Some very important visitors were brought to Hall Place and Gardens, in The London Borough of Bexley by the famous Taxi Charity for Military Veterans this week (5 November), to mark Remembrance Day, the centenary of the 1918 armistice and to help unveil a new statue and bench.
Eight black taxis brought the veterans from all across the south-east. On arrival they were taken on a guided tour of the Hall Place ‘Faces of the Great War’ and the ‘Code name – Santa Fe’ exhibitions before leaving for the gardens, where they spent some time helping pupil governors from Gravel Hill School to sow poppy seeds. The children also heard why the poppy is used as a sign of remembrance.
The children and special guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Bexley, Cllr Brian Bishop and Cllr Christine Bishop, Deputy Lieutenant Major David Hewer OBE TD DL, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE and local ward Councillors, then attended the official unveiling of the ‘There but not there’ sculpture and bench. The official unveiling was performed by the Mayor and the Deputy Lieutenant. Three wreaths were laid at the foot of the statue.
Cllr O’Neill said; “Every Remembrance Day is significant as we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. As this year marks such an important point in our history with the centenary of the ending of World War One, it seemed only fitting that we recognise it in a more permanent manner by erecting two of these extremely poignant statues in the borough.
“The fact that we were honoured today by the presence of some of our veterans, transported to us by the amazing Taxi Charity who do so much for our armed forces, makes the day even more special. I hope that visitors to Hall Place and Gardens will take the time to see the new installation and bench placed here in honour of all the men and women that gave and continue to give so much for their country.”
Bill Gladden laid one of the wreaths at the statue. As part of the Royal Armoured Corp Bill flew a reconnaissance glider in to Normandy.
Bill said; “A huge thank you to The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for arranging this visit to Hall Place and Gardens during Remembrance Week. We have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the exhibitions, meeting the local school children, laying a wreath from the veterans at the “There but Not There” sculpture and catching up with our friends and comrades in such lovely surroundings”.
Following the unveiling the veterans and their special drivers were joined by other guests for a special lunch and an impromptu sing song in the Hall Place Riverside Café before being chauffeured back home.
About The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts.
The charity offers international trips to Holland, Belgium and France, day trips to concerts or museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as well as special days out to catch up with friends and comrades.
To fund and facilitate these outings, the charity is wholly reliant on generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London licensed taxi drivers who offer their time and vehicles for free.
To find out more about the charity or to donate visit the website http://www.taxicharity.org/
Twitter @TaxiCharity
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TaxiCharityUK/.
