Graham Norton draws record crowds to Mais House fete
12 July 2010
TV presenter and chat show host Graham Norton
proved "he'd do anything" for The Royal British Legion on Saturday
when he opened the Mais House Fete, drawing record crowds to
the annual event.
The TV star mingled with the nearly 500 strong crowd in glorious sunshine at the Legion's Poppy Home in Bexhill-on-Sea, having photos taken and signing autographs.
Norton has recently moved to Bexhill and told the Legion that he was delighted that his first official function in the area was to open the Mais House fete. "At a time like now, when the Armed Forces are very much in our thoughts, it's good to be able to use my profile to support such a worthwhile cause as The Royal British Legion.
"The real work's been done by those organising the fete though - I'm just pleased to be able to help as much as I can."
The 'Over the Rainbow' presenter said he had intended to spend lots of money - but that proved impossible when he was surrounded by fans seeking autographs and photos - so he showed his support by spending lots of time chatting to residents, staff, visitors and stallholders. He found time to say hello to Poppy Man, on hand to help Bexhill branch raise funds, and inspected the parade of Standard Bearers and cadets.
Fittingly for someone named 'Norton' he also spent time with members of the Legion's Riders Branch and even tried out some of the motorbikes for size.
Meanwhile, visitors to the fete enjoyed raffles, ice cream and candy floss, tombolas, rummaging through bric-a-brac stalls and having a flutter on the 'Play Your Cards Right' stand. Bexhill's carnival queen and princesses handed out free glasses of water to those feeling the heat, while the Little Common Band provided the musical entertainment.
Sue Jones, Mais' Matron Manager said: "It was quite a coup to get Graham along and we are so grateful to him for supporting our fete. We do this every year and of course it's about raising money for the Home, but it's also about raising awareness - letting people know we're here. Graham is currently standing in for Chris Evans on the Radio 2 breakfast show and mentioned his visit to Mais House several times during the week - that's publicity you can't buy.
"It's been a great day - we included a few new features this year, like activities for children which have been very popular, and we know that having such a famous and popular celebrity has really helped draw in the crowds. Everyone seems to have had a great day, so we're grateful to Graham and to our staff and volunteers for the huge amount of work by the staff and volunteers that's gone into making today such a great success."
More information about Mais House is available in our Poppy Homes section.
