Last night, Big Ted and I had the honour of joining W.Bro Brian McGuinness, APGM, at a very special meeting of Essex Rose Croix Chapter No. 894, the Past Sovereigns Chapter for the District of South Essex, held at Saxon Hall. We were invited by none other than the Inspector General for the District, M∴Ill∴Bro John Hubbard, to attend the Enthronement of Ill∴Bro Eric Terry as the new Most Wise Sovereign (Master) of the Chapter.

During the evening, I was given the opportunity to speak about the TLC Essex Appeal, its reach, and the impact our teddies have on children across the county. Following my talk, I was absolutely delighted to be presented with a £500 donation—a generous gesture that will help supply comfort to children in hospital during difficult moments.

W.Bro Brian McGuinness then spoke about the Essex Freemasons’ Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, and he too was presented with a £500 cheque in support of that worthy cause.

But the generosity didn’t stop there.

During the festive board, the Inspector General surprised us both again—this time with additional cheques for £500 each from the District of South Essex itself.

In total, both appeals received £1,000 each—a truly incredible show of support from the wider Masonic family beyond Craft and Royal Arch.

Thank you, brethren, for your warmth, generosity, and continued belief in the power of Freemasonry to do good.