Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, who served in the Boys’ Brigade as a young teenager, relived his youth during a recent visit to the 18th South East Essex (Rayleigh) Company of the Boys’ Brigade, who are based at the Rayleigh Baptist Church Hall.
Mark, who served in the 1st Laindon Company of the Boys’ Briagade in the 1970s, was pleased to meet with Captain Mark Lang of the Rayleigh Company, who himself had served in the Boys Brigade at a similar time to Mark.
During his visit, Mark enjoyed a game of unihockey with the junior section of the Company (comprised mainly of junior school children) and he later took part in a half hour long question and answer session with the senior school boys who make up the bulk of the Company.
Commenting on his visit, Mark Francois said:
“I have very fond memories of having served in the Boys’ Brigade many years ago and I was encouraged to learn that the Boys Brigade are in good health in my constituency, and that they are still teaching the values of discipline and team work in a Christian context. The Rayleigh Company really put me through my paces during the question and answer session, where we covered everything from the roles and duties of a Member of Parliament through to the situation regarding Russia and the presidency of Donald Trump. I had a really enjoyable visit to the Rayleigh Company and I look forward to remaining in contact with them and their Captain Mark Lang in the future.”