My first outing of the year with Big Ted recently took me to Upminster Daylight Lodge No. 9788, where I had the pleasure of presenting the brethren with a TLC Essex Patron Certificate in recognition of their very generous £500 donation to the TLC Essex Appeal.

It was a wonderful opportunity to thank the lodge personally for their support and to share a little more about the work TLC Essex does providing comforting teddy bears to children across hospitals in the county.

I must admit, I had never really thought that a daylight lodge would suit me. However, now that I’m retired and often out in the evenings, it turned out to be a very refreshing change. A good meeting, a few hours spent in excellent company, and still home in time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening – what’s not to like? 😊

The generosity of the lodge was already greatly appreciated, but the support did not stop there. During the meeting, W.Bro Martin Howse, the Lodge Secretary, gave notice of motion for the lodge to make a further donation of £250 to TLC Essex at their next meeting.

It is always incredibly encouraging to see lodges supporting the appeal in this way. Every donation helps ensure that TLC Teddies continue to be available in hospitals across Essex, where doctors and nurses use them to comfort children during difficult or distressing moments.

Our sincere thanks go to the brethren of Upminster Daylight Lodge for their generosity and kindness.

Thank you, brethren.