SOON after the Friends of Cannizaro Park was founded in 1996 the Committee had its first discussions on whether or not to apply for registered charity status.

For years the issue was shelved as it was felt such a formal identity would not be compatible with our style as a local voluntary group. Charity status also imposes legal obligations on trustees and there was no consensus on members’ readiness to make such a commitment.

However, Merton is now looking for ever closer cooperation with Friends groups and future park funding looks increasingly likely to depend on external grants. Replacement of damaged fencing (above left) is one possible area involved.

Maintaining Cannizaro Park’s quality could depend on such grants in future. Without charity status we will have to compete against fully registered groups and may find it harder to secure them.

Some Committee members have taken the first steps in examining the lengthy process of moving towards formal registration by the Charity Commission. However, after continuing discussions, the Committee has decided to postpone a formal Charity Commission application until seeing the result of our first application for Heritage Lottery funding.

This will be carried out with the assistance of Merton and should indicate whether or not the lack of charity status actually makes a difference to our success. If the case is proven it will be put to the full membership of the Friends for agreement as a change in our constitution will be required.