Hackney Carriage Drivers' Breakfast
6th October 2017The East Wintergarden Canary Wharf
The Children's Magical Disneyland Tour to Paris is an annual event organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers. The first trip was in 1994 and our Benevolent Fund has been a proud supporter for many years. Over 100 black cabs set off in convoy taking sick children on a trip of a lifetime with full medical support. Before the convoy departs, sponsors are invited to join the children, their families and cabbies for a hearty cooked breakfast at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf. The only snag is the departure time of 07:05 and breakfast stating at 6am. It was the second time I had participated and I parked my car beneath the East Wintergarden a minute or two before the 6 o' clock pips. The hall was humming with excited children, a brass band and several masters who looked as though they had not been to bed after the previous night's dinner. The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Sheriffs and their consorts (including Fiona Adler) arrived soon after. There were speeches, hip hip hoorays and a call to the cabs. I found the Pipe Makers' cab on row 2 of the grid and wished our cabbie and his charges a safe and happy trip. The Lord Mayor cut the tape and off went the convoy towards the Channel ports. I recovered my car and listened to the 07:30 news as I headed for the M11 and M25 for home. Despite the early start, it was a heart warming experience watching the whole event.