Each year the Master and Clerk of Livery Companies are invited to attend the early breakfast and send-off from Canary Wharf for the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland in Paris.  

As many of you know this is organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers and specifically arranged for children with life-limiting illnesses or severe disabilities who are accompanied by a member of their family or carer.  The outriders from the City of London Police, French Gendarmerie, black taxis and back-up medics depart in convoy to catch a ferry at Dover.  

This year, there were 99 black taxis and I’m delighted to report that the WCoSP sponsored 4.  After a cooked breakfast enjoyed by everyone, accompanied by music from a military band, we all joined the Sheriffs of London and their consorts to wave off the convoy.

Each Master has described the event as humbling and emotional but it’s not until you actually take part that you realise just what it means to the children and their parents, as well as the huge organisation it takes to coordinate such a massive operation.  It is certainly one of the Master’s events which will stay in my memory for a long time.  

Sue Jones,
Master