ABD helps Age UK Wiltshire “Spread The Warmth Campaign 2014”

Age UK Wiltshire was most grateful to receive a cheque from Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors today.....

ABD partner and Head of Family Law Dept Alex David handed over a cheque to Mike Weston who is Chair of Trustees at Age UK Wiltshire for the sum of £643.75.  The money was raised by ABD through a sponsorship team building event which took place earlier on in the year.

Mike Weston said; “We at Age UK Wiltshire are most grateful to ABD for supporting our charity.  The money raised will go towards our “Spread The Warmth Campaign” which is one of the most important campaigns we run each year during the winter months. The money raised will assist this campaign greatly. During winter 1 older person dies every 7 minutes from the cold weather”.

Alexander David, Partner at ABD and Head of the Family Law Department said;

“Everyone at ABD are proud to be associated with Age UK Wiltshire which is an invaluable charity, assisting hundreds of elderly people at their time of need.  We are pleased that the funds raised will assist with the Spread the Warmth Campaign which assists elderly people to stay fit and well and warm during the winter months”.

Age UK Wiltshire an independent charity working for the older people of Wiltshire.

Left to right; Mike Weston and Alexander David outside Age UK Wiltshire Offices, Devizes

For more information on SPREAD THE WARMTH go to www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire 

AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS “DRESS DOWN” DAY SUPPORTS DEVIZES FOODBANK AND THE TRUSSELL TRUST!

On Friday 28th November 2014 staff at Awdry Bailey & Douglas   held a “dress down” day to raise food for local charity Devizes Foodbank.

Food collected from the firms Chippenham, Marlborough, Devizes and Royal Wootton Bassett offices included; tinned fruit, UHT milk, biscuits, tea, coffee, tinned meat, sugar and much more! 

With less than a month to go until Christmas some staff even wore their festive jumpers for this important and worthy cause.  Over 100kg of food was donated!

Over 100kg of food was donated! It’s the taking part that counts!

The Devizes Foodbank is part of a network run by The Trussell Trust who manage community projects in partnership with local churches and organisations helping to support those in need by bringing foodbanks to communities across the UK. There are now over 380 foodbanks in the network. 

To find out more about your local foodbank and to get involved visit The Trussell Trust. 

For a shopping list of foods that can be donated click here. 

ABD TEAM FLYING HIGH AT BARBURY CASTLE!

Congratulations to ABD team; Roger Chadwick (partner), Tim Hotchkiss (solicitor) & James Trescothick-Martin (solicitor) for beating off the other teams to win the “Brewin Dolphin, inter solicitor clay pigeon challenge” which took place at Barbury Castle Shooting School on 14 November 2014.

In a closely fought completion ABD team came top missing only 3 Clay’s out of 60, nearest rivals Wilsons Solicitors missing 6 Clay’s to give ABD the magnanimous win.

Roger Chadwick came second in the individual competition narrowly missing out on the top position by 1 clay.

It is the first time that ABD have won the annual event hosted by Brewin Dolphin.

AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS WERE PROUD TO PRESENT...

BAG4SPORT “2014 STARS OF TOMORROW” AWARDS

Bag4Sport Foundation was set up to assist young up-and-coming talented athletes who find it difficult to raise finance in order to promote themselves.  This charity also assists established athletes suffering financially following government cuts as well as disadvantaged children who would like to take part in sport and improve their social skills.

“They will rise highest who strive for the highest place”  

The competition was promoted this year by the Gazette and Herald and also the Wiltshire Times who looked for 5 local young sports stars of tomorrow. 

The 5 young local talented athletics chosen received their awards gathered with their families on Thursday 30 October 2014 in The Bear Hotel, Devizes – this was an exciting moment...

The evening started off with an introduction and welcome from Founder and Chairman of Bag4Sport Foundation Andrew Trusler, followed by the awards ceremony.

ABD Partner Andrew Douglas, local contemporary artist Joanna May and Jason Caulfield-Ware were part of the judging panel who handed out the awards.

Andrew Trusler who is Founder and Chairman of Bag4Sport welcoming everyone to the event

ABD Partner Andrew Douglas, local contemporary artist Joanna May and Jason Caulfield-Ware who were part of the judging panel handed out the awards.

Andrew Douglas congratulates and handing certificates to Winner Nikko Hunt- Pole Vaulting and runner up Caitlin Wosika - Team Bath.

This was followed by gold medallist and Bag4Sport patron Tessa Sanderson congratulating the winners and runners up by Skype.

