Volunteers at Wandeltocht with WWII veteran Don Turrell copy.jpg

Welcome to the Taxi Charity

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948.

We offer international trips to Holland, Belgium and France, day trips to concerts or museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as well as special days out to catch up with friends and comrades.

To fund and facilitate these outings, the charity is wholly reliant on donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London taxi drivers who volunteer their time and vehicles so willingly.

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Richard Iles decorates his house with 235,000 Christmas lights to raise funds for the Taxi Charity

Last year, Richard Iles, a homeowner in Winterbourne Down near Bristol, decorated his house with more than 150,000 Christmas lights, raising over £15,000 in aid of the Taxi Charity.

For Christmas 2025, Richard is taking the display to a whole new level - adding a further 85,000 lights!

The official switch-on will take place at 58 Church Road, Winterbourne Down, Bristol, BS36 1BY at 6pm on Saturday 29 November.

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Taxi Charity helps WWII veteran thank young Dutch boy for beautiful drawing

Four-year-old Dutch school boy, Twan, gave Geoff Roberts MBE a lovely drawing at Oosterbeek cemetery, when we were in the Netherlands for the 81st anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

Geoff didn't get a chance to thank Twan properly, and really wanted to, so the Taxi Charity mounted a social media campaign to track Twan down...

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Recent News

Richard Iles decorates his house with 235,000 Christmas lights to raise funds for the Taxi Charity

Obituary: Edward Thomas 'Ted' Hayford 1923 – 2025

Taxi Charity Newsletter - November 2025

Taxi Charity for Military Veterans AGM to be held on 12 January 2026

Parents take the leap for the Taxi Charity!

Taxi Charity veterans visit RAF Coningsby to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Veterans take to the skies with Flying For Freedom and the Taxi Charity

"Thanks to everyone at the Taxi Charity for helping make our recent Veterans Air Experience Day such a huge success" - Graham

A heartfelt thank you to the Taxi Charity from veteran Chris Langford

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Footage of WWII veterans visiting The Royal Mint to strike first VE Day commemorative coin

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WWII veterans share their stories for International Women’s Day

32:08

Taxi Charity veterans interviewed by John Maguire from BBC Breakfast

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BBC Breakfast interviews Taxi Charity volunteers and war veterans at Harwich

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Last year, Richard Iles, a homeowner in Winterbourne Down near Bristol, decorated his house with more than 150,000 Christmas lights, raising over £15,000 in aid of the Taxi Charity.

For Christmas 2025, Richard is taking the display to a whole new level - adding a further 85,000 lights!

The official switch-on will take place at 58 Church Road, Winterbourne Down, Bristol, BS36 1BY at 6pm on Saturday 29 November.

Richard's justgiving link can be found in our bio.

@winterbournechristmaslights

On 22 October, we had the privilege of taking three World War II veterans - Don Turrell, Robbie Hall and Peter Greenwood - and post-war veteran Ken Orford to @rafconingsby to visit the @rafbbmf and its historic hangar.

The visit brought back many wonderful memories as our veterans admired the iconic aircraft of the BBMF - the Lancaster, Dakota and two Spitfires - which even took to the skies during the visit, sharing airspace with the modern Typhoons stationed at Coningsby.

For WWII veteran, Robbie Hall, who served in Bomber Command alongside her fiancé Frank, the visit was especially poignant. Frank was killed during the war, and seeing the aircraft once again brought back powerful memories of those who never returned.

Post-war veteran, Ken Orford, a former aircraft maintenance engineer who “has forgotten more than most people will ever know about aircraft,” proudly wore his 1,000-mile tie, representing the incredible speed of the Lightning F5 jet.

Diane Law-Crookes, BBMF Administration Officer, added:

“The highlight of working at BBMF for me are days where we host our veteran friends. The day was filled with laughter, stories, and a fair amount of cake! I’m so thankful the Taxi Charity was able to bring along the veterans. Without them, we wouldn’t have met these wonderful people.”

John King, a WWIl veteran who is 100 years young, celebrates his 101st birthday on 11 November 2025.

He has been a bit poorly and we know a few extra birthday cards would really cheer him up and hopefully give him the lift to get back out and at 'em!

If you would like to send him a 101st birthday card, he can be reached at:

John King
c/o
My Heathway
Unit 30 Heathway Shopping Centre The Mall Heathway
Dagenham
RM10 8RE

This week, Naval Lieutenant, Arjan Kok, will retire from his duty at Bronbeek - the Royal Home for Retired Military Personnel in Arnhem.

Arjan was our liaison for our visits to Bronbeek and has always done a splendid job in making us feel so welcome.

Taxi Charity Ambassador, Roger Beets MBE, represented us at a reception at Bronbeek and presented Arjan with a couple of engraved glasses and a Taxi Charity badge.

Arjan - we wish you every happiness and fulfilment in this next chapter of your life.

Image credit @funcksterrshoots

#Bronbeek #KTOMMBronbeek #Arnhem

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans concluded a special visit to Scotland with three WWII veterans with a spectacular night at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

WWII veteran, Don Turrell, who served with the Cameronians, called the Tattoo: “The icing on the cake after an unforgettable trip to Scotland.” He said: “It was breathtaking - from the stirring opening to the grand finale. When the pipers emerged through the smoke, I thought the procession would never end - it was magical.”

The ten day trip to Scotland was inspired by Don’s dream to visit places that had both family connections and held strong memories from WWII. The tour included Glasgow, Edinburgh, Hamilton, Cambeltown, Fort William, Duns and Kelso; and the veterans, drivers and volunteers received a wonderful welcome wherever they went.

