Brixton is a village and local businesses need to ensure they are engaged with the local community.

[CH1]

that's you're own issues on display there son....

go back and read but to quick capsule for you:

LJ comes in spams a community forum with a bullshit campaign where he claims local businesses need to cough up or face his wrath....

he get called on this thuggish and frankly underhand behaviour he then makes all sorts of unsubstantiated claims about his group claims someone who was instrumental in setting it up has no clue about the org then is called on this bollocks then is told to learn to spell and cowers off not replying to anyone else once he's shown up for the sham he is, further digging reveals his so called local community group has little to no financial oversight and has less reporting responsibility than the businesses he derides or a standard charity .... still not a peep...

man's clearly a coward who can't apologise for his hubris....

clearly shouldn't have spammed the community with things and should have approached in the right way which is detailed within the FAQ he signed up for when he joined... when asking for support in ones endeavour particularly those so shrouded in secrecy, limited published accounts etc... as this one should be a little humble... eh...

because none of us are a cruel as all of us. etc

I agree that hubris is a terrible sin - look what happened to Dr Owen - then he goes and writes a book called "The Hubris Syndrome"! I can't be bothered to read it to find out if it is a confession of guilt in the matter.
Regarding Lee Jasper in action - I was impressed by the way he handled the large protest meeting following the death of Smiley Culture. He was able to allow all the frustrations and fears of people to be expressed without things spinning out of control - and then wind the meting down afterwards in an orderly way.
He is more of a Rev Jesse Jackson type of politician in my view.
I very much doubt if Comrade Jasper's Cadres are any threat to anyone on Urban 75 - in any way.
I would rather have Lee Jasper in control of such a meeting than Donatus Anyanwu for example. That is assuming that Donatus would have thought there was any reason to have a meeting.
IMHO it is people like Donatus who are truly hubristic, out of touch and feathering nests to boot!
Do you want a re-run of my road movie? Here it is anyway - Thank You Governor Sullivan Chime for our beautiful new roads (Chime always flies of course!)

 

[editor]

I hope we can keep this thread on topic because there's been some very important points raised that need to be discussed fully and openly.

I'm also keen to find out why Pat had been airbrushed out of Splash's history when he was so clearly a major part of the event.

LJ: now you have been made fully aware of his contributions, I think the least Splash can do is apologise to him, give him the full credit he deserves and put in a photo next to Blacker Dread on the Splash history page.

Does that sound reasonable to you?

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Isn't the point of sponsorship tha you name a business whose helped out. With thanks from our sponsors local stores inc etc. this seems arse backwards with no thanks but free publicity for the following non sponsors...

Surely recording and naming and shaming only server the adage theres no such thing as bad publicity. How much capital could a poor old local business drum up with their we was victimised but he meejah seleb entrant terrible etc gotta be a standard article maybe a mail or bbc London bit on the 6 o'clock too... Really well thought out.

I look forward to filming you make that point to LJ later this year in person.

 

[CH1]

I have two suggestions for next year's splash. Where do I put them? - not wanting to go even more off topic!

 

[Kid_Eternity]

I have two suggestions for next year's splash. Where do I put them? - not wanting to go even more off topic!

Why not post them up here? I'm sure LJ would be interested in hearing them.

 

[editor]

Maybe start a new thread entitled 'Brixton Splash 2013 - suggestions' rather than burden this already topic-laden thread!

 

[Brixton Hatter]

I have two suggestions for next year's splash. Where do I put them? - not wanting to go even more off topic!

You could go to the debate Jasper is planning on holding in the autumn...

 

[Kid_Eternity]

You could go to the debate Jasper is planning on holding in the autumn...

Good idea, think people who have concerns on here should really attend that event.

 

[CH1]

You could go to the debate Jasper is planning on holding in the autumn...

This was artistic suggestions - not politics.
I may start a thread. Proms are coming on in a bit Water Music Fireworks Music - back to my Saxon roots!