Winners and runners up were as follows;

Devizes Winner:
Yasmin Kaashoek - Devizes Volleyball Club 

Devizes Runner Up:
Adam Bolwell - Devizes Budo Club

Marlborough Joint Winners: 
Alicia Boyer - Oxford Figure Skating Club
Nikko Hunt - Pole Vaulting 

North Wilts Winner:
Lauren Booth - Cycling

North Wilts Runner Up:
 Jamie Phillips - BMX

North Wilts Runner Up: 
Peter Kibble - Road Cycling

Nominated by Wiltshire Times Readers:

Winners:
Jade Pocock - Archery
Ria Oliver - Trampolining and Double Mini Trampolining

Runners up:
Ben Garrod - Hockey
Caitlin Wosika - Team Bath

SPLITZ SUPPORT SERVICE CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY...

Awdry Bailey and Douglas Solicitor Cindy Ervine, congratulates Splitz Support Service of which she is a trustee on its 25th anniversary.

Splitz is a charity based in Wiltshire providing support to families, individuals, and children/young people who have experienced difficulty, where that difficulty is related to separation, divorce or domestic abuse and their associated issues. 

The charity was founded in 1989 as a project providing services in West Wiltshire and around the Devizes and Chippenham areas.  In 1993 the project was registered as a charity called the Single Parent Family Association. In 1997 the charity changed its name to Splitz Parenting Alone Support Service.  The name was shortened to Splitz Support Service in 2005 in recognition of the support Splitz provides to people with a much wider range of issues.

Cindy who is a family solicitor based at Awdry Bailey & Douglas Devizes office often refers clients to the charity to ensure they can receive additional support during an often difficult time. 

Splitz provides a range of services to male and female victims of domestic abuse, children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse and male perpetrators of domestic abuse. We also provide a mentoring/befriending service to people who are parenting alone and floating support services to people with housing related issues.

For more information about Splitz please either contact Cindy or go to www.splitz.org

NHS Care Funding: It’s not just about eligibility, it’s about getting the process right.

(R (On the application of Neal Dennison Administrator of the Late Lily Dennison) v Bradford District Clinical Commissioning Group [2014] EWHC 2552(Admin))

In a recent Court hearing  the Administrative Court confirmed that when it comes to NHS Continuing Healthcare it is essential that Clinical Commissioning Groups or CCGs (the bodies which have taken over from NHS Trusts) must ensure that handling of a retrospective request for eligibility are carried out correctly in accordance with the published process.

The partially successful Judicial Review above was brought by the son of Lily Dennison who had been resident in a nursing home between January 2006 and her death in October 2008.  She was in receipt of assistance in relation to nursing costs from May 2007 but otherwise had to pay all of her own residential costs.  Unfortunately the Primary Care Trust, as they were then, did not assess Mrs Dennison as eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.  
This is significant as the latter covers all care funding and is not means tested in any way.

Mrs Dennison was assessed in both May and September 2007 and then again in March 2008. In 2012 the late Mrs Dennison’s son then asked her eligibility to be reviewed retrospectively.  The Trust refused to carry out the assessments in full.

In accordance with NHS document, “NHS Continuing Healthcare Review Process”, Trusts were made aware that the closing date for any applications for retrospective review did not apply to those decisions that had already been made, i.e. a review of a decision rather than an assessment for a previously un-assessed period of care.

In the proceedings Mr Dennison claimed that the assessments of his mother were not clinically sound, the correct process had not been followed and that the NHS Trust’s refusal to review the assessments was both irrational and unreasonable in light of certain provisions of the new Healthcare Review Process issued by the NHS.

It was accepted by the Judge in this matter that the May 2007 assessment was not correct.  The assessor had failed to explain certain areas of care required or the appropriate level of funding.  They had also failed to complete the Continuing Healthcare Checklist fully.  Parts of the checklist responses also conflicted with comments in the Nursing Needs Assessment Tool.  The Judge therefore had no difficulty in finding that the assessment was both irrational and unreasonable in line with the application of Mr Dennison.

He also found that the Trust had broken their own local policy in relation to the assessment of May 2007.

The Judge, however, did find that the March 2008 assessment of Mrs Dennison had been carried out appropriately and found that the decision not to assess Mrs Dennison’s eligibility after this date was correct.

This decision gives hope to those who are trying to convince CCGs that Trusts simply ignored much of the guidance of the NHS and, indeed, in some cases continue to do so.  Unfortunately it does not address the continuing problem of retrospective requests being subject to considerable delay, sometimes a matter of years, in deciding on eligibility.

