefore the accounts has now been over drawn to the sum of £129.00 by Fabineen.
Surely the correct thing for Fabineen to have done was to bank the cheque and inform the rest of the TRA members by email that she had received the cheque for £500.00 from Camfed and also she would be taking our a further £129.00 from the TRA accounts to purchase a computer to be sited in her flat!!
It would indeed have been helpful if individuals spoke to each about making such large purchases but we do not always see each other in passing as we all other commitments and not always available should anyone call, however, a hand written note would have done put though my door?
Fabieen has been a member of the TRA for many years now and surely she would have known that members cannot take decision on their own to purchase large computer without letting us all know before hand.
I attached a copy of my reply to Frances for information.
By the way there was no form attached in your email for individuals to complain but do not worry if it is necessary to make the necessary complains by email.
Regards
Margaret Brennan
____________________________________
Subject:
RE: TRA accounts - handoverDate: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:04:18 -0000
From: "Francis Brazil"
To: "Margaret Brennan"
Dear Margaret
I still think these e-mails are unhelpful without you first getting the full facts. The full amount for the computer was granted and no TRA money was used for its purchase. As I have said the money would not have gone to the TRA unless a computer was purchased. The application was processed here on the 4 October 2006.
I attach the complaint form again if you feel that something inappropriate has happened. I also advise that making unfounded allegations by e-mail is not the way forward for the TRA and its officer relationships.
Yours sincerely
Francis Brazil
Tenant Support worker
____________________________
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 03:03:29 -0800 (PST)
From: Margaret Brennan
Subject: RE: TRA accounts - handover
To: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Dear Fabienn
The TRA is indeed a democratic process and as such I would have thought that you would have at least given us the courtesy of telling us that you intended to purchase a very expensive computer for £629.00 for yourself out of the TRA ’s money?
Why did you not bring up the issue of purchasing a computer at the AGM meeting at the end of September? I feel that you did not do so because you know it would be thrown out and it is the same reason that you did email anyone of us to tell us of your intentions of the purchase?
Although Joan is still one of the signatories she was not elected as treasurer and as you know, I was elected as treasurer therefore you should have at the very least consulted me about any purchase before taking the money out of the TRA ’s accounts. I feel that you took advantage of the transfer handover and went to Joan who is an elderly person and I have been informed that you made her go the Bank with you and draw the money out to give to you, which is far from being democratic. I agree with you the TRA should certainly be not a one mans show. It is most definitely a democratic process.
Have you keep copies of the paperwork that you submitted for the computer and who was the person that make out the cheque for the £629.00 at Camfed? Please supply details for them to be placed with the accounts paperwork.
As you know, by all the emails that I have sent to Camden, I have worked very hard to get the internal common parts clean here at Hardington, which is very important as the outside maintenance. I note from your previous email (2nd paragraph, copy attached) that you have a friend that is into gardening and he has offered his services free to the council and perhaps that is why you are more interested the maintenances side. However, I reiterate the contiguous areas are important but not as important as the inside as well has having a secure entry system entrance gate into our building?
Regarding the fifth paragraph of your letter, I would like to inform you that in my working life I was a coordinator of a TMO and as such I am very familiar with the position of the role of Treasure.
Regarding the sixth paragraph of your letter, I do not know why you are taking the moral high ground here? Perhaps if you had shown some respect for the other members of our group, tenants and neighbours then there would have been no need for me to spend so much of my time in sending you emails trying to correct what you have done with the TRA accounts.
Let me know what you intend to do about retuning the money to the TRA ’s accounts and when that is done we can have a discussion about purchasing a computer if it is necessary for the TRA.
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
Treasurer of Hardington and Belmont Street, TRA
Attachment
Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2006 13:49:21 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Subject: HARDINGTON - Garden
To: "Lynnette Oram"
CC: "Larraine" , "Margaret Brennan" , "Kieran Sweeney"
Dear Lynette,
It has been brought to my attention that the (subcontracted?)gardeners came on Monday. They cut the grass, moved the couple of dead branches I had
mentioned earlier on a walkabout in September (been there for months, possibly 1 year+). They moved the branches on top of the edge so they could pass the lawnmower more easily but did not remove them. Really they could do a better job. As I said I wouldn't mind contacting the person in charge myself if necessary.
I would like to take this opportunity to make a suggestion. A garderner friend of mine would be happy to come, bring and plant a few shrubs and two small
trees, by himself and for free. Would it be possible?
