Crest Nicholson Boss Fails to Accept Family Presentation Upon 'Retirement'
Monday 31st October 2005, the Shalom Family went to Crest Nicholson Head Office at Thames Street, Weybridge in Surrey to make further desperate appeals for help, directly to the company Chairman, Mr. John Matthews and Crest Directors. This appeal was politely and courteously received by Ms. Jean Major, who has also served as personal assistant to Mr. John Callcutt, Crest CEO, for a number of years.
Mr. John Callcutt, Chief Executive Officer of Crest Nicholson also 'retired' on this day. After leading the company for over 14 years, the Chief Executive, who was solely responsible for implementing health and safety in the Crest Nicholson Group, 'stepped sideways' to become Deputy Chair of Crest Plc. John Callcutt was in office at the time the company caused a night-time grounding 'accident' to the Shalom Family houseboat home. Their only Home of 14 years.
The Family went prepared to make a personal presentation to him, and wish him every "good luck" in his new post as Deputy Chair of Crest Nicholson. Most regrettably, Mr. Callcutt was not prepared to accept the Shalom's presentation in person. Although he was invited to receive the Family presentation, Ms. Major informed Vince, that he was entertaining with, "very many important people". Just one floor upstairs at Crest House, the company was making its own presentation, celebrating the years of Mr. Callcutt's dedicated service, as he prepared for his new post as Deputy Chair.
Mr. Shalom, was with his two daughters, Hannah 14, and Naomi 12, whilst asking to make this Family presentation but was informed by Ms. Major that ," Mr. Callcutt has asked me to tell you that he has no intention of coming to see you." For no explanation, Crest Nicholson called Surrey Police.
Briefly, in the intervening period before Surrey Police arrived, Vince spoke with Chairman John Matthews in an impromptu exchange in Crest Nicholson's reception area. Subsequently, Mr. Peter Darby was duly elected to receive the Family's presentation, both on behalf of Crest Nicholson and Mr. John Callcutt. Mr. Darby assured the children and Vince that their regards and well wishes would be passed on to Mr. Callcutt. Although Crest Nicholson had called for the Surrey Police, upon reflection, Crest Nicholson accepted that there was never any cause for alarm, and the exchange was able to be conducted in a civilized manner, with just one Surrey Police officer present, from Esher.
The Family have had to cope with much in the eviction process and loss of their Family Home and possessions of 14 years. They regard the presentation to Mr. Callcutt as being just another way of 'enabling' themselves, to come to terms with their total losses. The couple have long argued, and documented their preference, for a peaceful, mutually acceptable, 'fair and just' solution to end this conflict.
The Shalom Family Campaign for (Social) Justice
Cardiff
Tel/Fax 02920 236074
Mobile Marie Louise 07709 978631
Mobile Vince 07713 954355
Email wwwnoahsark@aol.com