The abdcare Team at Awdry Bailey & Douglas have considerable experience in providing advice over these issues.  We also make claims on behalf of those who believe their eligibility was wrongly assessed or where an assessment should have been carried out but the NHS failed to do so. 

Solicitor, James Trescothick-Martin, a member of the abdcare Team said of the matter, “this clearly shows that some Trusts do not always follow their own or national guidance put in place by the Department of Health and NHS England.  Although it does not address the ongoing problem of the time taken to carry out retrospective reviews, this decision is a step in the right direction. Hopefully CCGs will follow the national framework with current claims. I hope they will also ensure that where there are procedural irregularities with retrospective reviews, they find in favour of those patients and their families who were denied CHC funding.”

An initial free appointment

For a FREE appointment, and to find out answers to the questions that need answering, please contact James at james.trescothick-martin@awdrys.co.uk or call on 0800 072 8636.

The team has offices In Marlborough, Royal Wootton Basset, Devizes & Chippenham. Alternatively visit our website www.abdcare.co.uk

James Trescothick-Martin

CHIPPENHAM HALF MARATHON IS A RUNNING SUCCESS!

MONIES RAISED GO TO DOROTHY HOUSE HOSPICE CARE

Awdry Bailey & Douglas was proud to be a Main Sponsor for the Chippenham Half Marathon which took place on Sunday 7 September 2014.

The weather was warm and sunny with a light breeze. A sea of runners took off from the start line at the Chippenham Sports club making their way around the predominantly flat course.

ABD Team took part in the event which was a running success helping to raise monies for Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Winner of the race for men was Sam Humphrey from Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC who came in at 01:09:04 

Winner of the race for ladies who came 5th was Rebecca Moore from Worthing & District Harriers who came in at 01:17:55.

From left to right: Tim Watts, Eve Clarke, Samantha Jane Walters and Alistair Everett

MONIES RAISED – DOROTHY HOUSE HOSPICE CARE

It was the taking part that counted and ABD Team managed to raise for Dorothy House Hospice Care £295.00 a fantastic amount! 

PRESENTATION TO DOROTHY HOUSE HOSPICE CARE

A presentation took place on Tuesday 23 September 2014 outside ABD Chippenham office whereby a “giant size” cheque was handed over to Emily Knight, Community Fundraiser and Phillippa Watson, Major Gifts Fundraiser for Dorothy House Hospice Care.  The cheque was presented by both ABD Partner - Alexander David who is Head of Family Department, and Tom Paget, member of the ABD Commercial Department both based at ABD’s Chippenham Office.

Alexander David said “Dorothy House Hospice Care is a fantastic local charity supporting hundreds of families on a daily basis affected by life threatening conditions.  Awdry Bailey & Douglas are delighted and proud to be sponsoring such a cause.”

Phillippa Watson said “We are delighted that Awdry Bailey & Douglas decided to support Dorothy House Hospice Care by entering a team in the Chippenham Half Marathon.  We rely on support from the local community in order to continue to provide care when and where it is needed.  Congratulations to all the runners.”

From left to right: Tom Paget, Alexander David, Emily Knight and Phillippa Watson

For more information on timings and this event go to www.chippenhamhalfmarathon.co.uk

For footage of this event go to YouTube

ABD GOLF EVENT DAY – ANOTHER ONE TO REMEMBER!

ABD Golf Day at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf resort event was a cracking day!  The weather was superb, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves....

It was coffee and bacon butties for starters followed by a quick speech by ABD partner Andrew Douglas and off they went.  The format was easy!

PGA Pro – Simon Shanks was on hand to give advice at the Pro Clinic Driving Range and there was putting practice on the green beforehand. 

AND THEN THEY WERE OFF...

The weather was fantastic. Perfect for a round of golf on the magnificent 18 hole course, starting off from the 10th tee in their four ball teams.

NOT JUST A SIMPLE ROUND OF GOLF!

Course competitions included: 

Individual Stableford competition, white tees
Longest Drive
Nearest the Pin
Straightest Drive
Putting Competition

EVERYONE’S A WINNER

Pre-drinks were then served in the Clubhouse Brasserie afterwards followed by a delicious 3 course dinner, speeches and prize-giving.  The magnificent ABD Cup was won by Alistair Everett whilst former ABD Champions looked on.  It was a late night and a TRULY memorable day.

For more information about this event go ABD Pinterest and take a snap shot look...

Taste Wiltshire! Discover your local pantry!

Awdry Bailey & Douglas (ABD) was proud to support this local fun filled event which took place on Sunday 14 September 2014 in the village of Urchfont, near Devizes.  As well as ABD there were other local supporters too.

