It was a great pleasure to attend the meeting of Essex Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter No. 8665 on 3rd March at Saxon Hall, where I had the honour of presenting the Principals with a TLC Essex Bronze Patron Certificate.

This special presentation marked the Chapter’s fantastic £1,000 donation to the Appeal—support that will directly help provide TLC teddy bears to children facing distressing hospital visits across Essex.

What made the evening even more memorable was the presence of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E.Comp. Paul Tarrant, who was there to witness the Chapter's achievement first-hand. It was a proud moment for everyone involved and a fitting celebration of the Chapter’s commitment to compassion, charity, and community impact.

The support of Chapters like Essex Provincial Grand Stewards is invaluable to the ongoing success of the TLC Essex Appeal. Every donation helps us reach more children in need of comfort during difficult times, ensuring no child faces fear or pain alone in A&E.

To the Principals and Companions of the Chapter—thank you for your generosity, your warm welcome, and your continued dedication to the values that define Freemasonry and the Royal Arch.

Your support means more than words can say—and will make a real difference, one teddy at a time.