CHARITY CORNER


GENEROUS LANCASTER CABBIE OFFERS FREE RIDES ON FINAL DAY BEFORE RETIREMENT


A veteran taxi driver in Lancaster has marked his retirement by offering all his customers free rides as a gesture of appreciation for their years of support. Anthony Wilson, who has served the community for over two decades with 848848 taxis, hung up his keys for the last time on Friday, May 30. To celebrate his retirement, he dedicated his final shift, from 5:30am to 3:30pm, to providing complimentary journeys to every- one he picked up.


Wilson announced his farewell on Facebook, expressing “mixed emotions” about leaving the trade. He extended his gratitude to his “valued customers from Lancaster and Morecambe, for your continued support throughout my years’ success of driving a taxi.” Reflecting on his career, Wilson shared: “There are so many stories to be told and so many good and bad memories to be taken from my many years’ experience of providing a service.” He also paid tribute to his


colleagues, adding: “I haven’t got a bad word to say about anyone and it’s been a pleasure to have worked with every one of you for all these past years. The banter has been great.” Urging continued local support for the taxi industry, Wilson concluded his heartfelt message with the promise of free rides. He ended with a warm farewell to both colleagues and regular customers, stating: “You will all be sadly missed and I wish every one of you the very best for the future.”


SMILES ALL AROUND AS GLASGOW TAXIS BRING JOY TO TROON FOR 78TH ANNUAL OUTING


Hundreds of children with additional support needs enjoyed a day of seaside fun and festivities as the 78th annual Glasgow Taxi Outing made its vibrant journey from Kelvin Way to Troon. Dubbed “one of the happiest and most joyful days in Glasgow’s calendar,” the cherished tradition saw over 125 brightly decorated taxis transport around 350 children to the Ayrshire coast. Since its inception in the 1940s, the event has been a testament to the generosity of Glasgow’s taxi drivers, who dedicate their time to provide an unforgettable day out for these children. This year, the spirit of fun was higher than ever, with drivers going all out on decorations and fancy dress. One standout was 50-year-old Derek Barr, who paid homage to Glasgow’s famous Duke of Wellington statue by creating a


PHTM JULY 2025


model for his taxi roof and even dressing as a traffic cone. “This is my 10th year. It’s been going on for so long, and you need to do it for the kids. It’s brilliant,” he said. Barr specified the highlight for him: “Leaving here and getting to Troon, and everyone comes out to give you a cheer. It’s amazing seeing the kids’ faces. It gets bigger and bigger every year, thanks to everyone who turns up and donates to the charity.”


Charlotte McDonald, 9, was among the excited children. Her mother, Sam, expressed her delight, telling Glasgow Live: “We come to this every year. She absolutely loves it, and I do too. The kids get spoiled and they all get so many good treats and activities. “It's been going on for a long time and it’s such a lovely thing.” Stephen Lalley from the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund emphasised the importance of the event for children with additional support needs, many of whom are in wheelchairs and lack easy access to beach facilities. “We’ve got the transport and that’s why we take them to Troon,” he said. The event also holds special significance for the destination. Nick Power of Troon Community Council noted: “It brings the town together. We want to make the event bigger and better each year.”


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