Aberdare Association of Freemasons supports TLC Bears

On the 20^{th of} March 2026 two brethren from the Aberdare Association of Freemasons undertook a charity bicycle ride from  the Aberdare Masonic Hall to Neath Masonic Hall and return a total of 32miles in aid of rising funds for TLC charity.

Brother Steven Williams and brother Paul Hancock both from the Aberpennar lodge with Worshipful brother Robert Murphy chairman of the Aberdare association in support cycled from Aberdare Lodge to Neath lodge and return. A total of £ 1265 has been collected by sponsorship by the brethren of the Aberdare Association and also from other local lodges and friends. The funds raised will be used to purchase teddy bears which will be presented to children when entering hospital helping to reduce stress and anxiety during their stay in hospital.

Photo shows Bro Steven and Bro Paul and W Bro Robert outside Aberdare Masonic Hall before setting off.

Photo shows Bro Steven and Bro Paul with W Bro Robert outside Neath Masonic Hall after completing the first part of the bicycle ride after a short tea break returning to Aberdare.

Photo shows members of Neath Lodge in support of the bicycle charity event.

The Installation of our new W.M. on the 12th May was very well attended and a very enjoyable evening.

The W.Master of Fforest Lodge presents a cheque for £200.00 for the Air Ambulance to the Chairman of the Aberdare Association of Freemasons.

A very successful Open Day at Aberdare Masonic Hall. Nice to meet so many curious people and to show them what Freemasonry has to offer.

On May 13th 2024 Bro Stephen M Griffiths was installed as Worshipful Master of the Afon Dar Lodge. we wish him and all his newly appointed officers a successful year. A special thanks to Bro Lee Dempsey , his wife and the caterers for ensuring a good time was had by all afterwards.

Aberdare association of freemasons held, on Friday 14th June, what promised to be a special and extremely popular event at Aberdare Masonic Hall hosting the regular meeting of Glittering Star 322 I.C.

(Irish Constitution) where they conducted an exemplary ceremony of initiation.

Aberdare Masonic Hall & Lodge was at full capacity, with support from Aberdare Lodges and further afield, including members from the Colonade Club (South Wales Province Light Blues).

Brethren were presented an exemplary initiation, many seeing an Irish Constitution ceremony for the first time in fascinating detail contributing to our daily advancement and marking a thoroughly enjoyable, historic and memorable occasion.

GLITTERING STAR LODGE

No. 322, IRISH CONSTITUTION

(Date of Warrant 1759)

Attached to H.M. 1st BN, The Worecesterhire Regiment

FORMALLY THE 29TH REGIMENT OF FOOT

Just returned from my visit to Prince Charles Hospital A&E/Paediatrics Children’s A&E-

We had the privilege and pleasure in donating more TLC teddy bears to the ward to help provide comfort to distressed & frightened children admitted into hospital.

Huge thanks to the frontline staff at Prince Charles Hospital for their help, support and encouragement in making this a success. I’d like to thank the Aberdare Association of Freemasons comprising of all the Lodges & Chapter for their kind support, contributions and fund raising which pay for the teddy bears we donate to the hospitals. Huge thanks to my fellow TLC ambassadors & associates not only in Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales, but throughout the UK for their voluntary hard work and continued support for such a worthy cause.

And finally, a special thank you to those that work tirelessly behind the scenes in helping make today happen, namely WBro C Saol. WBro S Griffiths and Bro L Dempsey for all your help & support over the past 6 months – thank you Team!

Anthony

TLC Ambassador

South Wales Freemason’s TLC Appeal