 

[snowy_again]

I couldn't find the accounts on the website either. BS is a non-profit company, whose activities have so far been so minimal that little info is required by Companies House. The most recent accounts, for year ended 30 November 2010, show:

Current Assets £8480
Accruals and Defered Income £-7570
Total Net Assets £910

It's interesting to note that a non-profit company such as BS has more freedom in how it conducts its business than a conventional charity. For a start, there is no Charity Commission oversight and meddling.

Also, a charity has a board of Trustees, who must be unpaid, and who provide governance over the activities and employees of the charity.

But a non-profit company is more streamlined. There are no Trustees and so liberated of this burden of Trustee scrutiny, the Directors have more discretion to determine the activities and expenditures of the company.

And in contrast to a conventional company, like many non-profits, BS is a "company limited by guarantee", which means it does not issue shares, and thus has no shareholders. So again the directors of BS are relieved of the burden of having to answer to interfering external shareholders.

Hmm, I know I'm nitpicking, but it's not quite that bad... a not for profit company that has a Company Limited by Guarantee registration document is still regulated by Companies House. Instead of Trustees, they have Directors but they have the same responsibilities and roles; it's just that you don't have the occasional heavy handedness of the Charity Commission - so if you're a relatively small organisation which doesn't aspire to grow too much, a Co. Ltd by Guarantee is sometimes a more suitable structure than full charitable registration.

Either way, the approach that LJ is taking with the 'naming and shaming' is a fundamental error in how you deliver a corporate fundraising strategy.

You could easily go to the Directory of Social Change or NCVO and download a basic Corporate Fundraising techniques pack which will you how to attract, engage and support corporate donors into a long term relationship, not something that happens <2months before an event through coercion.

Lastly the approach probably contravenes the Institute of Fundraising Codes of Fundraising practice guidance; which makes me wonder whether the rest of the BS directors are involved in this approach, or whether it's just Lee Jasper.

 

[editor]

Either way, the approach that LJ is taking with the 'naming and shaming' is a fundamental error in how you deliver a corporate fundraising strategy.

Absolutely. I've spoken to a few traders and they're deeply unimpressed with this aggressive, bullying strategy.

LJ: I note that the website still hasn't been updated and remains guilty of presenting an inaccurate version of the event's history. I think it would be a nice gesture to put in a picture of Pat as well seeing as he was so instrumental in creating Brixton Splash. I've probably got a photo you can use - would you like me to forward it to you?

 

[Jo Birch-Phaure]

Dear Forumites,

As a director of Brixton Splash and a volunteer in a variety of communities and programmes for over 10 years I can assure you myself and the rest of the Board are running Brixton Splash on a voluntary basis and purely for the benefit of a community we love deeply for a wide variety of reasons. No doubt you will see from my picture I am not a Jamaican nor from any Carribbean background but I am a committed, honest and dedicated member of our little team and I can assure you we work together with the rest of the Board to fulfill all of our legal and financial requirements and provide a positive and enjoyable event.

Lee's mentioning of businesses that have not supported the event is a controversial step and on a personal level from a PR background probably not one I would have taken but Lee is controversial and opinionated for sure and quite frankly that is why I personally enjoy so much working with him and the rest of the board, Jo Watson, Blacker Dread & Asher Senator all of whom have their own views and values and all of whom respect mine! I would encourage you all to get more engaged with the event which brings so much benefit to local businesses for a day in August when the shops sell out and we make sure there is a safe and happy environment for everyone to enjoy the community spirit the rest of us get every single day. There was no singular request we just wanted people to show willing and support it in whatever ways they could. Thanks so much to those who have and we hope more of you will be in touch. Contact me directly via info@brixtonsplash.org if you would like!

Jo Birch-Phuare

 

[editor]

Hi Jo. Good to have you posting here.

