THE Unity Lodge of the Freemasons in Crediton has awarded £2,600 to a number of local organisations and charities.

Prior to the presentations, held at the Crediton Lodge in Union Road, there was an update on 150 years of Freemasonry in Crediton, which the Lodge will be celebrating next year.

Also prior to the presentations there was a talk from Mrs Claire Ryder, of Ayrtons Dream Charity, which received an award of £1,250 in May 2019, sponsored by Unity Lodge, from the Devonshire Masonic WAKE fund.

This was to assist the charity’s strong support to Parents of Stillborn Children at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, through providing further resources, in addition to the quiet room and dedicated resource it has already created, working with the Hospital Matron, for those families while adjusting to loss in this most distressing form.

Recipient organisations were:

1 Shine Music Charity. Local organisation, dedicated to Music-based personal development and confidence building, for people on Autistic Spectrum. Represented by Bro Alex Barton. Sponsored by Worshipful Brother Glenn Coleman.

2 Hayward’s School. Assist with part funding of additional “Walkie - Talkie” radio’s, for communications between staff at lunchtimes, in case of emergency, and to ensure that staff working with vulnerable children, can communicate effectively with key leadership staff. Represented by Cheryl Phillips, Secretary and Parent. Friends of Hayward’s School. Sponsored by W. Bro. Peter Howison.

3 Mid Devon Scouts. To assist with purchase of “Trade Stand”, to promote Scouts, and vitally to attract more Adults to assist with Scouting. Represented by Trevor Waycott, District Commissioner, Mid Devon Scouts. Sponsored by W. Bro. Philip Bourne.

4 Bow Scouts. To assist with funding for “Axe Throwing”, to address core value in Scouting of “perceived dangerous or challenging activity”, but with the danger being managed in a way, teaching responsibility and that safety is paramount. Represented by Shaun Metcalf, Scout Leader. Sponsored by Bro. (Lt. RN) Lee Fallows.

5 Bow AAC Football Club. Assist with purchase of “Portable Goals”, to enable Football on the local Village field. Represented by Russell Bowden, chairman and Doug Coles, treasurer, Bow AAC. Sponsored by Bro. (Lt. RN) Lee Fallows.

6 Age Concern, Crediton and District. Assist with replacement of failed Gas Boiler, to help save future running costs in operating the Deep Lane day centre. Represented by Michael Coleman, Chair of Trustees. Sponsored by W. Bro. John Musty.

7 Nymet Rowland Parish Church. Assist with essential maintenance and repair, following inspection identifying urgent remedial work needed. Represented by Arthur and Victoria Littlewood, Church Wardens. Sponsored by W. Bro. Peter Heal.

8 Level Water. Assist this charity, in providing one-to-one swimming lessons for children with disabilities. Represented by Catherine Milton. Sponsored by Bro Philip Eakers.

Charity Steward Phil Bourne said that the funds awarded, have traditionally come, not from any external collection, but direct from the Brethren’s personal contributions, which they make either by standing order, or by one off payments to the Charity Steward through the year.

He added: “The Brethren are asked in writing annually, if they would prefer the accrued funds in their private accounts, to go to a particular organisation they wish to specify, usually locally, or if it can be used in the general fund, from which the money for these awards are provided.

“In recent years, our present Worshipful Master, Peter Coleman, with good ‘events team’, back-up, has run a number of very successful, ‘good fun’ events, including a 1960’s dance with the help of Crediton Rugby Club, a skittles evening and other events.

“The funds from these, have also gone into the general fund and helped enable these awards.

“In addition to this, many members contribute to the Devonshire Masonic Festival, where funds are sent to the Grand Charity in London, but in fact, we receive more money back from London, for needy causes in Devon, than we send.”

Phil added: “Worshipful Master, Peter Coleman thanked everyone for coming and for their commitment.

“There was a meeting of minds between the organisations who attended the presentation and it was good for them to meet each other.”

The Freemasons welcome applications which should be posted to the Charity Steward, Masonic Hall, Union Road, Crediton EX17 3AW.