It’s not often I’m caught off guard—but I recently had a pleasant surprise when I learned that Chingford Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1252 had decided to make a £500 donation to the TLC Essex Appeal.

As Chairman, I had always anticipated support primarily from Craft and Royal Arch Lodges, so to receive this generous gift from the Mark was both unexpected and deeply appreciated.

Big Ted and I were delighted to attend the Lodge meeting to accept the donation in person. Upon arrival, however, I had a slight panic: I realised that all of our printed TLC certificates are signed by me with either VW.Bro or E.Comp.—titles not used in the Mark Degree. As I joked with the Secretary, W.Bro Martin Pickett, I suggested they hide the certificate if a VW or RW was visiting. Martin smiled, and calmly introduced me to the VW.Bro I was already standing next to!

Despite my small title mishap, it was a truly enjoyable meeting. The Lodge also had the pleasure of Advancing Bro. Gwynfor May of Old Church Lodge No. 7070—another great example of Masonic progression and unity across Orders.

A heartfelt thank you to all at Chingford Mark Lodge for your warmth, humour, and generosity. Your donation means a great deal to TLC Essex and will go a long way to comforting children when they need it most—regardless of our prefixes!