AT a recent masonic Ladies Festival held at Orsett Hall Hotel, local Freemasons of St John's Lodge which meets in Grays, with their families and friends, raised £1,100 for the charity Teddies for Loving Care – TLC Appeal (Essex).   

TLC donates Teddies to A&E Departments at Southend University Hospital, Basildon University Hospital, Colchester University Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital (Harlow), Broomfield Hospital (Chelmsford), King George Hospital (Redbridge), Queen's Hospital (Havering) and Whipps Cross Hospital (Leytonstone).

In addition, it donates Teddies to five Walk-in/Minor Injury Centres in Essex, the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and the NHS Child Death Review Team.

Orsett Hall Hotel was transformed into a nostalgic teddy bear paradise for the night, with each table named after iconic teddy bears, creating a welcoming and playful vibe.

The dedication to the theme added a memorable touch that resonated with the guests. 

Festival President, Paul Williams, said "One of the highlights was the captivating TLC Balloon Arch, adorned in the charity's colours, which became a popular spot for capturing photos.

"More than just an attractive decoration, the arch symbolized the hope and support TLC Essex offers to young hospital patients, enhancing the evening's ambiance."

Launched by Essex Freemasons in 2001, TLC now provides about 20,000-24,000 Teddies in Essex each year and has donated over 500,000 since the charity started.

Globally, the total passed 3.5 MILLION in 2022. Teddies are given to children who have suffered a trauma so the Appeal has not just given away 3.5 million Teddies, it has helped more than three million children at a time of significant distress in their lives.