Taxi drivers, volunteers and sponsors have been thanked for making an annual children’s outing to Southport a success.
While there were concerns that the 40th Liverpool Taxi Drivers Children in Care Outing might not go ahead, real community spirit prevailed to give more than 300 vulnerable young people an all-expenses-paid day out at the seaside and Southport’s Pleasureland theme park, arriving in style in a parade of taxis emblazoned with ribbons, balloons and decorations.
Special occasion
Outing fund treasurer and taxi driver Bernie Buxton MBE said the dedication of taxi drivers, volunteers and sponsors made sure the special day went ahead.
Bernie, who turned 80 in June and enjoyed his 40th outing this year, is already working hard on 2025’s event.
He said: “It was another special day out and everyone had a fantastic time at Pleasureland.
“We weren’t sure it would go ahead after the awful things that had happened, but I spoke to the Chief Constable who assured us it would be safe. The young people really enjoy it and I’m glad we were able to take them.
“One young man had never been to a theme park before and was over the moon. He went with his grandmother and went on the Waltzer, the dodgems and lots of other rides and when we got back he told his mum he had had a special day making memories with his nana. She was shocked because he had never done anything like that. Now he can’t wait to come back next year!
Making a difference
“It’s special for us to see the difference we are making for the young people and their families. We had more than 40 taxi drivers, four limos plus drivers from Debbie Bennett and filled one 50-seater coach, with another on standby if we needed it.
“We couldn’t do all this without the taxi drivers, sponsors and volunteers who make such a difference to these young people. We even had our own disco and DJ for those who wanted to do something a bit different from the theme park and we’ll have something special up our sleeve for next year as well.”
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 Euro Disney.
Following the Southport tragedy, Pleasureland also enjoyed making it a day to remember for its special guests. CEO Norman Wallis said: “The spirit of joy and the sense of community that Bernie and the Liverpool Taxi Drivers experienced here last Wednesday is evident in the park every day, and we hope people will come here and enjoy themselves in a safe environment.
“The importance of community and the spirit of togetherness is needed more than ever. The annual Taxi Driver outing not only provides a day of fun for the children but also strengthens the bonds within the community, reinforcing the message that even in difficult times, unity and kindness prevail.”
Darren Roberts, managing director of Patons Insurance, which helped sponsor the outing, said: “What Bernie and the drivers and volunteers have done over the years is incredible and still makes such a difference to these young people who look forward to a special day out.
“We are privileged to support such a good cause and are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
