Now in its 68th year, 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 at www.taxicharity.org. For updates about the charity, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. ENDS Notes for Editors Pictures from the 2015 Worthing trip are downloadable from here. Itinerary 6.30am onwards
Veterans collected from their homes.
From 8.30am onwards
Meet at Village Hall in South Holmwood Village in Surrey for homemade sandwiches, cakes, refreshments and entertainment.
10:30
Depart for Worthing in a convoy.
12:00 - 13:00
Arrive in Worthing and allow veterans to stretch legs before lunch
14:00
Lunch in The Pavilion on Worthing Pier, followed by speeches
16:00
Entertainment
18:00
Depart - some head back to South Holmwood Village for more food and dancing; others will head straight home.
Photo: Trooper Roy Cadman (3 Commando, Royal East Kent Regiment) at last year's Taxi Charity Worthing trip.