Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, recently attended the unveiling of a new double sided heritage map which has been erected in Rayleigh High Street, opposite the Millennium Clock.
After two years of planning and fundraising by Mike Davies, and others on behalf of Rayleigh Through The Looking Glass, the sign was unveiled by Councillor Mrs Peggy Corbett, Chairman of Rayleigh Town Council in Rayleigh High Street. Mark Francois, also attended as the local MP to support the event.
The design of the map was the result of input from many local groups, including the ‘History Hunters Club’ from Sweyne Park School. On one side of the heritage sign is a map of Rayleigh with details of all the buildings that have a Rayleigh Town Council Heritage Plaque. The other side has 12 A4 panels with details/photos/location/contact details of all the many other heritage sites in Rayleigh, including the Castle Mount, Dutch Cottage and Windmill, amongst others. It is aimed to help visitors to the town to easily identify a number of heritage sights.
Commenting on the unveiling, Mark said:
I would like to commend Mike Davies and Rayleigh Through The Looking Glass and all of the other organisations who have supported the creation of this beautiful new town sign in the heart of Rayleigh High Street. We are proud of our town and this new sign means it will be even easier to point out to visitors some of the special local features that give Rayleigh its very unique character. I hope this sign will last for many years to come and that it will give much pleasure to all those who take the trouble to study it.