The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Purdie, recently travelled to Exeter to present a cheque on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund, to a local charity.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Devon just outside of Exeter sits a sleepy parish that is home to the Sweetpea Small Holdings charity and its new site at Winkleigh Farm. A grant from the MBF of £1,871 has enabled the charity to begin work at the farm site giving more space for producing fruit and vegetables that will be donated to foodbanks across the area. The founder of the charity, Mike Baker, said they grant would be invaluable to such a small organisation. The funds have already enabled them to purchase a poly tunnel to help protect vulnerable plants and to construct raised beds to help give disabled volunteers better access. They have eleven volunteers at the moment with a huge bank just waiting to visit the site and help out once the site is confirmed as safe for disabled access.

During the growing season in 2022 the charity was astounded to have produced over 1.5 tonnes of produce, all going to local good causes, hence the need for expansion. Another example of a small charity doing great things in their community.

Mike Baker was joined by the Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire, R.W.Bro. David Purdie; W.Bro. Chris Elliott, P.A.G.D.C., Provincial Grand Secretary; W.Bro. Darren Coleman-Heald, P.G.S.D., Mark Masons’ Hall’s Charities Manager and Gordon the Donkey!