Edenwall Lodge Brethren building Esme’s safe play area
The Brethren from Edenwall Lodge were heartened to receive a letter of thanks from the Thomas family from Bream near Coleford. It read:
“Dear All
We are just writing to thank you all for the amazing space you created in our garden for Esme and her little brother, Isaac. The hard work and time that was put in with the thought of Esme and her needs clearly in the forefront of everyone’s minds was lovely.
Esme appreciates the new friendship she feels she has made with Terry and regularly points out the fact that he made her gate. Since the new decking area the kids are out like wild children whether rain or shine having the times of their lives. Allowing them to have the freedom without worrying about them getting in to trouble has been incredibly appreciated with the weeks stuck in hospital.
Esme is now in maintenance which means less hospital visits and a little bit closer to normality. She still has to have chemotherapy at home every day and we will have to remain careful for a little while longer, but our finish line is February 2025, where we hope to ring the bell and have big celebrations! We have been told she is thriving and has sailed through the treatment really well, and we hope that is because of the support and love we have received from so many people, including yourselves.
I am sorry we have no specific before and after photos of the area, but I thought I would include a few of them making the most of the new decking.
Thank you again and kindest regards,
Rachel, Ben, Esme and Isaac”
This all started from a request for help to the Lodge, via our Charity Steward Bro Terry Lloyd, who was quick on the uptake and backed by the members of Edenwall Lodge, who donated their time, efforts and funds from the Lodge’s Charity account to cover the material costs.
Brother Lloyd took up the mantles of foreman, persuader, materials negotiator and chief bacon butty eater. He was ably assisted by WM Roger Morse, Bro Ray Jukes, Bro Niki Miller and his son Bailey plus prospective candidate Dan Garland. Thanks also go to Jewsons for their kind donations of materials.
Many other Brethren from Edenwall and adjoining Lodges were also in the wings to assist, if called upon. What a great effort from everyone involved and proving, once again, what an asset to the local community the Freemasons are!
