Graham gave riders and residents a surprise at Withernsea Thursday Bike Night when he joined the Castle Café Withernsea team behind the counter as a VIP chef.
The event, held on Thursday 2nd July at Castle Café on Pier Road, brought bikers, families and local residents together on the seafront by the Pier Towers.
Graham had secretly planned the appearance with Paul Whitehead, Ambassador for Care after Combat, who helps host the popular summer bike nights.
The weekly events have become a fixture in Withernsea, bringing hundreds of bikes to the promenade through the summer. They support Castle Café, bring visitors into the town and raise money for good causes, including Care after Combat, which supports veterans in the justice system.
Rather than making a speech or taking centre stage, Graham rolled up his sleeves and helped serve food during the evening.
Residents praised Graham for quietly getting stuck in and helping the charity night, with one saying that “times like this it doesn’t matter what party he stands for” and that Graham “stayed out of the limelight and just cracked on”.
Paul Whitehead, Castle Café Withernsea owner and Ambassador for Care after Combat, said:
“We thought we would audition Graham for a new job behind the counter.
“To be fair, he showed some promise. He listened, worked hard and did what he was told, which is more than you can say for some politicians.
“But I think he is probably better suited to the day job. We’ll keep him as MP for now, but if things go wrong in Westminster there might be a burger van with his name on it.
“More seriously, it was good of Graham to come down, roll his sleeves up and help the team. These nights are about bikes, veterans, charity and community. Graham got that and just mucked in.”
Graham said:
“Withernsea Bike Night is a brilliant example of the town at its best.
“It brings people together, supports a local business, raises money for veterans and shows off Withernsea’s seafront.
“I was pleased to help Paul and the Castle Café team, even if my career as a chef may be short-lived.
“The real credit goes to the organisers, volunteers, riders and residents who make these nights such a success.
“It was a great evening, and I hope everyone keeps supporting it through the summer.”
