​Group 8
A Boost for the Teddies for Loving Care

Several of the Group 8’s Committee of Coordinators, from the Margate Masonic Centre (Temple House) and their wives formed a table at the closing of the 2025 Festival held at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone.
Sat in the centre of the table courtesy of the T.L.C was a Teddy Bear, which it was hoped, would be taken away and additional funds would be raised for this very worthwhile, child orientated charity.

Jean Kennett, wife of the Committee’s secretary, suggested that at the Centres 4 Christmas Lunches organised by the Lodges the bear could make an appearance where pledges could be made to give it a home.
Agreed by the Lodge’s membership ‘Temple Ted’ made an appearance at each Christmas Lunch. Temple Ted was won by a non-masonic guest at the final lunch. This very simple initiative raised a total of £300.

When all diaries allowed the coordinators organised a presentation Lunch at the Margate Centre on Sunday 12th April, where the Centres Lodges were represented. Paul Routley and Geraldine Palmer along with Malcolm and Coral Harley were honoured guests. Paul gave a very interesting talk on the history of the T.L.C and Malcolm on his role as local distributor.

With a raffle on the day and our obligatory Heads and Tails a further £350 was raised.
Working together and with enthusiastic support we were able to present £650 to Paul for distribution within the charity.
After a very substantial Sunday Lunch we were all like ‘Temple Ted’ – Stuffed!

Pictured are Jean Kennett, Paul Routley and Malcolm Harley.

article by Jim Mason
Group 8 Chairman