TAXI CHARITY FOR MILITARY VETERANS

On 19 November, WWII veteran Peter Smoothy from Kent will celebrate his 100th birthday On 6 June 1944, Peter Smoothy was one of the 156,000 allied servicemen that took part in the invasion of Normandy as part of Operation Overlord. Peter was one of a crew of 99 on a Landing Ship Tank LST 215 which headed across the Channel to Juno beach. His Landing Ship carried 28 tanks on the inner deck, 40-45 lorries on the upper deck, and 200 soldiers who were drivers and crew for the vehicles. In June 2024, Peter visited Normandy with the Taxic Charity for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He said of that day 80 years ago: "We were scheduled to unload our valuable cargo of vehicles and men on Juno Beach at 7:30am but the beach had not been cleared so we waited for an hour, two miles offshore for the beach to be cleared so that we could find space to unload. There were shells flying all around us and we were lucky not to be hit but of course we were just one of thousands of boats. We were all very young men and said at the time, if our names are on a bullet, it's our bad luck – we were lucky that our names weren’t. “When we finally got to the beach, it took us 3-4 hours to unload, with shells whizzing over our heads, and when we were ready to leave, the tide had ebbed, and we couldn’t get off. Fortunately for us, an empty ship isn’t really a target for the enemy, so we spent the day on the beach without being hit and only heard two air raid warnings. “During that wait by the shore, 200 German prisoners of war were brought to our ship. After searching them, we put them on the inner deck where they sat quietly smoking, and not causing us any problems, probably very relieved that for them the war was over, and they were safe. “We finally got off the beach at 7pm that evening, returned to Southampton, dropped the POWs reloaded and headed straight back to Juno the next day.” After the war, Peter ran the Four Fathoms Public House in Herne Bay for over 40 years for Shepherd Neame. The pub, which was Peter’s home for many years, had planned to throw a celebratory lunch for Peter, but sadly he has not been in good health recently and will spend this milestone birthday in hospital. Peter has been part of the Taxi Charity family for many years, joining us on trips to the Netherlands and Normandy, and in October he enjoyed a day at the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity, said: "Peter is a wonderful gentleman who it has been an honour to get to know over the years. He played an important role on D-Day and it is a privilege to know the men who were there on the 6 June 1944. Peter is currently in hospital and I know all the charity volunteers and supporters will want to join me in sending him our very warm wishes as he becomes a centenarian."

Ian Parsons began his involvement with the Taxi Charity in 2014 as a volunteer driver and he’s since gone on to fulfill roles as chairman and now secretary. He says the trips he's been on with WWII veterans to places like Normandy and Arnhem will live with him forever. “When you see the enjoyment they get from making the journey, it gives me and my fellow drivers huge satisfaction.” Watch this wonderful interview with Ian, courtesy of the Veterans' Foundation , who support over 500 UK-based military and veteran charities, including the Taxi Charity. You can also donate to the Veterans' Foundation here: www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/donate And you can join the Veterans' Lottery here: www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join

