2016 was undoubtedly a mixed bag of emotions. From historic political surprises like Brexit and President-elect Donald Trump; the loss of several superstars; the end of Brangelina (or was that one inevitable?), to celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday; Tim Peake’s successful return to Earth and Ramsey Bolton getting what he deserved (Game of Thrones fans will agree with this one!).
For Dawson Hart, 2016 has been a successful year. Once again we maintained our Law Society accreditation for excellence in client care. This is important to us as it means that current and prospective clients can be assured that we are consistently delivering services that meet and exceed client expectations. With that in mind, we are also incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for the Law Society’s Awards for Excellence in Client Service. Whilst we did not win the category, to have been shortlisted on a national level is a fantastic achievement.
2016 also saw the third Uckfield Business Awards take place, in which Jacqueline Hardaway, our Managing Director, won Female Business Person of the Year. The staff at Dawson Hart feel that Jacqueline has helped them achieve their goals and clients tell us that she goes the extra mile to provide the very best in legal services.
Back in December 2015, our staff and contacts voted Chestnut Tree House as our Charity of the Year for 2016. We started off our fundraising with our Easter Egg Hunt in April. Over 200 visitors helped us raise just under £1,300 in 4 short hours. The sun shone for us and the children made the most of the woodland Easter Egg hunt. Even the Easter Bunny made an appearance!
In May, a team of Dawson Hart ladies took part in Chestnut Tree’s ‘Night to Remember’ walk in Eastbourne. An array of glow sticks, flashing lights and funky costumes helped spur on the walkers – although we suspect that the ‘Chocolate Station’ was also a great incentive!
October saw the very first Dawson Hart Fright Night held at the Cinque Ports Club. Over £825 was raised in one night, with some incredible raffle prizes on offer - every year local businesses in Uckfield never fail to provide fantastic prizes and we are so grateful.
More recently at our annual Christmas drinks party, we announced that our Charity of the Year 2017 would be St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Staff at Dawson Hart chose St Wilfrid’s as one of our Directors’ father, Kevan Regan, was looked after at the hospice before he passed away in September. Mr Regan was the co-founder of the hospice in 1981 and we are supporting St Wilfrid’s as a tribute to him.
Whilst Dawson Hart have achieved a great deal in 2016, we were also extremely sad to lose two of our team to retirement – David Marshall, our senior partner, and Jan Newman, assistant to Jacqueline Hardaway. David had been with Dawson Hart for over 37 years and was well-known within our community. Both David and Jan will definitely be missed.
With that said, 2016 has certainly been eventful for Dawson Hart to say the least, and we are very much looking forward to what 2017 will bring; including continuing our sponsorship of Uckfield RFC, Beacon Curling Club and Hastings Seagulls Swimming Club.
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