Members of Exmouth’s freemason lodges attended the launch event for the Beach Wheelchair Project which makes it easier for people with physical disabilities to access the beach.

The project was the brainchild of town councillor Pauline Stott who raised money to have an eco-friendly storage unit built on the seafront and the beach wheelchairs were funded by grants from Exeter Chiefs and the Claire Milne Trust. Devon Super Hero’s donated two wheelchairs and Joel Pitman gave his Beach Wheelchair so there are eight altogether.

In early 2020 the freemasons of Exmouth donated £1,500 to the town council project – around two years later the project was launched with representatives of the Sun Lodge, Rolle Lodge, Per Mare Per Terram Lodge, The Sun Chapter, Amity Lodge of MMM and Bishop Surtees Chapter Rose Croix all present.

The use of the wheelchairs is free of charge with the option to make a donation. There is a hoist available to transfer the disabled users from their own wheelchairs to the beach wheelchair.

David M Bassett, charity steward, from Exmouth’s Sun Lodge said: “A fantastic facility for the Exmouth community and visitors alike, which the Freemasons of Exmouth are proud to have been involved with.’’