The sun shines for the children at legendary LTCFC outing to Southend-on-Sea

On Tuesday 25 June 2019, the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children welcomed volunteer London licensed taxi drivers and 200+ special needs and disadvantaged children to Sainsbury’s (Low Hall) car park in Chingford, where their legendary outing to Southend-on-Sea was about to commence.

As the children arrived, they were greeted by Marco the Clown who certainly put a smile on their faces.

Each driver was given £20 to put towards their fuel. £10 of this was kindly donated to each driver by Shell Stations UK.

Once the volunteer drivers were fed and their taxis decorated, the children and their helpers were allocated their places and the convoy set off for Southend-on-sea. As luck would have it, the rain stopped and the sun came out for the rest of the day!

On arrival at Southend, the children were treated to lunch and then it was off to Adventure Island, chaperoned by the volunteer taxi drivers, to enjoy the amazing rides and attractions. Each child was given a tasty treat voucher. There were lots of bags of Candy Floss being enjoyed during the afternoon.

At 4pm coaches arrived to take the very excited and happy children back to the Cliffs Pavilion for some tea which consisted of healthy sandwiches kindly provided by Shell from the Jamie Oliver Deli by Shell range. Buxton Water kept the children hydrated during the day by supplying bottles of water for each child, along with their helpers and the volunteer taxi drivers.

The children were now fed and ready for the disco! Compere Dave Davies got the children up on their feet before Action Amanda and the Furry Tail Folk entertained the children. They all had a good boogie.

Meanwhile, on the floor, Tracy Wise was entertaining the children with Edwardo and Merlin, both up to their usual tricks performing magic for the children and their families. Barry Harvey, the puppeteer was also working the floor, making the children laugh.

Time for the Best Dressed Taxi competition, the winner picked by Laurence Mutkin, Upper Warden from The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers. The first prize went to Niki Hunter for his marvel(lous) Incredible Hulk taxi. Niki received £150 in cash.

Alexa Hicks came second and won a trophy for her beautifully dressed taxi. The raffle was won by Nick Mayes who won afternoon tea for two at a prestigious London hotel.

The disco ended at 6pm and the children and their helpers returned to their taxis for departure back to Chingford.

Michael Son, BEM, LTCFC Chairman commented “Our Southend outing was a huge success. The taxis looked amazing with our new branding on and the sight of the convoy travelling to Southend was really something special.

“Huge thanks to everyone who gives up their precious time for the day, especially our volunteer taxi drivers.

“It is a humbling sight to watch the determined children go on all the rides and they are truly inspiring.

“I must also thank our sponsors and committee members for the time and effort that is put into organising Southend each year. It is a privilege to help these fantastic children who are so appreciative of this wonderful day."

To find out more about the LTCFC please visit www.ltcfc.org.uk

About the LTCFC

The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children was born in 1928! With history dating back 91 years, the charity runs annual outings for special needs and disadvantaged children.

The charity also provides funding for appeals in assisting children in need of help.

The committee is run by volunteer taxi drivers and donations go straight towards helping the children.

Article: Debbie Crowley

PR Enquiries: PR@relyable.co.uk

Charity Enquiries: committee@ltcfc.org.uk