On Friday, Big Ted and I had the pleasure of visiting Wheel of Fellowship Lodge No. 9016—and what a night it was! While the Lodge normally meets at Maldon, this meeting was held at Chelmsford Masonic Centre to accommodate the 102 Brethren who gathered to witness a very special occasion: the Installation of Bro. Simon Lockwood.

Following the impressive ceremony, I was honoured to address the assembled Brethren and share the story and impact of the TLC Essex Appeal. It was also my pleasure to present the newly installed Worshipful Master with a Bronze Patron Certificate, in recognition of the Lodge’s generous £1,000 donation. Their support will go directly toward providing TLC teddy bears to children in distress across Essex A&E departments.

But the surprises didn’t end there.

Shortly after the presentation, the evening took an even more celebratory turn when VW Bro Nick Franklin, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, awarded W.Bro Simon Lockwood a well-deserved field promotion to Provincial Grand Steward. The promotion recognised Simon’s outstanding past contributions and his continued service to the Province—an accolade warmly received by all present.

It was a truly memorable evening full of ritual, recognition, and remarkable generosity. Thank you to all at Wheel of Fellowship Lodge for your warm welcome and steadfast support of TLC Essex. You’re helping us make a real difference—one teddy at a time.