A decade since its inaugural charity carol concert took place in 2014, Willans has hosted an evening of festive songs and readings to raise over £700 for its charity of the year, Cheltenham Open Door.
On Thursday 18 December, we welcomed clients, suppliers, supporters and their families to the spectacular Cheltenham college chapel to enjoy popular carols sung by local chamber choir Severn’s Eight.
The programme also included a speech from Cheltenham Open Door trustee, Dr Cheryl Whiting as well as Christmas readings by Tom O’Riordan of our wills, trusts & probate team and Katie Charlton of our litigation & dispute resolution team.
Willans’ charity carol concert has long been one of the biggest nights in the firm’s calendar and 2024’s concert has been highly anticipated by all. As well as speeches, readings and carols, an array of festive treats and refreshments were on offer, and thanks to a number of prizes kindly donated by local businesses, guests were offered the chance to enter a raffle, with all proceeds going to our charity of the year.
Speaking about the evening, managing partner Bridget Redmond commented: “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who attended this year’s charity carol concert, as well as to the fantastic choir, Severn’s Eight – who continue to impress us all year-on-year – and to every business that has supported the event.
“Cheltenham Open Door is an excellent charity that helps local people in need all year-round, and especially at Christmas time, so the event was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the incredible work they do.”
This year, Willans’ charity fundraising total reached £120,000, which over the past decade or so has been put towards a range of charitable projects across the county. Our team of more than 100 staff organise a number of fundraising events and activities, from baking competitions and sporting challenges to the annual charity carol concert.
About Cheltenham Open Door
Cheltenham Open Door is a small charity that supports vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people. It aims to relieve poverty, hardship and social or emotional distress in the community. Guests at the charity’s centre have been deprived of the comforts and security most of us take for granted and Cheltenham Open Door offers hospitality, warmth, food and somewhere to relax.
The people who come through its doors come from all walks of life. They may be experiencing mental health difficulties, in or recovering from addiction, isolated from friends and family, in financial difficulty, sleeping rough, in a hostel or on a friend’s floor or have spent time in prison.
Originally founded in 1992 as Open Door at Christmas, the charity gradually expanded and developed its work. Taking the name Cheltenham Open Door, it became both a registered charity and limited company.
Open Door was based at Grosvenor Street in central Cheltenham from 1998-2021 with a small staff team and a team of volunteers. In December 2021 it moved its guest hub to a larger premises in Alstone Lane. Willans’ real estate partner, Alasdair Garbutt advised on the commercial property element of the charity’s new premises and became a trustee of the charity.
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