EVERY Spring and Autumn Freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local organisations who require financial assistance, among which are three from the Post area — Holsworthy Rural Community Transport, Pete’s Dragon and the Okehampton Argyle Under 10s Football Team. 

The money is raised through the “WAKE FUND”, a trust conceived by William Alexander Kneel, the Devonshire Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry & dry cleaners (now Johnsons). Since the idea was initiated, the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and wise investments. Today it stands at £2.3 million from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently around £50,000 each year.

Anthony Eldred, Devonshire Freemasons charity steward said: “Since the first disbursement in 2001, over £970,000 has been given by the Devon Freemasons WAKE Fund to charities and other worthy causes throughout Devon, selected by the 122 Masonic lodges within the county. Over 1,000 charities and organisations have benefited since it started. Charity and service to our communities are fundamental principles.”

This autumn on Friday, November 10 at, Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Plymouth, Nicholas Ball, the Provincial Grand Master for the Devonshire Freemasons presented cheques to 19 local good causes amounting to £24,000.

Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire Freemasons Nicholas Ball added: “The 2 WAKE evenings per year are always so special and bring us much closer to the public. This again did not disappoint. There are some wonderful kind people working for the charities who do so much to make our communities a better place to live.

Their stories make us as Freemason’s feel truly humble and we are delighted to continue our support for them. The Freemasons of Devonshire should be very proud of this fund and of the efforts of the Provincial Benevolent committee.”

Funding was presented to Holsworthy Rural Community Transport to provide affordable travel for the local community. They were nominated by Conciliation Lodge No 3482 Holsworthy, and received a donation of £1,250.

Julia Foster from the charity said: “Our part of Devon is very rural, isolation is a big problem, ageing and bereavement and lack of public transport don’t help. We offer a chance to leave you house, go shopping, see old friends and have a social network again.”

Pete’s Dragon was set up by a family with connections to Launceston and provides support to families effected after a suicide. In Devon they support around 200 individuals and also active in suicide prevention and wellbeing. The donated money will help with children’s peer support. They were nominated by Conciliation Lodge no 3482 Holsworthy, and received £1,250.

Finally, Okehampton Argyle Under 10s Football Team has 28 registered players and the donation will assist in the cost of running and new team kit. They lost 5-0 in this season’s first match, but that didn’t matter as everyone was proud of their new kit! They were nominated by Lodge of Obedience No 1753 Okehampton, and received a donation of £1,250.