| Description | Grant file containing correspondence, minutes, newspaper cuttings, agendas, copies of published material and funding requests relating to pyramid selling and its effects on the West Indian community in Handsworth. Funding source(s): Barrow Cadbury Fund Ltd. Applicant overview: Many West Indians living in Handsworth and Nottingham found themselves victims of a pyramid scheme whereby second mortgages were taken in order to buy their way into Holiday Magic. Mortgages were often provided by illegitimate or fringe banks leading to great hardships when the scheme collapsed. James Hunte organised the Mutual Protection Association (MPA) to help victims reclaim money from the banks involved. Nature of support: The Fund supported the cost of Hunte's salary and a secretary over the period of six months ending at the end of December 1975. In 1976 a further £350 per month was authorised for six months. That same year the Fund agreed to meet accountancy and audit costs of MPA and to make a £2,000 grant to cover a deficit incurred by the organisation. Minutes: B&GSCT 3954, BCF 1390, BCF 1473, BCF 1492, BCF 1516, BCF 1548. Notes: File organised from newest to oldest. File numbered '6/2'. |