Essex Freemasons from Henry de Gray Lodge take fundraising to new heights!
From a spark of inspiration five enthusiastic members signed up for a tandem skydive to raise over £2,500 for Teddies for Loving Care Essex
As with so many great Masonic endeavours, it began with a spark of inspiration, this time during the June meeting of Henry de Gray Lodge No. 6627, that meets at Cross Keys Masonic Centre, following an inspirational talk by Teddies for Loving Care Essex (TLC Essex) Chairman, Paul Reeves.
Later that evening, over the festive board, someone joked, “Why don’t we jump out of a plane for charity?” - There were laughs, nods, and a few raised eyebrows, but the idea stuck. Before long, five enthusiastic members of the Lodge had signed up for a tandem sky-dive, and Friday 25th June they took the leap.
Barry Abbott-Trangmar, Andrew Noon, Jamie Barton, Martin Priest, and John Deeble all took to the skies at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent with ‘Go Skydive’, launching themselves from 13,000 feet to raise funds for the TLC Essex appeal.
Jumping out of a perfectly good plane isn’t most people’s idea of fun, but for these five, it was about something much more important: helping bring comfort to children across Essex at some of their most vulnerable moments.
The skies were kind, the jumps went smoothly (if a little fast!) and the atmosphere on the ground was full of nerves, laughter, and support. Watching proudly were friends, family, and fellow Freemasons, including Martin Sycamore, TLC Essex Events Co-ordinator, and the ever-daring ‘Aero Ted’, the high-flying brother of ‘Big Ted’ the mascot of TLC Essex.
Each of the jumpers was presented with a TLC Essex Supporter’s Certificate, and while their legs were still wobbling from the landing, the smiles said it all.
Speaking after the event, TLC Essex Chairman, Paul Reeves said:
“What these brethren have done is nothing short of brilliant. It takes courage to throw yourself out of a plane, but it takes heart to do it for someone else. Every penny raised will go toward helping a child in distress to feel just a little safer and a little more loved. I’m incredibly proud of them all.”
The skydiving team so far, has raised over £2,500, with more donations still coming in, thanks to the generosity of fellow brethren supportive families.
What began as a bit of fun has turned into something truly special and while they might keep their feet firmly on the ground for the next fundraiser, the bar, or should we say, the altitude, has well and truly been raised!
So, if any Lodge or Chapter members, would like to get involved in a future skydive, Martin Sycamore would be delighted to hear from you. Whether you’re keen to take part yourself or support someone who is, please feel free to get in touch -
To read more about TLC Essex click on their website: https://tlcessex.org.uk/
Photos:
Top: L-R John Deeble, Barry Abbott-Trangmar, Martin Priest, Jamie Barton and Andrew Noon in preparation for the jump
Left: Barry having his harness checked.
Right: The team celebrate showing their certificates with TLC Essex Chairman, Paul Reeves and of course, Aero Ted