Much as a bit of controversy can be good to stir things up, I think you need to talk to some of the local traders directly and ask them how they feel about Jasper's approach. Far from being a positive force for the festival, it's actually creating bad feeling and disengagement among the businesses I've spoken to.

Re: crediting Pat - will you be ensuring that he now gets the credit he's due and investigating why he was airbrushed out the event's history? His poor treatment has left a bit of a sour taste amongst those in the community who knew the immense effort he put in.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Lee's mentioning of businesses that have not supported the event is a controversial step and on a personal level from a PR background

Jo Birch-Phuare

Does your comma not work?

 

[GarfieldLeChat]

Dear Forumites,

As a director of Brixton Splash and a volunteer in a variety of communities and programmes for over 10 years I can assure you myself and the rest of the Board are running Brixton Splash on a voluntary basis and purely for the benefit of a community we love deeply for a wide variety of reasons. No doubt you will see from my picture I am not a Jamaican nor from any Carribbean background but I am a committed, honest and dedicated member of our little team and I can assure you we work together with the rest of the Board to fulfill all of our legal and financial requirements and provide a positive and enjoyable event.

Lee's mentioning of businesses that have not supported the event is a controversial step and on a personal level from a PR background probably not one I would have taken but Lee is controversial and opinionated for sure and quite frankly that is why I personally enjoy so much working with him and the rest of the board, Jo Watson, Blacker Dread & Asher Senator all of whom have their own views and values and all of whom respect mine! I would encourage you all to get more engaged with the event which brings so much benefit to local businesses for a day in August when the shops sell out and we make sure there is a safe and happy environment for everyone to enjoy the community spirit the rest of us get every single day. There was no singular request we just wanted people to show willing and support it in whatever ways they could. Thanks so much to those who have and we hope more of you will be in touch. Contact me directly via info@brixtonsplash.org if you would like!

Jo Birch-Phuare

I don't get it if there's no singualr request how can you as an org or jasper using it is as his own promotional tool name and shame...

can you not see that this kind of bullying blackmailing actiosn will alienate people.

Can you give me a hand? Sorry I can't

Oi everyone that shyster there isn't helping me they're rubbish don't use them they ruin this community...

how is it community lead or involved if you're forcing it at the barrel of a gun... do this and help us or we'll use a local celebrity with the controversy card to make your business look bad...

not very community spirited at all in fact it's anti local community, undemocratic and frankly more than a little creepy...

we'll screw over local businesses if they don't do exactly what we say, when we say, how we say...

are you making offers they now can't refuse too...

what next will they have to pay protection monies to you so that if there's an after party riot as last time it's not causally mentioned those businesses it'd be a shame to see attacked as they didn't support the event etc... you see how twisted this level of immature approach to fund raising can become or how it can be perceived...

LJ and in turn your org need to work out you catch more with honey than with lemons...

It's a different kettle of fish if it's big mega corps who will use dirty tactics and shenanigans to attack legitimate protesters but it's quite another to attack local run businesses within their area of work...

In order to retain the legitimacy of being something for the local community rather than another group attempting to exploit the area for your own gains and purposes I'd strongly advise you to rethink of this ill judge moronic policy...

 

[gabi]

and again in English?

 

[Lee Japser]

Hi Jo. Good to have you posting here.

Much as a bit of controversy can be good to stir things up, I think you need to talk to some of the local traders directly and ask them how they feel about Jasper's approach. Far from being a positive force for the festival, it's actually creating bad feeling and disengagement among the businesses I've spoken to.

Re: crediting Pat - will you be ensuring that he now gets the credit he's due and investigating why he was airbrushed out the event's history? His poor treatment has left a bit of a sour taste amongst those in the community who knew the immense effort he put in.

Yes will be belatedly crediting Pat can you forward that picture. As for the traders I have spoke to lots more over the least two days and they are fine and in support of Splash. When the debates take place we can explore further.

 

[Lee Japser]

I don't get it if there's no singualr request how can you as an org or jasper using it is as his own promotional tool name and shame...

can you not see that this kind of bullying blackmailing actiosn will alienate people.