The three drivers - Colin Mills, Paul Cook and Dean Euesden - each completed over 1,400 miles on the trip and had separate itineraries to ensure that centenarians Don, Dorothea and Eugeniusz could visit the places and areas that were personal or significant to their lives during WWII.

During the tour, Don Turrell visited the Cameronians Museum and the Ben Nevis Distillery; Dorothea Barron, who was a visual signaller in the WRNS, returned to the site of her former barracks at Port Edgar, now a housing development, had a tour of Cambelltown and visited the Springbank Distillery; and Eugeniusz Niedzielski who served with the 1st Armoured Polish Division, spent precious time with the Polish community in Edinburgh, attended a Catholic mass and a memorial service to his fallen comrades.

Paul Cook, Vice Chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “This trip has given the veterans the chance to return to places of deep personal meaning from their wartime service - and they’ve enjoyed every moment.”

One hundred-year-old Don summed up the group’s feelings, saying: “It’s been absolutely wonderful - and I’m coming back next year.”

Finding the right volunteer support can sometimes feel daunting for a small charity like ours. When we needed an experienced accountant who understood both the technical side of the role and our mission to support veterans, Charterpath made the process simple.

Very quickly we were connected with a professional who brought not only the expertise we needed, but also real passion for our cause.

We’re hugely grateful for Charterpath’s help in making this possible - and to all the volunteers who give their time and skills to help veterans.

Posted @withregram • @charterpath Feel inspired to help a charity in need using your superpowers?

Scan the QR code or visit our website to Join Charterpath

Finance professionals - your superpowers are in demand!

We’re waiting for you.

#Charterpath #volunteering #nonprofits #charities #finance #accounting #superpowers #superheroes #financeprofessionals

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans proudly returned to Normandy this June to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who played a pivotal role in the liberation of Europe during WWII.

The group, including six WWII and five post-war veterans, accompanied by volunteer London black cab drivers and charity supporters, made the poignant journey to the Normandy beaches where British, American, Canadian and Allied forces landed on 6 June 1944.

The commemorative trip included visits to significant historical sites and memorial services, and opportunities for reflection and remembrance.

The six WWII veterans, with a combined age of 598, were warmly welcomed at ceremonies at Pegasus Bridge and the Bayeaux CWGC, and during visits to Arromanches, where a Mulberry was installed to aid the landings, and the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, where the names of the fallen are recorded.

For the veterans, the trip is a chance to remember fallen comrades and share their personal stories of courage, loss and resilience.

One hundred-year-old WWII veteran, Don Turrell, and his 28-year-old friend and trip companion, Callum Reid, made an incredibly moving visit to St Manvieu War Cemetery to visit the comrades that Don had lost in the Battle for Hill 112. The Battle for Hill 112 took 10 weeks of fierce fighting and cost many lives. Callum's great grandfather was also involved in this huge operation and lost his life. He is buried in beautiful St Manvieu and for the very first time Callum was thrilled to bring his medals to his graveside.

During this visit, the veterans particularly enjoyed meeting students from Saint-Germain-en-Laye who spent an hour asking the veterans about their wartime experiences.

The charity’s work is made possible by the generous support of donors and sponsors who continue to champion the charity’s mission of offering friendship and support to military veterans.

On 16 June 2025, three brothers will lace up their walking boots and set off on Alfred Wainwright’s iconic Coast to Coast route, trekking nearly 200 miles across Northern England to raise funds for the Taxi Charity and to mark a very special birthday.

The challenge is being undertaken by Taxi Charity chairman, Colin Mills, and his brothers, Tony and David, with this year’s walk honouring Tony’s 60th birthday. They will journey from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, crossing three national parks, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

The Coast to Coast walk is not their first charity trek. In 2023, the three brothers hiked along Hadrian’s Wall to celebrate Colin's 60th birthday and raise funds for the charity that is so close to his heart.

The story gained widespread support and highlighted the dedication of volunteers supporting veterans.

“The Coast to Coast is one of Britain’s most beautiful long-distance walks,” said Tony Mills. “We wanted to do something memorable for my birthday, and once again use the opportunity to raise vital funds for the Taxi Charity. We thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time together when we walked Hadrian's Wall, so it was obvious to choose another walking challenge. It’s a privilege to give back to those who’ve served their country, and we hope this walk inspires others to support our incredible veterans.”

➡️ Justgiving link in bio

Parachute Regiment veteran, Chris Willmott, is set to embark on an extraordinary solo cycling, fundraising challenge this August, riding 1,382 km (859 miles) from Auschwitz in Poland to Arnhem in the Netherlands, on an 80-year-old, single-speed bicycle.

The journey, which begins on 17 August 2025, retraces a route steeped in wartime history, ending in Arnhem - the site of the pivotal Operation Market Garden during WWII.

Chris' mission is not just a personal endurance feat, but a powerful tribute to the memory of the Allied soldiers and the sacrifices made for freedom.

Challenge schedule:

17 Aug – Auschwitz → Kraków
21 Aug – Olesno → Wrocław
25 Aug – Słubice → Berlin
29 Aug – Helmstedt → Hanover
02 Sep – Enschede → Arnhem

“This journey from a place of immense loss to a place synonymous with the bravery of our airborne forces is my way of honouring the past while directly supporting the present and future of our veteran community.

“Every kilometre I pedal will be in dedication to their service and in support of the incredible work of the London-based Taxi Charity.”

Justgiving link in bio ➡️

What happens when a young entrepreneur and a 100-year-old World War II veteran team up for a cause close to their hearts? In the case of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, the answer is: they raise over £250,000 to support some of the last surviving heroes of WWII.

Through two remarkable Justgiving campaigns, this intergenerational duo have not only raised over £250,000 but also inspired countless people across the UK to reconnect with the legacy of the greatest generation.

