Canal & River Trust host visit for the Probate Registry

Last month, Remember A Charity members, Canal & River Trust, welcomed a group of employees from the HMCTS Probate Registry to the Roundhouse in Birmingham, offering a closer look at their work and the vital role gifts in Wills play in sustaining their waterways.

The visit forms part of our work programme with Government, helping build understanding of the importance of legacies for UK charities. 

The day began with an overview of the Trust’s work and the challenges facing their canal network from Emily Ding, the charity’s Gifts in Wills Manager. She explained how gifts left in Wills are helping to fund essential conservation and restoration projects, ensuring their canals remain thriving spaces for both people and wildlife long into the future.

The group also heard powerful stories about individuals who have chosen to leave a gift in their Will, including Di Skilbeck MBE, a lifelong supporter of the waterways. Di spent decades volunteering at Ellesmere Port, helping to bring its history to life for visitors. Today, her legacy continues to protect the heritage she loved, supporting the care of historic boats and collections for future generations.

Nick Cleaver, Engagement Coordinator for the West Midlands, then introduced the Trust’s Community Roots programme. Through this initiative, the Trust works closely with local communities to help people reconnect with their canals - encouraging volunteering, supporting learning, and fostering a sense of shared ownership of these historic waterways.

The group then took to the water for a boat trip around Icknield Port Loop, where they experienced first-hand the waterways in the heart of Birmingham. Along the way, the group learned more about how gifts in Wills directly support projects across the region.

Reflecting on the visit, Emily Ding, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Probate team for the vital work they do in helping legacy income reach charities like ours across the UK. It was a real joy to share more about Canal & River Trust and the difference gifts in Wills are making - and even better to see the team taking the towpath route back to their office!”

The visit also left a strong impression on the Probate team, with Libby Moran, Probate & Video Hearings Operations Manager adding:

“The team had an amazing time and learnt a lot about the impact that legacies can have on Canal & River Trusts’ operations and what the Trust is all about. When we returned to the office there was an immediate buzz and they were all chatting to other colleagues about how amazing the visit was - I’m sure if there is another opportunity in the future we would have a lot of volunteers!”

The visit concluded on a high note, with the Probate team reflecting on their experience. Many commented on how much they enjoyed the day, from the boat trip along Icknield Port Loop to the welcoming and knowledgeable Trust staff. The experience not only offered a deeper understanding of the work of Canal & River Trust but also inspired further curiosity, with several team members keen to explore more about life on the canals.

Overall, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to share the story of Canal & River Trust and demonstrate how legacy support helps protect these unique spaces for future generations.