Story
I'd love to know the origin of the 'sponsored run' since it seems odd that there's a requirement for someone to do something probably unnecessary in order to extract money. But anyway, here we are so let's crack on.
Why the Royal Parks? And aren't they funded by the Queen / HRH / the tax payer?
It's a misleading and anachronistic name, which they probably just keep for the souvenir pencils.
The Royal Parks have not been the responsibility of the monarchy since 1851 when the Crown Lands Act was passed. Monarchs originally had the right to sell their land, which they often did to pay for wars because going on a rampage in some foreign country used to be a worthwhile investment.
But since the early 18th century successive Acts have reined in the ability of impecunious monarchs to dispose of the Royal Parks' freeholds, culminating in the 1851 Crown Lands Act which placed the responsibility of 'managing the Parks for the people' with government. This Act remains in force to this day and The Royal Parks are now the responsibility of the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
It costs nearly £30m per year to keep The Royal Parks safe and clean, in beautiful condition and bursting with life. The Parks receive a grant of approx. £25m and raise £5m themselves.
This covers the essential day-to-day maintenance, include grass cutting, path maintenance, litter control etc but there is more that can be - and is - done, and this is where The Royal Parks Foundation comes in. Established as a registered charity in May 2003, its aim is to raise additional funds for special projects in the Parks particularly ones to supporting education, sports, nature conservation and heritage; which means getting people into the 5000 acres of park and learning to love, and thus care for, nature.
How much of my hard earned money would you like?
Well I'm thinking if you don't live in London, you don't have any real obligation to do anything. But if you do live in London, what are they parks worth to you? How much do they enrich your quality of life? I think I'd go insane if I didn't cycle through 3 parks on my way to work each day. All you people who play frisbee, touch rugby, and rounders, everyone who runs, everyone who stares at the runners, everyone who's had a date in the park - you're the people I'm appealing to to show your appreciation for these great areas we have. I think £10 isn't out of the question, bearing in mind how many hours you'll be enjoying it there this summer. Actually when you put it like that, it's great value. Maybe £15...
Are you going to run fast, fat boy?
I doubt it. I'm built for stamina, mental agility, and looking good.
Is there any boring tax information you can leave me with?
If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Why the Royal Parks? And aren't they funded by the Queen / HRH / the tax payer?
It's a misleading and anachronistic name, which they probably just keep for the souvenir pencils.
The Royal Parks have not been the responsibility of the monarchy since 1851 when the Crown Lands Act was passed. Monarchs originally had the right to sell their land, which they often did to pay for wars because going on a rampage in some foreign country used to be a worthwhile investment.
But since the early 18th century successive Acts have reined in the ability of impecunious monarchs to dispose of the Royal Parks' freeholds, culminating in the 1851 Crown Lands Act which placed the responsibility of 'managing the Parks for the people' with government. This Act remains in force to this day and The Royal Parks are now the responsibility of the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
It costs nearly £30m per year to keep The Royal Parks safe and clean, in beautiful condition and bursting with life. The Parks receive a grant of approx. £25m and raise £5m themselves.
This covers the essential day-to-day maintenance, include grass cutting, path maintenance, litter control etc but there is more that can be - and is - done, and this is where The Royal Parks Foundation comes in. Established as a registered charity in May 2003, its aim is to raise additional funds for special projects in the Parks particularly ones to supporting education, sports, nature conservation and heritage; which means getting people into the 5000 acres of park and learning to love, and thus care for, nature.
How much of my hard earned money would you like?
Well I'm thinking if you don't live in London, you don't have any real obligation to do anything. But if you do live in London, what are they parks worth to you? How much do they enrich your quality of life? I think I'd go insane if I didn't cycle through 3 parks on my way to work each day. All you people who play frisbee, touch rugby, and rounders, everyone who runs, everyone who stares at the runners, everyone who's had a date in the park - you're the people I'm appealing to to show your appreciation for these great areas we have. I think £10 isn't out of the question, bearing in mind how many hours you'll be enjoying it there this summer. Actually when you put it like that, it's great value. Maybe £15...
Are you going to run fast, fat boy?
I doubt it. I'm built for stamina, mental agility, and looking good.
Is there any boring tax information you can leave me with?
If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.