Christmas Toy Appeal Success!

The Gazette and Herald teamed up this year with The Salvation Army to promote the Christmas Toy Appeal - a scheme which is run annually and aims to help families who are struggling to pay for their children’s gifts at Christmas time.  Several local companies are taking part in the scheme by being a collection point for people to drop off unwrapped toys and games. Close to Christmas, the toys and games are then distributed  by The Salvation Army volunteers to local homes allowing families to wrap up these gifts with their chosen wrapping paper so that their children having something to  open on Christmas day!

Thank you!

Awdry Bailey and Douglas amongst other local firms was proud to be a collection point and would like to thank everyone who kindly donated toys and games to the firms 4 offices.

These gifts will help to bring happiness to many families on Christmas day.

For more information about the Christmas Toy Appeal go to;

Salvation Army Toy Appeal 

Wiltshire Social Services 

4 Children 

Sure Start 

Contact a Family Devizes District 

A Game Of Two Halves And A Full House!

Michael Portillo sponsored by Awdry Bailey & Douglas

The weather was wet, windy and cold but this didn’t stop a “full house” in the Devizes Corn Exchange last night, Monday 30 November...

ABD Commercial Team

From left to right; Tom Paget (Solicitor), Keshani Douglas (PR, Events and Marketing Manger), Andrew Douglas (Solicitor and ABD Partner), Rachel Fereday (Solicitor and ABD Partner), Michael Portillo, Jonathan Bailey (Solicitor and Head of Commercial Dept), Alistair Everett (Solicitor and ABD Partner).

Organised by Devizes Festival Committee, Awdry Bailey & Douglas were very proud to sponsor British Journalist, broadcaster and former Member of Parliament, Deputy Conservative Party Leader and Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo who gave a fascinating and hilariously funny talk about his life in the government, his family and his great train journeys. This was an immensely enjoyable evening - certainly enjoyed by all.

25 November 2015 - International Day for Eradication of Violence against Women

White Ribbon Campaign

Ever wondered what the white ribbon means?  Essentially, it highlights Men working to end violence against women.  Domestic violence in its many forms has never been acceptable, particularly in today’s society and the surveys carried out highlight:-

• 85% of forced marriage victims in the UK are women.
• A third of women are abused in some form by an intimate partner during the course of their lifetime.
• 70% of domestic violence results in injury.
• The financial impact, let alone the emotional aspect of domestic violence costs the State, tax payers,  victims and services £23 billion a year.

The campaign enables men to voice their support to the ongoing work being carried out to raise awareness and change behaviour.  In California during the ‘80’s, the campaign to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” originated where men put on high heels and walked a mile to highlight their support.  Of course, wearing high heels does not appeal to everyone, but the wearing of a white ribbon shows awareness and a common wish!

If you have any questions about domestic violence or need help and support please contact Cindy Ervine by email by clicking here, calling 01380 722311 or alternatively visit www.awdrys.co.uk

Family Dispute Resolution Week (23-27 November 2015)

Putting Children First...

Cindy Ervine, a Collaborative lawyer and Family Solicitor at Awdry Bailey & Douglas, seeks to highlight awareness of Resolution week which takes place during the week of 23.11.15.  The message that family solicitors seek to promote and which goes to the heart of the support and advice they provide when there are problems within a relationship is - “Putting children first”.

Collaborative law offers separating parties the opportunity to meet with their respective solicitors and each other in the same room and work together to find solutions that are fair for the whole family.  The clients retain the control, and the dynamic works at their pace to meet their requirements.

Cindy seeks to ensure that agreements reached, take into consideration the parties’ children and their respective needs and wishes.  Research commissioned by Resolution (the National Organisation of Family Solicitors) has shown that children seek to have age appropriate information and wish to be kept informed.  By working together, this will minimise any impact to the children, and promote their stability and security.

If you seek further information about resolution week or collaborative law please email Cindy by clicking here or visit www.awdrys.co.uk

Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day

Friday 20 November 2015

Carers Rights Day takes place on Friday 20 November 2015 helping to bring organisations together across the UK in order to help carers find out about their rights and to get the help and support they may be entitled to...

Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitor Carina Kervin will be attending the Devizes Town Hall on behalf of one of the firm’s departments called abdcare to help answer any relevant legal issues surrounding carers rights. She will be part of a panel alongside other representatives from the council, CAB as well as local politicians who work with Carers Support Wiltshire to bring information and advice to carers in the local area.  Discussions and questions taking place will focus on;

Carers Rights
Help and Support for Carers
Raising awareness of the needs of Carers
Legal Assistance 
And more...

The audience will be able to ask the panel questions as well as have the opportunity to speak on a one to one basis.

Who are abdcare?

abdcare is a managed branded division of Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors who specialises in fighting for the rights of victims. abdcare advises and assists people with elderly care issues.

What does abdcare do?

Recovers on your behalf wrongly paid care home fees
Protects your assets from the juggernaut which is care home funding
Advise you generally on understanding the care system for the purpose of allowing you to better prepare

For more information go to www.carersuk.org or www.abdcare.co.uk

ABD Teams up with Local Charities for Christmas Toy Appeal

Awdry Bailey and Douglas are delighted to offer their Devizes office as a collection point for the Christmas Toy Appeal 2015.

Staff and members of the public are able to donate new unwrapped toys to help make Christmas special for children and families who have little or nothing under their tree on Christmas morning.  The collection will support families and charities all across Devizes and Wiltshire such as Social Services, Sure Start, 4 Children and Contact a Family.

The appeal will be running until 14th December, the gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need.

Suggested gift ideas;

• 0-3 years:  dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes, puzzles
• 3-5 years: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, DVDs and CDs (music and nursery rhymes), colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles
• 5-9 years: educational games & toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs & family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords
• 9-12 years: games and toys, stationery, CDs, DVDs, books, T-Shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats
• 13-16 years: CDs, DVDs, books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, T-Shirts, hair accessories

Donations can be made 8.30am to 5.30pm - Monday to Friday at Awdry Bailey & Douglas, 33 St Johns Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1BW.

For further information please call 01380 722311 or to email Stacey Jones click here.

Have you been misled as to the true value of your spouse’s assets? Mrs Sharland and Mrs Gohil have...

A recent Supreme Court ruling shows zero tolerance to fraudulent disclosure.

A recent divorce ruling by the Supreme Court has allowed appeals from Mrs Alison Sharland and Mrs Varsha Gohil, who felt that their husbands had failed to disclose the true value of their assets during their divorce settlement.

Sharland v Sharland

Mrs Sharland’s appeal considered the issue and impact of fraudulent non-disclosure upon her financial settlement. She argued that the Consent Order which had been drafted in line with an agreement reached between the parties should not be sealed by the Court, as the true value of the business of which her husband has a substantial shareholding, was much greater than the original value disclosed.  Lady Hale ruled that the Consent Order will not be sealed and Mrs Sharland’s application for financial relief will return to the Family Division of the High Court for further directions.

Landmark Ruling - No Lies...

This ruling is far reaching as it highlights the importance of the parties’ duty to provide full and frank financial disclosure of all relevant information to one another and the Court. This duty is ongoing and information must be updated if either party’s circumstances change throughout the course of the Proceedings.

Nobody can read a closed book...

At Awdry Bailey & Douglas we want to achieve the best possible outcome for clients once full, frank, open and honest disclosure has been provided.  In the absence of proper financial disclosure it is difficult to provide meaningful advice as to what could constitute a fair and reasonable settlement as nobody can read a closed book.

Contact Awdry Bailey & Douglas

If you are considering divorce or are in the midst of Divorce Proceedings, it is in your best interests to seek legal advice so that you can make an informed decision about your future.  Our experts are here to help you.

Contact us to arrange a FREE initial consultation at any one of our four offices.

Devizes 01380 722311
Marlborough 01672 518620
Royal Wootton Bassett 01793 853200
Chippenham 01249 478333

www.awdrys.co.uk

Awdry Bailey & Douglas and Strakers are “On Course” of course!!

For fair weather golfers the season is nearly coming to a close but not for ABD or Strakers team members! They were raring to go...

This year’s annual golf day event held between ABD and Strakers took place on Tuesday 29 September 2015 at the Chippenham Golf Club.  It was ABD’s turn to host the event now in its 5th year of running. 

