From the occasion in the early 1900s, when toymaker Morris Michtom created a stuffed toy in the form of a bear, named it ‘Teddy’s Bear’ and sent it to US President Theodore Roosevelt, teddies have been everyone’s favourite. To the owner, it does not matter if it is a ‘Steiff’ worth thousands of pounds or an-off-the shelf version purchased for a few pounds; owners of all ages treasure them. If you haven’t got one to hand, the chances are that you have one in the loft! Everyone I talk to has a story to tell about their teddy. What makes them so attractive?
Teddies are autonomous, like the wind. They generate love and affection to all with whom they have contact. They ask nothing in return, but to be loved. In short, they are a complete example of perfect Freemasonry. Little wonder then that the Masonic TLC organisation has given away so many teddies to frightened children and people with learning difficulties in A&E departments throughout Great Britain.
It all started about eighteen years ago, when the wife of a Norfolk Freemason visited an A&E department and saw terrified children awaiting treatment. She discussed it with her husband and the idea of giving teddies to bring comfort was born.
Since then the concept has blossomed and in excess of two million teddies have been given to sick and distressed children and ‘special’ adults throughout Great Britain. The bears are used to calm the recipient down, reward them for being brave or to demonstrate procedures. Often the bears distract children so nurses and doctors can get their jobs done quickly and efficiently. The TLC teddy has become an invaluable tool for medical professionals and a real comfort to the person in distress
The bears are dressed in six colours: red, blue, pink, green, lilac and yellow. The latest versions have a heart-shaped nose! Modern health and hygiene requirements mean that we now supply the teddies in separate bio-degradable bags, making them acceptable to hospitals.
The project is funded totally from donations by masons and others, often grateful parents who appreciate the service these little chaps provide. They can be purchased for £5.00 each; larger versions are available.
The project has run well for many years in Oxfordshire under the guidance of Peter Smith. Andrew Keech has now taken over the reins, ably supported by Roger Hampshire and a small team of helpers: Geoff Walsh, Patrick Flynn, Trevor Ballinger and Rob Murdoch.
Recently, we had a breakthrough when the Horton Hospital A&E agreed to give out teddies and are already extending it to their Children’s Department. We have re-established contact with the JR and will be supplying their Children’s Emergency Department, together with Abingdon, Bicester, Henley and Witney Minor Injury Units and the GP ‘Out of Hours Service’, all by late September.
Patrick Wilmore
Alfred Lodge No. 340