RE-ENGAGE Thurrock, the borough-based branch of a charity that looks after lonely and vulnerable people, treated four of its tea party groups to see Snow White at the Thameside Theatre on Sunday (8 December).

It ended a busy week for the volunteers, which included a very successful Christmas market.

Regional organiser Loraine Coleman said: "What a wonderful afternoon. We all so enjoyed this fantastic show.

"It was the perfect start to our Christmas with lots of laughs, beautiful costumes, enjoying a very talented local cast and great special effects.

"Two of our amazing tea party guests, Gwen and Majorie celebrated their 100th birthdays this year and the cast of the show celebrated with them both with Christmas flowers and everyone singing them Happy Birthday.

"They were absolutely delighted to have such celebrity treatment.

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"A very big thank you to Maggie for organising this fabulous treat for us all.

"An equally big thank you to all our volunteers for driving our guests and taking such special care of them.

"And an especially huge thanks to Ann and her Thameside team for such a warm welcome and looking after us."

Last week also saw the group acknowledge the support of a significant donation from members of Grays Thurrock Rotary Club.

Loraine said: "This fabulous donation will go such a long way to reducing isolation and loneliness with our Thurrock elderly residents enabling us to continue with our free tea parties in 2025 where we can offer friendship and companionship.

"Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas."