Sir Teddy Taylor M.P.

As with all large sporting organisations they have a patron. Take for example, the F.A. they have Her Majesty the Queen as their patron. When we decided it was time for us to have a patron we discussed it and gave the matter a great deal of thought but there was one name, an obvious choice right hear in Southend - Sir Teddy Taylor M.P. for Rochford & Southend East.

League Secretary Tony Hoskins wrote and invited Sir Teddy to consider our invitation of becoming the League patron. He supplied him with a copy of his book, the Official History of the League, together with copies of Vets News and a general outline of what we are all about.

Such was his immediate interest in our League that both League President - Brian Gunner and Tony Hoskins were invited to join Sir Teddy at the House of Commons for a lunchtime meeting.

It was during the course of this meeting that Sir Teddy readily accepted the position of patron of our League together with an offer to help wherever he could. He was particularly pleased to hear that UEFA and the F.A. had recorded an interest in our development and recognised us as one of the largest Veterans Leagues in the UK.

We are delighted to have such a well respected person as our figurehead. It is a fact that when this league was formed way back in 1980, Sir Teddy was elected as M.P. for his constituency of Rochford & Southend East.

He takes a great deal of interest in the local sporting scene in Southend and is connected to numerous organisations. He is an avid supporter of Southend United F.C. and attends many matches at Roots Hall.

In the meantime I am sure you will all wish to say welcome to our League!

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