The Freemasons of Devonshire have given away £25,000 to 25 local charities and organisations, with a charity from Kingsbridge making the cut.

Every Spring and Autumn, Freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local charitable establishments in need of financial assistance including schools, youth centres, hospices, hospital services and cancer charities.

On Friday, November 3, the Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP. Provincial Grand Master for the Freemasons of Devonshire presented cheques to 25 deserving causes.

At The Masonic Hall in Exmouth, the charity representatives accompanied by a member from their nominating lodge enjoyed a buffet lunch, a tour around the lodge and received their cheques.

Salstone Caring in Kingsbridge were one of the 25 charities to receive a cheque alongside others across Devon such as the Disabled Carriage Driving Group and Cancer Lifeline Torquay.

The Kingsbridge based registered charity aims to promote the independence, physical and mental well-being of older, isolated or vulnerable people living in the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Area.

Other Devon based charities that received a cheque include: Goals Soccer School in Plymstock, Plymouth Heartbeat, Independent Football Academy, Wheelfever Dance Plymouth, the Plymouth Drake Foundation, Plymouth and District Disabled Fellowship, St. Andrews Church, Balloons bereavement Exeter and East Devon, The Friends of Exmouth Libraries, Bonhams Ward, RDNE Exeter, East Devon Parkinson Support Group, Exmouth and Lympstone Hospiscare, Crediton Youth FC, Axe vale Conservation Society, Tiverton Community Transport association, Disabled Sailing Association in Torquay, Kingsteignton Youth Centre, South Devon School of Gymnastics, West Ansty Village Hall, Holsworthy Youth Football, Illfracombe Recovery Group and St. Michaels Church in Horwood.

The money is raised through the “WAKE FUND”, a trust created by the Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire from 1970 to 1984.

Since the foundations of this idea, the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and wise investments. Consequently, the amount now stands at almost £2 million, which amounts to almost £50,000 each year distributed by the trustees.

Since the first disbursement in 2001, almost £725,000 has been given to over 760 worthy non masonic organisations and charities throughout Devon, selected by members of the 133 Masonic lodges based throughout the county.

Ian Kingsbury said, “I am delighted that the Freemasons of Devon are able to continue to contribute to these important local causes, many of which are totally run by volunteers.”

It is the hope that these donations, “will make a real difference to the lives of many people.”

This year they are celebrating The Tercentenary of Freemasonry in England which has extended the funds available; having already contributed £120,000 to nine other deserving causes in September.

Any questions or information required can be answered by Clive Eden who can be contacted on 01626 354176 or at [email protected].