Exmouth Masons have donated a total of £1,350 to the 3rd Exmouth Scout group to buy new tents and camping equipment.

An initial donation of £100 was followed by a £1,250 gift which was presented to the Scout group at the end of May.

(Image: Sean Kelly)

Sean Kelly from the group said: “We had our first camp for many years due to Covid last year, which our young people enjoyed immensely, but was really expensive and some of the equipment was old and in awful condition, having had it for many years.

“I made an application for a donation to the local Freemasons lodges in Exmouth, explaining our role and issues with the equipment we had. We had a quick response to our enquiry. with an award of a cheque from Rolle Lodge of £100.

“We were then informed of an application made by Per Mere Per Teram Lodge to the Provincial Wake fund on our behalf. To our amazement we were contacted a few weeks later, informing us that an award of £1,250 to the 3rd Exmouth Scout Group had been accepted, and would be presented to us on May 31 at the Masonic Hall.

“It was one of 20 awards given that night to many deserving causes, which was a fantastic and moving evening, with great hosts and company.

“We would like to send a sincere and heartfelt thank you from all the Leaders and young people of 3rd Exmouth Scout Group for the amazing generosity the Exmouth Lodges of Devonshire Freemasons. These funds will help towards new tents for our summer camp for 40 young people.

“The 3rd Exmouth Scout Group covers the Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton area, and has been in the existing location since 1920, catering for an age range from 6 – 25 years. The activities that we undertake give these young people a great foundation to build upon and grow; fundraising is paramount to supporting them in these activities.

“The young people in the Scouting organisation benefit in so many ways, and the development, health benefits, education, fun and camaraderie they receive cannot be overestimated. We are always looking for volunteers, now more than ever, so if anyone is interested, please get in contact.”

The group can be contacted via www.exbudscouts.org.uk