St Thomas with St Stephen has benefited enormously in the past from the generosity of church members in the bequests they have made in their Wills. In some cases, the bequests have be transformative, enabling a major project that would have otherwise never have happened. Would you consider supporting us in this way?

How to Set Up Your Bequest

If you are considering leaving a legacy to support the work of the parish, please accept our sincere thanks. It would help us enormously to know of your intention – just send us an e-mail or letter or ask your solicitor to do so.

Although making or changing your Will is simple, it is important that you consult a solicitor or professional advisor. The wording in your Will is very important. It will, for example, help us to know whether you want to leave us a specific amount of money or property, or whether you are leaving us the residuary amount of your estate (what is left after all your other bequests have been taken into account).

For guidance, here are some examples.

“I give the sum of £………………… (or the specified shares or item(s) of property) to the Parochial Church Council of St Thomas with St Stephen (Telford Park) in the Diocese of Southwark. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or a Churchwarden of St Thomas with Stephen PCC for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge of the said gift.”

or

“I give the residue of my estate to to the Parochial Church Council of St Thomas with St Stephen (Telford Park) in the Diocese of Southwark for its general charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or a Churchwarden of St Thomas with Stephen PCC for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge of the said gift.”

Inheritance Tax

A legacy to a charity may reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax due. Inheritance Tax is currently fixed at a flat rate of 40%. Your estate may be subject to Inheritance Tax if the value of your property and possessions come to more than £312,000. This excludes any money or property you leave to our spouse if he or she lives in the United Kingdom. It also excludes any legacies to charity. Your solicitor will advise you about current tax legislation.

If you are intending to or have already set up a bequest, please let us know. Contact the Treasurer via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by post to the parish office.