One of the great joys of the TLC Essex Appeal is seeing support come from all corners of Freemasonry—even from Orders in which I’m not a member. That was exactly the case recently when I was kindly approached by Ill.Bro Paul D. Swinge (30°) of Chingford Rose Croix Chapter No. 850, part of the District of South Essex of the Ancient & Accepted Rite.

On behalf of his Chapter, Ill.Bro Paul presented me with a cheque for £500, a generous donation that immediately qualifies Chingford Rose Croix Chapter as Patrons of the TLC Essex Appeal.

While I may not be a member of the Rose Croix, I was deeply honoured to receive their support. This contribution will directly help us continue our mission of providing TLC teddy bears to children in hospital emergency departmentsacross Essex—offering comfort, reassurance, and a smile during some of their most distressing moments.

It’s heartening to see that the spirit of the TLC Appeal reaches beyond Craft and Royal Arch into other Masonic Orders, uniting us through shared values of compassion, charity, and care.

To all the Companions of Chingford Rose Croix Chapter No. 850: thank you. Your support is both generous and greatly appreciated—and it will help make a difference, one teddy at a time.