PEOPLE who work with charities supporting people were praised at an evening at Crediton Masonic Lodge when cheques for £200 each were presented to six charities.

Ian Kingsbury, Provincial Grand Master Devonshire and a member of the Unity Lodge at Crediton, in handing over the cheques said how proud he was of the members in helping the charities.

He explained that all the money had been raised “from the Masons’ pockets” and not from appeals or other ways.

Receiving the cheques from Unity Lodge Benevolent Fund were Crediton Youth FC, Crediton RFC Youth, Crediton and District Special Need Playscheme, 1st Crediton Scout Group, Care for Casualties, and the Friends of Cadogan Court Care Home in Exeter run by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Mr Kingsbury added that the recipients were “local people receiving something from local people.”

He was introduced by Richard Tapp, Master of Unity Lodge. Each person receiving a cheque gave a brief outline of their work and how the money would be used.

For Crediton Youth FC, Martin Daniel said they cater for young people between the ages of under seven years to 18. There has been “tremendous” growth of interest in the girls’ teams. Membership was now 250.

Shane Bayley, Crediton RFC Juniors chairman, said the junior section was expanding, especially the girls’ section. The funds would go towards extra training.

Receiving the cheque for 1st Crediton Scout Group, Debbie Richards Group Scout Leader, said there were now 70 young members of the various sections with a long waiting list, not helped by a lack of Leaders.

Phil Hutchens was collecting the Care for Casualties cheque on behalf of WO2 Stan Matthews who could not be there due to duties. This fund was purely for members of the Rifles Regimental family and those injured in recent conflicts.

Emily Carey Lewis, supervisor Crediton and District Special Needs Playscheme said this can help the children enormously. The funds would help take them on days out, giving parents and carers a break.

Joe Mullins, vice chairman of the Friends of Cadogan Court said the Friends help provide extras for the residents that would not normally be provided by the RMBI, which can cost up to £8,000 a year, it has just paid £15,000 for a computer link for residents.

Sue Read