East London Cabbies Outing

Yesterday I decided to spend the hour before picking Tomas up from pre-school sitting by the village duck pond with my camera watching all the comings and goings. I managed to take a few snaps for the street photography theme which is happening over at A Kitten Called Betty on facebook, the British do love a queue don't they!!

Whilst sitting on one of the benches I got chatting to one of the locals, he has lived in the village all his life and i love talking to him about that changes that have happened. During our conversation he asked if I was here to photograph the East London Taxi event that passes through the village every year. This is a fantastic event where decorated taxi's ferry children with special needs from the London boroughs to Maldon in Essex to enjoy a day of fun and entertainment. You can read more about it here.

 

 I'd watched them pass through last year but had completely forgotten about which day it was happening this year. They pass through Danbury at about 12.45 so I had just enough time to pick up Tomas from pre-school and head back to the village green to stand and wave to the children and their families and I hoped to take a few pictures too.

 This event always brings a lump to my throat as you watch the children waving from the taxi's and the noise can be heard all around as the cabbies beep their horns all the way through the towns and villages.

They are escorted by both the police and civilian motorcyclists so that they can all stay in convoy and its was such a lovely event not only to stand and watch but also to participate in even in such a small way. 

People came out from the local shops to stand and wave and I did see three elderly ladies sitting on their fold up chairs outside their homes on the main road waiting to see the children go by. 

I'm sure the children all had a fabulous time and I must definitely make a note of next years event so I don't miss it.