Twelve volunteer London cab drivers from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans accompanied a group of veterans on a deeply memorable visit to Belgium, joining commemorations and exploring key World War I sites in and around Ypres.
The highlight of the trip was attendance at the iconic Menin Gate on 14 April, where the group took part in the daily Act of Remembrance at 8pm.
During the ceremony, wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen by WWII veteran Dorothea Barron, accompanied by her daughter Kati, a Taxi Charity Trustee; WWII veteran Ivan Staines, accompanied by his granddaughter Rosie Digweed; Taxi Charity Trustee Ian Parsons alongside Chelsea Pensioners Tony Hunt and Mike Nye; Cheryl Lamford who served in the Royal Navy and her sister Maxine Taylor and veterans Paul Graham Ex Royal Military Police and Tom Reeder who served with the Royal Engineers.
In addition to the Menin Gate ceremony, the group visited several significant historical sites, including, Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, the Passchendaele Museum and Talbot House. Talbot House provided sanctuary to soldiers during the First World War and later became the inspiration for the global Toc H movement. The group also learnt more about the war around Ypres at the In Flanders Fields Museum where guides shared their passion and knowledge of their city’s history.
WWII veteran Ivan Staines said:
“The Taxi Charity has changed my life. If you had asked me two years ago what I would be doing now, I would never have believed I would have had the experiences the Taxi Charity has offered me. I am 99, I have lost all my work friends, and the charity has allowed me to make new friends and create amazing memories. I am forever grateful.”
Ina Parsons, Trustee, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said
“It was a great honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans at the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate. I am aware all those present from our Charity were equally moved by this deeply poignant tribute to the soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during World War One. It was an occasion none of us will ever forget.”
Veteran Cheryl Lamford added:
“Words cannot express how deeply grateful we both are for the incredible trip to Ypres. You didn’t just drive us—you filled our hearts with so much joy and so many personal and emotional memories we will treasure forever. Thank you to the Taxi Charity drivers for your kindness, patience, compassion, and friendship. You made us both feel safe and cared for every single mile. You are all truly absolute heroes for what you do.”
Colin Mills, Chairman, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said:
“We are incredibly proud of our drivers who volunteer their time to take veterans on these trips. Their dedication, compassion, and friendship make experiences like this possible, and they ensure our veterans are able to connect with history, remembrance, and each other in a very special way.”
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans provides life-enhancing experiences for veterans, fostering friendship, remembrance, and connection through its dedicated team of volunteer cab drivers.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
