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Harrogate spinster's will lifeline
A HORTICULTURAL charity is blooming after it was left £40,000.
The unexpected bequest was made in the will of an anonymous Harrogate spinster who died aged 76 this summer.
The money has been left to Horticap, a charity based in Bluecoat Wood Nurseries in Otley Road, Harrogate, which provides horticultural training and craft skills to students with learning difficulties.
Horticap chairman of trustees Joy Allan said that the bequest was "totally unexpected" and would give a welcome boost to the charity at a time when donations have fallen by a fifth due to the recession.
She said: "We are very grateful for this bequest which has come out of the blue.
"We have no trace of the lady in question among our supporters and, as far as we can tell, have had no prior contact with her as a visitor to our shop.
"It has come at a difficult time for all charities and social ventures. We are also delighted that the bequest is not stipulated for any particular project and can be used towards the running costs of Horticap which has 38 students."
Ms Allan, a former Harrogate businesswoman who has been chairman of the trustees for two years and on the board for six, said the charity found it easier to attract funds for capital projects but faced a constant need to meet running costs.
The trustees will decide how to use the funds in the coming weeks but the bequest is likely to be put towards wages, maintenance and utility bills.
Ms Allan added: "Horticap is very rewarding for the students, who also learn social skills in a safe environment, and for the staff and trustees.
"But it is a huge commitment and we always need help with running costs ."
Martin Blackham, a partner at Barber Titleys and executor of the will, said: "It has been a pleasure to support this lady in helping Horticap which the practice was involved in establishing 25 years ago."
The charity has suffered a 20,000 loss in the year up to March 31 and was anticipating the same sort of shortfall up to spring 2010.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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