Latest News
Make A Will Fortnight
From 1st-12th October, Gloucester Cathedral, in partnership with Willans Solicitors, is running its ‘Make A Will Fortnight’ to encourage people to make a basic will or update an existing will free of charge.
More than two-thirds of people in the UK don't have a will, running the risk of creating problems for their families if they should die suddenly.
Ruth Baker, Wills and Probate Associate from Willans Solicitors said, “There is a common misconception that if you die intestate (without a valid will) your estate will be divided amongst your immediate family. This is not necessarily true, and there are strict rules that dictate how your estate will be distributed and who is entitled to it when you die without a will.”
In some circumstances there can be further complications. Loved ones can potentially suffer real deprivation, delay and distress at an already difficult time.
Over the past five years there has been a doubling in the number of probate disputes being dealt with by the High Court, while in 2010 the Treasury gained almost £53 million from those who died intestate.
During the ‘Make a Will Fortnight’, Willans Solicitors will be waiving their usual fee for making a basic will, and instead invite those taking part to consider making a donation to support Gloucester Cathedral. The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: “Everyone should have an up-to-date will as it ensures that their nearest and dearest will be provided for after they have passed on. This is a good opportunity to do it for free, so there are no excuses!”
To take part, contact Ruth Baker TEP, Wills Probate & Trusts on 01242 542908 or email ruth.baker@willans.co.uk, mentioning the Gloucester Cathedral ‘Make A Will Fortnight’.
By participating in this offer you are under no obligation whatsoever to include the Cathedral or the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral in your will.
For more information about this opportunity (including full terms and conditions) visit the ‘How you can help’ section of the Gloucester Cathedral website
Basic will
A basic will is a will that does not require any inheritance tax planning advice nor the use of complicated trusts. If any readers think they may require either or both of these, they would need to discuss this with the solicitor when making their appointment.
Willans Solicitors
Willans LLP is a full-service law firm based in Cheltenham noted for giving expert, practical and personal service. They act for local, national and overseas clients.
Contact Ruth Baker:
Email - ruth.baker@willans.co.uk Tel: 01242 542908
The Friends of Gloucester Cathedral
The Friends of Gloucester Cathedral is a separate charity (No. 209246) which exists is to support the Dean and Chapter in maintaining the worship and music and the fabric of the Cathedral Church. They award grants to support a variety of Cathedral projects every year and have a membership of over 900 individuals. The Friends welcome everyone who has a concern for this great building and an interest in any part of its life.
Contact the Secretary of the Friends, Bill Armiger:
Email – secretary@fogc.co.uk Tel: 01452 522419
Gloucester Cathedral Education Centre – A Living Legacy
How a legacy from a lady whose love of Gloucester Cathedral enabled it to establish its award-winning education centre.
In 1998 Nigella Greening left a generous gift to the Cathedral in her will. At the time there were no real facilities in place for groups of children to use, and little provision for them to get the most out if their experience at the Cathedral. Nigella’s wonderful gesture helped to kick-start an ambitious project tackling this problem by creating a new education space and developing engaging learning programmes for local schools.
Now, almost 15 years later the education offer at Gloucester has gone from strength to strength and last year 6,638 children were welcomed by the Education team. It is a wonderful example of just how much impact a legacy can have.
Some of the work of the Education Centre during 2011 was:
- Tours and trails offered to schools throughout the year. Many involve dressing up in monastic habits or the clothes of a pilgrim and travelling back in time to role play what happened in the Cathedral in the past.
- Free activities for children and their families during half term and school holidays
- Experience journeys focusing on Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.
- A Sixth Form Conference on the theme of “Is religion a force for good?” with Professor Peter Millican from Oxford University as one of the speakers.
- A Science Day exploring the science of the Cathedral organ, the bells in the Cathedral tower and an understanding of medieval measurements and construction by the artist-in-residence.
- The 400th anniversary of the King James Bible was marked with an exhibition and a drama presentation highlighting the impact this literature had on our nation and the consequences then and throughout history.
- World Book Day was celebrated with over 180 children dressed as their favourite book character.