Origins: A community-minded proposal (2021)
In 2021, Dr Asif Ahmed, Managing GP Partner at Brewood Medical Practice, was contacted by Mrs Margaret Wootton, then Chair of the Coven Memorial Hall Trustees.
Mrs Wootton had reached out with what was, at the time, a warm and thoughtful proposal: that part of the Memorial Hall site could be used to build a small surgery to serve Coven residents.
Dr Ahmed welcomed this idea as a constructive, community-driven step toward maintaining local GP access. Initial discussions focused on identifying a small parcel of land adjacent to the hall where a purpose-built single-storey surgery could be developed, wholly funded by the practice partnership.
2021 – Initial Engagement and Land Discussions
- 21 Sept 2021 – Dr Asif Ahmed contacts GW (KJ Solicitors) to progress the purchase of land beside Coven Memorial Hall for a new surgery.
Gavin confirms that the trustees can dispose of part of the land, subject to trust deed requirements【email 21 Sept 2021】. - 23 Sept 2021 – Dr Ahmed asks whether GW can act for both parties; GW advises the trustees will require their own independent solicitor to represent them in any sale【emails 23 Sept 2021】.
Late 2021 – Early 2022 – Solicitor Coordination and Trustee Shift
- 23 Dec 2021 – Dr Ahmed writes to MD Solicitors, introducing Margaret Wootton (then Chair of Trustees) and offering to cover legal and advertising costs for transferring land to build the surgery, with the trustees represented by MD【email 23 Dec 2021】.
- 13 Jan 2022 – Margaret Wootton informs Dr Ahmed they will not use MK, citing a perceived conflict of interest. Dr Ahmed clarifies he does not know MK personally, but they choose to instruct another lawyer【emails 13 Jan 2022】.
→ This marks the first clear sign of mistrust from the trustees.
2022 – Legal and Structural Complexities
- 15 Sept 2022 – GW checks whether the transaction will be freehold or leasehold, indicating the project was still live and under consideration【email 15 Sept 2022】.
2023 – Trustees Seek CIO Status and Legal Transfer
- 10 Jan 2023 – GW contacts SK (Nowell Meller Solicitors), who confirms that:
- The hall is an unincorporated charity with land vested in the Official Custodian for Charities.
- The trustees are forming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and transferring assets.
- Any disposal (sale or lease) requires Charities Act 2011 compliance and possibly Charity Commission consent【emails Jan 2023】.
- → This legal transition delays progress; the hall cannot transact until the CIO formation is complete..
- 20 Oct 2023 – Dr Ahmed emails GW confirming the trustees have finally registered the land, signalling readiness to proceed【email 20 Oct 2023】.
- → However, by this point the relationship had cooled and the trustees’ stance had hardened.
2024 – CQC and Compliance Issues
- Ongoing correspondence (later referenced in 2025) shows CQC concerns over infection control and suitability of the existing rooms at Coven Memorial Hall.
The rooms are closed for clinical use pending remedial works and reassessment.
2025 – Repeated Attempts to Re-Engage
| Date | Key Development |
|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2025 | Dr Ahmed writes to LJ – Trustee/Lettings Secretary confirming he awaits details of what the trustees will do to make rooms compliant before writing to the ICB. |
| 11 Mar 2025 | Letter to ICB (KW) sets out trustees’ proposed upgrades and asks for ICB support to reopen 3 mornings/week; queries rent reimbursement discrepancy. |
| 17 Mar 2025 | Letter to Trustees confirms communication with ICB, highlights that partners have been personally covering half the rent. |
| 2 Apr 2025 | Dr Ahmed informs LJ he is awaiting ICB response; suggests considering land on-site if existing rooms cannot be restored. |
| 12 May 2025 | Detailed specification letter lists essential works (wipeable flooring, sink, infection-control cleaning) and asks about portacabin siting costs; reiterates Brewood’s non-charitable status and financial strain. |
| 31 Jul 2025 | After trustees meet MP Gavin Williamson without the Practice, Dr Ahmed raises concerns over bypassing process and outlines two options: full refurbishment or portacabin on hardstanding. Requests clarity on rent, waste compliance, and permission for portacabin. |
| Aug–Sept 2025 | LJ emails grow antagonistic, accusing the Practice of being “difficult” in a PPG meeting. Trustees reject the car-park option, offering only the grassy verge near the brook with a 7-year term, effectively rendering investment non-viable. |
| Sept 2025 (ICB) | Internal ICB emails confirm CQC and infection-control issues remain unresolved; reopening dependent on works meeting standards【13–17†Emails from Lorna 19.09.25 and ICB】. |
Current Position (Late 2025)
- The practice remains committed to restoring local provision in Coven, but trustees have not provided a feasible or compliant offer.
- The ICB continues to support reopening if facilities meet CQC standards.
- The only workable route now appears to be securing land or a modular unit via community or ICB support, outside the trustees’ direct control.
10. Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this timeline.
Where possible, dates and details have been verified using contemporaneous correspondence and official records.
Some events have been reconstructed from memory or based on contextual information, and while the exact sequence may not always be precise, the overall factual accuracy and meaning are correct to the best of our knowledge.