Masonic cash for Sidmouth Gig Club

Sidmouth Gig Club receives �1,000 from Devonshire Freemasons

AS part of an annual programme of charitable giving. Devonshire Freemasons have awarded Sidmouth Gig Club �1,000 from a total �20,000 distributed to 28 local worthy causes.

Donations were presented by the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, the Right Worshipful Brother Michael Penny, at the Masonic Hall, Uffculme, last Thursday.

The �1,000 will go towards buying a new wooden gig for the club, and said its chairman, Nigel Winchester: “We are extremely grateful for this generous contribution towards our new boat which we are hoping to take delivery of this coming January.”

The gig club also received �250 from Sidmouth’s Perseverance Lodge, which was presented to them by Mervyn James.

Brother Michael Penny said: “I am delighted that the Freemasons in Devon are able to contribute to local causes.

“Many of these organisations are run on a shoestring by volunteers and these donations provide real benefit and are much appreciated.”

Most organisations receiving awards were nominated by a local Masonic lodge. Donations come from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment (WAKE) Fund, worth some �1.5million.

This charitable fund has been accumulated by legacies and donations from Devonshire Freemasons and their families.

Each year around �50,000 is given to local charities and organisations in Devon and since the programme began in 2001, more than a third of a million pounds has gone to nearly 400 beneficiaries.