Taxi Charity for Military Veterans joins thousands at Battle Proms event
A group of distinguished veterans attended the Battle Proms at Highclere Castle, courtesy of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
Among the attendees on 3 August, were WWII veterans Norrie Bartlett, Harry Rice, Mervyn Kersh, and Marie Scott. They were joined by post-war veterans Vic Needham Crofton and Peter Gosport, as well as Mike, Ken, David, and Trevor from The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The veterans, brought to the event by volunteer London cab drivers, were treated to a full day of entertainment. The programme featured a horseback display by the Worcestershire Cavalry and a breathtaking freefall demonstration by the Red Devils parachute display team.
The Battle Proms Belles added a touch of nostalgia, performing vintage favourites before the New English Concert Orchestra closed the evening with a stirring performance, accompanied by fireworks and cannon fire.
Colin Mills, London Cab Driver and Chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military veterans, said: “As the only forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment, taking veterans to Highclere Castle for the Battle Proms was a great way to spend a summer’s evening. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed a tot or two of a limited edition D Day rum from Distinct Distillers, which raises funds to support our work. We also got to meet the Countess of Carnarvon who generously spent some time with our group.”
WWII Veteran Mervyn Kersh said: "It's always so very nice to be invited and yesterday's outing was a first for lots of us. We were, as always, royally looked after and wanted for nothing. The team's attention to detail is unbelievable. Great company in a spectacular setting, rousing music, aerial displays, a handmade picnic and I even had a private word with Sir Winston about the state of our country!"
