TLC Essex was delighted to recognise the outstanding support shown by the brethren of Victory Marine Lodge No. 6160, who meet in Upminster, following a remarkable year of fundraising for the TLC Teddies appeal.

During his year as Worshipful Master (October 2024 – October 2025), W.Bro Dave Collin and the members of the lodge demonstrated a real passion for supporting TLC Essex and helping ensure that comforting teddy bears continue to reach children in hospitals across the county.

Victory Marine Lodge were among the early supporters of the TLC Essex Patronage Scheme, which was launched in late 2023 to help rebuild reserves that had been significantly impacted during the COVID period. Together with Abbs Cross Lodge and Wykeham Lodge, they initially combined to donate £2,500.

Shortly before W.Bro Dave’s installation, the lodge made a further donation, and the fundraising continued throughout his year in office. A Ladies Night raised £1,000, a darts evening added another £1,025, and Bros. Sean Dowling (DC) and Jamie McGrane (IG) completed a half marathon, raising an additional £605.

When TLC Essex attended the lodge recently, the total raised had exceeded an incredible £5,000. It was therefore a great pleasure to present W.Bro Dave and the brethren with a Gold Patron Certificate, recognising them as one of only three lodges in the Province to reach this level of support.

A donation of £5,000 funds over 2,000 TLC Teddies — enough to supply one hospital for around eight months, or every hospital in Essex for an entire month.

A fantastic effort from a truly supportive lodge. Thank you, brethren.