Entrepreneur @johnnygallagher may be decades younger than the veterans he champions, but his passion for honouring their service is unwavering. “I want my generation to understand and respect what these incredible men and women did for us,” says Johnny. “Their sacrifices secured our freedom; the least we can do is listen, learn and support them - however we can.”

That mission began in earnest last year when Johnny launched his first big fundraising campaign, and then earlier this year when he launched the Our Heroes Fund.

This year, Johnny and his oldest best friend, 100-year-old Dorothea Barron, are fundraising to support the Taxi Charity’s efforts to take veterans on key commemorative trips throughout 2025, including to the Netherlands in May for the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation and Normandy in June for the 81st anniversary of D-Day.

In addition to these poignant pilgrimages, the fund will also help the charity fulfil individual veteran's wishes, ensuring each hero is honoured in a personal and meaningful way. The first is a special journey in August to Scotland, where a small group of veterans will revisit locations that hold powerful wartime memories.

➡️ Fundraising link in bio.

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is proud to announce that our vice president, Dick Goodwin, has been awarded the distinguished title of Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

This royal honour, conferred on Dutch Liberation Day in Wageningen, is especially meaningful as it recognises the contribution of a British citizen to Dutch society and international friendship. The award was jointly presented by the Mayor of Wageningen, Floor Vermeulen, who gave a speech, and the Mayor of Renkum, Agnes Schaap, who had the honour of presenting and pinning the insignia.

Dick has been a dedicated volunteer with the Taxi Charity since 2004, serving as a linchpin in organising memorial visits and commemorative events for British veterans in the UK, the Netherlands, Normandy and across Europe. His tireless work ensures that veterans can return to the places where they served, to honour fallen comrades and share their stories with new generations.

Dick has played a leading role in fostering connections between British veterans and Dutch communities, especially young people. He has facilitated meetings, encouraged discussions and strengthened the bonds between Dutch students and veterans, thus securing the proverbial bridge to the future. His efforts to involve veterans in events including Dutch Liberation, the Airborne March and Market Garden commemorations have built lasting friendships and deepened mutual understanding. These emotional reunions are cherished not only by veterans but also by the Dutch people.

Colin Mills, London cab driver and chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Dick has been awarded the title of Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. His dedication to the veterans we support, and to preserving the bonds between the UK and the Netherlands, is extraordinary. Dick embodies everything the Taxi Charity stands for - service, compassion and remembrance - and this honour is a fitting tribute to the many years he has devoted to ensuring our veterans are celebrated, supported, and never forgotten.”

Photo: Floor Vermuelen, Dick and Susy Goodwin, and Agnes Schaap

@royalmintuk has announced the launch of a new commemorative coin honouring VE Day, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

To mark the occasion, they welcomed two special guests from the Taxi Charity.

WWII veterans Richard Pelzer, 101, and Ron Horsey, 98, who both served with the Royal Engineers, enjoyed a behind the scenes tour at the manufacturing site in South Wales and had the honour of striking one of the first silver VE Day coins.

A huge thank you to The Royal Mint team for giving Richard and Ron such a warm welcome...

A huge thank you to the @armybenevolentfund - we are delighted to announce that we have received £15,000 funding from them to help support two major acts of commemoration in 2025.

The funding will go directly towards our trip to the Netherlands in May for the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation commemorations and our Normandy trip in June to mark the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings.

A big thank you to royalmailofficial who successfully delivered this envelope, which had very little information on it, and contained a wonderful donation. We really appreciate your investigative skills to find us. ❤️🔎✉️

We are saddened to announce the death of our former president, Eddie Hillery.

In 2008, Eddie became a volunteer for the Taxi Charity, supporting our bucket collections at stations throughout London; in 2013, he joined the Taxi Charity committee and in 2019 he was appointed president.

Eddie spent 42 years as a London taxi driver and was a founder member of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association.

We send our condolences to Eddie's friends and family.

We have places available for two WWII veterans, and one carer each, on our trip to the Netherlands which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation.

The trip is from 2-6 May and is free for the veterans and their carers.

Travel is in a London black taxi and is normally door to door (depending on location).

If you would like to join us, please get in touch by email at info@taxicharity.org.

Taxi Charity ambassador, Johnny Gallagher, and his oldest best friend, 100-year-old WWII veteran, Dorothea Barron, have just launched the ‘OUR HEROES FUND’ to raise £1m to ensure WWII veterans will be able to attend commemoration trips to the continent and social events across the UK this year and in their final years without worrying if there will be government funding.

Link in bio to Johnny and Dorothea's 'OUR HEROES FUND' justgiving page.

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is delighted to announce that Babette Powell will be running the 2025 London Marathon to raise vital funds for the charity.

Babette, an experienced marathon runner from Gravesend, has completed eight marathons to date, including three previous London Marathons. Her personal best was an impressive 4 hours and 11 minutes, achieved in Paris in 2013.

This year, she faces a particularly challenging test, having committed to running the Paris Marathon on 13 April, just two weeks before taking on London.

Babette was introduced to the Taxi Charity by London cab driver and Taxi Charity Vice Chair, Paul Cook, who personally invited her to take on this challenge in support of the charity’s invaluable work with military veterans.

Paul Cook said: “I was delighted when Babette agreed to run the London Marathon for the Taxi Charity. This is a very special year for the charity as we will be travelling to the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation on 5 May, followed by celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. These trips are completely free for the veterans and their carers, and we are hoping that people will get behind Babette and donate to support the men and women who gave so much for our freedom.”

Speaking about her motivation for running, Babette said: “I just love running and challenging myself. Every year after a marathon, I say this is my last, and no one ever believes me! But this year, it’s about more than just running London. I’m honoured to have been asked to run for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. The charity provides vital support to veterans, many of whom have faced unimaginable challenges. Running 26.2 miles is a small effort compared to the sacrifices these veterans have made. By taking on this marathon, I hope to raise awareness and funds to help continue the charity’s important work and get more veterans on trips.”

