How to Leave a Legacy

Can I talk to someone about making a Will and leaving a gift to Garsington Opera?

Yes, of course. We are always happy to help you with any queries you may have. If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, you can call us on 01494 376037 or email Alison Dunnett.

Alternatively, you can write to us: Garsington Opera, The Old Garage, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7NP. If you’d like us to reply by telephone, please include a daytime number where we can contact you.

How do I make a Will?

We recommend using a qualified solicitor to make a new Will or to amend an existing Will. You can find a solicitor in your local area using the Law Society’s website. We are also able to put you in touch with Bircham Dyson Bell, who have offered a free will-writing service for those wishing to leave a legacy to Garsington Opera.

What is the difference between a pecuniary and a residuary gift?

• With a residuary gift, you can decide to leave the remainder of your estate or a percentage of it once family and friends have been taken care of. Many people choose this type of gift that has the added benefit of not devaluing over time.
• With a pecuniary gift, you can specify a particular amount of money that you would like to leave to Garsington Opera.

Can I avoid inheritance tax with a gift in my Will to Garsington Opera?

The inheritance tax threshold is currently £325,000 and is set at 40 per cent, but rates do change, so please check.

If you’re liable for inheritance tax, it’s possible to reduce it from 40 per cent to 36 per cent by leaving a gift to Garsington Opera or another charity. The gift in your Will must be worth 10 per cent or more of your net estate for HMRC to reduce the inheritance tax due on your estate by 4 per cent.

Can I choose what the gift in my Will is spent on?

Yes you can. While we welcome legacies that can be used for general purposes so we can meet our most urgent needs, we're also very happy to accept gifts for a particular use. That means you can choose where and what your money is spent on, a new production perhaps, or an area of special significance to you such as the Learning & Participation Programme, young artists or the orchestra.

Can you advise what wording to use to include a gift to Garsington Opera in my Will?

We recommend you use a qualified solicitor to amend an existing Will or to include a gift in a new Will, or we can put you in touch with Bircham Dyson Bell, who have offered a free will-writing service for those wishing to leave a legacy to Garsington Opera.

Can I leave a specific object to Garsington Opera?

You can choose to leave us a collection or a specific object for us to sell and use the proceeds to support our work. If you would like to leave a collection or a specific object to Garsington Opera, please do get in touch to let us know and we can talk about the options available. Please contact us on 01494 376037.

How does the Garsington Opera record and acknowledge gifts in Wills?

We're always extremely grateful to receive gifts in Wills. Given the personal and private nature of such support, all gifts remain anonymous unless otherwise agreed. All those who notify us of a gift to Garsington Opera in their Will are invited to join The 1989 Society and enjoy a programme of events throughout the year to get closer to the work that we do.

How can I find out more information?

Just get in touch whenever you are ready; we will be happy to help you. If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, call us on 01494 376037 or send us an email. 

Should I give a copy of my signed Will to anyone for safekeeping?

Yes, you can keep a copy of your Will with your solicitor or bank, and hold a copy yourself. You should also tell your executors where they can find the original. From time to time, you should read your Will again to make sure it still accurately reflects your wishes which can change with events like the birth of a grandchild, for example.

I am an executor, where do I send the legacy payment?

All correspondence should be sent to: Garsington Opera, The Old Garage, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7NP and we will reply to the accompanying correspondence and sort out allocation of funds. Cheques should be made payable to Garsington Opera.

What is the registered charity number and details to be included in a Will?

Our registered charity number is 1003042 and our address is: Garsington Opera, The Old Garage, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7NP.

Who can I contact to find out whether a specific wish can be carried out?

We are always happy to help you with any queries you have. If you'd like to talk to someone you can call us on 01494 376037 or send us an email.