The event was a great success.  There was street food and local produce to be purchased and live music to listen to.  Local highly qualified chef and proprietor of The Bistro Restaurant and Cookery School - Peter Vaughan provided the audience with some great cookery tips and cookery demonstrations using local produce. This was followed by headline act Natalie Coleman - 2013 BBC MasterChef Champion who also demonstrated her “winning” cookery skills whilst talking the audience through her quick and easy recipes.  Natalie has a new book coming out next year called “Winning Recipes for Every Day”.  BBC News Wiltshire was also on hand to interview the stall holders, chefs and visitors about their day and the event which added to the excitement!

Stalls with delicious local produce included homemade breads, mushrooms and fungi, cakes, homemade apple juice, beers, honey, rapeseed oil varieties and MORE! 

The event was organised by Redhone Community Trust who hope to run a similar event next year. Any profits made will go to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

More information about the event?  Go to ABD Pinterest and take a snap shot look!

You can also see more if you go to:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p025yz65

CHARITY GOLF DAY EVENT RAISES £1,846!

Awdry Bailey & Douglas was proud to support The Lions Club of Chippenham in a charity golf day event in aid of Orchid Cancer Charity which took place on 25 August 2014.  ABD also sponsored “The Longest Drive for the Men” competition!

The weather was awful! But it didn’t stop close to 70 hardy golfers playing!

The overall profit raised at this great event was £1,846 which will go to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in order to help them in their research to treat and cure prostate and testicular cancer.

BARBURY HORSELESS STEEPLECHASE & CROSS COUNTRY CHALLENGE IN AID OF GREATWOOD & WILTSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE

Awdry Bailey & Douglas were proud to support this very worthwhile event now in its third year which took place on Sunday 3 August 2014 in aid of Greatwood and Wiltshire Air Ambulance on the fabulous Barbury Castle Estate.

The Races

The event was staged by the Rotary Club of Marlborough and District 1100. There was a choice of 3 races:

The chasers gallop – a 5mile race

The thoroughbred canter – a 2.5mile race

The novice’s non-handicap – a 2.5 mile race.

The weather was sunny, no horses and runners enjoyed the day!

The weather was lovely on the day of the run but the day before it was pouring with rain!
Prizes were presented by Nigel Bunter of Barbury Estates.

£3,000 raised!

Monies raised in total were £3,000 which will be presented to Greatwood Children’s Charity and Wiltshire Air Ambulance with a small amount retained by Marlborough & District and Swindon Phoenix Rotary Clubs to support small local projects and charities.

Click here to view pictures on Pinterest

For more information go to www.horseless-steeplechase.org.uk

Chippenham Half Marathon 2014 - Please Sponsor Us - Dorothy House Hospice Care

Awdry Bailey & Douglas have put together a team to run in the Chippenham Half Marathon on Sunday 7th September 2014 to help raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care, which is the local hospice charity for Bath, North and West Wiltshire and parts of Somerset.

The firm is also a main sponsor of the event. 

We would appreciate your support for the charity and if you would be willing to make a donation please go to our JustGiving page.

Thank you so mcuh for your support - from the ABD Team

abdcare Team is busier than ever and welcomes James Trescothick-Martin

Recent recruit to the abdcare team is experienced Solicitor James Trescothick - Martin.  James   has the ideal background to help build on the success already achieved by the team. He has  a strong skill set  and significant experience in helping others and in particular in dealing with accident victims suffering longer  term with serious industrial disease complaints: Through this work and general litigation he has acquired and developed  associated advocacy skills coupled with his  keen interest in those who are victims of elder abuse.  

A member of both Solicitors for the Elderly and Action for Elder Abuse, James has the type of background which is ideally suited to assist elderly client’s with the many and varied types of advice required by them and to also deal with issues which are more contentious.

NHS Continuing Healthcare funding and Asset Protection Advice

James has a caseload covering advice on the difficult and topical issue of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding and the retrospective recovery of such fees where people have been wrongly screened out. Asset protection is another specialist area where he advises and puts in place lasting powers of attorney, living Wills and Trusts. The later includes both Will trusts and Lifetime trusts to assist and protect both individuals and their families from the ravages of the state and for the benefit of themselves and their loved one’s. With a sound knowledge of Property and Housing law, James looks to ensure that the family home is protected as best as possible for the benefits of a surviving Spouse or Partner and of course future generations.

Hot topic!

