Diamond jubilee of taxi drivers' Blind School outing

by Nick Webster. Published Wed 01 Jul 2009 18:28, Last updated: 2009-07-02

A fun-filled day in the sunshine has seen Liverpool hackney cab drivers notch-up a proud diamond jubilee of service.

For sixty years the city's cabbies have provided children from the Royal School for the Blind with the highlight of their school calendar.

Each year the taxi drivers raise funds that allow over 80 blind or partially sighted children the chance to experience the buzz of an amusement park.

To mark the 60th visit, on 1st July 2009, the cabbies increased from the number of cabs taking part to 60.

It meant that over 250 people, including 89 children, teachers and carers, from the world renowned Royal School for the Blind and St Vincent’s School for Blind and Partially Sighted Children, could experience the delights of the funfair.

The cabbies also run a competition for the best decorated cab which provides a must see spectacle as the cabs drive in formation, escorted by the Merseyside Police, from the schools to Southport.

Liverpool Black Cab Chairman, David Bentley, has driven the schools’ children to Pleasureland for the last 40 years and he said this has been the biggest day out yet.

He said: "Every year I’m taken aback by the children’s smiles as they experience the thrills, smells and sounds of Pleasureland.

"All of us cabbies are humbled by this experience and I hope that the legacy lives on for at least another 60 years.

"The impact of this simple day out lasts a lifetime; I’m still in contact with a previous head boy of St Vincent’s who came on the trip for many years and still recalls how it was the most anticipated event of the year for him."

Norman Wallis, managing director, Funporium, who owns Pleasureland and opens his doors to the Liverpool cabbies and their precious cargo each year added: "It is the most magical experience to see the black cabs arrive knowing that the children inside are bursting with excitement.

"Often we take simple things for granted and it is a privilege to see the reaction of the children when they arrive – it truly brings Pleasureland to life.

"The cabbies tirelessly fundraise all year round so they can also present each child with a gift to take home. I’m very proud to be part of this historical event."

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