Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, who is also Patron of the Rayleigh branch of the Royal British Legion, took time out on a recent Saturday morning to officially open the Legion’s Christmas Fete at the RBL Memorial Hall on London Hill.
Mark was assisted in his task by a number of RBL members including one who had decided to dress as a Town Crier especially for the event and who helped Mark to declare the proceedings open.
The fete itself comprised a number of charity stalls such as cake stalls, tombola’s and those selling Christmas goods, including one stand which helped to raise money for both the Royal British Legion and the Pilgrims House care home in Southend.
Speaking about the fete, Mark Francois said:
“As Patron of the Rayleigh branch of the RBL I was very pleased to have an opportunity to play a part in getting the fete underway. We had a number of really good stalls including one that sold Christmas mementoes and garlands – one of which I purchased for my own home. The Royal British Legion does tremendous work in raising money for both our servicemen and veterans and their families and so I was pleased to see a lot of people turn up to help support such a worthwhile event.”