EVERY Spring and Autumn Freemasons from all parts of Devon meet to give support totalling in excess of £50,000 to local charities and organisations throughout the county who are in need of assistance.

Devon County Agricultural Association was one of the groups after it was nominated by its local lodge, St George’s in Exeter.

The money is raised by the “WAKE Fund” a trust conceived by the Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry and dry cleaners (now Johnsons).

This fund now stands at almost £2 million and the interest earned is given annually to local non-masonic organisations who are in need of help.

Since the first disbursement in 2001 more than £690,000 has been given to more than 790 worthy causes selected by members of the 133 Masonic lodges based in the county.

This year on Friday, June 1, The Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP. Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire presented cheques to 22 deserving causes.

Meeting at the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Citadel Road East, Plymouth, the charity representatives accompanied by a Mason from their nominating lodge were able to enjoy a buffet supper, explore the Lodge and ask questions about freemasonry whilst receiving their cheques totalling the magnificent sum of £25,000.

Making the contributions Ian Kingsbury said: “I am delighted that the Freemasons of Devon are able to contribute to these important local causes many of which are so competently run by volunteers and hopefully these donations will make a real difference.”

Deborah Custance Baker, from The Devon County Agricultural Association, thanked Ian Kingsbury for the Freemasons generous donation and said that this money would be used towards doors for the revitalised Wadsworth Pavilion on the County Showground site.

She said the DCAA is keen to promote this building and use it all-year-round as a permanent educational hub being able to bring school children and their teachers to a safe environment to learn about the importance of Devon farming and where their food comes from.