It’s wonderful to be able to thank people for their kindness and generosity when they pledge to leave a gift to our charity in their Will.
But sometimes our charity receives a gift without us knowing in advance.
That’s exactly what happened in 2021 when we were contacted by Mike Sinfield, executor of the Will of Ann Donne. Now, her generous legacy is already at work protecting our canals.
Mike was Ann’s accountant for over 40 years after she retired to Oxfordshire. She’d led an exciting life in London working as a casting director and is credited with Peter Wyngard's role in the classic TV show Jason King and Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Yet, in the time Mike knew her, she seemed to enjoy a quiet life. She spent time in her garden and among nature close to her home by the Oxfordshire Ridgeway. When Ann sadly passed away, her passions were reflected in her Will, with generous gifts left to protect wildlife, nature, heritage and the countryside.
We were fortunate enough to receive an unrestricted gift of over £325,000 from Ann, which is already supporting vital improvements to our network.
One of the first projects to benefit was the restoration of the historic pumping station at Crofton on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
First built in 1807-09, the Crofton pumping station transfers water uphill from the nearby Wilton Water reservoir to the highest point of the canal. From there, it provides water to 52 locks and a 35-mile stretch of canal travelling east towards the Thames at Reading.
Until 1959, the pumping station was steam-powered. The original Victorian pump is still in use today on special ‘steaming days’ running between September and April. In the 1980s, an electrical system took over the bulk of the work.
The more recent upgrade, partly funded by Anne’s gift, installed an even more modern, efficient and reliable pumping system to ensure boaters and wildlife can rely on the canal in decades to come.
Crofton is just one of the many projects supported by Ann’s gift. Her gift has also funded essential repair works on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Gargrave, bridge conservation work in London’s West India Docks, and dredging works near Marple on the Peak Forest Canal.
Ann’s legacy has been of huge value to us and has helped us deliver vital improvements to our canals that will live on for many years. Thank you, Ann, from everyone at Canal & River Trust.
Last Edited: 16 August 2024
