On 2 July, 70 volunteer cab drivers from the Taxi Charity drove veterans to Worthing for a day out at the seaside.
Over 100 veterans from London and the home counties enjoyed a day in Worthing, courtesy of volunteer cab drivers who support the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
After rendezvousing for refreshments in the village of South Holmwood, the cabs drove in convoy to the Pavilion Theatre on the Worthing Pier.
The veterans were welcomed onto the Marine Parade by Bob Smytherman, the official Town Crier for the Borough of Worthing and Adur, before entering the magnificent Art Deco building.
The veterans enjoyed a fish and chip lunch before guest speaker Matt Hellyer, the Chief Executive of the charity Pilgrim Bandits, who reached the rank of Warrant Officer in the SAS, served in every conflict over the past three decades and completed over 400 operations, spoke about his life and experiences.
Taxi Charity Chairman, Colin Mills, thanked the Mayor Of Worthing, Cllr Ibsha Choudhury, for donating the splendid venue and finding parking for the cabs along the seafront.
As is customary on the annual visit to the coast, which has been a highlight for veterans since 1948, the guests were entertained, and had the chance to get up and dance or join in with the singing before the raffle was drawn. Then the cabs took the veterans home – meter off!
Colin Mills said: "This was my first Worthing outing as Chairman of the Taxi Charity and I am delighted that the team who organised the day did such a fantastic job and everyone I spoke to said they’d had a really good time. On the journey back home via South Holmwood, I thanked everyone at the village hall. They were delighted that so many had stopped off at the village hall on their journey home from Worthing and I assured them we will be back next year and the tradition will continue."
Andy McClaren, who accompanied WWII veteran Norrie Bartlett to Worthing, said: "Typically superb day laid on by the cabbies for our cherished vets. Well organised boys and girls.”
