Estate Office

Knott Memorial Flats

Tynemouth

North Shields

5^th May 1967

Dear Mr. Thompson,

It was very good of you to take the trouble to phone me on Tuesday afternoon and I do appreciate this very much.

In case I did accidentally convey any wrong impressions during our conversation there are one or two points which should be put in writing.

I would like to make it clear that whilst I am in full sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Y.M.C.A. I am not so interested that I would be prepared to give up my present employment and work for the Y.M.C.A. It is only through my long association and friendship with Mr. Lishman that I am prepared to go out to Patterdale and do what I can out there to further the interests which were so dear to his heart.

This Patterdale Hall Estate was purchased by Mr. Lishman in 1950 with two main objects – (a) to preserve the natural beauty of this part of the English Lake District and (b) to provide a means for people, especially young people, to enjoy this beautiful part of our country. It was vested in the names of the Trustees of the Tynemouth Y.M.C.A to ensure, as far as possible, perpetuity and also to give it charitable status. There is no membership and the place is not run on the ordinary lines of a Y.M.C.A. Organised parties of young people from various parts of Britain come in the Summer months and the Oxfordshire County Council have the use of the Hall and the amenities during the Winter months. From every point of view much good work is being carried out there.

All the money required for the purchase of this estate and the various developments were provided entirely by Mr. Lishman. Unlike the Sir James Knott Youth Centre which is controlled by an Administrative Committee comprised of representatives from the various youth organisations in the Borough, the Patterdale Hall Estate is directly controlled by the Trustees of the Tynemouth Y.M.C.A.

I shall certainly not be any better off by this change of employment and the present position would never have arisen if it had been possible to find a suitable person who would be prepared to reside at Patterdale and do all the work I have been doing for a salary which can be borne by this estate.

It is my intention to live at Patterdale but I will still retain my home in Tynemouth and will be coming across to Tynemouth fairly regularly so if at any time I can be of any assistance I will be only too glad to help. As I mention to you on the phone there are no strings attached to this offer

With king regards

Yours sincerely

F.M. Thompson, Esq.,

Samares Investments Ltd.,

14, Halkett Place,

JERSEY, C.I