Of course I will apply for DMC grant for more plants in June but it could be a start as some tenants are complaining about the state of this garden and the
unpleasnt view and smell (in hte summer) from their balcony. Of course, we would need to tell these gardeners about it (and label the shrubs so they don't
cut it off as they have done in the past when we had a Garden Team; Ann and Elaine were so disappointed they stopped everything).
Thank you very much for yor support
Kind regards,
Fabienne Gimenez
C/O Hardington TA
______________________________
From: Margaret
Sent: 14 November 2006 10:38
To: Francis Brazil
Subject: RE: TRA accounts - handover
Dear Francis
Please let me know what other facts should I have taken into account. OK, you said that the grant was for a computer, which I accept but why did Fabineen go into the accounts for a further £129.00 to make the purchase.
Please confirm what allegations are unfounded? By Fabineen's own admissions she made a purchase from a cheque from Camfed of £500.00 and a further £129.00 was taken from the TRA accounts.
I feel that written correspondence is very important, as they records that can be be look at to verify a true account of what has been done on behalf of the TRA. As you must know, verbal communication is useless and as the TRA is a democratic process that is surely the way forward for office 's relationships. Otherwise, what is the point of taking minutes at meetings and submitting forms for funding?
Please let me know what allegations are unfounded?
Yours sincerely
Margaret Brennan
_______________________________
Subject: RE: TRA accounts - handover
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:54:44 -0000
From: "Francis Brazil"
To: "Margaret Brennan"
Dear Margaret
I am no longer prepared to keep corresponding with you. You clearly have decided that your version of events have happened and are not prepared to look at the facts when presented to you. Twice I have sent you the complaints procedure and using this is the only appropriate way forward.
Regards
Francis Brazil
Tenant Support Worker
Camden Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations
Direct 020 7874 5462 Freephone 0800 652 3140
_______________________________________
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 02:21:24 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject:
Re: TRA accounts - handoverTo: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Dear Fabienne
Further to my email yesterday and on reading your email again sent to me on the 12th November, I take umbrage to your comments stating that I am spreading lies about you? I cannot understand this as you have confirmed in your email of 10th November that you have indeed purchased a computer for yourself with TRA money. You have already said in your email of 12th November that the reason for your purchase was because you though it would be useful for YOU, not for the TRA, to have a more powerful PC?
Are you saying now that you have not purchase a computer? What other fact should I have taken into account please let us know?
In your email of 12th November you also said that a year ago that you made enquires about the possibilities of getting a grant from Camfed to buy a better computer for yourself (no mentioned of TRA), Kieran and Frances was aware of your enquiries over a year ago.
Since then you submitted an application which was process on 4th October 2006 and got a grant for 629.00 then went to Joan a couple of weeks ago and made her go to the bank with you to hand over not just the £500.00 cash and a further trip to the bank by Joan to get further £120.00 of the TRA money for you to make the purchase, what are we suppose to think?? You did not mention it at the AGM. You did not mention it to me as treasurer. You did not give the members the opportunity to discuss whatsoever the kind of computer we would need (which is not needed) for the TRA ….Opsoooooo forgot, the computer was for you!
I also take great exception to your comments where you said that it is ‘common practice in my book to really see the worse in people and suspicious of everyone’. You have made these ridiculous comments just because I question, why you surreptitiously went and submitted an application to Camfed and got a cheque made out to the TRA for 629.00 cashed for a computer for yourself. You did not even mention to the TRA that you put in an application or got the cheque for a computer therefore we were not even aware of it until I found out about it accidentally and I emailed you on Thursday last week for you to confirm it. It was only then that we got to know what had done on our behalf.
I cannot understand the bit in your email of 12th where you said that you welcome me with open arms, what a ridiculous statement to make. The TRA is available for all tenants to use to air any issues that are relevant to them. I did not put my forward to be treasurer and was asked to take on the role on behalf of the TRA.
I especially take exception to the fact that you said that ‘people trusted me then’, what are you implying…I was not the one who made an expensive purchase from the TRA ’s money under the pretence that it was for the good of the TRA. What other proper facts should we have taken into account, please explain.
Fabineen, do the right thing, retune the money to the TRA accounts for the £629.00 cheque that you received from the Camfed and arrange a meeting so that we all can discuss the issue around getting a computer for the TRA, you will agree, that is the democratic thing to do now.
