Charity Christmas lunch held at Millwall FC

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled held a Lunch at The Millwall Football Club to thank all the sponsors who have assisted the charity over the past year. At around 12 noon guests began arriving at the venue, some of them from London Bridge Station on the Millwall Club Bus.

It was an extremely cold day, but the veterans soon warmed up on the bus thanks to a large bottle of brandy being served to them! Other guests were transported from Waterloo Station by taxi. The dining venue at Millwall FC looked wonderful, with Christmas decorations shining almost as brightly as war veteran’s medals. Each guest received a Christmas stocking with gifts inside and the tables had wine and ‘Black Cab Stout’ to drink. With everybody seated Mr George Parsons said Grace and the three course meals were then served.

Entertainment was provided by Mr Pete Osborne. After lunch came some speeches. The Chairman of The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled thanked Millwall Football Club, The Sponsors and Supporters, and all the collectors and charity helpers. It was then time to make a presentation to Mr. Gerry Cooper who having been with the charity for the past 37 years has now decided to retire. The Chairman, Richard Hudd, along with The President, Mr. Harry Joel, presented Gerry with a gift from the committee. Harry went on to explain how the charity was formed by him and five other cab drivers in 1948 to help injured veterans and they started the outings and how he got Gerry to join the charity.

He continued by saying that the charity is now dealing with the young men who are being injured in Afghanistan and other conflicts. (Harry is now the last remaining member of the group who is still involved in the charity). It was then time for Kas to entertain with everybody joining in the singing, the raffle was drawn with a number of people winning some very nice prizes, so concluded a successful afternoon for the charity and guests. The President Chairman Officers and Committee of The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled would like to thank everybody who assisted the charity in the past year and look forward to your continued support in the coming years. For more information please visit the charity’s website at www.taxicharity.org

Courtesy of Taxicabnews