Can you give me a hand? Sorry I can't

Oi everyone that shyster there isn't helping me they're rubbish don't use them they ruin this community...

how is it community lead or involved if you're forcing it at the barrel of a gun... do this and help us or we'll use a local celebrity with the controversy card to make your business look bad...

not very community spirited at all in fact it's anti local community, undemocratic and frankly more than a little creepy...

we'll screw over local businesses if they don't do exactly what we say, when we say, how we say...

are you making offers they now can't refuse too...

what next will they have to pay protection monies to you so that if there's an after party riot as last time it's not causally mentioned those businesses it'd be a shame to see attacked as they didn't support the event etc... you see how twisted this level of immature approach to fund raising can become or how it can be perceived...

LJ and in turn your org need to work out you catch more with honey than with lemons...

It's a different kettle of fish if it's big mega corps who will use dirty tactics and shenanigans to attack legitimate protesters but it's quite another to attack local run businesses within their area of work...

In order to retain the legitimacy of being something for the local community rather than another group attempting to exploit the area for your own gains and purposes I'd strongly advise you to rethink of this ill judge moronic policy...

What next gangsterism and extortion ? Again a quite hysterical reaction to a call for genuine debate on serious issues.

 

[Lee Japser]

Absolutely. I've spoken to a few traders and they're deeply unimpressed with this aggressive, bullying strategy.

LJ: I note that the website still hasn't been updated and remains guilty of presenting an inaccurate version of the event's history. I think it would be a nice gesture to put in a picture of Pat as well seeing as he was so instrumental in creating Brixton Splash. I've probably got a photo you can use - would you like me to forward it to you?

Jo will take care of this now she is back from hols. We need a picture though...

 

[Lee Japser]

I hope we can keep this thread on topic because there's been some very important points raised that need to be discussed fully and openly.

I'm also keen to find out why Pat had been airbrushed out of Splash's history when he was so clearly a major part of the event.

LJ: now you have been made fully aware of his contributions, I think the least Splash can do is apologise to him, give him the full credit he deserves and put in a photo next to Blacker Dread on the Splash history page.

Does that sound reasonable to you?

It does and that what we will do.

 

[urbanspaceman]

Dear Forumites,

As a director of Brixton Splash ...

Jo, it's good to hear from another member of the BS board.

You did not mention Revd John Sakutombo as a member of the Board. Is he still involved ?

You make no reference to the radically expanded aims of BS, that is year-round mentoring, and discuss only the one day festival. Can you tell us more about the year-round plans ?

You say that the naming-and-shaming "is a controversial step and on a personal level from a PR background probably not one I would have taken". But surely what you would do on a personal level is beside the point. You are a director and board member of BS who possesses extensive PR and Marketing expertise. Did the Board not collectively discuss and authorise LJ's "controversial" naming-and-shaming stunt before he embarked upon it ? And surely in making that decision the Board relied heavily on your professional expertise ?

In the wider world people are using the word 'omnishambles" a lot at the moment. It's a word that might be applicable here too. Isn't time that you, armed with the PR skills you told us about, took control of the message ?

 

[Rushy]

Hi Jo,

I second what Editor has said. I am glad that your team love your community deeply and have taken this step to distance yourself and the team from his damaging approach. I have also been directly in touch with traders who have been alienated by Lee. One made it absolutely clear last night that they had every intention of contributing but having received an email from Lee linking to his blog about boycotting, now wants absolutely nothing to do with it.

Lee Jasper is controversial because he is so aggressive, does not listen and at the end of the day is hugely concerned about his own image and stature. I'm sure it makes for a lots of fun in your office but he leaves a bad taste in people's mouth. His type of anger-politics is not what Splash is about for most of us. It is telling that he needs someone like you to come in an clean up after his rampage. He should be capable of doing so himself.

