Veterans ride into Worthing in style

Worthing seafront was lined with black cabs this afternoon for an annual event for war veterans.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jun 2016, 18:22 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:10 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Annual taxi run to Worthing for war veterans. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133026008Annual taxi run to Worthing for war veterans. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133026008
Annual taxi run to Worthing for war veterans. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133026008

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled had 100 drivers step up to bring down more than 200 veterans from across London to Worthing Pavilion for a special day at the seaside.

The 62nd annual event saw a parade of taxis travelling along Marine Parade and South Street, with all drivers working for free.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Veteran Pat Higgins, 90, said: “I have always had an affinity for Worthing, and moved here after spending my time abroad in India. A fantastic town to come back to.”

Annual taxi run to Worthing for war veterans. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133231008Annual taxi run to Worthing for war veterans. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133231008
Annual taxi run to Worthing for war veterans. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133231008

Paul Davis, secretary of the association said: “We have been going since 1948 with drivers hoping to give something back to the veterans. There is a long tradition of former soldiers becoming cab drivers, so they are happy to keep this tradition going.”

Driver Jeff Middleton added: “I just enjoy doing it. Some of these guys go every year and I take the same ones, who are lovely and great to talk to.”

The lunch was included for the veterans and the drivers with a total attendance of 372, and also included a keynote speech from former Special Air Service Sergeant Phil Campion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking beforehand he said: “It is something close to my heart and we have to get behind these people and support them. But I don’t want to go in there and tell them war stories, because they have seen it all.”

Cadman left and Bill Wood. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133246008Cadman left and Bill Wood. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133246008
Cadman left and Bill Wood. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160621-133246008

Newly elected mayor of Worthing Borough Council Sean McDonald said: “It is a time honoured tradition for the residents of Worthing to welcome these brave men and women every year to our town.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:VeteransLondon