Vintage fundraiser to be held for Royal British Legion

Adrian Tait and wife Joanne have organised the event.

The charity evening is to take place on Friday, May 20 at Easington Social Welfare Hall, on Seaside Lane.

The event will be 1940s wartime and 1950s-themed, and will include attendance by a contingent from the Royal British Legion, a performance from vintage vocalist Damaris Jean and jive and swing music from the era.

Adrian Tait, right, and Joanne Tait have organised the event.

There will also be a ‘vintage’ best dressed competition and cinema projection, as well as a charity raffle and late bar, which will run from 7.15pm to midnight.

This is the second fundraiser held in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Adrian Tait, who is one of the organisers of the event, said: “The evening, as well as raising much-needed funds for the charity, will be dedicated to our close community friend, Chelsea Pensioner Sgt Paddy Fox, who unfortunately passed away earlier this year.

“He was a legendary figure in the area, and was for many years our recruitment Sgt at the Horden CA Centre, as well as Fenham Barracks in Newcastle, and recruited over 2,000 individuals in his career, for which he was awarded the British Empire Medal.

The night is being held as a tribute to the late Chelsea Pensioner Sgt Paddy Fox.

“We will also be collecting donations on the evening to help fund a memorial seat dedicated to him, which will be placed locally for all to enjoy and remember this fine man and pillar of the community.”

Mr Tait added: “We are hoping that the event will have a great show of people.

“People are welcome to attend in period costumes from the 1940s and 50s to enter into the spirit of things.

“All are welcome to take part in this old-fashioned vintage fundraiser and help raise funds for a worthy charity.”

Vintage vocalist Damaris Jean will perform at the event.

Tickets for the event cost £5, and organisers are hoping for a similarly successful night to the last event, which raised over £1,200 on the night.

Funds raised will be donated to the Royal British Legion Welfare Fund, which is for veterans young and old, as well as their families, to aid them in times of hardship.

Tickets can be bought from Easington Welfare Hall, daytime Monday to Friday, by calling 0191 527 0635.

They can also be purchased by calling 01429 861941 or 07871 343024. Payment can be made via Paypal or cash, and tickets can be posted free if required.

Tickets will also be available on the door on the evening, depending on sales prior to the date.