Offering honest, pragmatic and timely advice, James’ overall experience of both planning and dealing with situations where things have gone wrong leaves him ideally placed to provide comprehensive advice in this area. Alive to this need for planning he always recommends taking early advice. Although he deals with the situation where perhaps plans did not quite work or where nothing was put in place, James is a strong advocate of putting measures in place to prevent unnecessary cost and heartache.

Being part of a growing team, James can advise on the new Care Act 2014 and the CAP on how much you allegedly should have to spend on your care costs.  What counts towards this £72,000 CAP?  How do you get into the system to start the CAP running and when does it all start? What are Personal Budgets and what does that mean for you as a carer or someone considering the care provision of a loved one?

Andrew Douglas who heads up abdcare says:-

“James brings to the department a much needed additional resource given the demand there is for advice on this very hot topic. James’s skill set will both compliment the department and provide much valued assistance to our elderly client base and their loved one’s.”

An initial free appointment

For a free appointment and to find out answers to the questions that need answering please contact James at james.trescothick-martin@awdrys.co.uk or call on 0800 072 8636. The team has offices In Marlborough, Royal Wootton Basset, Devizes & Chippenham. Alternatively visit our website www.abdcare.co.uk

James Trescothick-Martin

ABD IS PROUD AND DELIGHTED TO HAVE SUPPORTED... CONCERT AT THE KINGS 2014

In its 3rd year of running this event is just getting better and greater!

The month of May was a very exciting month for the village of All Cannings in Wiltshire as preparations took place for the 3rd year running “Concert at the Kings” event.

Concert at the Kings idea originated in 2010 when John “Grubby” Callis - Sound Engineer for Sir Paul McCartney who frequents The Kings Arms pub in All Cannings discovered he had prostate cancer.  He then discovered that his drinking partner Andy Scott – guitarist with 1970’s chart-toppers band The Sweet had the same condition. 

Together they decided over “a pint” to plan a rock concert with the help of Richard Baulu, landlord of The Kings Arms pub....

(Left to right) Richard Baulu and John “Grubby” Callis outside The Kings Arms before the event.

IN ITS 3RD SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF RUNNING THE SHOW WAS EVEN BETTER AND GREATER!

The concert this year was organised for 31 May 2014 come rain or come shine.  The line-up once again was fantastic! It included: The Troggs, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Sir Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Paul Young, Los Pacaminos, The Straits and MORE! Compere also for the 3rd year running was Dan Chisholm who had undergone surgery last year for throat and neck cancer.

AND THERE’S MORE!

A second stage was also set up this year featuring new local bands who had just been signed up. The line-up included: Jake Meeking, The Greasy Slicks and Funkin Skunks!

Tickets sold like hot cakes! It was going to be a “full house”. 

SETTING UP, AND BEHIND THE SCENES...

(Below left to right) work in progress before the event. The stage is deceptively high up!  Setting up the stage is a huge job and requires a team of people! The weather was not so good either!!

(Above left to right) Images of the stage being put together.  Steps leading up to the stage and the “Stars” special marquee behind. 

THE WEATHER ON THE DAY WAS SUPER – WARM, SUNNY AND NO RAIN. IT WAS A FULL HOUSE! A SELL OUT!!

(Above) It was a full house! A sell out!!  Over 4,000 tickets sold. Spot the ABD Banner!

A fantastic show which everybody enjoyed. The last performance was Boomtown Rats followed by fireworks to finish.

Due to this year’s amazing sell out and huge success proceeds of £35,000 went to Macmillan Cancer Support, Above and Beyond Oncology, Bristol and local needs in and around All Cannings.

Over the past 3 years £70,000 has been raised for charities. 

This event is just getting BETTER and GREATER! With the support of volunteers, event staff, production suppliers and supporters who all worked so hard around the clock to make it happen.

THE WORD IS OUT - AS WELL AS ABD...

Yes, as well as Awdry Bailey & Douglas, even Sir Paul McCartney, Brian May and Sir Bob Geldof and Tom Robinson were leading a social media campaign to put the word out and raise awareness!

IS IT ON AGAIN NEXT YEAR? 

Watch this space!  It certainly is!  Keep posted for when!

For more information about this fantastic event go to www.concertatthekings.co.uk

AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS EXPANDS ITS COMMERCIAL DEPT!

Welcome on board Commercial Solicitor Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan has over 12 years experience at the highest level specialising in commercial property matters and is able to assist both companies and individuals with all their business and property needs. He will be based primarily at the Devizes office although he is happy to travel and meet clients at ABD’s other 3 offices.

