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On Saturday 8 November, the
London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children were
honoured to wind up their 80th anniversary year by taking part
in the prestigious 793rd Lord Mayor’s Show, which introduced Ian
Luder as the 681st Lord Mayor of the City of London. The
Committee had met in Shoreditch at 6.30am, on a very dark, damp
and dismal morning before moving on to Smithfield Meat Market,
where we set about the task of decorating our taxis under cover.
Then we awaited the arrival of our special passengers, the
deserving children from the Pam Mason Group in Bow. There were
screams of excitement as they clambered aboard our especially
built giant 36-foot porcelain taxi and were about to embark on
an adventure they would never forget. We joined the 3-mile procession at London Wall and being 95th in the parade meant we had quite a wait. But time passed quickly with the arrival of our Honorary Life Members, the wonderful Bournemouth Carnival Band. Dressed as Batmen, they arrived in style marching along, trumpets blaring, and everyone welcomed them with cheers and rapturous applause. From then on, the gloomy atmosphere was transformed into one of non-stop fun and laughter! At the front of our spectacular entry were children of two LTFUC committee members holding our 80th anniversary banner, followed by committee members and their wives holding the fund’s yellow and blue logo golf umbrellas, topped with balloons. Behind them a committee member drove the lead taxi showing the fund’s name, accompanied by the Bournemouth Carnival Band. They were followed by a brilliant taxi Batmobile designed and driven by taxi driver Steven Bell dressed as Batman, who was joined by his wife Wendy as Robin. Alongside was a Pink Rabbit taxi also |
LTFUC at the Lord Mayors Show! |
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 Bill Tyzack (C06), David Lessman (D19), the Bournemouth Carnival Band and the children join the parade
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designed by Steven. Behind
them came the fund’s pride and joy, which had taken a month to
build, a lorry carrying a 36-foot long porcelain taxi with all
the children on board smiling and waving flags. Behind were two
more committee taxis covered with posters showing the various
destinations visited on our children’s outings. All the taxis
were adorned with yellow and blue balloons and our entry made a
very colourful sight. Huge crowds gave us a wonderful reception.
Bad weather couldn’t dampen spirits and a brilliant day was had
by all. We are deeply grateful to the following for all their help and support: Borough Commander and Station Commander Why of Shoreditch Fire Station; Bandmaster Dean Davies and the Bournemouth Carnival Band; John McGee of the |
McGee Demolition Group,
Wembley for donating the lorry; Tony Diaz and his four sons of
Big Stuff Design, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex for building the
giant Taxi and last but not least, Steven Bell and his wife Wendy for all their help and support. Our grateful thanks also go to the Rt. Hon. Lord Mayor of London, Ian Luder, for allowing us to bring our 80th anniversary year to an end by participating in his show. What a great way to finish a highly rewarding, triumphant and glorious 80th anniversary year. Well done to the Committee for all the hard work involved in holding so many wonderful outings and events this year. Raymond Levy |
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