For more information about Babette’s fundraising or to donate, please visit her fundraising page - link in bio.

WWII veteran, Norman 'Norrie' Bartlett, died on 17 March - just one week short of his 99th birthday.

Norrie joined the Navy in June 1942, aged 16. The minimum age was 17 so he used the common excuse of the time - that he had forgotten his birth certificate.

During WWII, Norrie participated in D-Day, the Allied assault on Nazi-occupied France. On 6 June 1944, his role was supporting the defence bombardment of Juno and Gold with HMS Belfast, other cruisers and 11 destroyers.

Born in London, Norrie never knew his parents and after time in foster care was adopted in 1927. On 23 December 1944, he married Betty at St Jude’s Church in Englefield Green and the following year his naval career took him to Japan.

Peter Bartlett, Norrie’s son, said: “Dad was always very sociable and made lifelong friends in all of his many adventures. But he was steadfast with Betty, my mother, with whom he fell in love at the age of 12. We were never too sure about her views on him signing up for the Navy at age 16 years 1 month though! As her health declined, the support he received from his many friends at @northhantsgc and @hartmalevoicechoir kept him alive.

In 2020, thanks to the NHGC Captain, he was very proud to deliver the PoW Prayer at the National Arboretum on VJ day, and then represent the Royal Navy at the Festival of Remembrance.

His life was changed when he met Dick Goodwin and Colin Mills from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. They enabled him to take part in the Dutch Liberation celebrations and D-Day commemorations in Normandy. His D-Day was from a mile offshore chucking shells at the German emplacements. He found, at last, that he could tell of his war experiences, while raising money for charity, and starring in TV interviews. The friendship Colin and the drivers and notably the other veterans gave him sustained him. When Colin and Richard Collie arranged his "piping the side" on HMS Victory, his last ship for demob, he said he could die happy. He did. Thank you to all of you.”

The Taxi Charity proudly hosted a special event at the prestigious RAF Club in London on 6 March to celebrate International Women's Day.

The gathering brought together veterans, serving personnel and Taxi Charity supporters to honour the extraordinary contributions of women in military service.

A highlight of the event was the attendance of the first female Brother from the Lord Leycester, an historic moment reflecting the increasing recognition of women in military traditions.

Guests enjoyed a delightful lunch before hearing first hand accounts from two remarkable World War II veterans, Ruth Bourne and Dorothea Barron.

Ruth Bourne, a former Wren, served at Bletchley Park, where she worked on Alan Turing’s groundbreaking Bombe machine, playing a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code. Dorothea Barron, a visual signaller during the war, recounted her own experiences of vital communications work. Both women, bound by the Official Secrets Act, kept their wartime roles confidential for decades. When Ruth was finally able to share her story with her husband, his understated response was, “That’s nice dear – what’s for tea?”

Jan Brodie-Murphy, a Brother from the Lord Leycester, said: “As a veteran and Brother of the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick, I was thrilled to be a part of this day. It was a revelation to learn from these lady WWII veterans what their war was all about - very different to what you read in the history books. When you have a roomful of military women, few can get a word in, but you could have heard a pin drop when Ruth Borne and Dorothea Barron related their war memories - we all learnt so much.”

The event was also attended by other esteemed WWII veterans, Marie Scott, Ruth Barnwell, Elizabeth Green, Robbie Hall and Patricia Owtram, each of whom contributed to the war effort in invaluable ways.

First three photos courtesy of Robin Savage Photography.

Remaining photos and video courtesy of Keely Allen from the Taxi Charity.

@distinctdistillers are to release a commemorative gin to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Crafted in a secret, historic WWII underground fuel depot in Shropshire, the VE Day commemorative gin will support the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

In 1938, the MOD commissioned the site where the distillery now sits, to become a secret fuel depot that stored aviation fuel and serviced RAF bases around the country.

Distinct Distillers has transformed the site and re-purposed what they can, utilising the underground vaults for their maturation, the bunker for their tasting room and the old ethyl barrel store as the distillery where they produce their British spirits.

Hannah Boon, from Distinct Distillers, said: “Inspired by our history, we are creating spirits that pay tribute to the courage and resilience of all military veterans and help support the fantastic Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Our 1944 D-Day dark rum is crafted from the finest molasses and aged in sherry and bourbon oak chips and our new VE Day gin, distilled with a range of delicate botanicals, will be released on 1 April.

A £2 donation from the sale of every bottle of our D-Day dark rum and VE Day gin is made to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Supporting this charity is our way of giving back to those who risked so much for all of us during WWII. Their stories are full of courage and inspiration, and we want to help ensure they aren't forgotten as time moves on. We look forward to upcoming projects with them and continuing our donations.”

Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity, said: “As a niche charity that is wholly reliant on grants and donations, the support from Distinct Distillers is most welcome. We had the pleasure of visiting their distillery last year and meeting the dedicated team who are committed to producing the best spirits. The D-Day dark rum they produced was very popular and we are looking forward to tasting the new VE Day gin.”

To pre-order their VE Day gin, email info@distinctdistillers.co.uk.

We would like to thank Peter Carey for the years he has served as a trustee and committee member for the Taxi Charity. Following his resignation, we are delighted that he will continue to volunteer with us as a driver.

In May 2025, the Netherlands will mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation, commemorating the end of the German occupation in 1945. This significant event marks the culmination of five long years of occupation, which began in May 1940, and the eventual liberation by Allied Forces.