Jonathan trained to become a Solicitor with Allen and Overy one of the world’s leading law firms. After qualifying as a Solicitor in 2002 he remained with Allen and Overy in London gaining experience with their commercial property team before moving to Yorkshire in 2004 where he joined Addleshaw Goddard and continued to develop his skills in commercial property working in their Leeds office.  In 2014 Jonathan decided to make the move to Wiltshire to join ABD’s rapidly expanding commercial team to improve his work life balance and also to be closer to his extended family. 

Jonathan says “I am really looking forward to building relationships with my new clients and getting to understand their business and what they want to achieve so that I can provide a fresh practical approach to them and to help their business to grow”.

Head of Commercial Roger Chadwick said “it’s great to have Jonathan on board, with his experience of top level commercial property work it gives us much greater strength in depth in our commercial property team”.

If you have a matter that you would like to talk to Jonathan about please contact him at jonathan.bailey@awdrys.co.uk or call 01380 722311.

Commercial Solicitor Jonathan Bailey

MARLBOROUGH JAZZ LIVE 2014!

This fantastic fusion of hot summer weather and balmy evenings was very apt for Marlborough Jazz Live this year!

Jazz Blues Traditional Afro Fusion Swing Latin Bebop and MORE!

Each venue was packed out with 100’s of people enjoying the live music all throughout the town and in particular down at the ABD Priory Marquee...

Friday evening events began with “Georgie Fame” opening the festival in the presence of West Country Euro-MP, Ashley Fox and the Mayor of Marlborough outside the Castle and Ball Hotel. 

A FULL HOUSE - ABD PRIORY MARQUEE HITS THE SPOT AGAIN!

Mr Fame then went on to sing with Alan Skidmore quartet in the ABD Priory Marquee after The Red Stripe Bands amazing swinging boogie-woogie, rock ‘n’ roll and jump jive performance with Neil Drinkwater on piano and vocals.

Sticky Wicket and his Swing Orchestra kicked Saturday off to a winning start with Sticky doing “his thing” on the drums!  This is 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s Swing at its best! 

Thunder and rains were not part of the Marlborough Jazz agenda but certainly sheltered the huge crowd of onlookers in the ABD Priory Marquee whilst they listened to The Bratislava Hot Serenaders as the “heavens opened” and The Serenaders Sisters sang! Formed in 1992 the 18 piece orchestra who specialise in the 1920’s revival of the American Hot Jazz brought the house down!!  They will be back next year!!

The heavens opened whilst The Bratislava Hot Serenaders played on!

“A J Brown a shiny new start – great voice, great guy – catch him while you can!”  Clare Teal

A.J. Brown was in the marquee this year – not with Clare Teal but this time on his own with his 12-piece signature show band performing the classic big band numbers! 

The Adam Winslet Band which is an eight piece band, comprising vocals, guitar, drums, keyboards, bass, sax, trumpet and trombone, ended the evening with some soothing funk, rock and soul which went on into the late balmy night. The marquee was packed out and absolutely heaving with people! A great night!

ABD Priory Marquee was heaving with people!

A SUMMERS DAY AT THE ABD PRIORY MARQUEE -

SHE’S BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...

Behind the Scenes! ABD Partner Andrew Douglas, Clare Teal and ABD Solicitor Nicola Hibbert 

Back by popular demand in the ABD Priory Marquee was UK jazz megastar Clare Teal with her mini Big Band singing all the favourites.  Even ABD Partner Andrew Douglas had the opportunity to chat to Clare on stage during her performance and clicked his fingers to her song! What a way to end the show! 

FINGER CLICKING GOOD!

ABD Partner Andrew Douglas with Clare Teal on stage.

What a grand finale! Roll on next year!!

An interesting case...

“Mediation” Success for

Dyslexic Bullied and Harassed Victim!  

Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors were once again recently involved in yet another successful mediation to conclude a claim for personal injury arising from a stress at work claim, which avoided the need for what would have been an expensive, lengthy and undoubtedly stressful trial for the client...  

The client was employed as a teacher at a secondary school in the Reading area in the summer of 2008.  The client suffered from dyslexia which meant that she needed to have certain conditions in place such as structure to her work environment.

However, the college failed to provide her with the necessary backup to enable her to undertake her job, chopped and changed her line management cycle and adopted a bullying and harassing approach allied to increasing the work that she was required to undertake, which resulted in her being signed off sick because of work related stress.  

The client became depressed and could not return to work.  She resigned her position at school and has been unable to work ever since.  

