On 3 August, WWII veterans Norrie Bartlett, Harry Rice, Mervyn Kersh and Marie Scott, post-war veterans Vic Needham Crofton and Peter Gospel, and Mike, Ken, David and Trevor from The Royal Hospital Chelsea were invited by the Taxi Charity to attend the Battle Proms Picnic Concert at Highclere Castle.
In beautifully sunny weather, volunteer London cab drivers brought the veterans to the Castle for a programme which included a horseback display by the Worcestershire Cavalry, the Red Devils parachute display team freefall demonstration and the Battle Proms Belles singing vintage favourites before the New English Concert Orchestra rounded off the night accompanied by fireworks and cannon fire.
The charity’s vice chairman, Paul Cook, ensured the group did not go hungry, having made three different types of scotch eggs; potato cheese and onion puffs; coconut, mango, cashew nut, mint and chilli salad; savoury croissants and a tarte tatin. To complete the picnic, Erith based Crumbs Bakery donated a box full of cakes, a box of bread pudding and two boxes of their famous sausage rolls.
Colin Mills, London cab driver and chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: "As the only forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment, taking veterans to Highclere Castle for the Battle Proms was a great way to spend a summer’s evening. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed a tot or two of a limited edition D-Day rum from Distinct Distillers, which raises funds to support our work. We also got to meet the Countess of Carnarvon who generously spent some time with our group."
WWII veteran, Mervyn Kersh, said: "It's always so very nice to be invited and yesterday's outing was a first for lots of us. We were, as always, royally looked after and wanted for nothing. The team's attention to detail is unbelievable. Great company in a spectacular setting, rousing music, aerial displays, a handmade picnic and I even had a private word with Sir Winston about the state of our country!"
