Isle of Man Freemasonry is donating teddy bears to local hospitals and Rebecca House to assist medical staff when treating children, especially in accident and emergency units. The bears will be given to children to alleviate distress and provide comfort and reassurance, or may be used by staff to demonstrate what they are about to do. The teddy bear is that child’s to keep and the practice has been welcomed by hospitals as a useful aid in relieving distress and anxiety, not only in young patients but also in children visiting a loved relative in hospital. Each teddy carries a tag: ‘Donated by local Freemasons’. This practical contribution continues the Freemasons’ long-standing association with the Island’s hospitals. Henry Bloom Noble, Freemason and Island benefactor whose public-spirited philanthropy is commemorated at the ‘new’ Noble’s Hospital and elsewhere via his trustees, provided the initial funding for the construction of Ramsey Cottage Hospital, the foundation stone for which was laid with Masonic ceremonial by the Provincial Grand Master of the time, Hon. Arthur Stanley M.P. Sir Arthur was attended by numerous brethren who marched in full regalia from the Masonic Buildings in Ramsey. The current Provincial Grand Master Keith Dalrymple, said he was ‘delighted with this visible evidence that Manx Freemasonry continues to work in aid of our community.’ The Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) appeal is self-funded by the Freemasons and when a ?2.50 TLC lapel badge is bought it helps purchase two more teddy bears. Ends