It was a great pleasure recently to visit Aeronautical Lodge No. 9647 at Chingford Masonic Hall to recognise the incredible support the lodge has shown for the TLC Essex Teddies Appeal.

The lodge’s Charity Steward, W.Bro Martin Sycamore, has been a driving force behind this success. His enthusiasm for TLC has been truly inspiring and he has recently joined the TLC Essex team as a Fundraising Events Coordinator, helping us grow the appeal even further.

Martin’s commitment to fundraising has been remarkable. One of the first events he organised was a tandem skydive, encouraging his daughter and her friends to quite literally take the leap in support of TLC Essex. It is just one example of the creative and energetic events he has organised over the past few years.

These efforts have been strongly supported by the members of Aeronautical Lodge, including W.Bro John Strong (Secretary), W.Bro Brian Joslin (PM), W.Bro Colin Hutchins (IG), and Bro Capt. Simon Donoghue, whose collective contributions have helped push the lodge’s fundraising well beyond expectations.

During my visit, the lodge were expecting to receive a Platinum Patron Certificate, awarded for donations exceeding £7,500. However, their incredible generosity had already taken them past the £10,000 milestone, making Aeronautical Lodge the first ever Diamond Patron Lodge of the TLC Essex Appeal.

It was a pleasure to present the Diamond Patron Certificate to W.Bro Paul Swinge (WM), now proudly displayed in the new TLC display cabinet at Chingford Masonic Hall.

A truly fantastic achievement. Our sincere thanks to all the brethren involved.