On Remembrance Day, 11 November 2024, Distinct Distillers proudly unveiled the Heroes Cask Reserve, an exclusive release of just 30 British rum casks available for purchase, dedicated to the legacy and bravery of WWII veterans. Each cask represents a tribute to the stories and sacrifices of our WWII veterans, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. The Heroes Cask Reserve is a true collector’s item. Crafted in ex-bourbon barrels, Distinct Distillers’ signature rum, with its rich notes of roasted banana and a delicate infusion of vanilla from the bourbon aging, is meticulously aged in the distillery’s secret underground vaults. These vaults, originally used to store aviation fuel during WWII, have been repurposed to mature a spirit that embodies the very history it seeks to honour. Distinct Distillers will look after these casks for a period of 5 years whereby they can offer different exit options, including extended maturation. To commemorate the launch, eight WWII veterans visited Distinct Distillers’ historic site - an underground vault that once stored aviation fuel for the war effort. Together, they laid down the Heroes Cask Reserve barrels, with each cask individually dedicated to a veteran preserving not only the taste of history but the voices of those who made it. At the end of maturation, each bottle from the Heroes Cask Reserve will bear the name and story of a specific veteran, with their personal signature on the cask preserved as a tribute. Six bottles from each cask will be gifted to the family members of these veterans, ensuring their loved ones receive a personal memento of their legacy and sacrifice. Honouring veterans, preserving history, and supporting a cause For Distinct Distillers, this project is deeply personal. “Our distillery sits on a site rich with WWII history,” says Hannah Boon, founder. “In a time when the world feels divided, we want to come together and honour the brave souls who came together, irrespective of the political beliefs or values to fight for a shared purpose. The Heroes Cask Reserve represents our respect for those who sacrificed so much, and by purchasing a cask, supporters contribute to both preserving their stories and supporting a vital charity.” For each cask sold, £350 (10%) will be donated to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, an organisation run by volunteer cab drivers who dedicate their time and resources to provide veterans with social outings. This isn’t merely a day trip for these heroes; it’s a lifeline of joy, companionship, and purpose, fostering friendships and a sense of community that is priceless in their later years. Supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans The Taxi Charity is unique in its mission: to offer veterans social experiences that combat loneliness and improve well-being. Volunteer cab drivers take veterans on outings, often reuniting them with comrades or taking them to places of personal significance. For many veterans, these outings offer life-changing moments of connection and joy. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history The Heroes Cask Reserve casks are priced at £3,495 each. Interested individuals can learn more about this limited offering and purchase details by contacting casks@distinctdistillers.co.uk. As a thank-you to those who contribute, families of the veterans whose stories are featured in the casks will each receive a bottle from this future release, a small gesture of gratitude for their service. With only 30 casks available, each purchase represents an exclusive piece of history - a way for supporters to honour the courageous individuals of WWII and champion the work of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Together, Distinct Distillers and supporters of the Heroes Cask Reserve are helping ensure that these veterans’ stories live on, uniting us in remembrance and respect for a generation that embodied resilience and sacrifice. About Distinct Distillers Distinct Distillers is a Shropshire-based distillery founded on the principles of quality, heritage, and respect for tradition. Located on a former WWII fuel depot, the distillery crafts premium British rum from scratch, aging each spirit in the site’s original wartime vaults. With each bottle, Distinct Distillers aims to honour the past, create connections, and support meaningful causes that celebrate and protect history. About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans Founded and run entirely by volunteer London cab drivers, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is dedicated to providing veterans with social outings and experiences. From simple day trips to events that reunite comrades, the Taxi Charity offers veterans a sense of joy, companionship, and respect, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. For press inquiries, please contact: Hannah Boon Hannah@distinctdistillers.co.uk

Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE KStJ VR DL Taxi Charity Ambassador Major General Alastair Bruce was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards in 1980. During his time as a platoon commander he saw active service on peacekeeping operations in Northern Ireland and later in the Falklands War of 1982. He left the Regular Army in 1983. In 1993, he re-joined the Army as a Reservist and went on to assume command of the Media Operations Group in 2004, having completed his period of mobilised service on Op TELIC in Iraq. In 2010, he was awarded an OBE for influencing communications doctrine during Ops TELIC & HERRICK. He has also served as Deputy Commander, 3rd UK Division. He was the Governor of Edinburgh Castle between June 2019 and September 2024. ​ In 1994, Alastair was appointed the Royal, Constitutional, and Religious Commentator for Sky News. As a commentator and historian, he contributes to ABC News and presents documentaries for ABC America, Sky TV, and PBS. He has worked, as historical adviser, on many drama productions such as Downton Abbey, The Young Victoria, The Greatest Showman, The King’s Speech, Belgravia and The English Game. A documentary maker and presenter, his works include Manners of Downton Abbey and Days of Majesty. A successful author, his works include Days of Majesty, Keepers of the Kingdom, The Oldest and The Queen’s Birthday Parade. ​ ​ The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was delighted to welcome Major General Alastair Bruce as an ambassador for the charity in December 2018. VIEW ALL AMBASSADORS Twitter: @AlastairBruce_

Health & Safety Officer Peter Carey Born: Isleworth, 1962 Early Years: Grew up in Hanworth, Middlesex Military Career: 3 years 10 Para, White City Working Life: In and around Heathrow Airport, mainly driving positions Taxi Career: London Taxi Driver since 2000 Charity Work: Volunteered with the Taxi Charity since 2013, committee member since 2018 FULL LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

YPRES TRIP 2016 In May 2016, 64 London taxis transported 98 veterans plus volunteers and paramedics to the town of Ypres. The highlight of the trip was a service at the Menin Gate memorial where the last post is played every evening at 8pm. The WWII war heroes also visited the Passchendaele Museum, commemorating the bloody Battle of Passchendaele (31 July - 6 November, 1917) and the In Flanders Fields Museum situated in the historic Cloth Hall. Photos Galleries Itinerary Click for larger version