On Tuesday 21st June 2016, at around 12 noon, over 200 war veterans from all over London, including Chelsea Pensioners - will be arriving at Worthing Pavilion Theatre for their annual trip to the town.

 

They will be arriving in style, in the time honoured tradition of being ferried into Worthing by 100  London black taxi drivers, all of whom have given their time for free, to transport these heroic passengers.  

 

This annual event, which has run every year since 1948, is organised by The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled.  They will be welcomed by the new Mayor and the Mayoress of the Borough of Worthing.

 

Councillor Sean McDonald, newly elected Mayor of Worthing Council adds “It is a time honoured tradition for the residents of Worthing to welcome these brave men and women every year to our town.  We are delighted that they enjoy Worthing so much, that they continue to visit us every year - this being their 68th visit!  Such was its success last year, we have again organised access for the taxis travelcade to drive straight through the town along Chapel Street.  It will certainly prove to be an impressive sight and I hope that all the veterans and their taxi drivers have an amazing day."

 

“It will be a huge privilege and honour to meet and welcome these veterans and the London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled to Worthing. Both the Mayoress and I are very much looking forward to joining them at the Pavilion Theatre on Tuesday 21st June and to hear their stories.  Hopefully the weather will be kind on the day to allow the veterans to fully enjoy their time on Worthing's promenade.”

 

The taxis have been granted special permission to drive down Chapel Road, and then make their way to the Pavilion Theatre, at the foot of Worthing’s historic pier.  Here they will enjoy a lunch of fish & chips, entertainment and ice cream from a traditional ice cream van.

 

The 100 London black taxis will be parked along the promenade, outside the Pavilion Theatre during the days events.

 

This annual Worthing trip began back in 1948, just after the end of the Second World War.  A  few black cab drivers came together to form The London Taxi Association for War Disabled and together collected money to take the war veterans and Chelsea Pensioners on a trip to the seaside.