FERRETS AND TEDDIES - Submitted by John Bassford

These two topics do not seem to belong together but recently the link was explained

TLC - Teddies for Loving Care - is an organisation managed by local freemasons, throughout the UK, with much sympathetic local support ,to provide teddy bears to children in trauma in accident and emergency situations in Hospital and additionally in Nottinghamshire to children in the Cancer wards and NHSdirect.

Recently Radcliffe Lodge No. 5313, which organises the scheme in Nottinghamshire organised in conjunction with Louise Russell, the wicked weasel and several of her friends an evening of “Ferret Racing “at Welbeck Road, West Bridgford, which was enjoyed by about 70 people

It is said that in any race there is some degree of chance and so it proved 60% of the races were won by the ferret in the same lane or tube, even different ferrets and swapping the tubes made no difference - Number 1 lane always won, It pays to bet by number not knowledge

For the benefit of those who have not seen ferret racing they race down transparent tubes of a diameter not much greater than the ferret, with no cruelty to the ferret involved.

The evening raised considerable funds for TLC and gave great enjoyment and appreciation of the ferret to many people. Thanks to all who supported the evening and in particular to Louise and the ferrets.

John Bassford.

Editors footnote. The idea behind TLC, began following the resuscitation of the wife of an Essex Freemason at an Essex A & E unit after an allergic reaction, which closed her windpipe. They both found the experience the most frightening of their lives and are eternally grateful for the swift and caring attention that she received. He discussed with his Masonic Lodge trying to do something useful as a thank you to the A&E unit and its staff. From that point onwards the idea of Teddies for Loving Care was born. All Essex Freemasons and A&E units are involved, and this has extended to include Freemasons and A&E units in 25 other English Provinces.

For further details about this scheme in Nottinghamshire please contact: Graham Riche at: TLC Appeal [Nottingham], Sheltons Barn, Grange Ct, Wilford Rd, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6NB Telephone 0115 9214146; Mobile 07786226109 e-mail graham.riche@concourse-network.com