‘Our view of the future of Coram’s Fields remains upbeat’ [Clem Rutter]

• THE threat of ground staff redundancies at Coram’s Fields has forced a number of key issues to the surface.

Letters to the CNJ have painted a vivid and poignant picture of a decaying park.

While the love for the playground is palpable, so is the feeling of disappointment in the way it has been managed in recent years.

The attempt to make loyal staff redundant heightened the feeling of disillusionment. The public and community deserve honesty and clarity.

A predictable attempt to confuse and skirt the core issues (Facing the challenges, February 24) is but a temporary hideout from an informed discussion.

Such an approach is self-defeating, stores trouble for later, and diminishes the reputation of Coram’s Fields and all involved.

The evidence on the ground is undeniable. The investment and maintenance in the playground remain hollow words.

Conversely the annual accounts chart the steep trajectory in the salary bill growth, tallying with the growth in commercial activity while displacing the sole legal users – children.

Our analysis has been comprehensive and is available to the community via Coram’s Fields User Group website cfugblog.wordpress.com.

The meaning of Coram’s Fields transcends the seven acres of land managed by the charity.

From 1739 onwards, this little patch carried the ideals of children’s rights in Britain, whether as the Foundling Hospital or as Coram’s Fields, both uniquely dedicated to children.

Coram’s Fields annual report 1957/58 contains an apposite note: “The most interesting comments came from a charming middle-aged American woman who inquired into the source of our very being! She said that she could now testify herself to the vitality of ideas in this country where disinterested goodwill still triumphed over bureaucracy.”

All these years later, earnest, “disinterested” stewardship of this historic space still matters a great deal.

Coram’s Fields User Group is extending a friendly hand and offering our goodwill. We appreciate the Coram’s Fields charity, tasked with looking after the playground, is facing obstacles.

Manifest difficulties with financing and planning are compounded with recruiting issues and the long-term lack of investment.

Nevertheless our view of the future of Coram’s Fields remains upbeat. Coram’s Fields has ample opportunities to prosper.

Refocused on children, Coram’s Fields can be at the forefront in the battle for children’s play.

The playground neighbours a number of world-class institutions, Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children chief among them.

These will be natural allies in the development of a world-class and vibrant play space. The trustees and the management need to show heart and grasp the initiative.

Here are our immediate suggestions.

• Please shelve this ill-considered and ill-conceived redundancy plan.

The loyal ground staff need to be helped with additional investment. The petition amply displayed the importance of staff who are known to parents and children alike. Their contribution needs to be understood and appreciated.

• Please reopen the petting zoo. The little domestic zoo was opened in 1979 and through the years remained a continual draw for visitors. It was gradually diminished and closed recently to the disappointment of many young visitors.

• Finally, please open the doors to the board to new people, ideas and energy. Allow us to help you.

We do hope you will hear us. The community and the user group are awaiting your invitation.

VELJKO ZIZIC
Secretary
Coram’s Fields User Group