Rayleigh's MP Mark Francois visited the Mill Arts and Leisure Centre in late November to help support the popular Open Day organised by the Rayleigh and Rochford Association of Voluntary Service (RRAVS). The event provides a showcase for local charities and voluntary organisations to explain to the public what they do, seek to raise funds and recruit volunteers and also allow some networking between the various different groups.
Mark toured the Open Day and spoke to a number of the organisations who were represented there, including Essex Police, Rayleigh Town Council, Rochford District Council and several local charities including Cruse Bereavement Care, the Peaceful Place, St. John Ambulance and Wyvern Community Transport. The event was also attended earlier in the morning by Mark's colleague, James Duddridge, the MP for Rochford and Southend East, who also spoke to representatives of a number of the participating organisations. Speaking after attending the Open Day Mark said:
""Like my colleague James Duddridge, I was pleased to be able to attend the RRAVS Open Day and offer support to the valuable work which RRAVS do in supporting local charities and voluntary groups across the Rochford District. As well as local charities I also spoke with a representative from Great Ormond Street, who kindly pointed out how much people in Essex do to support that world famous children's hospital. It was heartening to see such a good spirit on display at the Open Day and the willingness of people to give up their spare time to help their local community.""