MEMBERS of Unity Lodge, Crediton Freemasons attended a "Drill Night" with the Crediton Detachment of Devon Army Cadet Force at the invitation of Lt Nigel Cooper, a Lodge member and officer in charge of the Cadet group.

The Lodge members attended to see how two donations had been used by the Army Cadets. The visit was to review how the donations could assist with the purchase of equipment used in their work, on Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes, and helping to obtain "Bergen" rucksacks, plus items of uniform and other essential kit.

The first donation of £300 was from contributions by local Lodge members, while the second donation of £750 followed an application to the Devonshire Masonic WAKE fund.

The interest from this fund, from the legacy of late Provincial Grand Master for Devon, William Alexander (Bill) Kneel, is distributed widely across Devon twice yearly and has enabled Unity Lodge in Crediton to assist a large number of local organisations and groups in their work in the community.

The second was an application to the Devonshire Masonic WAKE fund. The interest from this fund, held in trust, is distributed widely across Devon twice yearly and has enabled The Unity Lodge in Crediton to assist a large number of local organisations and groups in their work.

Over the last few years the Lodge has donated £5,000 between local groups and organisations including, Crediton Detachment of Devon Army Cadet Force, Age Concern Crediton & District, ELF, SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) and Lapford Pre-School. In May the Crediton Guides will also receive a donation.

The members of The Unity Lodge, Crediton were treated to good examples of what the cadets learn and Lodge members, in particular, Brother "Stan" Matthews, Sergeant Major of the 6th Battalion The Rifles in Exeter, encouraged the young people in learning the various skills and self-reliance they need to depend on.

Members of The Lodge had great fun when after a "Parade Ground" exercise by cadets, six Lodge members were paraded in "Dads Army" style by Sgt Major/Brother Stan Matthews. He later told the cadets, this was to show them how NOT to do it!

Any young person (over the age of 12 years) who would like to join the Army Cadets can go along to Crediton Fire Station on a Tuesday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, or contact A Company Headquarters on 01884 252342.