The true Community Spirit of Christmas delivered by Thurrock Freemasons

Festive cheer in Thurrock as the Cross Keys Community Fund spreads Christmas joy and supports various causes throughout the borough.

Lights, Magicians, Christmas Parties and Carol Concerts, no stone was left unturned as the Cross Keys Community Fund (CKCF) ended 2024 in style, with a flurry of festive fun!

The Masonic group, celebrated for their exceptional commitment to community service, recently received the prestigious Mayoral Roll of Honour. To kick off the holiday season in a spirit of giving, they made a generous contribution to the Tilbury Riverside Community Lights programme, helping to brighten the lives of local residents. Their dedication to community engagement was further highlighted when they were invited to the highly anticipated grand 'Switch On' event, held on Friday, December 6th. Members, David Barton and Chris Bushell proudly attended the festive celebration, joining in the excitement as the community gathered to illuminate their town for the holiday season.

A generous donation was also made to the 'Forever Young' group, which focuses on supporting isolated senior citizens in the community. They hosted a joyful Christmas dinner and party to connect elderly residents during the holiday season.

As a new community initiative, 'Forever Young' also received support from CKCF, including chess and cribbage sets along with other games. These items are regularly used at their weekly social events in Little Thurrock, where seniors gather to enjoy each other's company and foster a sense of community.

Further donations were also made to the ‘Thurrock Stroke Project’ at their annual Christmas Party attended by Mick Draper towards a group outing organised for early 2025.

During a particularly busy period for the group, which showcased the strong masonic solidarity represented by the CKCF, members and volunteers—Dave Barton, Paul Morgan, Steve Hall, Phil Smith, Jamie Barton, John Lally, Dave Bailey, Roy Mills, and Neil McCarthy—dressed as Elves and Santa to distribute presents and selection boxes to children at several events. These included the ‘Thurrock Foster Children’ Christmas Party, the ‘Foosteps Youth Group’ Christmas Party, and their own annual Christmas Party, held every year at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre in Chadwell St. Mary.

Every year, The CKCF, (this year proudly supported by Orsett Lodge), organises a joyful Christmas Party for Changing Pathways (Women’s Refuge Charity). In addition, they also host an exciting competition for local schools, giving children the chance to win fantastic prizes and gain entry tickets to the highly anticipated annual event, which was held on Saturday, December 14th.

The party as always, was filled with laughter and fun, featuring a lively disco, engaging games, and captivating balloon modelling. The children were all treated to a delicious lunch and delightful entertainment from a magician. Of course, the highlight of the day is the special appearance of Santa, who brings holiday cheer to all. This enchanting event is always a cherished moment of the year for the CKCF, creating wonderful memories for the local schools and charities that come together in celebration.

Cristina Pumfrey, Executive Head - Southwest Essex Community Education Trust commented:

The party was so truly fabulous.  It was brilliantly organised and perfectly pitched.  Perhaps you might forward this to your colleagues who also worked so hard to make it unforgettable.

The children from our primary schools truly loved it and Stanley told me, “I had a great time.” Both, he and his sister had never been to a Christmas party before.  I expect that most of the pupils attending had not either.

Thank you again for your hugely generous support of our schools.

On a busy Tuesday, December 17th, the annual Christmas Carol Concert at Bennett Lodge and Carolyne House residential homes brought a lively end to the festive efforts. The event featured support from fellow CKCF Volunteer, Dick Fox, and an ensemble from the award-winning Tilbury Brass Band. They performed and sang traditional carols and Christmas classics into the evening while residents enjoyed festive treats like sherry and mince pies, also provided by CKCF, adding to the holiday spirit.

Following the concert, a social night at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre offered a well-deserved opportunity for rest, relaxation, laughter, and more than a few drinks. This enjoyable evening also helped raise an additional £500 to fund new events in 2025.

To end the evening, Doug Noon delivered a rousing speech, emphasising the impact of the group's solidarity and its significance to both the community and upholding the core values of Freemasonry… Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service

To all a Happy New Year

Photos

Top: Dave Barton and Steve Hall with volunteers from Thurrock Foster Children Group.

Left: Santa at Cross Keys Masonic Centre

Right: Christmas Concert at Bennett Lodge Residential Home

Bottom: Forever Young Senior Group