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A Christmas Story |
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For the second year running, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. John Finlay, was determined that Essex Mark should continue doing something meaningful for those less fortunate than us. Following the success of last year’s effort, he again turned to the Salvation Army’s “Be a Star” appeal, which supports families who struggle to provide Christmas gifts for their children. With full approval from the trustees of the Benevolent Fund, it was agreed that Essex Mark would donate £1,000 worth of gifts to this year’s appeal.
Armed with every available promotion and two-for-one token, the Prov.G.M.’s wife, Sharon, once more undertook the task of purchasing the gifts. A visit to the Tesco superstore at Basildon’s Mayflower Park resulted in a remarkable haul of toys, clothing, books, toiletries, school supplies, and festive treats suitable for children from newborns to teenagers. Additionally, remembering Sharon from last year, the store donated 20 selection boxes to our cause. True to tradition, loading everything into her estate car required more than one trip—and closing the tailgate proved a challenge each time.
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Over several evenings, the gifts were sorted and packed into clearly labelled boxes, organised by age and gender to assist the Salvation Army volunteers. Their team had provided useful guidance on suitable items, while still allowing for a touch of Christmas magic through special toys and games.
At the end of November, John, joined by Asst.Prov.G.M. Geoff Newman, Provincial Grand Charity Steward Peter Maloney, and our very own Santa, Terry Nixon, delivered 15 large boxes to the Chelmsford Salvation Army Centre. The Commanding Officers, Majors Ian and Tracey Mountford, gratefully received the donation and assured the group that every gift would be distributed to children in Essex who might otherwise wake up to very little on Christmas morning.
The team expressed heartfelt thanks for Essex Mark’s continued support. And, as always, it is heart-warming to imagine the joy these unexpected gifts will bring on Christmas Day.
Posted on 19/12/25
