An unexpected bequest administered through Harrogate lawyers, Barber Titleys, has given a welcome boost to a Harrogate horticultural charity.

 

The bequest, of about £40,000, has been made in the will of a single, childless Harrogate woman who died aged 76 this summer, to Horticap, Bluecoat Wood Nurseries, Otley Road, Harrogate, which provides horticultural training and craft skills to students with learning difficulties.

 

Horticap chairman of trustees, Joy Allan, says that the bequest is `totally unexpected’ and will give a welcome boost to the charity at a time when charitable donations have fallen by 20 per cent because of the recession.

 

In its summer newsletter, registered charity Horticap, which is marking its 25^th anniversary, reported that it suffered a £20,000 loss in the year up to March 31 and was anticipating the same sort of shortfall up to spring 2010.

 

It is understood that the bequest was made after the woman, who has no close relatives, was seeking a good cause to include in her will and Horticap was mentioned to her by a warden at accommodation where she lived. She eventually settled on Horticap after discussions with her solicitors Barber Titleys, where partners are executors of her will.

Joy Allan says: “We are very grateful for this bequest which has come out of the blue. We have no trace of the lady in question among our supporters and, as far as we can tell, have had no prior contact with her as a visitor to our shop.

 

“It has come at a difficult time for all charities and social ventures. We are also delighted that the bequest is not stipulated for any particular project and can be used towards the running costs of Horticap which has 38 students and where it is needed most.”

 

Joy Allan, a former Harrogate business woman who has been chairman of the trustees for two years and on the board for six, says that the charity finds it easier to attract funds for capital projects but faces a constant need to meet running costs.

 

The trustees are to decide how to use in the funds in the coming weeks but the bequest is likely to be used towards wages, maintenance and utility bills.

Joy Allan adds: “Horticap is very rewarding for the students, who also learn social skills in a safe environment, and for the staff and trustees but it is a huge commitment and we always need help with running costs and such donations are welcome.”

 

Martin Blackham, a partner at Barber Titleys and executor of the will says: “It has been a pleasure to support this lady in helping Horticap which the practice was involved in establishing 25 years ago.”

 

Pictured are Joy Allan and Martin Blackham

 

Press Contact: Mike Clarke, Media Giants PR, 01423 568847