THANKS to Devon Freemasons and the Unity Lodge, in Crediton, Crediton District Girlguiding has received £1,000 to help upgrade its headquarters at Lords Meadow.

The money is part of £40,000 given by Freemasons around Devon 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, Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry and dry cleaners (now Johnsons).

At the end of May The Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP, Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire, presented cheques to 25 deserving causes at the Mount Edgecumbe Masonic Hall in Plymouth.

The charity representatives, accompanied by a Mason from their nominating lodge, were able to enjoy a buffet supper, have a look around the Lodge and receive their cheques totalling the magnificent sum of £25,000.

Making the contributions Ian 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. Hopefully these donations will make a real difference.”

The members from Crediton District Girlguiding, who attended, thanked Ian Kingsbury and said: “ We are very grateful to the Devonshire Freemasons and the Unity Lodge in Crediton for supporting us so generously.

“We are currently fundraising to pay for our outdated kitchen facilities to be upgraded and extended, allowing girls to enjoy cooking in a safe environment and will use the money to help with this.

“We are also really grateful that members of Crediton Unity Lodge have offered their skills and time to help us in a practical way with the construction of the new facilities.”