The weather was a glorious sunny day as team members enjoyed their bacon butties before setting off to play. After a little practice, the game began.  STRAKERS v ABD Golf Day Challenge!

Along the way, there were winners...

The longest Drive Winner
The winner was Mark Hulse (Strakers)

Alexander David (ABD) with Mark Hulse (Strakers)

Nearest the Pin and the Straightest Drive Winner
The winner was Scott Windle (Strakers)

Alexander David (ABD) with Scott Windle (Strakers)

AND THE FINAL SCORE IS... AN ABD WIN
The score was drawn at two wins each which meant having to go to a count back whereby ABD won narrowly. It was a close one!

A fantastic day of golf which everyone enjoyed. This was followed by a lovely dinner, speeches and prize giving from Alexander David and Tim Hotchkiss ending with carriages home.

Strakers and ABD Teams, you know who you are!

Speeches from Alexander David (ABD)

Memorable moments

A misplaced shot from Andrew Douglas on the 6th tee nearly “sliced” Strakers in half! Oops!

Close matches all round – intense!

Tom Alford having to make the hazardous “walk of shame” in front of amused onlookers across the fairway of the previous hole to play his ball because he hit his shot sideways. Really?

Lewis Bulley forgetting his golf shoes! Surely not? 

The weather was great and a fantastic day was had by all! True.

A narrow win – it was a close one!

THE WINNING TEAM 2015... ABD

Awdry, Bailey & Douglas team from left to right; Tom Paget, Andrew Douglas, Matt Brewer, Tim Hotchkiss, Alexander David, Alistair Everett, Tony Awdry and Roger Chadwick.

THEY WILL BE BACK ...  TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE WIN THE CUP NEXT YEAR! STRAKERS

Strakers Team from Left to right; Tom Alford, Charlie Doel, Lewis Bulley, Scott Windle, Antony Bulley, Guy Straker, Stuart Collar-Brown and Mark Hulse.

Awdry Bailey & Douglas takes part in a Macmillan Coffee Morning!

Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity registered organisation, who has helped to improve the lives of people affected by cancer in assisting with emotional, financial and practical support.  Macmillan Cancer Support raise money through coffee mornings, sponsored events, marathons, and much more…

Did you have your cake and eat it?

Awdry Bailey and Douglas Devizes employees took part in supporting this event last Friday by making cakes and then eating them – for a donation of course!! As well as making cakes a raffle also took place – the prize was a tin of Celebration Chocolates. It’s the taking part that counts and for a great cause too. Macmillan has raised so far over £867,563.33 as a result of donations and coffee mornings held all over the UK.

Did you know?

In 1911, a young man called Douglas Macmillan saw his father die of cancer.  His father’s pain and suffering upset Douglas so much that he founded the ‘Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer’.

He did this because he wanted advice and information to be provided to all people who suffered with cancer, he wanted homes for patients at low or no cost, and voluntary nurses to attend to patients in their own homes.

Today, much of his legacy lives on. Macmillan is still a source of support for people living with cancer today and is a force for improving cancer care. 

Did you know?

The first National World’s Biggest Coffee Morning took place in 1991 when approx 2,600 people registered to hold coffee mornings across the country. Since then coffee mornings have raised over £138 million for Macmillan.

For more information, or if you would like to make a donation – 

www.macmillan.org.uk/Coffee_Morning

Long Term Care Seminar - Royal Wootton Bassett

Does the new Care Act 2014 mean you need to know more about this country’s elderly care system and the funding options available?  

Are you thinking of selling your house or other assets to pay for long term care?

abdcare (a specialist managed and branded division of Awdry Bailey & 

Douglas Solicitors with particular expertise in elderly care) invite you 

to attend a seminar which addresses the new revolutionary issues  

surrounding this country’s Care System and how you or your 

loved ones may be affected should long term care be needed.

~ Please arrive 20 minutes beforehand ~ Light refreshments will be available ~

It is advisable to book early. Spaces may be limited!

Monday 12 October 2015 ~ 10.00am – 1.00pm

The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf and Leisure Resort,

Vastern, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7PB

    

Understanding the system and who should be paying for

 my long term care needs?

What strategies should be deployed to minimise 

the impact of care fees?