Good luck. I certainly won't have anything to do with Splash other than joining in on the street whilst he is on the board and threatening local businesses. And if Lee's politics continue to creep in to the event I will probably cease participating even in that capacity. I'm sure he will say good riddance. But that's just his charming controversial way of dealing with long term residents and business owners, isn't it.

 

[snowy_again]

What next gangsterism and extortion ? Again a quite hysterical reaction to a call for genuine debate on serious issues.

Lee, can you read this: http://www.institute-of-fundraising...-practice-charities-working-with-business.pdf and then consider what you're doing in light of what it recommends?

Your practices may seem fine to you, but you and Splash aren't operating in isolation.

Through your approach of 'naming and shaming' you're in danger of permanently damaging the perception of Brixton businesses to get involved in any business / corporate support to charitable projects in the local community. That may mean that they won't engage with a more effective charity currently working in the area.

Your attempt to 'promote a debate' comes across to me as just headline grabbing and based solely on your need to make money for BS. It doesn't take into consideration the fact that there are many other organisations whose reputation might be damaged by your bull in a china shop tactics.

Incidentally, can you tell me what the legal objects of BS are, as written on your Memorandum and Articles of Association?
many thanks
snowy

 

[GarfieldLeChat]

What next gangsterism and extortion ? Again a quite hysterical reaction to a call for genuine debate on serious issues.

as hysterical as claiming you're going to name and shame local businesses which you've not advised this is your tactic this is thuggish and cowardly behaviour...

why don't you grow up... being controversial for the sake of it and a deliberate contrarian isn't exactly a good pr tactic... besides if you're going down that route involve Darcus at least he knows how to play that card properly... you clearly don't and it's blown up in your face every time... as this stupidness has now...

you can't tell people their reaction to your threats is hysterical, if it's their reaction to it you cannot deny them that ownership of their feelings on the matter. It's not down to you to dictate to the community but to engage with it. how bloody arrogant to tell others what they have a right to feel who the fuck are you and where were you given that right to dictate how others interpret your ill thought out actions? serious arrogant dismissive take on it... grow up... you're supposed to be a man well versed in politics yet you're displaying none of that here... or with your stupid ill thought out dishonest tactics...

btw can you point to the laws these companies have broken by not supporting you? because you seem to misunderstand the legal situation about misrepresenting companies and their actions... exactly how are you intending to Name and Shame (the second part of that idea you should have a significant amount of but seemingly lack any humility to acknowledge).

why have you not updated your poorly spelt website or changed and credited those others involved?

 

[Lee Japser]

Hi Jo,

I second what Editor has said. I am glad that your team love your community deeply and have taken this step to distance yourself and the team from his damaging approach. I have also been directly in touch with traders who have been alienated by Lee. One made it absolutely clear last night that they had every intention of contributing but having received an email from Lee linking to his blog about boycotting, now wants absolutely nothing to do with it.

Lee Jasper is controversial because he is so aggressive, does not listen and at the end of the day is hugely concerned about his own image and stature. I'm sure it makes for a lots of fun in your office but he leaves a bad taste in people's mouth. His type of anger-politics is not what Splash is about for most of us. It is telling that he needs someone like you to come in an clean up after his rampage. He should be capable of doing so himself.

Good luck. I certainly won't have anything to do with Splash other than joining in on the street whilst he is on the board and threatening local businesses. And if Lee's politics continue to creep in to the event I will probably cease participating even in that capacity. I'm sure he will say good riddance. But that's just his charming controversial way of dealing with long term residents and business owners, isn't it.

Rushy your is a distinctly personal and political agenda and thats obvious form your comments, Point of information we are still getting offers of support from local traders. The Board of Brixton Splash is united in our joint commitment to tackle the issues raised. We will continue to do so with or without your specific support. There are many other organisations working in this field you can choose to support and we would certainly encourage you work with them.