As I was very busy yesterday and I did not have to time to put the letter in the correct order for the TRA members so I have attached another letter in correct order for your kind attention together with my replies.
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
__________________________
Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:42:49 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: TRA accounts - handover
To: simonhm@, katehollyhosey@, kieransweeney@, rlaryma@
Dear All
I do not know how you feel about this but I am very upset at the way our money has been spent, we could have used that money for plants to brighten up the lobby area or with the council permission we could have used it to make secure the stairwell on the ground floor by have a lock put on it, it seems that anything that is beneficial for the tenants and building is not taken into account.
Things like a bench for the lobby area, which everyone at the meeting opposed to it as it would entice vagrants to sleep on and as you know the majority at the meeting was opposed to the bench being put in the area space between in the lobby entrance but as usual Fabineen got her way... also when Francis from Camfed said that the bench has already been purchased then I suppose we had not alternative but to go along with it.
What is going on here? I know Fabienne has kept the TRA going and it is good that she did so but I am now beginning to think she had ulterior motives. Being the chair does not give her the right to do things especially when we are not been advise about an expensive item like the computer that she has just purchased. If I had not found out the purchase accidentally, when was she going to tell us about it??
I feel now that if she does not put the money back and let us all decided whether we need a computer or not and let us have a say in what type that is best for the TRA, (like a laptop then that all TRA members could use for taking minutes at meeting) as it is now that expensive computer is sitting in Fabineen flat and one but Faibieen can use it??
I cannot take over the accounts as they are now because there is money missing from them. When the money is put back into the TRA accounts and we have a democratic say what is in the best interest of the TRA then I will reconsider.
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
__________________________
Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 04:44:58 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: TRA accounts - handover
To: francis@camdenfed.org
Francis, at the AGM meeting at the end of September, Fabienne put forward a motion that we should have another bench sited at Hardington, which everyone was opposed to because we feared that vagrants would used for sleeping on. However, Fabienne would accept the member’s wishes and you supported her by informing us that the bench was already purchased? Therefore the tenants wishes were not respected we all had to accept Fabineen wishes whether we like it or not!
Did advise Faibenne to apply the same principle to the purchased of the computer? Buy it and nobody can do anything about it after it has been delivered?
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
________________________________
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 04:41:43 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: Camfed cheque of £629.00 to Hardington TRA - Fabineen purchased a computer for herself with the £629.00
To:
Dear Fabineen & Francis
Further to my previous emails in relation to the above-mentioned matter, I note that all correspondence has ceased from you both. Therefore, I am requesting the full facts that I should take into consideration, as mentioned in your emails to me. The facts that have been presented to me so far are: Fabineen has spent £629.00 of TRA money, without consulting anyone about it and I only found out about the extravagant purchase accidentally.
Fabienn put forward an application for £629.00 in the name of the TRA. She did not mention one word to us that she had made such an application, only Camfed know about it and made out a cheque to the TRA for the above-mentioned amount. Fabineen never raised the issue of getting a more powerful computer for herself at the last AGM, nor did she email other members about it.
Therefore please reply by Wednesday 22nd November: to the following questions:
Have the rules change for Camden TRA’s?
Is Camden TRA’s not democracy anymore?
Do chairs of Camden TRA’s have the sole rights without consulting other members to spend TRA’s money on them-selves?
At the end of the day it’s all our money regardless what department it comes from within Camden Council. Fabienne should have, at the very least, given other members or the tenants of the block a vote on how the £629.00 of TRA money that Camfed sent to us should have been spent on, which is the democratic thing to do?
As mentioned above, if I do not receive the full facts by Wednesday, then I will assume that there are no other facts that I should take into consider, which leave me with no alterative but to resign from the TRA as treasurer. I will, of course, have to inform other tenants in the block, by circulating all emails received from Camfed and Frabienne, about the purchase that has been made from their TRA money.
The reason for doing this is because I do not want tenants of Hardington and Belmont to think that I have taken over the accounts (which are now with Fabineen) and more importantly that I had nothing to do with spending £629.00 of their TRA money on a more powerful computer to send a couple of emails a month to the council about ground maintenances.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Brennan
Treasurer of Hardington and Belmont TRA
___________________
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 08:14:48 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: The £629.00 of TRA's money spent on a computer for chair.
To: francis@camdenfed.org, fabienne
Dear Camfed
I am writing to request that you remove my name as treasurer from any documentation relating to the Hardington TRA and also any documents that links me to that association as soon as possible.
