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20.
June
2016.
Convoy of London cabs travels to Worthing with WWII veterans

Good morning, 

Please let me know if you would like to speak to any of the drivers or veterans taking part on Tuesday.  We can also provide good-quality pictures from the trip.  Photos from last year's visit to Worthing via South Holmwood can be found 
here

Many thanks 

Rachel 

Rachel Jones, Press Officer for The London Benevolent Association For War Disabled
Tel: 07825 568244 Email: rachel@cheltenhamcommunications.co.uk

 


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Media Release

20 June 2016 - for immediate release

 

Convoy of cabs travels to Worthing with WWII veterans

Now in its 68thyear, it's a highlight in the diary for hundreds of brave war veterans and their families.

Nearly 100 cab drivers are volunteering their services to London's Taxi Charity - full name, The London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled, picking up veterans and carers from their homes across the capital, including the Royal Hospital, Chelsea from 6.30am [on Tuesday 21 June] for the charity's annual seaside trip to Worthing.

The taxis will arrive at South Holmwood Village near Dorking around 9am for a pit stop where the veterans will be welcomed by the villagers and fortified with sandwiches and drinks for the day ahead. The convoy of cabs will continue along the A24 to Worthing arriving at the town at lunchtime.

The veterans, who mostly fought in WWII will be treated to a hero's lunch of sausages and mash at The Pavillion on Worthing Pier and enjoy a day of entertainment and camaraderie.

Graham Pike, one of the drivers taking part and committee member of the Taxi Charity said: "It's an honour to treat these ladies and gents to a day they'll remember. They've done their bit fighting for us, and now we look after them."

Councillor Sean McDonald, Mayor of Worthing Council added: "It is a time honoured tradition for the residents of Worthing to welcome these brave men and women every year to our town. We are delighted that they enjoy Worthing so much, that they continue to visit us every year."

Only licenced London taxi drivers can drive for the Taxi Charity and veterans take an active part throughout the year by collecting donations at tube stations and locations across London.

The London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled has been organising trips to Worthing on the South Coast since 1947. The charity counts among its patrons Dame Vera Lynn and Joanna Lumley who were guests of honour at the annual Worthing trips in 1985 and 2009 respectively.

To donate to the charity, visit the website athttp://www.taxicharity.org/For updates, follow on Twitter @TaxiCharity,FacebookandInstagram.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Pictures from the 2015 Worthing trip are downloadable fromhere

Itinerary

6.30am onwardsVeterans collected from their homes.

From 8.30amonwards: Meet at Village Hall in South Holmwood Village in Surrey for homemade sandwiches, cakes, refreshments and entertainment.

10:30Depart for Worthing in a convoy.

12:00- 13:00Arrive in Worthing and allow veterans to stretch legs before lunch

14:00Lunch in The Pavilion on Worthing Pier, followed by speeches

16:00Entertainment

18:00Depart - some head back to South Holmwood Village for more food and dancing, others will head straight home.

About the charity

The London Taxi Benevolent Association For War Disabled, also known as the Taxi Charity, was formed in Fulham in 1947. Its object then was to help the war disabled, in their homes and hospitals, throughout London and the home counties, by providing entertainment, outings and much needed specialised equipment.

The charity's aim now is simple: to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of the war disabled and veterans, to the best of our ability.

The Taxi Charity's president is Harry Joel MBE. For more information about Harry's life and commitment to the charity, please visithttp://www.taxicharity.org/#!our-president/c1h5e

In order to fund outings, we seek donations from the general public and organisations, and we rely on volunteer London licensed taxi drivers to provide their taxis and time for free.

Over the past years the charity's events have been honoured with many guests, including HRH Princess Alexandra, HRH Prince Philip, HRH Duchess of Kent, Sir Douglas Bader, Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC and many celebrities of TV, sport and theatre.

Contacts

Rachel Jones, Press Officer for The London Benevolent Association For War Disabled

Tel: 07825 568244 Email:rachel@cheltenhamcommunications.co.uk

Taxi Charity: Dick Goodwin 07941 772264 Derek Leone 07768 867731