The Connaught Lodge of Freemasons, based in Midsomer Norton, had a stand at the local Farmers’ Market recently.

The object of the exercise was to introduce members of the public to the Charitable work of Freemasonry; on this occasion, emphasizing the charity, Teddies for Loving Care.

This is a charity that was formed by the Freemasons to provide cuddly Bears to accident and emergency units, for medical staff to give, at their discretion, to young children.

The bears are often used by staff to calm children down, reward them for being brave, and in some cases, demonstrate procedures. All children who receive a Bear can take it home.

Teddies for Loving Care is a national programme, locally-led by Freemasons across England and Wales. The support and enthusiasm for the initiative has meant that over one million Teddies have now been distributed nationwide.

Due to the success of the day, and the generosity of members of the public, Connaught Lodge will now provide local hospitals with a further forty Bears.

For more information regarding Freemasonry in general, or Connaught Lodge in particular, go to: www.somersetfreemasons.org or: connaughtlodge.com