Devon Freemasons Donate £24,000 to 19 Local Devon Charities & Organisations
Every Spring and Autumn Freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local organisations who require financial assistance, among which are children’s charities, schools, youth centres and locally based charities including hospices, hospital services and cancer charities.
The money is raised through the “WAKE FUND”, a trust conceived by William Alexander Kneel, the Devonshire Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry & dry cleaners (now Johnsons). Since the idea was initiated, the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and wise investments. Today it stands at £2.3 million from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently around £50,000 each year.
Anthony Eldred, Devonshire Freemasons Charity Steward said: “Since the first disbursement in 2001, over £970,000 has been given by the Devon Freemasons WAKE Fund to charities and other worthy causes throughout Devon, selected by the 122 Masonic lodges within the county.
"Over 1000 charities and organisations have benefited since it started. Charity and service to our communities are fundamental principles.
"On Friday 10th November Nicholas Ball, the Provincial Grand Master for the Devonshire Freemasons, presented cheques to 19 local good causes amounting to £24,000 at Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall in Plymouth.”
Mr Ball said: “The two WAKE evenings per year are always so special and bring us much closer to the public. This again did not disappoint. There are some wonderful kind people working for the charities who do so much to make our communities a better place to live.
"Their stories make us as Freemason's feel truly humble and we are delighted to continue our support for them. The Freemasons of Devonshire should be very proud of this fund and of the efforts of the Provincial Benevolent committee.”
Charities benefitting this November:
1. Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool Association
To encourage a healthy lifestyle and interaction for all in the community. The donated funds will go towards installation of solar panels to try and offset the significant electricity charges for this valuable community asset. Nominated by Bovey Tracey Lodge No 8698 Bovey Tracey, donation £1,250.
2. Plymouth Homes for Veterans - The Stirling Project
To assist in finding accommodation for former Military personnel when they leave the Services, this can be a stressful time leading to Divorce and homelessness, the charity helps get former military personnel back into civilian life. Nominated by Queen Victoria Lodge No 2655 Plymouth, donation £1,250.
3. Hearts Together Hospital Hotel
To provide a ‘home away from home’ and make a positive impact on peoples lives for patients, friends, carers and relatives who are receiving hospital treatment. Making a ‘safe haven’ and expand social support and counselling services. Nominated by Pelican Lodge No7878 Plymouth., donation £1,250.
4. D/Art
To organise static workshops for adults with learning difficulty, to help improve their self esteem and confidence. One saturday a month they come together to chat, build friendships and improve self esteem. Nominated by Old Helean Lodge No 6797 Exeter, donation £1,250.
5. The Primrose Foundation
To support and care for local people suffering from brest diseases including Cancer. nominated by Victory Lodge No 4189 Plymouth, donation £1250.
Maggie and Julie from the Charity said: “ Your donation is very much appreciated, a few years ago one in twelve women were suffering from Brest Cancer, now it’s one in seven. Hair loss associated with treatment can be very traumatic, and one way we help is providing funding for good quality wigs which makes a huge difference to welbeing after treatment.”
6. RAF Harrowbeer Archives - Education and Heritage Centre
To give access to schools and general public to inform them of the history of this wartime airfield. “keeping local history alive”. Nominated by Bedford Lodge No282 Tavistock, donation £1,250.
7. Holsworthy Rural Community Transport
To provide affordable travel for the local community. nominated by Conciliation Lodge No 3482 Holsworthy, donation £1,250.
Julia Foster from the Charity said: “Our part of Devon is very rural, isolation is a big problem, ageing and bereavement and lack of public transport don’t help. We offer a chance to leave you house, go shopping, see old friends and have a social network again.”
8. North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team
To rescue and assist injured, lost, vulnerable and high risk on Dartmoor and wider afield in Devon. Nominated by Unity Lodge No 1332 Crediton, donation £1,250.
Jenny Doe, Dave Cavanan and Harry Price said: “We’re equipping a new search and rescue control vehicle, and the donation will help us in the installation of the radio and iCT equipment, thanks very much.”
9. Sidmouth Parish Church
To help towards the purchase of ten new bell ropes. Nominated by Lodge of Perseverance No 164 Sidmouth, donation £1,250.
Anne (Captain of the Ringers) said: “We’re quite active ringing, every Sunday, weddings, village events and National events. The bell ropes we have are over thirty years old and in need of replacement, church funds are tight and go into structural upkeep of the church, so this specific donation is a great help.”
10. Tiverton Town Ability Counts
To provide football opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Donated money will help with new equipment and travel costs to events. Nominated by St Peter’s Lodge No 1125 Tiverton, donation £1,250.
11. Beer Village Clock
To assist in funding urgent maintenance required to restore the Church clock mechanism and face for the next 100 years. Strangely perhaps, the clock is village, not church owned, and currently £8,000 of the £9,400 repair bill has been raised, so this donation means they’re nearly there! Nominated by De La Pole Lodge No 1181 Seaton, donation £1,250.
12. Pete’s Dragon
To provide support to families effected after a suicide, in Devon they support around 200 individuals. also active in suicide prevention and wellbeing , donated money will help with Children’s pier support. Nominated by Conciliation Lodge no 3482 Holsworthy, donation £1,250.
13. Plymouth Proprietary Library
This is one of Plymouth’s oldest institutions founded in 1810, enabling its members to read and borrow from it’s extensive collection of both rare books through to modern fiction, donation will help with heating and running costs. Nominated by Old Plymouth and Manameadian Lodge No 6279 Plymouth, donation £1,250.
14. Devon DocBike
To deliver critical care to patients involved in a motorbike accident. Biker education is part of what they do visiting bike nights and events. Nominated by Hauley Lodge no 797 Dartmouth, donation £1,250.
15. Plymouth Highbury Trust
To provide a range of services and social events for people with learning disabilities who live in Plymouth. Nominated by Felicity Lodge no 5336 Plymouth, donation £1,250.
Mike Newman said: “We support around 600 people, there’s day services and supported living assistance, and legal advice for parents with disabilities. This donation will help in the construction of our new sensory room.”
16. Centre Stage Exmouth
To advance the education of children and young people in music and the Performing Arts. Nominated by Sun Lodge No 106 Exmouth, donation £1,250.
Mike Worsley (Chairman) said: “We’ve been going for 50 years now, it’s about letting young people learn about all aspects of Theatre, from performance and dance to backstage, it’s a good grounding in the performing arts. We have about 100 youngsters involved, and we’ve performed in the Royal Albert Hall and even in Germany!”
17. Gables Dogs and Cat Home
A non-euthonasia rescue and re-homing centre established in 1907. nominated by Royal Navy Lodge No 3337 plymouth, donation £1,500.
Laura and Sarah said: “Currently we have 38 dogs and 92 cats ! there are large ongoing running costs with vets bills and food, and with winter coming we have significant heating cost as well, so thank you.”
Laura and Sarah were assisted on the evening by “Mrs Claus” a very well behaved 4 year old Red Setter who made friends with everybody.
18. The Calvert Trust Exmoor
This is a residential activity centre and charity for people with physical and complex disabilities. The donation will help with equipment for instructors and participants in their outdoor activities. Nominated by Loyal Lodge of Industry No 421 South Molton, donation £1,250.
19. Okehampton Argyle Under 10s Football Team
The Under 10s team has 28 registered players, the donation will assist in the cost of running and new Team kit. They lost 5:0 in this season's first match, but that didn’t matter as everyone was proud of their new kit ! Nominated by Lodge of Obedience No 1753 Okehampton, donation £1,250.
