A year of joint fundraising events by Lodges from the Cross Keys Masonic Centre culminated in a spectacular children's party in Chadwell St Mary.

More than 120 children, parents and grandparents pulled Christmas crackers, ate chocolate, told dodgy festive jokes and enjoyed the pantomime 'Aladdin' and then a magician 'Professor Rainbows' and his naughty and mischievous dog.

After Christmas Songs, dinner and more treats and drinks were consumed, the children followed Santa and his elves into a cosy Christmas Grotto made up in the centre itself where each child received further gifts and sweets.

The children who were invited to attend came from from Chadwell St Mary Primary School, Changing Pathways Women's Refuge and children and relations of members from across the centre. All had a fantastic time and certainly made enough noise to let the local neighbouring community know they were enjoying themselves.

The festive event was well funded through the efforts throughout the year by members of Thurrock, Henry De Gray, St Johns, Stifford Heath, St Georges and Old Palmerians Masonic Lodges to name but a few.

Pupils of Chadwell St Mary Primary School were invited to attend as part of a competition for the winners of a Christmas card competition.

Snow Globes were presented to children at Chadwell Primary.

Tickets for the party and snow globes were presented to the winners on 2 December at the school. The winning card designs ranged from Gardens Peas with Santa Hats 'Hap pea Christmas' to a Square and Compasses on the side of Santa's Sleigh. Clearly a winning entry for the Masons.

The children of Changing Pathways women's refuge attended as part of a blossoming relationship with this worthy local cause. Pathways operations manager Zoe McKeel commented: "Thankyou so much for a wonderful afternoon for the Mums and Children. They were all very grateful. You have done us proud once again. Superstars. We are lucky to have your support and kindness."

The concert at Bennett Lodge.

Further events were organised and held throughout December with the most notable being a Brass Band which played at Bennett Lodge residential home on 6 December. Dick Fox and Greg Evans from Stifford Heath Lodge along with members of Tilbury Brass Band, performed Christmas songs and carols well into the evening while residents sang along, clapped and enjoyed mince pies and sherry supplied by the Cross Keys Masonic Centre.

Through the past year the Lodges based at Cross Keys Masonic Centre have achieved much within the local community. Hospitals, hospices, foodbanks, community groups, charities, refuges and retirement homes have all benefited from the generosity of local Masons getting together, working together and pulling the same way together for the same cause.