Every year on 4 May, the Netherlands observes a Day of Remembrance, followed by a national celebration on 5 May, where the Dutch people express their deep gratitude to those who helped secure their freedom.

Since 2012, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans has been proudly taking veterans in black taxis from London to Wageningen, where they pay their respects on 4 May to the fallen heroes who did not return, and the following day, join the Liberation Day celebrations in a grand military parade.

This year, as the Netherlands celebrates the 80th anniversary of their liberation, the commemorations will be bigger and more meaningful than ever before. To honour this special occasion, the Taxi Charity would like to offer WWII veterans who served in the Netherlands the opportunity to join a fully funded, five-day trip back to the country they helped liberate and the people who continue to cherish the sacrifices they made.

If you are a WWII veteran who served in the Netherlands and would like to be considered for a place on this extraordinary trip, please contact Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity, by email at info@taxicharity.org or by calling 07941 772264.

How spectacular is this Christmas light display on Richard Isles' home in Bristol?

There are over 200,000 lights and we are so grateful that this will raise funds for us.

Thank you, Richard. ❤️

Justgiving fundraising link in bio.
🎄🎄🎄

D-Day veteran, Peter Smoothy, is celebrating his 100th birthday today. He is currently in hospital, so please join us in sending him good wishes. He joined us on our trip to Normandy in June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Happy 100th, Peter.

WWII veterans were driven to Shropshire to meet the master distiller who created a commemorative 80th anniversary D-Day dark rum.

The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans took a groups of veterans for a two-day break in Shropshire, which included a visit to meet the @distinctdistillers team who have been selling '44', a commemorative special edition D-Day rum which raises funds for the Taxi Charity.

Award-winning Distinct Distillers, based near Ironbridge on the site of a WWII fuel depot, welcomed a group of eight D-Day veterans, one who served in Operation Market Garden and a veteran of the Burma campaign. The veterans enjoyed homemade cakes before a tour of the site, which included a visit to one of the old underground fuel tanks where casks of rum are stored. The master distiller explained how their '44' dark rum is made from the finest molasses and aged in sherry and bourbon barrel oak chips with notes of demerara, caramel and coffee.

Hannah Boon, MD of Distinct Distillers, said:

"The Distinct Distillers' team felt so privileged to have these WWII heroes on our site. We were delighted when the charity accepted our offer to visit our distillery and we were keen to explore how we could raise additional funds to support their work with veterans. After the popularity of the 1944 Dark Rum, we’re expanding our plans with the charity further and will be releasing another line ready for VE day in 2025. We have also launched our Heroes Reserve Cask Programme, which are available to purchase with a £350 donation per cask going to the charity. We also laid down 12 barrels, each one dedicated to those veterans who visited, and we’ll mature these for five to seven years until ready for release."

Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said:

"The Commemorative D-Day rum has raised over £750 to support our work and it was really fascinating to see and hear how it is made and to visit the huge underground tanks which store the casks under perfect conditions. Later that evening, the team from Distinct Distillers visited our hotel for a rum tasting which went down very well, especially with our naval veterans!"

D-Day Naval veteran, Les Underwood, 98, died on Thursday 5 September.

On D-Day in June 1944, 18-year-old Les Underwood was on a merchant ship destined for Russia which was diverted to the coast of Normandy. At the time, he had no idea where it was going to, as the captain did not share the destination with any of the crew.

In June 2024, Les joined a group of veterans who travelled to Normandy with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

During the week in Normandy, Les spoke of his memories of D-Day, telling the charity volunteers: “We handed our supplies over and joined in the chaotic scene. Men were going down the ropes over the sides of landing craft into what they assumed was shallow water and it was deep and they went straight down because of the weight of their kit. There was noise, shouting, gunfire and utter madness.”

Les did not know until years later that he had been at D-Day as he was never told at the time. Decades later he was traced and found out the magnitude of what he had been part of.

Les was married to Ellen Underwood for over 50 years and lived with her in Rush Green. They had a daughter Victoria and a son Paul. They had three grandchildren, Matthew, Adam and Tom, and five great grandchildren, Archie, Oscar, Ellen, Amelie and Jessica.

Tom Broughton, Les Underwood’s grandson, said: “During his life, Les was a boxer, a sailor in the merchant and Royal Navy, a black taxi driver, a lorry driver, a bus driver and finally a British Telecom engineer. On behalf of my grandad’s family, I’d like to thank everyone at the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for all of their help, support and kindness over the years. We are very grateful to all the volunteers and the drivers who looked after Les on the many different trips, which he absolutely loved, and it was fitting that his last journey with the charity was to the beaches in Normandy earlier in the year. We wish the charity all the best in the future and every success.”

On 3 August, WWII veterans Norrie Bartlett, Harry Rice, Mervyn Kersh and Marie Scott, post-war veterans Vic Needham Crofton and Peter Gospel, and Mike, Ken, David and Trevor from The Royal Hospital Chelsea were invited by the Taxi Charity to attend the Battle Proms Picnic Concert at Highclere Castle.

In beautifully sunny weather, volunteer London cab drivers brought the veterans to the Castle for a programme which included a horseback display by the Worcestershire Cavalry, the Red Devils parachute display team freefall demonstration and the Battle Proms Belles singing vintage favourites before the New English Concert Orchestra rounded off the night accompanied by fireworks and cannon fire.

The charity’s vice chairman, Paul Cook, ensured the group did not go hungry, having made three different types of scotch eggs; potato cheese and onion puffs; coconut, mango, cashew nut, mint and chilli salad; savoury croissants and a tarte tatin. To complete the picnic, Erith based Crumbs Bakery donated a box full of cakes, a box of bread pudding and two boxes of their famous sausage rolls.

