During the Taxi Charity's recent visit to the Netherlands, London cab driver Ian Parsons handed over the role of chairman to fellow cab driver, Brian Heffernan.
Both agreed that the trip to the Netherlands for Wandeltocht, the Airborne commemorative walk, over the first weekend of September, was the perfect time to thank the former chairman Ian Parsons for his dedication and leadership, and to welcome Brian as new chair.
Brian, from Brentwood, is becoming chairman at a very important chapter in the charity’s history. In 2023, the Taxi Charity will celebrate its 75th anniversary, and 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Operation Market Garden.
After the weekend in the Netherlands, Ian contacted the cab drivers and volunteers saying:
"May I thank you all for your kind messages and sound advice. What a wonderful send-off you gave me (even though I’m not going anywhere and will still be very much involved with the charity). I’ve no adequate words to describe how much the past few days has meant to me. To our Dutch friends, my fellow London cab drivers and all our Taxi Charity volunteers, I say this: It has been my privilege to know and work with you. You are greater than great - without question, you are the greatest of all time. Congratulations, good luck and best wishes to Brian Heffernan, the new chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans."
After the weekend in the Netherlands, new chairman, Brian, said:
"This has been a very special weekend that I will never forget. As well celebrating the 75th anniversary of Wandeltocht, I am truly honoured and proud to have taken over the role of chairman of the Taxi Charity from Ian who has served the charity so well.
"As well as celebrating the charity’s 75th anniversary next year and the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and Operation Market Garden in 2024, the role will not be without its challenges. Undoubtedly the greatest challenge facing us will be fundraising.
"Every charity was affected by the fundraising restrictions forced upon us throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and having got through that, the country is now facing a cost-of-living and fuel crisis which will see most people having to reassess how they allocate any money they may have previously donated to good causes.
"It’s great to be part of this truly exceptional charity and I’m really looking forward to taking the charity on its next chapter with an amazing committee and supporting cast."