The Lodge of Felicity No. 5336 welcomed guests to a White Table evening at its regular meeting in June, providing an opportunity not only for fellowship, but also to learn more about an organisation making a very practical difference to men and families across the South West.
Following dinner, members and guests heard from Lesley-Ann Simpson BEM, Chief Executive of The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health, who spoke about the charity’s work supporting those affected by prostate, testicular and penile cancers.
Founded at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth in 1999, The Chestnut Appeal now works across Devon and Cornwall. Its work extends well beyond raising awareness. The charity helps to fund specialist cancer nurses, equipment and technology for NHS services, patient support groups and respite breaks for men and their families. Over the years it has contributed towards projects including specialist diagnostic equipment, robotic surgery, cancer nursing posts and the purpose-built Chestnut Unit at Derriford Hospital.
That combination of medical support and work within the community gave particular weight to Lesley-Ann’s presentation. A recurring challenge in men’s health is simply persuading people to talk, seek advice and act when something does not seem right. Raising awareness of prostate, testicular and penile cancers therefore remains central to the charity’s work, alongside the support it provides to men after diagnosis and treatment.
Lesley-Ann has led The Chestnut Appeal for more than two decades, and her contribution was recognised nationally in the 2026 New Year Honours, when she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Men’s Health. University Hospitals Plymouth described the award as recognition of 22 years at the helm of the charity and of her contribution to the community and to men’s health.
Her talk to the Lodge was both informative and thought-provoking, giving those present a clearer understanding of the scale of the charity’s work and of the people behind it.
At the conclusion of the evening, The Lodge of Felicity No. 5336 presented The Chestnut Appeal with a cheque for £1,500, received by Lesley-Ann Simpson BEM. The presentation was made with W Bro Anthony Eldred, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who is himself a member of the Lodge of Felicity.
The donation also sits naturally alongside the wider emphasis within Devonshire Freemasonry on engaging with the communities in which its members live and meet. In his address to the Province, the Provincial Grand Master included “Engaging with the Community” among the Province’s priorities for building a strong Masonic future.
For the Lodge of Felicity, that principle was expressed in a straightforward way: listening to the work being done locally, understanding why it matters, and offering tangible support where it can make a difference.
The £1,500 donation will help The Chestnut Appeal continue a programme of work that began in Plymouth more than a quarter of a century ago and which today reaches men and families throughout Devon and Cornwall.