The only reason I only accepted when asked to be the treasurers of Hardington TRA was because I was under the illusion that the TRA represented all the residents of the block and I felt that I would be able to help the residents as well as being useful to the association. However, from what has transpired recently, it appears that the association only represents the interest of the chair, as follows:
The chair of the association applied for and got a grant for £629.00 for a more powerful computer for herself on the basis that she needs it to send a few emails a month to Camden about ground maintenance. As everyone knows, we have a wonderful free resource centre, Charlie Ratchford, just across the road from Hardington with all the latest computer technology that we would ever need to use. I have been using the centre for a year now sending email to the council chasing up the cleanness of the internal common areas of the block. Why is the centre not good enough for the chair to use?
The chair did not mention one word to the tenants in the block except for Francis of Camfed and Karin, she said in her email to me that she mentioned to them last year about the possibilities of getting a more powerful computer for herself, not the TRA, herself! The chair also confirmed to me in her emails of 10th and 12th November that the computer was for her.
The chair submitted an application for £629.00 for a more powerful computer for her sole use and in order for her to do that she used the TRA’s name on the application. Despite repeated request to the chair and Francis of Camfed they have not supply me with the date that the application was submitted, therefore, I cannot say whether the form was submitted before or after the AGM, all I know is that the application was submitted this financial year.
A cheque was made out in sum of £629.00 for the TRA on the 4th October.
On receiving the cheque the chair went to Joan being the only person that she could use to get out the cash from the TRA’s bank account to use for her purchase. I understand that Joan had to make 2 journeys to the bank because she could only take £500.00 at a time from the bank therefore Joan took out the sum of £500.00 on her 1st visit to the bank and made a 2nd visit to get a further £129.00 for the chair to make the alleged purchase of a more powerful computer for the chair?
The reason that I say alleged is because the chair has not produce any records of the application forms that she had submitted for the computer or as treasure I have not seen any receipts for the alleged computer purchase. Therefore the £629.00 cash that has been taken from the TRA accounts could have been spent on anything that the chair wanted to spend it on? (I am not saying that she has spent the cash on something else, but how do we know how much was spent on the computer or if one was purchased because there are no receipts made available for any purchase from the cash was taken from the TRA bank accounts).
I also understand that Joan did question why such a large amount of cash had to be taken out of the TRA accounts for a computer, as computers are advertised on the telly for half of that money now days. Indeed a laptop, which all the members and tenants could have used, would have been more appropriate for the TRA use and would have cost approximately half the amount that the chair used for her powerful computer out of taxpayers money, but that does not matter, tax payers money that was being used for the chair extravagance alleged purchase!
The chair failed to mention at AGM or to me as treasure or tenants of the block that she had or was going to put in an application for a computer for her sole use. She did not mention to me as treasurer that she had received a cheque made out to the TRA for £629.00. She did not mention that she had taken out the £629.00 cash from the TRA bank account. I only found out about the chair’s activity accidentally from Joan and as a result I wrote to her about her for details. She then confirmed by way of email that she had indeed purchase a computer for herself and spent £629.00 on it!
The above actions by the chair is not an organisation that I want my name to be associated with therefore please confirm that my name will be removed from all documentation that links me to Hardington TRA, as soon as possible.
As mentioned above, I also want to confirm to the residents of Hardington and Belmont that I have not take over the accounts from Joan because the chair took them with her when she collect the cash for £629.00 from Joan and as far as I am aware the accounts are still in the chair flat?
Yours sincerely
Margaret Brennan
_________________________________
Subject: RE: The £629.00 of TRA's money spent on a computer for chair.
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:10:03 -0000
From: "Francis Brazil"
To: "Margaret Brennan", fabienne_gim
Dear Margaret
I will ensure that your name is removed as Treasurer of Hardington and Belmont today.
I believe that it is unfortunate that you decided to ignore the facts when presented to you by myself. You obviously had decided that something wrong had happened and were unprepared to listen to the actual events. As stated before TRA’s are encouraged to apply for computers through CFTRA. Hardington and Belmont did this and the full amount of the computer was paid from here, not from TRA accounts. I told you in a previous e-mail that the application was processed here on 4 October 2006. I find it hard to believe that Fabienne has not discussed this with the MC or members, especially as you are the only one to think that there is an issue. The computer is an asset for all of the members. I understand it you never picked up the accounts after becoming Treasurer and the reason you have not seen any receipts is because of this. In any event I wrote twice that because of the serious nature of you allegations you needed to put them in writing using the ‘complaints procedure’ you chose not to do this.
