Wallace and Gromit may not have been in attendance at the Azur, St Leonards on Monday but that did not prevent 200 London school children from experiencing a truly Grand Day Out.

Instead, Charity patron Jane Torvill, Hastings Deputy Mayor Heather Bishop and Scooby Doo himself made appearances – just a few of the VIPs at this lively charitable event.

Deputy Mayor Heather Bishop said: “I’d like to acknowledge the fantastic benificence of the Albany taxi charity which Hastings so welcomes and salutes.”

Thanks to Hastings’ year-round fundraising, the 200 school children with special needs and learning disabilities are escorted in 50 gleaming and decorated hackney carriages to experience the delights of the sea, local attractions, song, dance and fish and chips in St Leonards – and Monday June 12 they hit the weather jackpot.

Jane Torvill said: “I’ve been to Hastings in all weathers, from pouring it down to sunshine but today is just beautiful.”

When asked what she enjoyed most about the event Ms Torvill said, “the looks on the children’s faces, it makes you feel so happy that they are, and of course they get to eat fish and chips!”

The Albany Taxi Charity was originally created by a group of cabbies based on Albany Road, London, simply wanting to do something to help. They decided on donating their time to take selected pupils for a day by the sea. The charity expanded quickly, with Hastings Friends of Albany Taxi Charity establishing itself in 1992.

Stella, one of the original Hastings committee members, is rightly proud of the event. She said, “The taxi drivers do this all for nothing, then when they arrive the children have so much fun. Most of them have never even seen the sea before.” 

Stella will be stepping back from her organising role this year, but the Friends will continue to fundraise throughout the year to ensure the event continues. As well as food, live entertainment and A-list celebrities like Scooby Doo, the children round off the day with a goody bag filled with toys, books and party items to take home. All of this is achieved through donations and the hard work of volunteers.

As an observer I was struck by the impressive sight of rows of gleaming black cabs, the sheer joy on the faces of the children, the palpable excitement in the Azur, and the unbelievable dedication and generosity of the people behind it all.

A Grand Day Out indeed.

The Albany Taxi Charity’s annual run gives children a day out in Hastings. This year, 63 children plus parents or carers were run down in taxis, parked up in Rock-a-Nore (free of charge courtesy of Hastings Borough Council). They were met by the deputy mayor, Scooby Doo (yes really!), the Pearly Queen for St Pancras, Diane Gould, and members of the Hastings Friends of Albany committee. They then rushed off to enjoy the Blue Reef Aquarium, the museums, RNLI Lifeboat station, Flamingo Amusements, the beach and all that Hastings has to offer children who rarely get a day away from the smoke. 

50 years old

This year was special for a couple of extra reasons. The Albany Taxi Charity is 50 years old this year, it’s the 30th run to Hastings and it’s the first since the 2019, due to the pandemic. 

After having fun along the seafront, everyone got back in their taxis to drive along to Azur Marina for a fish and chip dinner and entertainment provided by a Mr Bumble and chats with Mayor James Bacon, Toby Johnson ex-player for Bexhill United, a Hastings Boxing Club representative, Scooby Doo
(of course).

Hastings’ Mayor

Cllr James Bacon, Mayor said: “This annual event was well attended and generates a lot of financial support due to its importance to so many lives. For the children and their families who visit Hastings for this special day it’s an opportunity to escape the city and spend quality time together by the seaside. After speaking to many parents, this charity event is a highlight of the year for the children, and I’m proud for Hastings to be providing such love and happiness for lots of young people with varying disabilities – it’s incredibly humbling to see, and such a worthwhile cause to support.” 

Gina Sexton Memorial Run

This year’s run was called the Gina Sexton Memorial Run to celebrate the tireless contributions of a very special Hastings lady who we sadly lost to illness in 2020. With her husband Tony, Gina was the licensee of The Ashburnham Arms pub for over 20 years, Chair of the Licensed Victuallers Association and avid supporter of a number of charities, including the Albany Taxi Charity. 

Movingly, Gina’s husband and sons Mark, Nick, Leejay and Chris were all present for the day and they could see how much Gina meant to everyone involved. Julie Keeler, a committee member, said afterwards: “We did ‘the ole gal’ proud” and continued “Gina was very special when it came to her charitable efforts, she was very hands-on and used her business connections for the benefit of the charity but never took the credit. She was recognised by former mayor Maureen Charlesworth for her tireless charity work.”

Stella Willis

Stella steps up

The Committee are very happy that Stella Willis has agreed to step into Gina’s shoes and thanked all involved. They do, however, need more help at the Hastings end. 

The event had a very special guest in Jane Torvill OBE. The ice-dancing Olympic gold medallist had a very special announcement to make – she had agreed to officially become the patron of the charity! All were thrilled. Everyone was both excited and grateful to Jane for her support and her visits. Jane is happy to support the good work the charity does providing fun days out for children who wouldn’t usually get the chance.

Fundraising

Yet another surprise came when the Lions Club International pre-sented a cheque for £500 to kick off the fundraising efforts for next year. 

Goodie bags

At the end of the day, every child was given a goodie bag full of snacks and gifts to take home. Trade Paints who supply us with the bags we use to give the children their gifts in. Everyone enjoyed their day and we look forward to seeing them all again next year.

So how did this all come about? Back in 1991, the local Licensed Victuallers Association committee of Gina Sexton, George Payne and Mick Mercer were approached by The Albany Taxi Charity from London as they were seeking
a new location to bring disabled and disadvantaged children to the seaside. Gina agreed to be involved (having come to Hastings from London many years before), and created the local committee.

From Margate to Hastings

The original destination was Margate, but following a fire at the amusement park there, 250+ children, their parents and carers descended on Hastings instead, and the annual event ended up staying here. The local committee was helped by a ladies darts league which raised money so that the children can visit and the main charity pays nothing for the day out. 

The Albany Taxi Charity has been supporting children for 50 years and goes from strength to strength. They’ve added a veterans day and have provided days out for the children of Chernobyl among the other activities.

There is much support from local businesses including Fountains who provide fruit and ESK who provide gifts at a low cost so the children have a goodie bag to take home.

The photos accompanying this feature were all taken by local photographer Andrew Clifton, accompanied by his brother Steven who shot some video for the Facebook page. The management and staff of Azur Marina let them use the function room and provided a wonderful spread of food. Many local businesses and attractions donate and support the charity every year, Stella said “We couldn’t do it without all of the help in Hastings, but we really need more people to come forward.” 

And, of course, Stella and the committee in Hastings and the children having a much-needed day outing send a huge thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to support the day and provide a glorious day out for the children. 

• If you are interested in helping out, of in donating money or services, please join the Friends of The Albany Taxi Charity (Hastings) or email ashburnhamarms@hotmail.co.uk