Comedy legend Spike Milligan finally got the last laugh...Following an agreement with the local diocese over the wording on the headstone of his grave at St Thomas's Church in Winchelsea, East Sussex, relatives of the former Goon have now decided that it can bear the star's epitaph: "I told you I was ill."
However, the inscription had to be written in Gaelic in order for it to be approved by the Chichester Diocese. Milligan, who was an Irish passport holder, was buried close to his home in Udimore after he died, aged 83, from liver failure in February 2002. But fans visiting his grave found it was only marked by some plants and a small statue because his family had been unable to agree on the headstone. It now bears the words "Duirt me leat go raibh me breoite", or "I told you I was ill", and the English words "Love, light, peace". Bill Horsman, chairman of the Goon Show Preservation Society, said: "News of the headstone going up on Spike's grave is marvellous. Milligan formed the Goons with Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine and was widely regarded as one of the greatest influences on British comedy.
To make a lasting impression long after you're gone, is something we all secretly crave. Just how will I be remembered?
Leaving a lasting legacy that directs our work in a specific area of interest creates vital funding for UK charities. Because of it's very nature, usually arriving in a lump sum greater than what we could give while we are alive will make a substantial difference, but is often a very sensitive subject.
What basic information do I need?
You'll need to state our name, address and registered charity number:
Joint Action, The British Orthopaedic Association, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE. Registered charity number 1066994.
How do I create a legacy?
It's straightforward - you just need to add a clause (a section) to your Will which states what or how much you want to donate. You should discuss any potential legacy details with your solicitor when you draw up the Will.
How much should I leave?
It's a mistake to think that you have to leave thousands of pounds in a legacy. You can leave any sum of money (or any item) as a gift.
What sort of gift should I make?
There are four main ways that you can make a gift in your Will:
Residuary legacy
You can leave all or part of the ‘residue’ of your estate to charity – the ‘residue’ is the remainder of your estate after other payments have been made, for example, to other named beneficiaries.
Pecuniary legacy
A pecuniary legacy is a specified, tax-free sum of money.
Specific legacy
Stocks and shares, property or other items of value can be given as named assets in a ‘specific’ legacy.
Contingent bequest
A contingent bequest is made if certain conditions in the Will are met. For example, you might want to leave legacies to friends and family, but also specify how you want your estate to be used if all or some of them were to die before you.
Will my estate be liable for Inheritance Tax?
If your estate is worth £325,000 or more (the 2009/10 threshold value), your beneficiaries will need to pay 40% Inheritance Tax on the amount above £325,000.
Some examples:
Value of your estate | Amount paid in tax | Amount left |
£450,000 | £50,000 | £400,000 |
£700,000 | £150,000 | £550,000 |
For every £10,000 more than £325,000, your beneficiaries will pay £40,000. However, gifts made to charity in your will are exempt from Inheritance Tax and you could choose to leave a portion of your estate to charity to reduce the overall tax liability.
If you are married or in a civil partnership, you may be able to use some of your spouse or partner's tax allowance under new legal reforms - you should discuss your personal tax circumstances with a solicitor when preparing your Will.
You can also find more information about Inheritance Tax on the HM Revenue and Customs website.
I already have a Will – how do I change it?
If you’ve already made a Will, you should make sure it’s up-to-date and continues to reflect your wishes. If your personal circumstances change, for example, through marriage or divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, or if your assets change, you should amend your Will.
If you want to make a change to your Will, you may be able to do so by adding a codicil – your solicitor will be able to advise you.
If you wish to discuss this further, in the strictest of confidence, please call Joint Action on 020 7406 1767