Earlier this month, Big Ted and I had the pleasure of visiting Burntwood Lodge No. 8016, known proudly as the Charity Stewards’ Lodge, for what was a memorable evening full of excellent ritual and generous giving.

We were there to witness W.Bro Chris Hicks (Provincial Grand Charity Steward) install W.Bro Steve Bruyel (ProvDepGChStwd) into the Chair of King Solomon. As expected, the ceremony was delivered with Chris’s usual aplomb—smooth, sincere, and expertly done. 👏

Following the meeting, I had the honour of presenting W.Bro Eddie Murphy (Lodge Charity Steward) with a TLC Essex Patron Certificate, in recognition of the £500 donation he had proposed the Lodge make to the TLC Essex Appeal.

Their generous contribution means Burntwood Lodge now joins the growing list of Patron Lodges supporting our mission to provide teddy bears to children in A&E departments across Essex—bringing comfort and reassurance during moments of anxiety and fear.

A heartfelt thank you to W.Bro Eddie, to the Worshipful Master, and to all the Brethren of Burntwood Lodge for your ongoing support of charitable causes, and in particular for backing the work of TLC Essex.

Your donation will make a difference—one teddy, one child, and one smile at a time.