Dear Drivers, Friends, Supporters, and Benefactors,
I am pleased to inform you that the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children was invited to join this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 12th November. My colleagues and I were thrilled when we were informed that a benefactor, who wished to remain anonymous, paid the fees for the LTCFC to take part.
The theme of our entry was continuity. Within the City of London, there have been so many changes, therefore, as the LTCFC was founded in 1928, I considered it important to represent our stability and continuity. We needed to take the opportunity to develop our entry that would promote the activities of the LTCFC to a wider audience, and the dependability of the London taxi industry.
I was thrilled to receive an offer of support from the Ubiquitous Taxi Media Team, who designed advertising for the taxis. We invited twelve children and their helpers to board four LTCFC-liveried electric taxis. Waving to the thousands of spectators, the children were so excited. One of the children said she felt like a celebrity. It was evident the crowds of well-wishers were having a wonderful time, as they shouted appreciative comments, cheered, and clapped as the taxis passed by.
We invited a selection of entertainers that support our efforts at the parties and outings that we organise, and they were eager to join us in the parade. Entertaining the thousands of onlookers who lined the streets added a bit of magic to the day. They were astounding, the crowds of well-wishers just loved them. My thanks go to Elvis (Martyn Lopes-Dias), Elton (Ray Johnson), Rob Faulkner, Jonathan Raine, Andrew Wood, and Sarah Wood from the Furry Tail Folk, Princess Elsa (Chloe Taylor) and Princess Anna (Erin Leybourne) from Willow Wishes Celebrations, Batman (Martyn Fennell), Deadpool (Mark Brooks), Dredd (Simon Bamforth), Stormtroopers (Marek Krukierek and Rowan Read) with crew members Cris Rogers and Isaac Rogers from the 501st UK Garrison – thank you for being the smash hit of the parade. We were also grateful to have our long-time friend Doug Cheshire, lead our convoy in his 1936 vintage taxi.
As we walked along the streets of the City of London with thousands of other participants and contributors, it was hard to believe this unique event had been organised for 800 years.
I want to congratulate Pageantmaster Dominic Reid OBE, on celebrating thirty years of organising such a massive event, and thank him for his considerable help. I sincerely thank Laura, Assistant to the Pageantmaster’s Office, for her invaluable advice and guidance also.
The BBC coverage of the Lord Mayor’s Show gave the public more acknowledgement of the activities of the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children since its foundation in 1928. I am hopeful our involvement in this year’s event will encourage more regular donations, allowing us to help many more children and their carers, who endure very tough times.
I am grateful to my committee members for their support, their families, and friends, and all who attended the event and made the day so successful and brilliant.
I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Michael Son BEM
Honorary Chairman
To make a donation to the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children, text TAXI £5, £10 or £20 to 70085