The client instructed Awdry Bailey & Douglas to act for her in bringing a claim for compensation in relation to the psychological injury she had suffered, and for her financial losses which consisted of substantial claims for loss of past and future income and pension.  

Liability for the claim was hotly contested by the school’s local education authority.  They denied the allegations made which resulted in Court proceedings being brought by the client against the Client’s employers.  

Both parties obtained expert medical evidence to support their case and the matter was heading for an eight day contested trial when the parties took place in a mediation in London.

Without any admission of liability, the parties negotiated a successful settlement which resulted in the client receiving substantial compensation, plus payment of her legal costs, the claim having been funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement (no win no fee). 

The whole process had been extremely difficult for the client but the use of mediation as a means of bringing the parties together in a less confrontational way than might otherwise have been the case at a trial, resulted in the successful conclusion.

Team Building Day Out – Awdrys Beasts and Dragons!

Dragon boat racing is becoming a more popular event which is why ABD Team decided to take part...

The weather was gorgeous last Saturday as Chippenham Town were busy preparing for teams to take part in a Dragon Boat Race organised by the Rotary Club of Chippenham Wiltshire Vale. This is the 6th annual race.

14 teams took part including Awdry Bailey & Douglas Team who decided to change their name to Awdrys Beasts & Dragons! The event took place at Monkton Park on the River Avon.

Left to right: Tom Paget, Cindy Ervine, Catherine Cole, Alexander David, Natalie Moffat Vellenoweth, Jonathon Bailey, Stacey Jones, Matthew Middleditch, Samantha-Jane Walters, Eve Clark, Chelsea Langdon, Sasha Douglas, Roger Chadwick, Carmen Middleditch, Rachael Jones and Robina Vaux.

This wasn't about the winning; it was about the taking part that counted and raising money towards charities.

The total amount raised by ABD from taking part in this fun event was £505 which will be going to ABD’s chosen charity Age UK Wiltshire.

ABD SUPPORTING DEVIZES FESTIVAL EVENT – JUNE 2014

Left to right: Partner and Head of Commercial Dept - Roger Chadwick, ABD Partner - Andrew Douglas and PR, Events and Marketing Manager - Keshani Douglas with David Starkey.

Awdry Bailey & Douglas were proud to sponsor and support Devizes Festival 2014 again this year.  The festival now in its 32nd year just keeps on growing!  There was once again a fantastic variety of performers including controversial historian David Starkey talking about “The Tudors and Us” and also stand up female comedian - Jenny Eclair with her new show “Eclairious”. As Key Sponsors of the festival generally, Awdry Bailey & Douglas were delighted to be sponsoring these events in particular and look forward to supporting the festival again next year.

PR, Events and Marketing Manager - Keshani Douglas with Jenny Éclair

Marlborough International Jazz Festival and Awdry Bailey & Douglas

Marlborough International Jazz Festival is a huge event that takes place annually over a weekend in the month of July.  Thousands of people attend. The Priory Marquee is a popular “hot” spot during the jazz festival. 

PR, Events and Marketing Manager Keshani Douglas takes time out from her busy schedule to chat  to us regarding Awdry Bailey and Douglas Solicitors (“ABD”)  and their sponsorship involvement at Marlborough’s busiest events -  Marlborough International Jazz Festival... 

Keshani, how did you get involved with ABD?

I have been involved with ABD for some 20 years plus in various capacities.  ABD has existed since approximately 1750 so it goes back a long way.  We have offices in Chippenham, Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett as well as Marlborough.  The Marlborough office was set up in 2007 and has been very busy ever since. 

What is your role at ABD?

My role is PR, Events and Marketing Manager at ABD. My career path has always been heavily involved in marketing and selling which I thoroughly enjoy. I used to work for a company that taught businesses how to market, sell and advertise which is where I got my skills from. I then went on to selling for a number of years.  Event organising is a skill which I really enjoy – it is really hard work though and lot of people do not realise this. It is all about the work behind the scenes as well as on the day in order to make it run smoothly.

My capacity as PR, Events and Marketing Manager became more involved with ABD about 3 years ago when I organised seminars and events as well as blog writing. It really took off from there. ABD realised how important marketing is and decided to employ me!! I always welcome and enjoy the marketing challenges thrown at me and my role is forever developing in different marketing directions!  I organised a seminar recently and 100 people attended. My job can be very stressful because everything depends on deadline dates. I am very particular about the way I work. Everything has to be exactly right. Timing and organisation is key.  I have a pen and notebook by my bed and wake up in the middle of the night and jot notes down - normally a “to do” list.  ABD is a high profile firm having been recognised nationally and we also like to support a lot of local events and charities where possible.  

