Of raffles, tights and gala affairs ...

Only in Hackney would prizes in a black tie fundraising raffle include 60 rolls of toilet tissue. Pleased to say I won the 7th prize ... an electric tooth brush. This at least meant that I got to display the magnificently price-tagged tights (see previous blog) when I went up to collect my winnings. Most tables seemed to be made up of property developers, housing associations, and assorted mayors, mayoresses and consorts from other boroughs who spend each weekend attending each others' galas. They are identified by the subtle competition of 'my ceremonial chain is bigger than yours, and did you see the car that I arrived in'. The charities we were raising money for weren't allowed to make a presentation lest they lower the bon vivant tone (we're talking food banks, domestic violence and youth work) but fortunately the Speaker filled the gap by engaging in a bit of karaoke until the real Elvis Presley impersonator came on for his act. I love Hackney.