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 ineed of assistance.
Hospital Radio Plymouth were one of the groups nominated by their local lodge.
The money is raised by the “WAKE Fund”, a trust conceived by the Right Worshipful Brother Williiam Alexander Kneel, the Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry & dry cleaners (now Johnsons).
This fund now stands at £2 million and the interest earned is given annually to local non masonic organisations in need of help. Since the first disbursement in 2001, over £775,000 has been given to over 800 worthy causes, selcted by members of the 131 Masonic lodges based in the county.
On Friday 31st May 2019, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP. Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire, presented cheques to 23 deserving causes.
Meeting at the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Citadel Road in Plymouth, the chairty 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 chqeues totalling the maginficent 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”.
Trevor Middleton, from Hospital Radio Plymouth, thanked Ian Kingsbury and said “It was only because of grants such as this, that we are able to continue to provide a 24hr a day radio service to the patients, staff and visitors of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust at Derriford”.