LETTERS – Throwing abuse at readers

David Jones’ letter (Voice, August 20), among other fulminations, complains about inaccuracies among Voice correspondence.

His invective is very imprecise, but he cannot possibly be referring to my earlier letter since he says he is instead concerned about disrespect of the wartime generation.

Coming from a family of veterans, I’ll give him the benefit of doubts regarding his declared intentions, and highlight some facts which should interest him.

There has been recent criticism, including some from veterans themselves, of the British Legion’s management of the vast donations it receives from a generous public.

This was reported for instance in the Mail on Sunday.

Jones may not like the Mail on Sunday, which is up to him; but it is not a publication associated with prejudice against the British Legion, veterans, VJ Day, the wartime generation, or Whitbourn’s party.

Registered charities such as the British Legion must publish accounts. Details which can be gleaned from these include outlay on staff salaries.

For anyone who has worked or volunteered with a charity, this data is striking.

Anyone who has an issue with any rendering of these details can research and quote published data if they wish, but Jones appears to prefer the easier course of throwing abuse at unnamed Voice readers.

If however Jones has an issue with the accuracy of the reports themselves, he should make representations to the Charities Commission.

Assuming Jones is interested in supporting veterans, he should be aware firstly that there are other groups and charities besides the British Legion who undertake this work, and secondly that efforts to hold to account those mandated to act as custodians for large funds donated in support of veterans have a serious role to play, and do not merit dismissal, prejudice or abuse.

G Kent
Mountbatten Avenue
Pinchbeck