Devonshire Freemasons donate over £30,000 to local charities

In a longstanding tradition of community support, the Freemasons of Devon have once again come together this spring to provide financial assistance to a diverse range of local charities and community organisations. At a special ceremony hosted at Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall in Plymouth, over £30,000 was awarded to 20 causes, continuing a philanthropic legacy that spans more than half a century.

The charitable giving is facilitated through the William Alexander Kneel Endowment Fund (WAKE Fund), named after William Kneel, Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire Freemasons from 1970 to 1984, and former owner of Kneel’s laundry and dry cleaners, now Johnsons. The WAKE Fund, established under his vision, has grown to £2.3 million through generous donations and careful investment. It now yields approximately £60,000 annually for distribution to worthy causes.

“It was once again a great pleasure to welcome charities and community groups to Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall in Plymouth for the first of our annual charity distributions this year," said Anthony Eldred, Assistant Head of and Charity Lead for Devonshire Freemasons. “Grants totalling over £30,000 were presented to 20 deserving causes drawn from across the county, each sponsored by a Devonshire Masonic lodge. It was a pleasure to welcome over 100 guests and Freemasons were able to attend, and it was a privilege to meet and chat with the charities’ representatives and contribute to the excellent work that they do in our communities.”

The spring distribution is much anticipated within the Masons, with grants going to a wide array of initiatives supporting health, youth development, heritage, animal welfare, and community transport. Each organisation is nominated by a local Masonic lodge, ensuring the funding remains closely tied to grassroots needs.

“This is one of the highlights of our Masonic calendar," said Nicholas Ball, Head of Devonshire Freemasons. “To be able to support small local charities who do so much for our communities is very special. It is so moving to hear about their efforts and the fantastic work that they do. I feel extremely proud to support such worthy causes on behalf of the members of Devonshire Freemasons.”

Highlights from This Year’s Beneficiaries:

• Devon Carers – Supporting over 37,000 unpaid carers, received £1,500 for healthy living initiatives.

• Kingsbridge Kingfishers Swimming Club – Volunteer-run, helping young athletes reach competition level, granted £1,500.

• Holsworthy Church Bell Restoration Project – Preserving one of Devon's historic bell peals, awarded £1,500.

• Radio Plymouth – Providing DAB radio services to hospital patients for over 60 years, received £1,500.

• Dawlish Community Transport – Replacing vehicles lost in an arson attack, awarded £1,500.

• Cann Bridge School – Supporting children with special educational needs, awarded £1,500 for creating autism-friendly spaces.

• Exeter Hospiscare – Offering end-of-life care since 1982, granted £1,500 for patient wellbeing enhancements.

• Tavistock Youth Café – Safe social space for teens, supported with £1,500 for residential trips.

• Memory Matters – Aiding those living with dementia, received £1,500 to improve a therapeutic café.

• Space Youth Services – Promoting mental health and opportunity for youth, received £1,500.

• Devon Racqueteers Para Badminton Club – Supporting para-athletes with new equipment, granted £1,500.

• Benita Community Project – Tackling food poverty and isolation in North Devon, awarded £1,500.

• Woodside Animal Welfare Trust – Caring for over 200 animals, awarded £1,750 for ongoing costs.

• Ilfracombe Pilot Gig Club – Promoting rowing in North Devon, received £1,500 for boat repairs.

• St Mary’s Church, Plympton – Restoring historic clock chimes, granted £1,500.

• Yelverton Community Projects – Funding inclusive playground equipment, received £1,500.

• Exmouth Town Youth CIC – Revitalising sports pitches, granted £1,500.

• Sidmouth Watersport Hub – Improving accessibility with a new lift, received £1,500.

• Combe Martin Museum – Preserving local history, awarded £1,500 for a display case for a 200-year-old smock.

• Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Plymouth) – Supporting lifesaving operations, awarded £1,500 for a vacuum mattress used in emergency evacuations.

The WAKE Fund continues to be a powerful example of how sustained community investment and civic commitment can make a real impact. This spring's ceremony reaffirmed the Freemasons' role not just in tradition, but in tangible, modern community support.

For more information on the WAKE Fund or Devonshire Freemasons, visit www.devonfreemasons.org.uk