Carnarvon
Lodge 1739
Presently on Summer Break - Next Meeting - Passing - 15th September 2026 at 18:30
Carnarvon Lodge 1739 Proud to Support Teddy's For Loving Care
TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) is a national Masonic appeal, co‑ordinated by the
Masonic Charities and funded by Freemasons across the country. The scheme
provides comforting teddy bears to children who find themselves in the unfortunate
position of needing to visit an A&E department. A hospital visit can be frightening for a
young child, especially in an emergency, and a TLC teddy can help reduce the shock and distress of the experience. Every child who receives a bear gets to take it home.
The scheme is run locally by volunteer Freemasons. Nationally, TLC recently celebrated the donation of its 3 millionth teddy, a remarkable milestone since the initiative began in 2001. Derbyshire adopted the scheme in 2004, and since then we have donated over 61,500 teddies to hospitals in Derby, Burton upon Trent, Chesterfield, Buxton, and Darley Dale.
We have recently begun supplying TLC teddies to the three major hospices in Derbyshire, Ashgate, Blythe House and Treetops—where they are now being used to support bereaved children during counselling sessions.
The scheme is funded by the Provincial Grand Charity, and its success is due to the dedication of a small team within the Province, together with the generosity of individual Freemasons, their Lodges, and friends. It is a truly worthy cause, and one that Derbyshire can be proud to support.
2025 Carers Christmas Party
Christmas should be a time of warmth, family and togetherness.
Yet for thousands of young people who have left the care system, it is often the loneliest and most painful time of the year. Many have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse, and the statistics are stark: young care‑leavers are far more likely to suffer from mental health disorders and are four to five times more likely to attempt suicide in adulthood.
In 2016, the Department for Education reported that 11,000 young people aged 16–18 left local authority care. The national Make a Difference campaign currently reaches fewer than 1% of them. By expanding the initiative across every county, the aim is to reach at least 50%
.
As Trandeep Sethi, Staffordshire County Council’s Family Hub Development Lead, reflects:
“Sometimes we stop and contemplate the difference that we are making. What difference does decorating a hall with tinsel do, what difference can pouring a drink make, what difference can serving a meal make?
The difference is that since we started, none of our young people have lost their lives to suicide. That’s the difference.”
Moved by the loss of three young care‑leavers in as many years, Trandeep and his team created the Make a Difference Christmas Party. a festive meal designed to lift spirits, build friendships, and remind these young people that they are not alone. Finding a venue proved difficult, with several local authority kitchens and children’s homes unable to help.
That changed when he approached Derbyshire Freemasons. Within an hour, a venue was confirmed and the response was simple and heartfelt: “We will do it for you.” A three‑course meal, entertainment and gifts were all provided—Trandeep only needed to bring the guests.
That was nine years ago. Every December since—except during COVID, when hampers were delivered instead—nearly 100 young people and their carers have returned to the Lodge for food, friendship and a moment of joy at the most difficult time of year.
“You cannot underestimate the difference this event makes,” says Trandeep. “Not just to the children and young people, but to the staff and everyone who supports it.”