Colin Mills, London cab driver and chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: "As the only forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment, taking veterans to Highclere Castle for the Battle Proms was a great way to spend a summer’s evening. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed a tot or two of a limited edition D-Day rum from @distinctdistillers, which raises funds to support our work. We also got to meet the Countess of Carnarvon who generously spent some time with our group."

WWII veteran, Mervyn Kersh, said: "It's always so very nice to be invited and yesterday's outing was a first for lots of us. We were, as always, royally looked after and wanted for nothing. The team's attention to detail is unbelievable. Great company in a spectacular setting, rousing music, aerial displays, a handmade picnic and I even had a private word with Sir Winston about the state of our country!"

Marie Scott was a radio operator on D-Day, transmitting critical messages to troops on the beaches of Normandy.

Reposted from @ministryofdefence

Reposted from @bfbsradio

A huge thank you to all our volunteer drivers in their black cabs for driving the veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Posted @withregram • @catdeeley Just amazing !!!! 🙌❤️ #repost @benshephardofficial: What a privilege to chat with Les and Dorothea both Second World War veterans, 98 and 99 years young.!! Along with Paul from @taxicharity who help take Vets out to Normandy for D Day commemorations and other really special events and occasions. They are both still twinkling as that third picture shows 🤣🥰 and Dorothea still teaches yoga every Monday!! Just wonderful joyful people @catdeeley and I are so lucky to have met.

Our volunteer drivers in a convoy of London cabs, along with their special passengers, are at Portsmouth waiting to board the ferry to Normandy for the D-Day 80 commemorations. We're looking forward to seeing lots of wonderful photos! #dday80 #normandy #wwiiveterans

On 5 May 2024, 13 British veterans and one Canadian veteran led the Liberation Day Parade through Wageningen, applauded by thousands who lined the route.

The British veterans had travelled to the Netherlands with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, which has been making the annual trip for Dutch Liberation since 2012. They were joined by a Canadian veteran for the weekend in Wageningen, the Dutch city of liberation.

In the Netherlands, 4 May is the national day of remembrance. British Market Garden veteran, Geoff Roberts, had the honour of lighting the flame of liberation with Canadian veteran, George Brewster, at midnight in the Wageningen town square, watched by millions on Dutch TV.

The following day, thousands of people arrived in Wageningen to watch the annual Liberation Day Parade, which was led by three golf carts and two London cabs carrying the Taxi Charity veterans.

The veterans were showered with flowers, gifts and a thunderous round of applause during the 5km route; and it was heartening to see the tears shared by the veterans and the families of those they had liberated 79 years before.

During lunch on 4 May, Hans Kranenburg, President of the Police Sport Association, who addressed the veterans, said: "We are extremely honoured and privileged with your presence. Without your sacrifices, and those of the many soldiers and freedom fighters, we would not have been able to stand here to speak freely and to walk in freedom. Words cannot express what you have done for us. We will never fully understand the depth of your scars. Your dedication and commitment to liberate our country will always be in our hearts and minds. We owe you so much.”

Taxi Charity advisor, Frans Ammerlaan MBE, from the Market Garden Foundation, said: “We look forward to welcoming British veterans to the Netherlands each year and it is always such a pleasure to host these brave men and women.”

Dick Goodwin, honorary secretary of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “The party of veterans had such a wonderful time thanks to the carers, volunteers, London cab drivers and our old and new Dutch friends.

📸 Photos courtesy of Arjan Vrieze.

We are delighted to announce that our limited edition 'D-Day 80' badges and windscreen stickers are now available to buy from our online 'pop-up' shop!

They were designed by Taxi Charity volunteer, Susy Goodwin, to raise funds to take veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024.

By ordering a badge, you will be contributing towards the cost of our trip, so that the veterans who went to Normandy by sea and air in 1944 will be able to travel to France by taxi in 2024.

The badges cost £5 each and the windscreen stickers cost £2 each.

UK postage is £2.50. International postage is £4.50.

Link in bio.

Obituary: Tom Schaffer 25 April 1926 - 16 March 2024

Tom Schaffer, who was affectionately known as the poster boy of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, died on 16 March 2024 - he was 97. Tom was a regular on Taxi Charity trips across the UK, and to the Netherlands and Normandy, for over 30 years.

After enlisting during the war and doing his initial training, Tom volunteered for the Parachute Regiment and was accepted and joined the 13th (Lancashire) Battalion. His first military action was in the Ardennes as part of 6th Airborne and his first jump was Operation Varsity in March 1945. The aim of this operation was to establish a bridgehead across the river Rhine for the main Allied advance into Germany.

In 2022, Taxi Charity chairman, Brian Heffernan, was thrilled to take Tom to an event at Markshall Estate, Colchester, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of those who flew in Operation Varsity. Tom said at the time: "Operation Varsity was part of our job. My only thoughts at the time were let's get this done. We lost a lot of men, but the operation was a success and we captured 3,500 German soldiers. The Taxi Charity take me to commemorations all over the country and on the continent. The volunteer cab drivers like Brian pick me up from my home and without them I would not be able to participate in so many commemorative occasions. They take us on fantastic social events too!"

On 5 December 2019, Tom was presented with the Dutch Liberation Medal by Lieutenant Colonel Rob Arts who was the Dutch Military Attaché to the United Kingdom. Tom said: "It is a real honour to have been presented with the Dutch Liberation Medal. Next May, I will be travelling to the Netherlands with the Taxi Charity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dutch Liberation and I will wear this medal with immense pride."

Chris Watson commented on the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans’ Facebook page: "Our dear Dad has gone now. He will be in our hearts forever and will be sadly missed. Thank you all for the lovely messages - it means a lot to us - we're always so proud of our Father.”

First photo courtesy of @glyndewis ❤️

Our ambassador and Dutch advisor, Frans Ammerlaan, has been awarded an honorary MBE.

