Taxi drivers have once again gone that extra mile to make a difference to children in need in their communities.
Annual taxi outings are hugely popular and are a tradition which cabbies have been carrying on for almost a century, giving vulnerable children experiences they would not otherwise be able to enjoy.
Making memories
Last month, more than 100 Glasgow taxi drivers gave young people another memorable day by the seaside at Troon for the 79th outing — and preparations are already under way to make next year’s 80th anniversary a truly special occasion.
June also saw the 78th Edinburgh Taxi Outing leave the city with 65 decorated Edinburgh taxis departing from Edinburgh Zoo where the best-dressed taxis and drivers were announced, before leaving under police escort through the city and along the coast.
And on Wednesday, Liverpool Taxi Drivers Children in Care Outing completed its 42nd trip, with youngsters once again enjoying a fantastic day at Southport’s Adventure Coast theme park.
The fund’s first outing was to Blackpool Illuminations in 1985 and since then, youngsters have enjoyed days out at Morecambe, Butlins at Pwllheli, Camelot, Southport and even Euro Disney.
Looking back on another successful outing, organiser Bernie Buxton, who is now 82, said: “We had about 35 cab drivers and additional vehicles this year, including a motorcycle escort which is a new one for us.
Seaside spectacular
“Debbie Bennett has sent down four limousines again this year, and their drivers are always happy to volunteer to come along because they love it.
“We had between 120 and 150 children attending, including refugees from Ukraine, which is always nice to have them along.
“As always, we couldn’t do this without the drivers, the sponsors and all the fundraisers who have been working on this for the past year to make it happen and make it a special occasion.”
As well as seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, there was another highlight for Bernie this year.
He said: “Tony Mc arranged an Elvis Tribute night as a fundraiser for the charity. It’s an act all the way from Tenerife and the tickets were flying out!”
Planning ahead
And as they were embarking on the trip to create special memories for so many young people, Bernie was already thinking ahead to next year’s outing.
He said: “Fundraising for next year starts tomorrow!
“There are lots of plans about what we’re going to do, but for now, I’m keeping them a secret.
“There’s a driver who attends each year. He dresses his cab depending on what is happening that year — you might remember him with the birthday cake on his cab?
“Every year he specialises in decorating his cab so we’ll see.”
Ben Smith, Patons Insurance marketing manager, attended the traditional send-off from Liverpool.
He said: “I’ve grown up in Liverpool and, like in many cities, the taxi outing has always been a big occasion.
“It’s great to see the community and the trade to come together to give these children a special day out and memories they will never forget.
“We’re proud to support outings such as Liverpool and Glasgow and Bernie’s already started fundraising for next year’s outing which will no doubt be even more spectacular!”
