Nearly £500 raised at annual fundraising carol concert

Essex-based Palmers Solicitors is getting in the festive spirit to support the children’s wards at its local hospital trust.

The firm is once again stepping up for its long-term chosen charity, the Polly Parrot Appeal, with a very special ‘Guess The Name’ competition, featuring a fantastic Christmas teddy! 

Open to all staff across the firm’s five offices and clients who wish to participate, the competition will be open until 20 December, when the bear’s identity will be revealed.  

All proceeds will go towards the appeal, run by the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital to support paediatric patients and services, including children’s oncology and the neonatal intensive care unit.  

The appeal also funds support for children visiting loved ones or being seen as outpatients. 

Gina Newman, Practice Manager, said: “We’re long-time supporters of the Polly Parrot Appeal and we know that it’s particularly important at this time of year, when it’s exceptionally difficult for children to be spending time in hospital.  

“This competition is shaping up to be lots of fun, as well as an excellent opportunity for us to show our support for the incredible work that Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals do for the community and for children who need their help.  

“A huge thank you to everyone who has helped set it up and taken part so far – we look forward to announcing the winner and finding out what we have raised for our charity partner!” 

Essex-based Palmers Solicitors showed its appreciation for its dedicated team on World Kindness Day (13 November), gifting all its staff members with a fantastic bag of goodies! 

Getting in the spirit of the day, the firm presented each team member with a surprise gift bag to spread some positivity and recognise its staff for their outstanding work and client support.  

Each bag contained a range of goodies, including a reusable water bottle as well as some tasty sweet treats! 

Founded in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, an international coalition of national kindness organisations, World Kindness Day encourages individuals, organisations and businesses to focus on the power of community and uniting acts of kindness.  

Practice Manager, Gina Newman, said: “We’re big believers in the power of positivity and kindness for everyone, from our team to the local community! 

“We’re proud to recognise our incredible team for their work and dedication throughout the year. Our talented colleagues are what makes Palmers what it is today! 

“This World Kindness Day has been an excellent an opportunity for us to celebrate the positive impact that small acts of kindness and support can have, whether it’s through client work, volunteering, community work or simply showing appreciation for each other.” 

Leading Essex-based law firm, Palmers Solicitors, has made another significant investment in its talented team with the promotion of Lorna Boorman to Associate Solicitor.

With over 10 years of experience in estate planning, Wills, trusts, probate and older client services, Lorna joined the firm in 2023 – making a splash in the department as a solicitor and building her own client base.

Stepping into her new role, Lorna is spearheading an internal initiative to boost cross-team collaboration and communication with a view to creating opportunities for the firm’s growth and further investment in skills.

Lorna will also continue to market and develop the firm’s Private Client service line at its South Woodham Ferrers Office, focusing on building relationships in the local area.

The move comes as the firm’s Private Client team undergoes significant growth – a demonstration of Palmers Solicitor’s dedication to the community and local people.

Donna Smy, Supervising Department Director in the firm’s Private Client team, said: “Lorna is a hugely valued and successful member of our team, so it’s an honour to offer her this opportunity and have her continue her career with us.

“Her promotion is thoroughly well-deserved and a sign of her talent, skills and standing within the team.

“However, it also marks a wider drive to grow our Private Client offering and further enhance what we offer to people in the community – whether that be planning their estate, writing their Will or helping loved ones through the probate process.

“This comes back to our fantastic team. We’re all exceptionally proud of the work we do and our shared approach to professional development and peer support – and we will certainly look to continue investing in our staff!”