WWII veteran, Geoff Roberts, said: “I am absolutely delighted that my great friend Frans, who has done so much to support and remember those who participated in Operation Market Garden, has been made an MBE.”

Today marks 100 days until the 80th anniversary of D-Day and we need your help to get our veterans to Normandy. #DDay80

2023 was a hugely significant year for the Taxi Charity as we celebrated our 75th anniversary - and 75 years of London cab drivers supporting veterans.

2024 will be an even bigger year for our veterans, especially the ladies and gentlemen who participated in WWII.

This year in June, people from the UK, France, Canada and the USA and probably from across the world too, will be heading to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and we hope to be there too.

Back in 2019, the 75th anniversary of D-Day was a very moving occasion, and this year I think it will be even more so. Sadly, many WWII veterans are no longer with us and the number who will be able to make the trip to Normandy in June will be much smaller than ever before.

In 2019, we took 30 veterans back to the beaches in 30 black cabs; this year we estimate that we will probably need only half this number of cabs.

The most difficult part of the planning process has been that the price of hotel rooms in Normandy for the week of D-Day have absolutely sky-rocketed, and even at their exorbitant prices, there is little or no availability. Unfortunately, this means that we won’t be able to take everyone with us that we would have liked to.

We have already raised some funds towards the trip but we are still short of the required total. We are applying to foundations and other charities for funding and grants, and doing bucket collections at London Underground Stations.

We are also extremely thankful to those supporters who are doing fundraising challenges for us, including Ben Mayne who is a Taxi Charity advisor, battlefield historian and guide, and veteran, Ben Mead.

In March, Ben Mayne will be walking 25km across London and on 6 June, Ben Mead, who served in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, will be walking the route that No4 Commando took on D-Day in 1944, from Sword Beach to Pegasus Bridge.

We will also be selling our D-Day 80 badges for £5 + £2 P&P. More details to follow...

Brian Heffernan
Taxi Charity Chairman

Happy 100th birthday to D-Day veteran Bill Gladden.

🎉🎉🎉

Posted @withregram • @grahambakergbp Happy Birthday, Bill! 100 Years young today!

I was honoured to meet and photograph WWII Veteran William 'Bill' Gladden, at the Taxi Charity Christmas Lunch last month. He is a true gentleman who shared his amazing story.

Bill volunteered for airborne duties and served with the 6th Airborne Reconnaissance Regiment and flew into Normandy in a Hamilcar glider on D-Day

Have a brilliant birthday, and I thank you for your service. 🙏🏽

#GrahamBakerPhotography #BexleyBusiness #KentBusiness #SBSWinner #MHHSBD #Photographer #Welling #Sidcup #Bexleyheath #Bexley #Photography #LondonPhotography #KentPhotography #PortraitPhotographer #PortraiturePhotography #FineArtPhotography #NormandyVeterans #NormandyVeteran #Veterans #MilitaryVeterans #PortraitPhotography #normandie1944 #TaxiChartity #BritishMilitary #SupportOurVeterans #100YearsOldToday #100YearsOld

On 16 November, former Essex Regiment and Glider Pilot Regiment veteran, Captain Ron Johnson, died at home; he was aged 102.

A glider pilot during WWII, Ron was held in reserve on D-Day, and his first operational flight was Operation Market Garden, the battle for the Bridge at Arnhem, in September 1944 - one of the major battles of WWII.

During the subsequent fighting at Oosterbeek, he was wounded twice, first by a mortar and then by a sniper. It was lucky that the sniper’s bullet hit him in the back and exited through his shoulder. Ron was later taken to a hospital for treatment, but it was overrun by Germans and he was taken prisoner.

Ron headed to Germany, with many other wounded soldiers, locked in a cattle truck for four days and three nights and was held as a POW in Spangenberg Castle for six months.

In April 1945, as the Americans got closer, the Germans began marching the prisoners towards the west and Ron and fellow glider pilot, Bob Garnett, took their chance one evening and escaped into the hills.

On the same night, the Duchess of Cornwall’s father, Major Shand, who Ron had known in the castle also escaped and headed for cover in the same hills.

Ron and Bob spent eight nights hiding in the hills, with very little sleep and just a few biscuits to eat until the Americans arrived. The Americans put Ron and Bob in a house overnight and the next morning a French worker took them to a local airfield where the Americans flew them to Paris.

After a night in Paris, they took a train to the coast and were flown back to England in a Dakota.

As soon as he arrived home, he put on his uniform and headed to Buckingham Palace to celebrate VE Day...

On 12 November, hundreds of cabbies assembled in London to take veterans from mainline stations to the Cenotaph, and back.

Mike Hughes, the Poppy Cabs co-ordinator, said: “We've been providing the free Poppy Cabs service for 14 years and every year it grows bigger and bigger. The service is funded entirely by London cab drivers, often accompanied by family and friends, who volunteer their cabs and their time for this important service. Knowing that the Poppy Cabs service is available relieves much of the stress for veterans attending the Remembrance Day service, and every year we are overwhelmed by the support of the London cab trade and the men and women who give us their time and vehicles.”

On Thursday 9 November, we were delighted and honoured to escort SAS veteran, Terry, to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

He met Her Majesty The Queen and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP.

The field is planted with over 35,000 tributes to the fallen of the First and Second World Wars and more recent conflicts.

A huge thank you to author, Damien Lewis. As a veterans charity that relies wholly on donations, this is such a wonderful gesture.

