On Friday, June 2, the Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury, Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire presented cheques to 19 deserving causes.
Meeting at the Masonic Hall in Teignmouth, chairman of the Salcombe Minibus, Tim Mattocks enjoyed a buffet supper, explored the lodge and receive the cheque. Making the contribution, Mr Kingsbury said: “I am delighted that the Freemasons of Devon are able to contribute to these important local causes many of which are totally run by volunteers and hopefully these donations will make a real difference, especially in this the tercentenary year of English Freemasonry.”
Mr Mattocks thanked Ian Kingsbury, and said: “It costs approximately £3,600 per year to keep the minibus on the road and provide transport for elderly and frail citizens in Salcombe.
“On top of this, we need to build up savings of £40,000 every eight to ten years to replace the bus, being adapted to take passengers and up to two wheel chairs.
“We have just replaced our eight-year-old vehicle with a new one, so our coffers are almost empty and the funds that we have so kindly been given will go towards the running costs of that new vehicle.
“On behalf of the charity, I thank the Freemasons of Devon for the donation which they have kindly given us. We are very grateful for the funding.”
Every spring and autumn, Freemasons from around Devon meet to give support totalling in excess of £45,000 to local charities and organisations throughout the county who are in need of assistance.
The money is raised by the WAKE Fund - a trust conceived by the Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, Masonic Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984.
This fund now stands at £1.9m and the interest earned is given annually to local non-Masonic organisations that are in need of help.
Since the first disbursement in 2001, nearly £700,000 has been given to more than 740 worthy causes selected by members of the 133 Masonic lodges based in Devon.