Across the Christmas season, Freemasons from across Essex coordinated a significant programme of community-focused activities, demonstrating a sustained commitment to local needs rather than one-off gestures. From Chadwell St Mary to Clacton-on-Sea, their work in care homes, with vulnerable children, and for members highlighted a joined-up approach to charitable support and engagement.
Bringing Festive Joy to Care Homes and Vulnerable Children
The Cross Keys Community Fund and the Orsett Masonic Community Fund were at the heart of the festive delivery. They organised uplifting brass band concerts and Christmas parties at two residential dementia care homes operated by Runwood Homes: Bennett Lodge and The Whitecroft. Runwood Homes is known for its person-centred approach to care, focusing on individual wellbeing and life experiences. Activities were carefully supported by care staff within familiar settings to ensure residents' comfort and safety.
Beyond the care homes, the season featured Christmas parties for vulnerable children referred through local primary schools and women’s refuges, alongside member events. This blend ensured community support, fundraising, and member engagement reinforced each other.
A Moment of Magic: The Power of Simple Connection
The profound impact of this work was vividly illustrated at the annual Christmas party for vulnerable children held at the Cross Keys. David Barton, Chairman of the Cross Keys Community Fund and Essex Provincial Community Engagement Lead, shared a poignant story. "There was a non-verbal child there, around three or four years old," Barton recalled. "His carer explained he has experienced significant distress and rarely communicates. Throughout the day, he was fixated on a set of sleigh bells on one of our Christmas trees."
When the child was leaving, Barton went outside and gave him the bells. "He gave me the biggest smile and mouthed ‘thank you’. His carer saw it too, turned to me and smiled, and said, ‘He feels comfortable.’ I had tears in my eyes, and that moment will always stay with me," said Barton. His leadership has been central to shaping Essex's coordinated, year-round framework for community engagement.
A Unified Approach Across Masonic Centres
Events under the Orsett Masonic Community Fund were organised by Steve Bruyel, Deputy Provincial Charity Steward, aligning closely with the Cross Keys programme for a consistent county-wide effort. All initiatives were powered by members and volunteers from both funds, strengthening links between lodges, centres, and the community.
In parallel, Colvin Memorial Temple in Clacton-on-Sea solidified its role as a community-facing centre, hosting a free Christmas Grotto for local families and improving how it coordinates and communicates its activities.
Setting a Sustainable Example for the Future
Elliot Chevin, an Essex Freemason and Assistant Provincial Grand Master, reflected on the encouraging trend. "What is particularly encouraging is the way Masonic centres across Essex are increasingly working beyond their own walls and engaging meaningfully with their local communities," he commented.
"By coordinating activity, sharing ideas and resources, and communicating openly with the public, our centres are demonstrating their value as genuine community assets. Initiatives such as these highlight how Freemasonry continues to evolve and respond positively to the needs of modern society."
Member events also included raffles, with all proceeds returned directly to the community funds to sustain future support. By reinvesting funds and coordinating activity, Essex Freemasons have ensured continuity and are well-positioned to support local communities into 2026.
