Representatives from four Axminster charities were presented with cheques totalling £1,250 at a celebration dinner hosted by Lodge Virtue & Honor at The Masonic Hall, South Street.

The monies were raised by the members of the Lodge and presented by Mrs Donna Squire, wife of Simon Squire, Worshipful Master of Lodge Virtue & Honor 2019-2023.

The recipient charities, are well-known worthy local causes that are vital to the well-being of the people of Axminster. T

They were: Nourish (Axminster), whose volunteers teach cooking skills to local people in need, as well as providing vital support for local food banks. They were represented by Karen Taylor, founder and former winner of the Robin Cross Citizen of the Year Award, accompanied by Mary Darlow.

Flamingo Pool, a self-funding 25-metre swimming pool, built in 1988 and featuring the only publicly accessible hydrotherapy pool in the South West; represented by Mrs Karen Armstrong, Trustee of the Flamingo Pool. It is the Trustees' aim for the pool to be carbon neutral within the next three years.

Axminster Carnival, the 'jewel in the crown' of the East Devon Carnival circuit for over 100 years, was represented by Bryan Ball, John Jeffery, and Ron Jones.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, founded by Nina, Duchess of Hamilton, at the onset of the Second World War to look after pets while their owners were away a war and which continues 'to provide a happy and safe place' for animals. It was represented by Emma.

Axminster Foodbank were also recipients of a charitable donation of £250, but were unable to attend the occasion .

The collection and distribution of charitable donations was undertaken by the Lodge Charity Steward, Worshipful Brother Philip Male.

The charity delegates were hosted at a dinner – known by Freemasons as a Festive Board – which featured a toast to the King, a short speech by the current Worshipful Master, John Bellamy, and the presentation of the cheques.

Each of the representatives thanked the members for the donations received and concluded with short but informative presentations about their respective charities. The guests were then given a short briefing about Freemasonry, and a guided tour of the Lodge, by the Lodge Secretary Andrew Moulding. Members and guests then rounded the evening off with drinks in the bar.

John Jeffery, on behalf of Axminster Carnival, thanked the Freemason's Lodge for its charitable donation, which will contribute greatly to the forthcoming Axminster Carnival, which will be held in September. All those who received funds on the evening, enjoyed an excellent meal and thanked Lodge Virtue & Honor for its generosity.

Lodge Virtue & Honor No. 494, which was founded by William Tucker in 1844, is part of the United Grand Lodge of England which donates large sums of money to International, national and local charities every year. Fund raising is therefore central to the Masonic ethos, along with Friendship, Integrity and Respect - Lodge Virtue & Honor will be making further donations to other local causes later this year!

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