If I do have to pay the costs myself, what financial

options are available to me?

If you would like to attend and reserve free seating please click here or telephone 01380 722311

Devizes Carnival Parade 2015

The festival fortnight 2015 ended with grand finale Devizes Carnival Parade taking place on Saturday 5 September 2015.

After judging took place and the overall winner was announced the carnival procession set off winding its way around the streets of Devizes Market Place with thousands of happy onlookers waving and cheering.

Despite the disappointing dull and wet weather, the festival fortnight once again proved to be a huge success providing fun and family entertainment for free with great community spirit.

A hard act to follow!

One of the performances of particular interest during the festival fortnight was the glamorous “Bullzini Family” who were back to showcase their world premier performance Equilibrius! An enthralling and captivating story of love played out on a high-wire.

Equilibrius World Premiere performance boasts the breathtaking skills and thrills of ancient art high wire walking with a daredevil contemporary feel.

The world of fantasy is met through theatre and circus. The whole show is played out between, upon, under and on top of 2 cleverly engineered pylons facing one another with the sky as the backdrop. 

The amazingly breath taking performances took place over the bank holiday weekend.

PR, Events and Marketing Manager Keshani Douglas from Awdry Bailey & Douglas talks to hire wire walkers Chris and Phoebe Bull known as “the Bullzini Family”

Judges Choice

Everyone’s a winner! But, the judges had to choose an overall winner of the Devizes Carnival 2015. The winning float was “Cinderella and all those ugly sisters” put together by the Devizes and District Contact a Family. This registered charity provides respite and companionship to families that have members with special needs.

Judges with the winning float

Cinderella and all those ugly sisters!

For more information, please go to;

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts 
The Bullzini Family 
Contact a Family Devizes 

View more photographs from the carnival on our Pinterest account.

Chippenham Half Marathon 2015

Awdry Bailey & Douglas was proud to be one of the official Sponsors for the Chippenham Half Marathon which took place on Sunday 6 September 2015.

The Chippenham Half Marathon was first run in 2008 and due to its popularity has continued. It was voted 4th in the Runners World Top 10 Half Marathons of 2014 and winner of the WAA Race of the Year Award for 2014. There were some 1782 entries this year!   

An early start and luckily for the runners taking part in this event given the dull and rainy weather recently experienced, the weather was warm and sunny. 

A sea of runners took off from the start line

As the gun fired a sea of runners took off from the start line situated next to Chippenham Sports Club and made their way around the predominantly flat course which was run in the town and surrounding rural roads.

More people started to gather at the finish line and the first runners returned...

Whilst families, friends and supporters waited for the runners return, refreshments were made available.

Record Winner!

Jonah Chesum

Winner of the men’s was Kenyan Paralympian called Jonah Chesum who broke the course record with a time of 1:03:50

Wendy Nicholls

Winner of the race for ladies was Wendy Nicholls who came in at 1:22:52

Speeches and Prize Presentation

ABD Commercial Solicitor Tom Paget who is based at the firms Chippenham office was on hand to assist with prize giving and  speeches alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Chippenham; David and Gill Powell. 

Mayor of Chippenham David Powell presents first prize to Kenyan Paralympian, Jonah Chesum who broke the course record with a time of 1:03:50

ABD Solicitor Tom Paget –speech and prize presentations

ABD Solicitor Tom Paget –speech and prize presentations

Well done to Awdry Bailey & Douglas employees – it’s the taking part that counts

Also taking part in the race this year were ABD employees:

Catherine Cole who is a Legal Assistant in the Private Client Dept and is based at the firm’s Devizes office. 

Nikki Capp who is a residential conveyancer and is based at the firm’s Chippenham office.

ABD partner Rachel Fereday who based at the firms Devizes office and specialises in employment law and dispute resolution.

Monies raised will go to charities

Monies raised from this event will go to Dorothy House Hospice Care, The Royal British Legion, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, The Forever Friends Appeal and Focus Counselling to name but a few.

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

Awdry Bailey & Douglas IS THE LEAD SPONSOR FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST FAMILY OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS IN WILTSHIRE!

Devizes has a very long tradition of fairs, markets and carnivals...

