British veterans hail Taxi Charity as hundreds gether for special reunion in Worthing, The Badge
- taxicharity
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
British veterans have hailed the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans as they enjoyed a special day out to Worthing in Sussex.
A hoard of 50 volunteer black cab drivers gathered in Surrey to drive hundreds of veterans down to the coast for a day of fish and chips, 1940s music and an Elvis Presley tribute act.
Heaping praise on the charity, which has been operating for more than 70 years, 100-year-old World War II veteran, Dorothea Barron, said it was "so exciting" to be a part of the special day.
Barron told GB News reporter Charlie Peters: "It is very special indeed, and it's exciting to hear their stories and how we match up in what we went through when we were youngsters.
"I remember pre-war, my mother saying those wonderful London taxi drivers have been taking cockney children to the seaside again.
"And I said, have they seen the sea before? And she said, no. And I couldn't believe it because we used to go down to Brighton at weekends."
Reflecting on the success of their annual event, Vice Chair of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans Paul Cook said it is "so great" to see such a huge turn out for the event, year on year.
Cook said: "It's great. This is our annual event, and it's so nice to see around 250 people here each year.
"We've been doing this, as you know, for over 70 years, and it's nice to see everybody coming together again."
Speaking to another veteran, Bill told Charlie that thanks to the charity event, he was reunited with somebody he had previously served with 54 years ago.
Bill explained: "We met each other last Thursday, he's a Chelsea pensioner, and he's up here today. The last time I see him was 54 years ago, with the 36 Regiment down to Shoeburyness. I'm over the moon.
"It's great, it's brilliant, it's been absolutely out of this world."
Paul Cook told GB News that it is 'so great' to see such a large turnout for the event.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Charlie told GB News: "So many people here are benefiting from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, they've done an amazing work here at that charity.
"We're expecting some music to come in a second, and we'll have a band and plenty more entertainment for these amazing people, our finest generation.
"But not just them, veterans from conflicts all the way up to Afghanistan as well, every generation here is represented and being supported by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans."
Courtesy of GB News
Sometimes it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trade politics and work - so a day out on the coast, helping our incredible veterans, is an absolute treat in my book!
I’ve always loved the charitable side of the taxi trade, and joining my fellow cabbies on these outings feels like such a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can’t help but feel immense admiration for these remarkable men and women who were willing to risk everything to protect our country - what an extraordinary generation they were!
After picking up my three lovely passengers, we set off for South Holmwood, where the residents pulled out all the stops to make sure everyone had a fantastic time. There was
an amazing buffet, free drinks - it honestly felt like we’d all been whisked away on an all-inclusive holiday!
Watching these wonderful veterans reunite and share laughs was truly heartwarming.
Next, we all hopped back in our taxis and headed to Worthing, where we were greeted by the town’s finest. Everyone filed into the Pavilion Theatre, and once again, the veterans were spoiled with great food and drink, alongside the Mayor of Worthing, whose dad was a London cabbie himself - what a lovely connection!
The afternoon was packed with singers, speeches, and so much joy that the hours just flew by. By late afternoon, early evening, you could see a few tired smiles as we all gently herded our passengers back into the taxis for the ride home.
On the way back, we couldn’t resist one last pit stop at South Holmwood for a good old cuppa and a slice of delicious Victoria sponge (heavenly!). Finally, I dropped everyone home, and I’ll admit, we were all absolutely cream-crackered - it must be that bracing sea air! What a truly wonderful day it was - one I won’t soon forget.
Grant Davis,
LCDC Chairman
