• MAYFLOWER PROJECT TRUSTEES:

"WE at the Harwich Mayflower Project feel that there is a need to correct some misconceptions by those critical of the project.

"The matter of the ‘501(C)3’, a US Government tax clause, which gives exemption of tax through American charity donations was available to us.

"It lapsed because a US entity failed to put in the required returns.

"Up to now it was, sadly, a very small income stream.

"Naturally it is advantageous, but we have to apply a cost/benefit analysis to our spending commitments and the renewal of that US tax exemption would cost us $3,000 as recently quoted to us by a US attorney.

"When we have more funds, we can revisit that as an investment overhead, but even better we are in discussion with a company with deep-rooted trans-Atlantic charitable enterprises.

"If we go ahead with them, then they will reinstate the lapsed – not lost or removed – tax exemption as part of the deal.

"This is an exciting prospect which would stimulate volume donations to our cause, however we have to ensure it is the right deal and does not interfere with other funding strategies we are pursuing.

"Also there was an accusation that there is a refusal to inform the public.

"We are open for free tours, we have news on our website and we published a newsletter covering events throughout 2016.

"The next quarterly newsletter will be published in the first half of next month.

"We do talks about the project to a variety of groups and clubs.

"We are now proposing to have monthly updates for Harwich residents, over a tea or coffee, in our Heritage Centre, starting in April for a trial period.

"Hardly a lack of desire on our part to avoid communication.

"Please watch out for dates and times.

"Sponsorship, or the lack of it, has always been a challenge for the project but we have been busy.

"Whilst we have irons in the fire we are yet to secure funds to continue the build.

"We, and onlookers, would have hoped to see more work by now, but we do have time for construction and preparation for the voyage in the summer of 2020 across the Atlantic to America.

"The project has had significant, favourable publicity, but we really do need serious sponsorship for what is a £4.2milion ship build.

"That is our focus.

"We remain however in enormous debt to our previous trustees who had done so much to get the project as far as it is."