The Devizes International Street Festival and Carnival is an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary festival styles.  It is the biggest community event in the town's calendar and one of the largest outdoor celebrations in Wiltshire. 

It’s already started!

This well-established, spectacular, exciting eclectic mix of entertainment and events runs for 2 weeks and is held from late August through to early September. It includes the Devizes International Street Festival, Picnic in the Park, Confetti Battle, live music and the Carnival Procession together with a host of other supporting events.

Family Fun Events and there’s more....

The events started on Sunday 23 August 2015 with Picnic in the Park. This free event took place in the Corn Exchange due to rain and which featured live music from talented musicians as well as the chance to a few  learn circus skills!

August 2015 Bank Holiday weekend will be busy and the town will enjoy a sensational line-up of some of the best international street performers, dancers, musicians, contemporary circus acts and walkabout shows including the Bulzini Family – Equilibrius, a high wire show on Sunday 30 August 2015.

The Confetti Battle on 2 September 2015 is a popular local tradition that has been taking place for many years standing, and one in which everyone can take part in. This traditional event dates back to 1955 and possibly the only event of its kind in the country! 

The Devizes Carnival Parade on 5 September 2015 is a spectacular event and promises to be even more spectacular this year.  The parade which will be led by Portsmouth & Bristol Batala Band starts on the green and goes through the town centre. Also featuring will be White Horse Samba, Wessex military Band and Casa de Samba and more!  

ABD is the lead sponsor this year for these exciting events and is proud to be supporting the community!

For more information on the full line up of Festival Fortnight events visit www.docadevizes.org.uk     

Make or update your Will in September and support the Royal United Hospital, Bath

People across the Royal United Hospital’s catchment area are being urged to put their affairs in order and make or update their Will as the hospital sees its first ever Make a Will Month scheme.  Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors (Devizes and Chippenham offices only) are delighted to announce that they are proud to be showing their support.

The Make a Will month runs for the duration of September and clients will receive Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors exceptional level of professional service and Will preparation in return for a reduced fee being donated to the hospital’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.

All potential clients have to do is make an appointment at Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors Devizes or Chippenham participating offices  for September stating that “you are taking part in RUH Will Month”.  The reduced fee will go direct to helping the RUH continue the exceptional care it provides to the people in our local community.

The RUH’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal, provide a vital service to help improve the hospital’s environment, providing additional medical equipment, facilities as well as the finishing touches and extras that help care for patients more effectively, together with its ongoing research and development.

Every fee waived by our Legal Team at Awdry Bailey & Douglas as part of the RUH Will Month will help to continue providing this care in the area of work of your choice across the hospital.

www.awdrys.co.uk

33 St John’s Street Devizes Wiltshire SN10 1BW 01380 722311

7 Woodstock Court Blenheim Road Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 4AN 01672 518620

Stafford House 57 High Street Royal Wootton Bassett Wiltshire  SN4 7AQ 01793 853200

38 Market Place Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 3HT 01249 478333

CONCERT AT THE KINGS FEST WAS A SELL-OUT AND RAISED £42,500

The announcement took place at a celebration party on Monday 3 August 2015 where Richard Baulu and team were pleased to present cheques to charities and the parish of All Cannings to help them support local good causes.

All the sponsors attended the event including PR Events and Marketing Manager Keshani Douglas with husband ABD Partner Andrew Douglas.

The Rock Against Cancer Festival 2015 now in its 4^th successful year of running has raised in total a fantastic £112,500!



The cheques went to charities: Above and Beyond, Macmillan Cancer Support and also Hope for Tomorrow whose representatives also attended the celebration party.

The 2015 concert was a sell-out
As people started to arrive from midday onwards bringing their rugs and chairs etc the field soon filled out as everyone settled in readiness for the performances. It was a beautiful sunny day!

The 2015 line up was superb...

Headline acts on the mains stage were: Animal and Friends, Howard Jones, Sweet, Lindisfarne and Squeeze!

Supporting acts on the Evolution Stage were: Lauren Thalia, Nellie Bell, Drench, Bad Sounds and Idlewood!

Comperes this year were Johnnie Walker and Dan Chisholm.

It was a truly fantastic day again and no doubt next year will be just as good.

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