Yesterday, 2 July 2025, Bryony Ritchie from our Canterbury Castle Street office gave a well-received talk at Westgate Hall in Canterbury to a group of RNLI supporters. The event was attended by 35 members of the public, all of whom have expressed an intention to leave a gift to the RNLI in their Wills.

Bryony was invited to speak on the importance of making a Will - an area in which, as you would expect, she has considerable expertise. Her talk covered key points such as why a Will is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and how the intestacy rules can often result in unexpected or undesirable outcomes for families.

She also highlighted several common misconceptions around inheritance, including the idea that long-term unmarried partners are automatically entitled to a share of the estate, or that spouses will always inherit everything. Attendees were particularly interested in how failing to make a Will can leave charities - like the RNLI - completely out of the picture, regardless of the donor’s intentions during their lifetime.

The event provided an excellent platform for Bryony to demonstrate her clear, approachable communication style while reinforcing the practical support we offer. Bryony also shared some helpful prompts for those thinking about their own Wills, such as choosing executors, appointing guardians, and deciding how to divide assets fairly and sensibly.

In addition to Bryony’s talk, guests were treated to an engaging overview of the RNLI’s current campaigns and future plans. They heard powerful stories from the charity’s long history and learned how legacy gifts continue to play a crucial role in funding its lifesaving work.

Bryony said afterwards, “I was delighted to take part in this event. Everyone in the room cared deeply about the RNLI and wanted to make a difference. I’m glad I was able to provide some clarity and guidance on how best to ensure their wishes are properly reflected in their Wills.”

If you’d like to know more about the topics Bryony covered or the work we’re doing with legacy planning, feel free to reach out to her directly at our Castle Street office.