Juniors and coaches from Dartmouth Athletic Club took a well-earned break from training recently to be handed a cheque from Dartmouth Lodge 2641 for £650 towards their outside training facilities. Members of the Masonic Lodge had heard of the club's plight in having to self-fund the additional grass cutting required, prior to having a track marked out, on top of the initial cost of the marking. Their financial woes were further compounded when it became necessary to contract specialists to construct a run up to be used for the long jump. A spokesman for the club added: 'While we have worked closely with SHDC, who have done whatever they can to provide facilities for the local children, due to Government spending cuts, other than routine grass cutting, the club has to cover the costs involved. 'We used voluntary labour, fundraising events and donations from the local community to create the competition-standard long jump pit a couple of years ago, just using the grass as the run-up, but over time this area had been taken over by a large company of moles, rendering the sand pit unusable, hence the need to pay for a run-up. 'We found some of our juniors were defecting to other Devon clubs as we couldn't provide the training facilities. 'We are delighted that the lodge considered us a worthy cause and would like to thank their members for their generosity. I would imagine we cater for one of the largest junior memberships locally, currently with over 30 8-15-year-olds training regularly, and another 30-plus on our waiting list, some of whom having been waiting for nearly three years. 'Our present coaches all started with the club when their own children were members, but they have all now grown up and pursued other activities. 'If we could double the number of coaches, presently four, we could all but clear the waiting list. 'So it is now vital that we appeal to the good folk of Dartmouth and surrounding areas to consider, if they have any spare time, taking a basic coaching course (one day), funded by the club, and helping Dartmouth's aspiring athletes achieve their goals. The lodge would like to invite any freemasons who have moved to, or are holidaying in, the area to give Ken Pridige a call on 01803 834113 and arrange a visit.