How did the firm get involved with Marlborough Jazz?

Marlborough International Jazz is a very popular and exciting 3 day festival that takes place over a weekend in many venues across the town of Marlborough. It takes place annually. The town really does become like a mini New Orleans!  

ABD became involved as a main sponsor in 2008.  The firm felt that it was important to be part of the community and also to help support the towns’ events.  We sponsor the Priory Gardens Marquee which takes a massive amount of people. The tent is normally packed out come rain or shine during the Marlborough Jazz weekend. Famous musicians such as Clare Teal, Georgie Fame, Jive Aces (UK’s No 1 Swing band) , Aker Bilk , legendary Buddy Greco (survivor of Hollywood’s famous “rat pack”) plus many more have all performed in the Marquee. This festival attracts as well as locals, thousands of people from all over the country!  

What happens over the Jazz weekend in the Priory Marquee?

It’s a really exciting weekend there is a real buzz throughout the town as people get ready for the festival. As soon as the marquee is set up the entertainers arrive with their gear. They normally get practising as soon as they can before the seats are filled.  Our banners and balloons are set up around the marquee to help get the event off to a great start. Friday night in the marquee always has people swaying and dancing whilst enjoying the beat of the music – it’s like one big party! Saturday throughout the day and evening is very busy with different bands entertaining. Sunday tends to be a little more civilised. It then ends on Sunday afternoon and everything is taken down and packed away until next time.  

Do you have any other events and seminars coming up?

Yes, plenty. But I am on holiday soon just for a break! No doubt I will keep connected with my computer though! 

Keshani Douglas PR, Events and Marketing Manager 
01380 722311 
keshani.douglas@awdrys.co.uk

Find out more about Marlborough Jazz at www.marlboroughjazz.com 

ABD WAS PROUD TO SPONSOR JENNY ÉCLAIR

IT WAS ABSOLUTELY ECLAIRIOUS!

Devizes Festival 2014 season has started and ABD is proud to be a Key Sponsor of the whole event. The festival runs from 4 – 22 June inclusive and recently an event took place that they were delighted to sponsor in particular...

The ABD Property Team invited their guests to “An evening with Jenny Éclair” which took place in the Corn Exchange on the evening of Wednesday 4 June 2014 – the opening night of the festival. 

After enjoying a lovely two course buffet in the Peppermill Restaurant especially created by Head Chef Leon Sheppard and his team, ABD Team and their guests seated themselves in the Corn Exchange in readiness to enjoy the show “Eclairious”.  The Corn Exchange was as you can imagine a “busy” venue that night.

Owner of the Peppermill Restaurant Philip Oshea and his head chef Leon Sheppard put on a fabulous spread of food.

Left to right: Julie Packer, Amanda Burrows, Victoria Wakefield and Nikki Capp

Left to right: Helen Beck, Julie Fellows, Jas Chahal and Alison Latham

Left to right: Ellie Cameron-Daum, Rosie Heath, Karen Damon, and Kathryn Roker

Left to right: Emma Woodhead, Ronna Turley, Jenny Bowyer and Hilary Swift

Left to right: Jane Slusarczy, Angela Kirkpatrick, Sue George, Sarah Walker and Louise Burrows

Left to right:  Liz Young, Angela Armstrong, Ali Bowen and Lisa Sidwell

Left to right:  Alison Cross, Lucinda Weeks, Sophie Delahunty, Samantha-Jane Walters, Becky Speed and Izzy Lawrence

Who is Jenny Éclair?

Jenny Éclair is a woman of many talents and due to popular demand following her recent successful previous tours she was back with her new stand up show Eclairious!

Trained as a straight actress she has appeared on TV series “Holby City” and “The Bill” but you may recognise her more so from TV shows such as “I am a celebrity... Get me out of here”, “Grumpy Old Women”, “Celebrity Masterchef”, “This Morning” and “Loose Women”. Jenny is also writer, radio show host and pantomime star! 

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! 

From the moment she appeared until the moment she finished, Jenny was hilarious – there wasn't a dry eye in the house! The laughter just kept on going.  After she finished her show she did a book signing session and a little later on took time out to chat and have photos taken with Keshani Douglas, PR, Events and Marketing Manager at ABD. Keshani said “she is just so funny, a delight to talk to and such a lovely person with it”.

Left to right: Keshani with Jenny Éclair

For more information about Devizes Festival and events taking place go to www.devizesfestival.co.uk 


For more information about Jenny Éclair go to www.jennyeclair.com