Every Spring and Autumn, Freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local organisations who 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 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.

This Autumn on Friday 4th November at Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Citadel Road, Plymouth, Ian Kingsbury the Provincial Grand Master of the Devonshire Freemasons presented cheques to twenty-one deserving causes. Daryl, the centre’s manager, accompanied Grahame Simons, from Exeter Northcote Lodge, to receive a very generous donation of £1500. A massive thank you goes to Grahame for his role in the Exeter Gateway Centre being the recipient and to everyone involved on the evening for their friendliness and hospitality.