We here at CFTRA believe quite strongly that nothing untoward has happened in the purchase of the computer. We also know that Fabienne works very hard for the aims of the TRA and are disappointed that you as an office r were unable to work with her to achieve these aims.
Francis Brazil
Tenant Support Worker
Camden Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations
Direct 020 7874 5462 Freephone 0800 652 3140
__________________________
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 06:49:52 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: RE: The £629.00 of TRA's money spent on a computer for chair.
To: office@camdenfed.org
Dear Camfed
Thank you for removing my name from the association.
Despite repeated requests to Francis of Camfed, the only fact that was presented to me was that the cheque made out to the TRA and was processed on 4th October by Camden. I have repeatedly asked Francis for more facts to no avail, perhaps Francis is sending me some more facts, which he suggests I am ignoring to a different email address because I am certainly not receiving them?
Francis stated in his email that Camfed paid the full amount for the purchase of the computer perhaps there was another cheque made out to Fabineen for the same amount?
The only cheque that I am aware of is the one that was made out to TRA accounts and it was therefore from the same account that the cash was taken, unless of course Camfed paid Fabineen directly for the computer as well.
Francis also stated that the computer is an asset for all members, please tell me how all members can use the computer when it is sited in Fabineen ‘s flat and she is out at work all day long. Also, any member wishing to use the computer would have to gain access to her flat; surely this would not be convenient for her. The only way other members would be able to access the computer would mean dismantling then reassembling it again in their own home. Again this seems not really suitable for all parties.
Fabineen’s said in her emails to me that she wanted a more powerful computer for herself? I reiterate, she also said in her emails to me that she mentioned to Francis of Camfed and Kieran last year about the possibilities of getting a computer for herself, not the TRA, but herself?
Francis also states in emails that Fabienne works very hard for the aims of the TRA. I am sure all of our members are working hard for the TRA. Why is a more powerful computer needed by the chair to send a relatively minor number of emails monthly to the council regarding ground maintenances when Fabineen has already got a computer that is more than sufficient to meet the needs for TRA?
I was unable to pick up the accounts because Fabienne had already collected them (I am sure if the accounts had been in my possession none of this would have transpired).
Since the time I was made treasurer of the TRA at the AGM at the end of September, a cheque had been made out to the TRA for £629.00, and cashed by Fabienne without the knowledge of any other TRA members, surely this is not following appropriate procedure.
On another occasion the AGM members voiced objections to having a bench in the lobby area because they believed it would it would encourage vagrants to use for untoward purposes. Yet again, the members did not have a choice because at the AGM Francis of Camfed informed us that the bench had already been purchased. There appears to be a breakdown in communication here, which really needs to be addressed to enable the members to feel that they have some sense of being part of this association and they are being listened to.
After been elected as treasurer and taking over the responsibilities of the TRA accounts (which I never go the chance to collect them as Fabienne got them first) I wish to make clear I did not give any approval whatsoever for the cash to be taken from the TRA accounts and I wished to absolved from all responsibility for the chair actions.
Regards
Margaret Brennan
__________________________
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 09:16:24 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject:
Re: Funds for HardingtonTRA by-passing Constituted Treasurer To: "dm015d9600"
Thank you for your email and I apologise for the delay in replying due to the holiday period. My reply is lengthy concerning the TRA, which Fabienne of no 50 is currently the chair and treasurer of TRA.
As mentioned in your email the practices of the TRA is indeed questionable as is Camfed. At the AGM at the end of September, when I asked Francis of Camfed about the status of TRA he confirmed that it was registered, which I have some doubts about now.
As far as I can ascertain when Eddie got ill and the TRA was in abeyance Fabienne held meetings with other tenants in the block and I understand that Kieran and his partner Katie (the secretary of the TRA) attended the meetings and Fabieen chaired those meeting held before the AGM on 28th September 2006. To the best of knowledge she was not formally elected as chair until the AGM on 28th September 2006.
I doubt if Kieran ever held the position of Treasurer and I understand this is because of his association/employment with Camden and this would prohibit him acting as an officer for the TRA, conflict of interest. Therefore Joan remained the only person then that was in a position to sign cheques on behalf of the TRA. When I was fist told about the chairs getting the cheque, I was told that it was for 500.00 pounds a further sum of cash was taken from the TRA account to make the sum up to 629.00 pounds. However it transpired that it was 629.00-pound cheque in the name of TRA was sent to Fabineen and Joan had to make 2 trips to the bank to collect the cash because Joan could only take out 500.00 pounds at a time.
