Use of Donald Collister Bequest

Summary

The request sought details on the consultation steps Manx National Heritage took regarding the Donald Collister Bequest following a 2012 High Bailiff ruling. The authority disclosed that a 10-week consultation occurred in 2012 involving online access, direct invitations to 85 entities, and media coverage, resulting in 112 responses.

Key Facts

• The consultation process ran from 19 April 2012 to 29 June 2012.
• 85 individuals and organisations were directly contacted in writing by the Director of MNH.
• Consultation materials were available online via the Chief Secretary's Consultation website.
• Media engagement included press releases, radio interviews, and newspaper articles.
• A total of 112 responses were received from various groups including Commissioners, MHK/MLC, individuals, and organisations.

Data Disclosed

• 13 January 2012
• 19 April 2012
• 29 June 2012
• 10 week period
• 85 individuals and organisations
• 112 responses
• 9 local Commissioners
• 5 MHK/MLC
• 58 Individuals
• 40 Organisations/Societies/Trusts
• 769665

Original Request

In a judgement of 13 January 2012 the High Bailiff ruled that the entire Estate should pass to MNH (in the then guise of its predecessors) and in his ruling stated that MNH had said it would "confer widely as to the manner in which the Gift ... should be utilized in order to attempt as far as possible to respect the Testator's wishes expressed generally in his Will..".

Exactly what steps did MNH take to "confer widely" and with whom ?

(NB I understand you will not be able to name names but generic descriptions, such as "close relatives, friends, Arbory Commissioners etc" wil be acceptable.)