Bequests and Donations

The Cotswold Hunt functions purely from charitable donations, caps and subscriptions that it receives and continual fundraising that occurs from varying events throughout the year.

We are indebted to those who wish to donate any amount towards the upkeep of our wonderful hounds and horses, the staff that look after them and the general runnings of the Hunt. Please contact Hunt Secretaries Ellie (Eleanor@drdawn.com, 07500 058007 or Richard (office@cotswoldhunt.co.uk) for further enquiries.

Bequests.

If you’ve loved hunting your whole life or are you new to hunting and thoroughly enjoy seeing hounds trail and to follow them, would you be willing to consider a bequest in your Will to the Cotswold Hunt? Bequests (the same as legacies) from patrons, members and supporters make very welcome and indeed essential additions to Hunt funds. They help to secure the future of the Hunt.

The Committee would be most grateful if you could please consider including a bequest in your Will or an amendment to it in the form of a Codicil - this is a legal document used to alter your current Will. Codicils are used to make one or a few minor, non- complex changes to a Will. This avoids the need for repeating the whole Will. If you already have a Will then it is very easy to produce a Codicil as suggested below:

(Sample)

Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Full Name of Full Address

This is a codicil to my Will which is dated………….

This is my (1st/2nd/other)…….codicil to my Will

I hereby amend my Will as follows:

I leave, free of Inheritance Tax, the sum of £x….to The Cotswold Hunt of Osage Farm & Kennels, Andoversford, Cheltenham GL544LQ absolutely for its general purpose and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other proper officer for the time being shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors.

In all other respects I confirm my Will.

Signed by the Testator…………..

Date……..

in the presence of :

First Witness

FULL NAME

…………………

of FULL ADDRESS

………………….

Occupation

………………….

Signed

………….

Date

…………..

Second Witness

FULL NAME

……………

of FULL ADDRESS

……………

Occupation

……………

Signed

……………

Date

……………

A Codicil is suitable:

when you already have a valid Will in place, which you want to alter
if none of the changes you’re making are complex-such as bequeathing property or shares
if you only want to make one changer or a few changes to your Will
if you live in England, Scotland or Wales

Notes:

A Codicil does not replace a Will but amends it, including any rescinding of gifts in your Will. It should be clear and transparent.
Ideally it should be typed, not written.
If you already have one or more Codicils then you need to check that overall there is no confusion as to your wishes. If there is any risk of confusion then include an explanation or direction in the wording of the Codicil
There must be two independent witnesses (over the age of 18)to your signature so they together simultaneously will actually witness your signing
The witnesses should not be: Your executor or your executor’s spouse, beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries in the Will or the Codicil, an officer or Master of the Cotswold Hunt.
The witness does not need to know you, only to witness (see) your actual signing of the Codicil.
The witnesses do not need to see the contents of the Codicil, all they are dong is simply witnessing your signature.
You are not required to have legal support or advice in completing a Codicil but of course you may request such.
Keep the completed Codicil with your Will (it has the same status as it is effectively part of your Will) or exceptionally add a note to your Will about the existence of the Codicil. Advise your executors/solicitor accordingly.
You don’t need to advise the Hunt of your Codicil but it would be useful for the Hunt to be aware. In such you do not need to send a copy or disclose the amount, simply advise the Hunt that one exists.