The Gazette 1994

APRIL 1994

GAZETTE

Sol i c i tors Benevol ent Assoc i at ion Seeks Your Support

subscription to the Association and if possible to support the golf outings and other functions which are arranged in various locations around the country. Clearly, however, one method which could and, may I say, should be utilised would be by advising clients to leave a charitable bequest to the Association in the form which is shown overleaf. Indeed, I would ask that individual colleagues might seriously consider making a personal bequest in their own wills to the Association in the knowledge that in doing so they will benefit those less well-off than themselves and ensure in quite a number of cases that a reasonable level of assistance is afforded to such colleagues and their next of kin. Do please give this suggestion your serious consideration now. In closing I would again like to thank each and every member of the profession for his/her continued support over the years. It is very gratifying to know that, when called Association much easier. I would also commend to you the efforts made by individual Directors of the Association on behalf of applicants and families of applicants. One person in particular who merits the thanks of each and everyone of us is Geraldine Pearse who took over the mantle of Secretary within the past twelve months. She has measured up to the high standards set by her predecessor and it is hoped that she will continue in her position for many years yet. upon, the support is always forthcoming and it makes my position as Chairman of the

In 1992 I had the honour of being elected Chairman of the Solicitors Benevolent Association in succession to John O'Connor, who like his predecessors had carried out trojan work on behalf of the Association and instigated many practical but necessary changes in the operation of the Association and in the investments on its behalf. of the Association and from that experience I felt that the old adage "there but for the grace of God go I" was relevant. This was - and is - an added incentive to all the Directors to ensure that all applications for assistance are dealt with sympathetically and promptly. There is a misconception abroad that all solicitors are very well-to-do and in the upper bracket of the financial stakes. Practitioners themselves are well aware of the reality of legal practice and unfortunately in recent years it has become quite obvious that there are many in the profession who are finding it considerably harder each year to earn a worthwhile living. The reasons for this are many and varied. The function of the Association is to lend a hand to those who find themselves in difficult situations and hopefully to help them bridge the gap, as it were, until their particular circumstances alter for the better. Fact and figures can be shown to prove any case but it is interesting to note that in 1905 the number of persons assisted by the Association was 60. In 1993 this figure had risen to 72, a mere increase of 12, but the level of assistance had increased from less than £1,000 to in excess of £145,000 approximately in 1993. Even allowing for all types of financial swings and roundabouts it must be accepted that I was privileged, for some time prior to my election, to have sat as a Director

Andrew Smyth, Chairman,

Solicitors

Benevolent

Association

counties of Ireland and we receive tremendous assistance from our colleagues in Northern Ireland, of whom two are Provincial Directors. The problems are as real in the North as in the South and the reasons for the problems do not differ to any degree. It is not the function of the Association to investigate in depth the reasons why colleagues need to apply for assistance, however, careful consideration is given to the factual position in each case, with a view to ascertaining the full level of assistance required and to ensure at the same time that the recipients are aware of their entitlements from other sources. I am pleased to say that our investment policy, admirably carried into effect by Bloxham Stockbrokers, has resulted in a steady increase in the value of these investments, thus enabling us from time to time when it is found necessary to do so, to dispose of one investment or another and to utilise the proceeds thereof to the best advantage of the Association.

Thank you again and do continue with your support.

the calls on the Association are increasing rapidly each year.

How can you help?

Andrew Smith Chairman, Solicitors Benevolent Association

The obvious way of course is to continue to make your annual

The Association covers the entire 32

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