On the 3rd October, five days after the AGM meeting, Fabienne sent me a couple of emails to call and see to sign the relevant documents to send off to Francis of Camfed. I called to see her late on 3rd October night to sign the documents for her to take to Francis of Camfed on the 4th October, which was the day that Camfed process the cheque for the computer. I feel that was when the TRA was registered with the new officers. Therefore Fabienne told no elect officers about her intention of putting in for a grant to purchase a computer for herself.
As you can see from the attached emails, I have not been able to obtain any evidence of any purchase of a computer. As you can see from email from Francis of Camfed he kept saying that I was ignoring facts he was sending me, which is totally untrue, as I was never given any more facts despite repeated request for them.
I have asked Fabienne to reimburse the TRA accounts and hold a meeting in order for us to ascertain whether we need a computer for the TRA. She has ignored all my email since Francis of Camfed told us that written trail was not helpful?
As far as I am aware the chair still has the accounts of the TRA in her flat and I assume she is looking after them?
All the tenants that I have spoken to since the unfortunate episode are very annoyed that a chair could do this sort of thing without any consultation with other tenants. I must say that I feel now that Fabineen is not a fit and proper person to hold the position of the chair of a TRA. I am not sure if she can hold the office of treasure as well as chair as she is doing at present.
Also. I should take this opportunity to let you know that I have been invited by Camden to one of their focus groups with tenants made up from various estates within Camden and also for a half an hour interview about views on Camden performances. Camden employed an outside firm to do this for them. At the interview, I stress the need for further security to the building and brought to their attentions that every time residents entered the building they are breaching their tenancy conditions because anyone wishing to enter the building can do so by coming up behind a resident as they enter the building and all they have to do is open the gate behind the resident and they are also inside the block. Tenants cannot physically put unauthorized person(s) out of the building all they can do is challenge them and try to get away as quickly as possible from them.
Maybe Camden will let us know what they intend to do with the information gained by the focus group and interviews that have taken place.
Have a happy new year
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
_________________________________
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 18:45:13 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Subject: HARDINGTON TRA
To: dm015d9600
Dear Donald, .... whoever you are!
As you asked Margaret.....I am Fabienne Gimenez, Chair of Hardington & Belmont Street Tenants and Residents Association.
You said in your email to Margaret Brennan (that she had replied to on Sunday 7th Jan 07 - yesterday- and a copy put through my letter box- retrieved this evening) that you were "not in a hurry for a reply", but I can tell you, Donald, I am desperate for this harrassment to stop! I was even advised that I could involve the police, I do not wish to go that far (and waste their time), but this matter has to come to an end, somehow....
After two months (only interrupted by the Xams holiday!) of harrassment from my neighbour and newly elected Treasurer end of Sept (and first time ever HARDINGTON TRA meeting attendee), Margaret Brennan, I have just received another pile of printed emails, correspondance she has sent, plus a brief communication with you (on printed email) through my letter box this evening when I got back from work.
She has made unfounded accusations about the CAMFED grant I got on behalf of HARDINGTON TRA to buy a PC to help improving communication with the council and other organisations for the benefit of the Tenants and Residents Association (including everyone). I replied to her first concern but I am still shocked at her constant spreading lies about me. I do not wish to overwhelm you with these emails as she might have selected some for her convenience.
Again, only in the email she sent you yesterday, she writes:
"to my best knowledge she was not formally elected as chair". Well, I was RE-elected in Sept, we have all paperwork for it if necessary but i think it is a waste of time to try to deal with unreasonable and inappropriate remarks like that. It just shows Margaret does not know anything about the TRA for a fact and keeps jumping to the wrong conclusions. she doesnt accept facts for it when given to her by Camfed for example. Anybody with some sense will stop, but no, she carries on, when will it stop? It is unbelievable!
Margaret came for the first time to our TRA AGM meeting end of Sep after I kept inviting her (as many other residents) over the years.The previous Treasurer, Kieran, did not mind not to be re-elected in September, and Margaret was keen, so she was elected.
She did not take the Treasurer paperwork from the former Treasurer, so it ended up at my place in November after the former Treasurer, Joan, requested me to do so, after we asked Margaret on several occasions to pick it up. Nothing has been held up from Margaret. She keeps asking me to return the money which was stolen from the TRA or else. I am sorry I cannot do that, there is no stolen money!
