On the morning of Thursday 12 July 2018, the London Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children’s (LTFUC) committee members welcomed volunteer London taxi drivers and over 250 very excited children to Sainsbury’s (Low Hall), Chingford for the legendary annual LTFUC outing to Southend-on-Sea. An extra special trip as the charity celebrates its 90th year.
Our wonderful volunteer taxi drivers ready for the journey
Once all the volunteers had been fed, the taxis decorated and the children and helpers allocated to each taxi, the convoy set off for Southend-on-Sea with lights flashing and horns beeping!
On arrival at Southend the Furry Tail Folk were there to greet all the children, who were treated to lunch and then it was off to Adventure Island to enjoy the rides and attractions and sample the candy floss, ice cream and donuts!
The children love the Furry Tail Folk!
At 4pm coaches arrived to take the happy children back to the Cliffs Pavilion for some tea and a disco where they all had a great time. The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Derek Jarvis also joined in the celebrations. Now it was time for the Best Dressed Taxi competition. First prize was scooped by Claire Zazzara who won the Terry Stapleton Rose Bowl, plus a full engine service and MOT for the excellently decorated ‘Mr Whippy ice cream van’. Second prize went to Steve Pulham. The disco ended at 6pm and it was off to the taxis for departure back to Chingford.
Best Dressed Taxi ‘Mr Whippy ice cream van’
As the convoy left Southend, the children were taken by surprise when the Leigh-on-Sea Fire Service hosed down the taxi procession as each one passed by. The look on the kids’ faces was priceless!
Michael Son, BEM, the Fund’s Honorary Chairman commented ‘I would like to send a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved on this 90th outing. I am nothing short of proud of the level of commitment from the committee, taxi drivers and everyone who gives up their time for the day to assist us. Long may these trips continue to help these fantastic children who are so appreciative of this wonderful day.’
Watch the official Southend 2018 video.
Watch Leigh Fire Station’s Green Watch hose down the cabs on the journey home.
We would like to thank the following people for their help and assistance on the day:
All the management and staff of Sainsbury’s (Low Hall) for the use of their car park, the wonderful breakfast provided, the water provided for everyone and all the helpers involved.
The Furry Tail Folk for entertaining the children throughout the day in Southend. They are fabulous!
The new Master of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, alias Wire Workers Peter Wilkinson who came along with the new Upper Warden Laurence Mutkin to assist us at Chingford.
Karl Kitchen who was in charge of the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and all involved.
Green Flag (Kavanagh Motors)
Red Cross
Ears Communications for the loan of their radios
Adventure Island for all their help and support and the donated tickets
Cliffs Pavilion
Dave Davies – Black Diamond Disco
The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Derek Jarvis
Leigh-on-Sea Fire Service – Steve Milligan and team
Chariot Coaches
The Southend Taxi Drivers Charity Fund for Children
and last but by no means least…
For the donations and support from all of our wonderful sponsors.