Joyland Books

Seaside taxi treat wins last-minute reprieve

Mar 30 2007

report by Alex McNally

A CHARITY taxi run which has brought hundreds of disabled people from south east London to Margate over the last 34 years has been saved from the chop.

The Albany taxi charity group were on the verge of pulling out of Margate and breaking years of tradition after they learned that Dreamland had closed.

But 11th-hour talks with Thanet council persuaded them to return in July, bringing 350 disabled adults and children with them.

Secretary Derek Pearson said: "The council has said we can use the Winter Gardens for the day and entertainment will be put on.

"There are 150 taxis and 350 people, plus the drivers and their helpers.

"It would have been disappointing if we had not come down but now the council have promised to put something on."

Last year the taxis brought the disabled to Dreamland, which was opened for free by showman George Webb.

Mr Pearson said: "We were told by Mr Webb that he was there for two more years and it was agreed then that we could come down this year.

"We have had a tremendous amount of help from Margate cab drivers. It was thanks to them that we found out Dreamland wasn't open.

"If there is nowhere to go for entertainment then we would have to consider other locations.

"I feel sorry for the people who rely on tourists. It seems the bloke boarding up the windows has the best job at the moment.

"We really wanted to do something special to mark the 35th year. So many people have been really supportive of the taxis coming in."

The group is looking for entertainers who can spare time to help on the big day, July 9. Anyone who can help should call Derek on 0208 378 9438 or email delboz@hotmail.co.uk.

To learn more visit www.albany-charity.org.uk.