Devon Freemasons mark 250 years of community support with over £250,000 donated in 2025

Devon Freemasons have celebrated a major charitable milestone as more than £250,000 has been donated to local good causes across the county in 2025, coinciding with the organisation’s 250th anniversary year.

Members from across the Province gathered at Exmouth Masonic Hall on Friday 21 November for the latest round of charitable awards from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment Fund (WAKE Fund). A total of £30,250 was presented to 20 grassroots charities and community organisations, each nominated by a local Masonic Lodge.

This most recent distribution brings total contributions to Devon communities this year to over £250,000. Since its establishment in 2001, the WAKE Fund alone has donated nearly £1.1 million to local causes.

Every spring and autumn, Devon’s Freemasons meet to award grants supporting a wide range of community needs, from youth groups and schools to medical services, mental health charities, cancer support organisations, care providers and hospices.

The WAKE Fund was created through the generosity of the late William Kneel, Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984 and owner of Kneel’s Laundry and Dry Cleaning service. His aim was to create a lasting legacy of charitable giving for the people of Devon. Today, the fund stands at over £2.3 million, with prudent investment enabling approximately £60,000 to be donated each year.

This latest celebration brought together charity representatives, Freemasons and their families for an evening recognising the ongoing impact of the support provided.

Nicholas Ball, Head of Devonshire Freemasons, said:
“This is one of the proudest moments of our Masonic year. 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, especially as we celebrate our 250th Anniversary, is an incredible privilege. On behalf of all Devonshire Freemasons, I thank these charities for everything they do.”

Andrew Hall, Charity Lead for Devonshire Freemasons, added:
“Freemasonry is built on friendship, integrity and charity and is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. These donations allow us to extend a helping hand to those making a real difference on the ground and we are proud to support their vital work.”

Assistant Head of Devonshire Freemasons, Anthony Eldred, who led the evening’s proceedings, said:
“Welcoming so many inspiring groups to Exmouth has once again demonstrated how compassion, volunteering and community spirit thrive in Devon. We are proud to stand beside them and play a part in strengthening the place we all call home.”

20 Local Organisations Receive Support

Each of the following organisations received between £1,500 and £1,750 in grants from the WAKE Fund:

• Erme Primary School – Supporting redevelopment of the school’s playgroup area, including spaces designed for children with neurodivergences.

• Exeter Hospital Radio – Funding to support the listener-run radio station, broadcasting to hospitals and care homes since 1974.

• Taw Bottom Campsite – Contribution toward a new low-ropes course at the South Tawton activity site used by Guides, Scouts, Duke of Edinburgh groups and schools.

• The Talent Box – Supporting an Exmouth theatre group for adults with learning disabilities with new costumes, props and rehearsal space.

• Devon Air Ambulance Trust – Helping fund vital medicines and equipment for the life-saving air ambulance service.

• The Zone, Plymouth – Supporting counselling volunteers who assist over 4,000 young people a year aged 13–25.

• Exeter Cathedral – Helping replace the cathedral’s hearing loop system to make services more accessible.

• League of Friends of Tyrell Hospital – Supporting at-home diagnostic equipment for patients across North Devon.

• St John’s Church, Totnes – Contributing to the “Lift Off Appeal” to replace the church’s ageing lift.

• Langdon Hospital, Dawlish – Supporting an orchard and hedgerow project aiding patient rehabilitation through nature-based activities.

• Bang Bang Boxing Club, Crediton – Helping a fast-growing youth boxing club that has already guided one member onto an Olympic pathway.

• South West Airfields Heritage Trust – Funding display cases and entrance refurbishment at their aviation heritage centres.

• Children’s Hospice South West – Supporting specialist and sibling care for over 550 families.

• Elburton Primary School – Contributing to the “Arthur’s Too Pool For School” project to renovate the school’s swimming pool.

• Balloons – Supporting grief counselling for young people across East and Mid Devon.

• Northam Care Trust – Helping fund a new community hydrotherapy pool for adults with disabilities.

• Exmouth & Lympstone Hospiscare – Supporting vital hospice care services reliant on donations.

• Tiverton Hospital League of Friends – Funding essential diagnostic equipment to keep care local for patients.

• Royal British Legion, Plymouth & District – Supporting the “Ripple Event” to provide safe, private exercise facilities for veterans.

• 5th Exmouth Sea Scouts – Contributing toward rebuilding facilities after an arson attack destroyed their scout hut and equipment.

As the Devonshire Freemasons celebrate their 250th year, the Province says it remains committed to supporting communities long into the future.