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 Kneel’s laundry and dry cleaners (now Johnsons).

Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, Ian Kingsbury JP: “We are so lucky that Devon has this legacy to share with small groups and charities who are put forward by their local Lodges. We’ve had larger Devon based Charities getting quite significant donations from the National Masonic Charitable Foundation. But this is us using local funds to help many smaller local groups and charities”.

Ian Kingsbury presented cheques to 21 deserving causes at a ceremony on November 4.

Pippins Pre-School and Nursery of Crediton was one of those lucky charities to receive a cheque to create a staff room for their hard working and dedicated staff.

The cheque was presented to Sharleen Treen – Manager and Michelle Dymond – Deputy who expressed their sincere thanks to the WAKE FUND for this generous donation.

They said: “This money will allow us to create a staff room for our staff to enjoy a well-deserved break in a calm environment. Without these funds this would not be possible and would require huge amounts of fundraising by the team.

“We would like to also express our sincere thanks also to Rob Dymond for giving his time to take on this project and are excited to see the room take place.”