Every year since 1948, the Taxi Charity has been bringing veterans to Worthing for the day to spend time with their friends and comrades and enjoy seaside favourites, fish and chips and ice cream.
Following a tradition that began seventy years ago, 100 kind-hearted volunteer London cabbies will pick up veterans and carers from their homes across the capital on Tuesday 12 June and take them for a much-loved day trip to Worthing.
After a pit stop at South Holmwood village near Dorking in Surrey, for home-made sandwiches, cakes and refreshments, the taxis will travel in convoy along the A24 to Worthing.
Once in Worthing, the veterans will enjoy a fish and chip lunch and entertainment from Aiden Kent – the Singing Cabbie, in the Denham Room on Worthing Pier, as well as the opportunity to catch up with old friends, take in the sea views and grab an ice cream.
WWII veteran, Tom Schaffer, (pictured in the centre) says:
"I have been going on this Worthing day trip organised by the Taxi Charity for years. It is a money can't buy experience to meet up with an amazing group of old boys from different regiments. If any ex forces would like to join us on future trips, please get in touch with the charity as I know you will love the different trips we are invited to participate in and the forces banter."
Graham Pike, one of the London cabbies taking part, and a committee member of the Taxi Charity, said:
“Our annual Worthing trip is something we look forward to all year. It's a pleasure to treat these ladies and gents to a trip to the seaside as a way of saying 'thank you' for all they've done for us."
Notes to Editors
Date: Tuesday 12 June 2018
The cabs will drive through the High Street in Worthing to reach the pier and are due to arrive between 12:00 and 12:30pm (dependent on traffic). This will offer a superb photo opportunity. Interviews can be arranged with a veteran, a taxi driver or Taxi Charity, Vice President, Dick Goodwin.
Contacts
Christina Bowden Bowden PR
Tel 07984 433614 christina@bowdenpr.co.uk www.bowdenpr.co.uk
Graham Pike
London licensed taxi driver and Taxi Charity committee member Tel 07760 316878 gwpbillycab@hotmail.com
About the charity
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts.
The charity offers 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 generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London licensed taxi drivers who offer their time and vehicles for free.
The Taxi Charity facilitated for a group of veterans appearing with The D-Day Darlings on the live semi final of Britain’s Got Talent on 28 June 2018:
The Taxi Charity was voted the nation's favourite voluntary/ charity project in the 2016 National Lottery Awards.