| Collection | Wates Foundation Collection |
| Description | Rev. John Wates (b. February 1943, Chipstead, Surrey) interviewed by Thomas Wates. He is the youngest of six siblings and was born at home which was encouraged during World War II. As a young person, Rev. Wates worked as a labourer, including working on the M2 and working in a factory in Germany making floor tiles. While he was a university student, he visited America and was present for Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech which influenced him and his work at the Wates Foundation. He decribes the role of ex-diplomats running the Foundation to keep the Wates Family in order, followed by Brian Wheelwright, the first non-diplomat. He mentions how the rents from 40 Basinghall Street, London funded the Foundation in its early days. As the writer of the Foundation's history, Rev. Wates provides a detailed exploration of how the Foundation came to be and its role in grant-giving over the years. |