Posted @withregram • @authordlewis Alec Borrie's folks have added an extremely rare copy of Alec's life story to be auctioned raising funds for
@TaxiCharity
along with the original framed portrait of Alec. Bids close end November. Share widely & to bid go to 'contact author' button here:
https://damienlewis.com

On 12 November, when the capital falls silent at 11:00am, hundreds of London’s black cab drivers who volunteer their time to take veterans to the Cenotaph and the parade as part of the Poppy Cabs free service, will also pause to remember.

Since 2009, volunteer black taxi drivers have provided a free Poppy Cabs taxi service for veterans attending the annual Remembrance Day service and parade. This year, on Sunday 12 November, over 1,000 free taxi journeys will move veterans from stations across the capital to the Cenotaph, thanks to the generosity of London’s cab drivers.

Mike Hughes, Poppy Cabs coordinator, said: "We have been providing the free Poppy Cabs service for 14 years and every year it grows bigger and bigger. The service is funded entirely by London cab drivers, often accompanied by family and friends, who volunteer their cabs and their time for this important service. Knowing that the Poppy Cabs service is available relieves much of the stress for veterans attending this emotional event, and every year we are overwhelmed by the support of the London cab trade and the men and women who give us their time and vehicles."

On 12 November, volunteer cab drivers are required between 08:00 – 10:00 to cover journeys from all the main line stations, Victoria Coach Station, the Victory Services Club and the Union Jack Club; and in the afternoon, volunteers are also required from 12:30 – 16:00 at Westminster Bridge to help with the return journeys.

Each year commemorative Poppy Cabs badges are available for a minimum donation of £5. The money raised supports the Royal British Legion and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

To purchase a Poppy Cabs badge or to volunteer, please contact mike@mikehughes.org.uk.

On 29 September, ten London cab drivers who volunteer for the Taxi Charity took 15 veterans to Goodwood to participate in a @mission_motorsport event.

Mission Motorsport launched in March 2012 to help those affected by military operations by engagement through sport, and the Taxi Charity was delighted when they were invited to bring veterans to their race track event at Goodwood in West Sussex.

The event gave the veterans the opportunity to sit in the passenger seat and race around the track at speeds of up to 150 mph in a range of sports cars, including BMW, Audi, Ferrari and Aston Martin.

Among the veterans attending the event with the Taxi Charity were six Chelsea Pensioners who were picked up from the Royal Hospital Chelsea and driven to Goodwood in three London taxis.

One of the Chelsea Pensioners, Mike Smith, said: "What a couple of weeks I have had. On 12 September, the Taxi Charity took me to an event at Biggin Hill and I got to fly in a Spitfire, and then today I have been whizzed around the race track at high speeds and had great fun on the skid pan. What a wonderful treat! I am extremely grateful to the Taxi Charity for making it all happen. An unforgettable two weeks."

Frances Wyhowska, ambassador of the Taxi Charity, said: "Mission Motorsport gave our veterans and drivers a marvellous day at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Everyone was given the opportunity to experience laps in sleek supercars at speeds of up to 150mph and the Chelsea Pensioners couldn’t be drawn away... until that is they discovered the skid pan! Our volunteer drivers even got the chance to do three laps of the track in their cabs, albeit at a slightly more sedate pace. The kindness of everyone at Mission Motorsport was outstanding and the smiles on the faces of our veterans and drivers said it all."

A very happy 100th birthday to naval veteran, Teddy Hayford. Our volunteers, Dick and Susy Goodwin, had a great time celebrating with him.

Dick said: “Teddy is a wonderful man and has an infectious Norman Wisdom-esque side to him. I remember once when he came into The Boot on Judge Street and announced that the drinks were on him. As everyone got excited and began to shout their orders, he simply walked out of the other door and disappeared.”

The Taxi Charity is delighted to announce that Frances Wyhowska, who is such a wonderful supporter of our work, has agreed to become an ambassador. 💜

On Tuesday 12 September, a group of 19 WWII veterans were joined by veterans from other conflicts for a Taxi Chairty event in the Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill, a working hangar for Spitfire restoration projects.

During the event, which celebrated the Taxi Charity’s 75th anniversary, veterans enjoyed catching up with each other, a light lunch and entertainment from the D-Day Darlings.

At midday, Chelsea Pensioneer Mike Smith, who served with the Royal Army Service Corps as an Air Despatcher, was surprised with the news he would be taking to the skies in a Spitfire, along with a second Spitfire carrying Taxi Charity ambassador and vitamin entrepreneur, Johnny Gallagher, who had generously paid for the event.

Hearing and seeing the Spitfires take off and land, and listening to war time songs, many synonymous with the charity’s greatly missed patron, Dame Vera Lynn, certainly brought memories from 80 years ago flooding back. Veterans also participated in an art piece being created by military artist, Kirsty Chapman.

Brian Heffernan, London cab driver and chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: "For 75 years, London cab drivers have volunteered their time to support veterans. Events like this are a wonderful way for veterans to get together to talk with those who have similar life experiences. The pandemic coupled with the cost of living crisis has left thousands of charities, including ours, with many fundraising challenges and we are so grateful that our young ambassador, Johnny Gallagher, offered to cover all the costs for this event."

Dick Goodwin, Honorary Secretary of Taxi Charity, said: "When we surprised Mike Smith with the chance to fly in a Spitfire, we had no idea what his reaction would be. Imagine our delight when he told us that we would be ticking something off his bucket list which he never thought he would be able to achieve."

Wonderful coverage from the BBC's Foreign Correspondent, Anna Holligan, who met with the Taxi Charity on our visit to Oosterbeek Cemetery on 3 September.

She interviewed WWII veteran Don Turrell and his friend, 27-year-old Callum Reid, about the wonderful bond they share.

She also spoke with John Poyner who was visiting his cousin’s grave for the first time, and she filmed a moving moment when WWII D-Day veteran, Bill Gladden, sang We’ll Meet Again.

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