Our links with the Local Community
Our Links with the Local Community
As a law firm established in Lancaster and Morecambe for over 70 years we have deep roots in our community and beyond. Here are a few examples of what we do to engage with the world outside the confines of our office at 6 Fenton Street.
Firstly, there are a number of local grant giving charities to which we provide legal advice and administrative support:
The Elizabeth & Richard Wilson Charitable Trust
This charity was set up by the Will of a local man called Richard Wilson and is named in memory of him and his sister. Mr Wilson was from Warton near Carnforth and directed that 10% of the Trust Fund be used for each of the benefit of Warton Methodist Church and the upkeep of the Churchyard at Warton Parish Church and a further 10% be applied to help young people from Warton with their higher education (this part is administered by Warton Parish Council). The remaining 70% is applied at the discretion of the five trustees of the charity in accordance with the instructions in Mr Wilson’s Will for the benefit of local churches, local Scout & Guide Groups and the education and spiritual development of local young people. Sue Hodgson (our former Senior Partner) is one of the trustees alongside Sally Richardson, Michael Rowlinson and John Shakespeare. Emma Carmon acts as a Clerk to the Trustees and may be contacted for further details and an Application Form.
The Banks Lyon Memorial Trust
This charity was established by Dr Walter Lyon, who was a local doctor and farmer. It exists to help local young people who face barriers to accessing training and gaining qualifications for employment.
Local = those living in Lancaster, Morecambe and District (the same as Lancaster City Council).
Young = mainly those aged 16-25 years but others considered.
Barriers = of a social and/or financial nature
General Benefits = helping young people to fulfil their potential and to benefit the local community through their future employment.
The trustees are listed on the website at bankslyonmt.org. Emma Carmon acts as Clerk to the Trustees and may be contacted for further information and an Application Form at emma.carmon@jajsolicitors.co.uk
The Areti Charitable Trust
This charity was established in 2017 to encourage children and young people living in the administrative area covered by Lancaster City Council to engage with nature and the natural environment. Please click on the link below to the website of the charity for further information:
Secondly we actively engage with charities who work with our local community to help make it kinder and more equitable:
The Bay Information Hub
Joseph A. Jones & Co were founder members of The Bay Information Hub which was set up in 2015 to offer support to those living with Dementia, their loved ones and carers. Saleha Chandia attends the regular meetings of the Hub on behalf of the firm. Please view the Hub’s website for further information:
LitFest
We sponsor Litfest, a local charity which organises an annual festival and other events in Lancaster and the surrounding areas to promote the enjoyment of literature for people of all ages.
Escape2Make
We sponsor E2M, a local charity dedicated to helping all 11–18-year-olds in the Lancaster & Morecambe area escape from boredom, social media, loneliness, and pressures from school or home.
Defying Dementia
The Defying Dementia Campaign exists to raise awareness of research by Lancaster University into neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease. At Joseph A. Jones we support the campaign by attending and speaking at events. Please click on the link below for further information:
The Dukes
At Joseph A. Jones & Co we love The Dukes Theatre and Cinema and recognise its importance to the cultural and economic well being of our district. For ten years from 2008 we put our money where our mouth is sponsored the nationally renowned “Play in the Park”, an annual Promenade Performance in Williamson Park and one of the iconic events in the Lancaster and District Calendar:
St. John’s Hospice and CancerCare
It is a common misconception that St. John’s Hospice and CancerCare are one and the same, not least because the Lancaster site of CancerCare is next door to the Hospice. The work they do and the people they help often overlap, but they are two separate charities which distinctive roles to play in our local community.
At Joseph A. Jones & Co we have had many clients over the years who have benefitted from the free care, compassion and support offered by one or both of them and so we endeavour to do our own bit for them by fund raising and offering legal support to both St. John’s Hospice and CancerCare whenever we can. Both charities are legendary in local community and rely on local support to keep going:
