TAXI CHARITY TAKES VETERANS ON TRADITIONAL SUMMER OUTING TO WORTHING

More than 50 London black cabs, carrying veterans from the Second World War through to more recent conflicts, descended on Worthing on Monday 14 July for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans' much-loved annual summer outing.

The convoy of licensed London taxis began the day in the village of South Holmwood, Surrey, where volunteer drivers, veterans, supporters and volunteers gathered for refreshments before making the journey together to the Sussex coast. The impressive procession of black cabs then travelled in convoy to Worthing, receiving warm waves and smiles from members of the public along the route.

This year's outing which was supported with a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund welcomed 13 WWII veterans, alongside veterans who served in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the Taxi Charity's ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served across generations.

On arrival at Worthing Pier, the veterans enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing with their volunteer drivers, family members and supporters before the entertainment started. With temperatures soaring, a welcome ice cream proved to be the perfect way to cool down as everyone enjoyed the glorious summer weather.

The event was attended by Paul Brewer, Chief Executive of Adur & Worthing Councils, together with the Deputy Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Henna Chowdhury who joined the veterans in celebrating another memorable day by the sea.

Speaking during the lunch, Taxi Charity Chairman Colin Mills paid tribute to everyone who makes the charity's work possible.

He said: "To our incredible volunteer London taxi drivers, thank you. You are the heart of this organisation. The care, commitment and friendship you show our veterans, not just today but throughout the year, is truly remarkable. Every mile you drive and every hour you give is appreciated far more than you probably realise. And you even surprise me sometimes!

"To our ambassadors, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes. Whether organising events, fundraising or simply being there for our veterans, your dedication enables the Taxi Charity to continue delivering experiences like today.

"And most importantly, to our veterans. Thank you for your service, your courage and the example you continue to set. It is a privilege to spend time with you, to hear your stories and to ensure that your service and sacrifice are never forgotten. The friendships we have built over the years are incredibly special and days like today remind us that the Taxi Charity is about much more than outings. It is about belonging, companionship and looking after one another."

London cab driver and veteran Ben Ellis said: "The Worthing trip is one of those days that reminds you why being part of the Taxi Charity is so special. Spending time with the veterans, hearing their stories and seeing how much they enjoy the day is a real privilege.

"It's also brilliant to catch up with my fellow cab drivers and all the supporters who make the event happen year after year. There's a real sense of friendship and teamwork, and it's an honour to play a small part in giving something back to the men and women who have given so much for our country."

The day once again demonstrated the unique bond between the volunteer London cab drivers and the veterans they support. For many, the annual trip to Worthing is a highlight of the Taxi Charity calendar, offering not only a traditional day at the seaside but also an opportunity to strengthen friendships that have been built over many years.

Since 1948, the Taxi Charity has been providing social events, outings and commemorative trips for military veterans, with its volunteer London cab drivers giving their time and vehicles free of charge to ensure veterans can continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships.

To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship: www.taxicharity.org

Read another story

SHEFFIELD CAB DRIVER LOSES FIVE STONE AFTER WAKE UP CALL WHILE CLOTHES SHOPPING

Shermaine "Sham" Bond, 38, has spent the last seven years driving cabs, where long hours behind the wheel and irregular meal times caused her weight to climb to 14st 6lbs.

DONCASTER BANS ALL WRITTEN-OFF CARS FROM SERVING AS TAXIS OR PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES

Members of the City of Doncaster Council’s licensing committee voted to outlaw both Category S (structural) and Category N (non-structural) write-offs from operating in the city.

NAPPING USA ROBOTAXI PASSENGERS SPARK COSTLY EMERGENCY RESPONSES

Last year, 30-year-old interior designer Ditto Kasendar fell asleep during a short ride in Los Angeles. He woke up nearly an hour after his trip ended to find firefighters opening his door.

FAKE TAXI DRIVER JAILED FOR SEVEN YEARS AFTER KIDNAPPING WOMAN ON NEWCASTLE NIGHT OUT

Kuldip Chahal, from Blyth, approached the woman, picked her up from the ground, and guided her through the crowded streets for ten minutes to his parked car on Fenkle Street.

11 YEARS JAIL FOR CABBIE FROM SALFORD WHO RAPED VULNERABLE PASSENGER

Khalafalla Yagoub, from Salford, was found guilty of rape at Manchester Crown Court in June and sentenced on July 13.

STIRLING COUNCIL LAUNCHES PUBLIC SURVEY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LOCAL TAXIS AND PHVS

The review is being conducted alongside traffic consultants LVSA to evaluate the current state of licensed vehicles across the region.

COLCHESTER PASSENGER JAILED FOR NINE YEARS AFTER LEAVING CABBIE FOR DEAD IN SAVAGE STREET ATTACK

Brodie Farrell, 26, of Colchester, boarded the taxi in the city centre before violently attacking the driver upon arriving at his destination in Highwoods.

DRIVER WITH THREE SERIOUS CONVICTIONS BIDS FOR NEW BCP COUNCIL TAXI LICENCE

The applicant previously had his licence stripped by Christchurch BC and a BCP Council report said thast the driver "didn't advise the Christchurch BC of the initial offences or criminal convictions".

LEICESTER UBER DRIVER WHO RAPED PASSENGER AT KNIFEPOINT JAILED FOR 16 YEARS

The victim and her friend were outside a Leicester city centre bar when Adam Daley pulled up in his white Toyota Auris and offered to take them home if they booked the ride through the app.

POLICE APPEAL: LIVERPOOL CABBIE KNOCKED OUT IN WAVERTREE AFTER CHALLENGING FARE DODGERS

The incident unfolded late Saturday night, July 11, after the driver picked up the group from a restaurant on Mill Lane around 11:30pm.

CEREDIGION TAXI FARES SET TO RISE BY 7 PER CENT DESPITE COST OF LIVING WARNINGS FROM PUBLIC

Senior councillors on Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet unanimously backed the fare hike at a meeting on July 7, marking the first rate change since 2022.

TENSE PROTEST AS READING TAXI AND PH DRIVERS CONFRONT COUNCILLORS OVER STRICT EMISSIONS RULES

Drivers gathered outside the Bridge Street offices to voice their anger at rules limiting licences to vehicles emitting a maximum of 75 mg of nitrogen oxides (NOx) per kilometre.

END OF AN ERA FOR COOPERS - CHORLEY'S BIGGEST TAXI FIRM ACQUIRED BY DG GROUP AFTER 36 YEARS

Coopers Taxis was founded in 1990 by husband and wife Phil and Lynne, who started the firm from the front room of their modest home with just a single telephone line.

"COMPLETE MAYHEM": JERSEY AIRPORT RENOVATION STRIPS TAXI RANK CAPACITY IN PEAK SUMMER

Jersey Taxi Drivers’ Association secretary Mick Tostevin revealed the closure has halved the airport's taxi capacity, removing a space that could previously accommodate about 30 cars.

TAXI DRIVER ROBBED AND ASSAULTED BY FOUR PASSENGERS AFTER FARE DISPUTE IN MILTON KEYNES

Police reported that during the dispute, one passenger attacked the driver - a man in his thirties - while another snatched a bag containing cash from inside the car.

VETERAN GREENOCK CABBIE BANNED FROM ROADS AFTER BLUNDER LEAVES COUPLE WITH FRACTURED STERNUMS

John Quinn, 61, caused the collision on December 12, 2024, when he failed to give way at a junction on Cartsburn Street, smashing his vehicle into a Renault Captur on Ingleston Street.

POLICE HUNT FOR TWO MEN AFTER MANCHESTER TAXI DRIVER ASSAULTED OUTSIDE HOTEL

Investigators are searching for two men who they believe can "help with the investigation" into the attack, which occurred outside the Rex Hotel on King Street.

DUNDEE TAXI SAFETY FEARS SPARK CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON UNLICENSED DRIVERS

Both Dundee City Council and the taxi drivers' union, Unite, have acknowledged the issue, which has prompted calls for tougher enforcement and iodentity checks.

SOMERSET COUNCIL PROPOSES 10 PER CENT HIKE IN MAXIMUM TAXI FARES TO HELP RURAL DRIVERS

Under the new proposals, maximum distance and waiting time charges will increase by 10 per cent, while taxi drivers will also be allowed to add a discretionary booking fee of up to £10 for pre-booked trips.

FORMER BRITISH ARMY TRANSLATOR JAILED FOR RAPE OF TEENAGE PASSENGER IN EDINBURGH