So here we are. Going into week three of this petition. On our way to 2000 signatures. Thankyou. Thankyou . Thankyou.

So far the story of a national charity planning to profit from Miss Jennings generosity has been in four national newspapers, three regional news outlets and is shining a spotlight on the whole business of legacy-giving, which is after all, the life-blood of charities. The optics aren't great are they? 

A local Kingsbridge based charity, Age Concern has been in touch to comment about Age Uk. This is what they have to say and it  should be required reading for anyone thinking of leaving money to charity  in their will …. 

“Your comments about legacies are so interesting because that is a battle we have been fighting unsuccessfully for many years.  We know that clients have wanted to leave bequests to us which we have never seen because when the wills are drafted, the solicitors or will-writers automatically assume the donor means Age UK and the money completely by-passes us.  We have even had comments to the effect that … ‘we were told we had to send the money to HQ / Central Office but did say we wanted it to come back to Kingsbridge’ – which of course it never does as there is no connection between us.
 
“We have written to all the local law firms and undertakers to make the point, repeatedly, but with the exception of a couple of local businesses who do understand the distinction, the majority have never even responded.”

This is the statement that Age Concern felt compelled to read out to Salcombe Town Council on Wednesday 23rd July.

STATEMENT RE KINGSBRIDGE AGE CONCERN @ KINGSBRIDGE CARE HUB
 
Kingsbridge Age Concern, based at Kingsbridge Care Hub adjacent to the Town Square, is an entirely independent, self-funding charity which has been supporting the local Over 55s community since 1981 and operating from their purpose built community centre since 2003.

 For the avoidance of doubt, they are not and never have been part of the national charity Age UK which was not formed until  2009.
 
There is no financial connection or association whatsoever between the two charities and no circumstances under which Kingsbridge Age Concern would or should benefit from any financial dealings undertaken by Age UK, locally or nationally.
 
As such, they have nothing whatsoever to do with any proposals regarding Woodcot and are vehemently opposed to it being sold. The property should be used as the original donor intended and if Age UK are not prepared to honour that condition then they should pass the property on by way of gift to an appropriate charity which will uphold the philanthropy."

Quite. The moral of the story is make sure that your money goes where you intend it to go - no doubt that is what Miss Elizabeth Jennings wanted too. Let’s make sure her generosity isn’t abused. Keep signing and keep sharing.