Devonshire Freemasons were out in strength across two major hospice fundraising events this month, helping deliver record-breaking days in Exeter and Plymouth while showing that community support is about far more than simply handing over a cheque.
On Saturday 7th March, around 25 Freemasons took part in Hospiscare’s Men’s Walk in Exeter, while a further 25 volunteered as stewards along the route, including the busy stretch around The Quay.
Just one week later, on Saturday 14th March, another 30 Freemasons joined St Luke’s Hospice’s Men’s Day Out, with additional volunteers supporting walkers at key locations across the City.
Hospiscare’s Men’s Walk 2026 started and finished at Double Locks Pub in Exeter, with participants taking on the charity’s well-known seven-mile route around the City. The event has become one of the hospice’s flagship fundraisers, and this year ia achieved a new milestone, with more than 2,000 people taking part. Walkers returned to Double locks for refreshments and to enjoy the Six Nations rugby, capping off a day that blended fundraising, friendship, and community spirit.
In Plymouth, St Luke’s Men’s Day Out drew an even larger crowd. A record 2,750+ walkers filled the streets on Saturday 14th March making the 2026 event the biggest in its history. Devonshire Freemasons had a strong and highly visible presence throughout the day, with members and volunteers wearing branded high-visibility vests as they welcomed the public at the start and finish point at Plymouth Albion Rugby Club. They also staffed a post at Davie Hall, where more than 300 members of the public came in for refreshments or the use the facilities. The Devonshire Freemasons Membership Team were also on hand to offer tours and talks, giving many visitors a chance to step inside and learn more about Freemasonry while the walk was under way in the spring sunshine.
The two events reflect a wider commitment by Devonshire Freemasons to build meaningful partnerships with hospices across the county. That includes support for the hospices in the form of a long term partnership focused not only on fundraising but also on visibility, shared community engagement, and raising awareness of hospice care. More broadly, Devonshire Freemasons are working alongside all four adult hospices servicing Devon: Hospiscare; St Luke’s; North Devon; and Rowcroft. This is part of our commitment to be active and present in the community we serve.
For all of Devonshire Freemasons the message from both record-breaking weekends was clear: supporting local hospices means turning up, getting involved, and standing shoulder to shoulder witht he wider public. In Exeter and Plymouth alike, Freemasons were not only helping raise funds for vital end-of-life care, but also strengthening the bonds between community organisations, charities, and the People of Devon.
