Battens Charitable Trust

11 December 2019

The Charitable Trust of Battens Solicitors, one of the South West’s leading law firms, has donated more than £40,000 this year to a variety of different local charities and organisations across Somerset and Dorset, including:

Yeovil Hospital Charity, Yeovil Heartbeat, South Somerset, Central Dorset and Bath Citizens Advice Bureaus, Dorchester Arts, Somerset and Dorchester Child Contact Centres, Dorset County Museum, Developing Health and Independence Bath, the Able2Achieve Trust, The Hub Community Support Charity, Weldmar Hospice, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and local schools and scout groups to name but a few.

In addition to these, over the festive period the Battens Charitable Trust makes a special Christmas delivery to their local foodbanks by donating £100 worth of food items, along with any other donations kindly provided by staff and clients of Battens Solicitors.

Sherborne Food Bank Volunteer, Liz Murray, explains the work of local food banks: “Sherborne Food Bank, a registered charity, is crucial to the town and provides more than 1000 food deliveries each year to individuals and families in need. The support of donors and local businesses such as Battens is invaluable. We provide basic food supplies, baby food, nappies and toiletries but families are often excluded from the seasonal treats the rest of us take for granted. This is why the donation of Christmas treats and essential supplies will mean such a lot to local families, and especially children, who are managing on so little.”

Ray Edwards, Director at Battens Solicitors and a Trustee of the Battens Charitable Trust said: “We are delighted to have been able to donate over £40,000 to such wonderful causes in our local area this year. Our thanks go out to everyone who has supported our Charitable Trust. It has become greatly respected for its community focus over the years, but without the generosity of the people who donate to it, we would not be able to help.”

Battens Charitable Trust was set up in 1985 to support local initiatives, charities and other worthy causes. Contributions are made by Battens Solicitors and by legacies left by Battens’ clients who wish to retain flexibility in the money they leave to charity, or who simply want to benefit local causes but are uncertain as to which ones they wish to donate to. The Trust has donated more than £500,000 to good causes in just over 20 years – a phenomenal achievement.

If you would like to make a donation to the Battens Charitable Trust or apply for a grant, please contact the Trust’s team by emailing bct@battens.co.uk or by calling 01935 846000.