I do my best to be reasonable, understanding and patient. I saw Margaret for the first time since it all started in Nov- on Saturday afternoon when I was clearing the garden and I wished her "Happy New Year" as nothing happened as I was naive enough to think she had come to her senses and had decided to stop pestering me, but she sent you this e-mail the next morning, yesterday and posted emails sent through my letter box today.
I do not know why she decided to post your email to me rather than emailing this time. In my letter box, she also put a printed copy of the "complaint form procedure" sent by Camfed, not sure why or what for. If necessary, Margaret can make a formal complaint and get on with it and stop harrassing me, she was sent a copy by email by Camdfed on two occasions.
I have enough of this completely inappropriate behaviour from a grown up person. I really do not know what is the matter with Margaret, she has a habit of having fights with everyone. I have more important things to do than writing such emails to defend myself. Again, I would like to make it clear I have NOT stolen any money from anyone or anywhere, and haven't got a PC "for myself" as Margaret keeps accusing me, I do appreciate your comments Donald, that it would be selfish but please get the facts straight before making any accusations yourself. I am not a thief, I spend time and energy to improve the community where we all live and trying to bring neighbours together.
Anyone is welcome to participate in our TRA and projects, the more, the better. Not everyone wishes or can spare time to dedicate, I make it my priority. Is that my crime? I believe Camfed granted Hardington TRA with a PC only because they are aware I am active in my role and try to make a difference in the area.
I am not sure what position you really have Donald, and I am copying this mail to everyone who has been dragged into this saga (I'm sorry, no, it doesn't seem to be over yet!!!! but Happy New Year to everyone if I have not already said so, I do apologise for this, but you need to know). I mean this is ridiculous and I am fed up, really, it has to stop.
Kind regards,
Fabienne Gimenez
HARDINGTON & Belmont ST TRA Chair
______________________________
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 15:55:25 -0800 (PST)
From: "Margaret Brennan"
Subject: Re: HARDINGTON TRA
To: "Fabienne Gimenez"
Dear Fabienne
Firstly, I would like to inform you that I did not post any emails through your letter box, why would I, as you have stop all communications with me in relation to this matter after your email to me on 12th November, however I have copied you in all the correspondence regarding this to no avail. I should say however, I did print off the communications regarding this matter for residents who do not have access to a computer and not everyone can use computer, therefore, I felt that all residents in the building should be aware what is happening in our TRA. I can assure you that I did not put any of emails correspondence thought YOUR door, why would I, as you have them already on your new computer.
As you know, the only reason I was in contact with you in the first place was because I was elected as treasurer on 28 September 2006 at the AGM. Shortly after that you received a cheque made out for the sum of 629.00 pounds in the name of Hardington TRA, which you went ahead and got Joan the only person who could get the cash out for you from the bank before I had time to pick up the accounts from her. You did not gave me the courtesy of telling me that you got this cheque and took the cash out of the TRA accounts and as you confirmed in your emails to me on 10th and 12th November, you needed a more powerful computer for yourself.
At the AGM on 28th September you did not bring up the subject of buying a computer. On 3rd October you emailed me twice to see you to sign the papers for you to take to Francis of Camfed as soon as possible and as Francis confirmed in his email the cheque for 629.00 pounds was process at his office on the 4th October 2006.
I do not know how you can say I am telling lies about you when you have bought a computer with money from the TRA accounts and did not tell anyone about it until I found out about it accidentally from Joan when I went to pick up the accounts from her and she told me you had already taken them and it was only then that learned about the cheque that you had received from Camfed.
I am aware that you were elected as chair at the AGM on 28 September but I was not aware that you were elected as chair prior to that. Then again, Hardington TRA dose not share any information that has taken place at their meetings with all the residents, which is very unfortunate, as all the residents should be keep abreast of what’s being discussed at the TRA meetings. We have 2 notice boards in the lobby area, which would suffice for posting information for residents regarding purchasing computers or invoices for major purchases and indeed minutes of the TRA meetings, it is a pity that these boards are not managed more effectively.
I am surprised that you have not called a meeting to discuss this matter and I feel that all the residents deserve a meeting to be arranged as soon as possible to discuss this further and to bring it to a speedy conclusion as well as electing a new treasurer.
Kind regards
Margaret Brennan