 

[GarfieldLeChat]

Rushy your is a distinctly personal and political agenda and thats obvious form your comments, Point of information we are still getting offers of support from local traders. The Board of Brixton Splash is united in our joint commitment to tackle the issues raised. We will continue to do so with or without your specific support. There are many other organisations working in this field you can choose to support and we would certainly encourage you work with them.

oh great now it's turned into a SWP vs the Trots debate all over again can't you two go to the coffee room and duke it out in private...

 

[Gramsci]

Dear Forumites,

As a director of Brixton Splash and a volunteer in a variety of communities and programmes for over 10 years I can assure you myself and the rest of the Board are running Brixton Splash on a voluntary basis and purely for the benefit of a community we love deeply for a wide variety of reasons. No doubt you will see from my picture I am not a Jamaican nor from any Carribbean background but I am a committed, honest and dedicated member of our little team and I can assure you we work together with the rest of the Board to fulfill all of our legal and financial requirements and provide a positive and enjoyable event.

Lee's mentioning of businesses that have not supported the event is a controversial step and on a personal level from a PR background probably not one I would have taken but Lee is controversial and opinionated for sure and quite frankly that is why I personally enjoy so much working with him and the rest of the board, Jo Watson, Blacker Dread & Asher Senator all of whom have their own views and values and all of whom respect mine! I would encourage you all to get more engaged with the event which brings so much benefit to local businesses for a day in August when the shops sell out and we make sure there is a safe and happy environment for everyone to enjoy the community spirit the rest of us get every single day. There was no singular request we just wanted people to show willing and support it in whatever ways they could. Thanks so much to those who have and we hope more of you will be in touch. Contact me directly via info@brixtonsplash.org if you would like!

Jo Birch-Phuare

Thanks for coming on Jo.

Was "naming and shaming" of business that did not contribute to Splash a policy decided by Brixton Splash as a whole?

Do you agree that Pat from the Albert should be credited with being one of the main people who started Splash?And if he is ok with it his photo is put on the history page of website?

Can you explain the long term aims of BS? Seems it has changed from one festival to year long dealing with issue of employment/training in Brixton area.

 

[Lee Japser]

as hysterical as claiming you're going to name and shame local businesses which you've not advised this is your tactic this is thuggish and cowardly behaviour...

why don't you grow up... being controversial for the sake of it and a deliberate contrarian isn't exactly a good pr tactic... besides if you're going down that route involve Darcus at least he knows how to play that card properly... you clearly don't and it's blown up in your face every time... as this stupidness has now...

you can't tell people their reaction to your threats is hysterical, if it's their reaction to it you cannot deny them that ownership of their feelings on the matter. It's not down to you to dictate to the community but to engage with it. how bloody arrogant to tell others what they have a right to feel who the fuck are you and where were you given that right to dictate how others interpret your ill thought out actions? serious arrogant dismissive take on it... grow up... you're supposed to be a man well versed in politics yet you're displaying none of that here... or with your stupid ill thought out dishonest tactics...

btw can you point to the laws these companies have broken by not supporting you? because you seem to misunderstand the legal situation about misrepresenting companies and their actions... exactly how are you intending to Name and Shame (the second part of that idea you should have a significant amount of but seemingly lack any humility to acknowledge).

why have you not updated your poorly spelt website or changed and credited those others involved?

The debate on all these issues will take place and you should come along. As for the descent into personal insults Ill choose to ignore these as will most.

 

[Rushy]

Rushy your is a distinctly personal and political agenda and thats obvious form your comments, Point of information we are still getting offers of support from local traders. The Board of Brixton Splash is united in our joint commitment to tackle the issues raised. We will continue to do so with or without your specific support. There are many other organisations working in this field you can choose to support and we would certainly encourage you work with them.

If my personal and political agenda is clear can you please spell it out for everyone?

And, if business support is so strong, why do you feel the need to start a debate?

 

[gabi]

Perspective people. It's a fucking street party. Not a UN summit.