Devonshire Freemasons welcomed charities, schools, and voluntary organisations from across the county to a special WAKE Fund presentation at the Conference Centre at Buckfast Abbey on Friday 5th June.
The event brought together representatives from 21 organisations whose work supports people and communities in many different ways. Guests were welcomed by Freemasons from throughout Devon, including members of the Lodges that had nominated local causes to receive funding.
During the event, representatives were presented with cheques to support their work. it was also an opportunity for the organisations to explain what they do, meet fellow community groups, and build stronger relationships with Freemasons in their local areas.
The organisations attending reflected the wide range of challenges being addressed by charities and volunteers across Devon. They included services supporting Armed Forces personnel and veterans, children and young people, patients and families, schools, churches, community buildings, and emergency services.
Among those represented was the Plymouth Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, which provides a welcoming place for servicing personnel and veterans to meet, share experiences, and enjoy the friendship and understanding of others from the Armed Forces community.
Nicholas Ball, the Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, as Head of Devonshire Freemasons, said: “Service to our communities is at the heart of Freemasonry. We want to play an active and useful part in society by supporting the people and organisations that make Devon a better place to live. We know that small, local charities are often the ones making the biggest difference, and with rising pressures on their services, our support matters more now than ever before. To be able to contribute to the wellbeing of communities across Devon is an incredible privilege. On behalf of all Devonshire Freemasons, I thank these charities for everything they do.”
Children and young people were a particularly important focus of the presentations. Organisations receiving support included Exmouth Youth Theatre, which helps young people develop confidence, creativity and teamwork through drama, dance, and singing, and also Promoting Children in Plymouth, which works with partners across the city to improve opportunities for children affected by poverty.
Connecting Youth CIC, Space Youth Services, and Exmouth Amateur Boxing Club were also represented, alongside Brook Green Centre for Learning, Seaton Primary School PTFA, Cornwood Primary School, and Exeter School. The 1064 Honiton Squadron of the Royal Air Force Cadets attended as part of a strong group of organisations providing young people with opportunities to learn new skills, form friendships, and become active members of their communities.
The event also recognised organisations supporting people affected by illness, injury, or difficult personal circumstances. The Fern Centre at North Devon District Hospital offers information and wellbeing support to people affected by cancer and their families. Sidmouth Hospice at Home provides specialist care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses in the comfort of their own homes.
Horatio’s Garden creates and looks after accessible gardens at NHS spinal injury centres, giving patients and their loved ones places for peace, reflection, and time away from the clinical hospital environment. Devon Air Ambulance, which provides an essential emergency response service across the county, was also among the organisations represented.
The Samaritans of Plymouth and South West Devon, and Shekinah Plymouth attended the presentation, reflecting the vital work taking place to support people experiencing emotional distress, homelessness, hardship, and social isolation.
Community Life was represented by Sowton Village Hall, Pyworthy Church, and St Nicholas Church in Dunkeswell. These local organisations provide places where people can meet, take part in activities, and maintain the connections that help villages and neighbourhoods thrive.
The St Lazarus Charitable Trust also attended, who provide medical bursaries for local doctors in training. Each organisation was also joined by members of the lodge which had supported and nominated them.
Andrew Hall, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, as charitable lead for Devonshire Freemasons said: “Our aim is to support good work where it is needed most. That means listening to local charities, understanding the challenges people face, and helping them make a real difference. Supporting these organisations is an important part of that work, and events like this help us build strong relationships so that Freemasons remain a trusted and active part of our wider communities.”
The WAKE Fund was established through the generosity of William Alexander Kneel, a prominent Devonshire Freemason, and makes grants to local charities and community organisations during spring and autumn presentation rounds. Previous distributions have supported causes through Devon, with funding directed towards practical projects and services which benefit local people.
While the organisations supported might work in very different fields, they are united by a desire to serve others, and strengthen the communities in which they live and work. Guiding principles which Freemasonry is founded on.
