Romance was in the air at Ruddington Grange Golf Club on 14 February when 111 people turned out for the annual ‘TLC Valentines Lunch’. The event has become a firm favourite among masons and non-masons alike as it offers a fun filled lunchtime in convivial company with the opportunity to take home a prize from the now famous mammoth raffle or to bid for extraordinary items in the auction.

The menu is always themed to reflect the language of love and this year poems were recited at intervals to reflect on love, serious and light hearted! These were spoken by W Bros Phil Harvey and Bruce Routledge.

The President of TLC Nottinghamshire, W Bro Steve Mather, opened proceedings with a short address reminding all of the serious purpose of the charity and the comfort it brings to children and their families in a time of need. His wife Ann drew the lucky ticket numbers and presented champagne and food hamper to the winners.

This year there were more auction items than ever ranging from meals at popular local restaurants and items such as a framed photograph of ‘The Hand of God’ signed by Maradona and Peter Shilton and a brand new Mercedes S350 sports car for the weekend which sold for high sums. Even a bottle of House of Commons wine and a Christmas card signed by the Prime Minister went for a good price – bought I am told for an American friend of one of the diners!

Roses were presented to all the ladies present by the Worshipful Master of Radcliffe Lodge, Martin Fletcher, who added to the ‘moment’ by kissing every lady on the cheek! He was assisted with the distribution of flowers, but not the kissing, by Jill Riche.

Sincere thanks are due to the TLC committee who fully supported the event, as did most of the retailers of Ruddington who as always contribute to the raffle and auction. Special thanks also to Harrods who support us every year, Harvey Nichols, Mercedes, Thrumpton CP Shooting Club and the several individuals who made personal donations. Not to forget W Bro Frank Noonan who had the most important task of collecting all the money on the day including from the auction bidders plus the sales from the tables of special bears collected from around the world.

The total sum raised overall was just in excess of £3000.

Ruddington Grange presents the perfect venue for this event and we have already booked it for next year. This will be our 5th Anniversary so we are planning to make it really special with entertainment and even more special auction items. Believe it or not we are already taking provisional reservations for tables such is the demand. Why not book yours now [tel 07786226109] and help support ‘Teddies for Loving Care’.

Graham Riche Chairman TLC Nottinghamshire.