20 groups share £30k donations from Freemasons

DEVON Freemasons have now donated more than £1 million to local charities after handing over another £30,250 to 20 organisations based in the county.

- by STAFF REPORTER

Twice a year Freemasons from across Devon meet to support local groups which 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 a trust conceived by William Kneel, the Devonshire Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984. The fund is named after him as the William Alexander Kneel Endowment Fund, or WAKE Fund for short.

Since the idea was initiated, the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Freemasons and investments. Today it stands at £2.3m, from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently around £60,000 each year.

Anthony Eldred, charity lead for Devonshire Freemasons, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome more than 100 guests and Freemasons, and it was a privilege to meet and chat with the charities' representatives and contribute to the excellent work that they do in our communities."

Nicholas Ball, head of Devonshire Freemasons, added: "This is one of the highlights of our masonic calendar. To be able to support small local charities who do so much for our communities is very special.