for the cars

Antony Moore,

“Just imagine what it’s like for a child, pulling up to one of ondon’s best five-star hotels on Park Lane – an address they know from their Monopoly board,” said Antony. “Then you walk into the great room which was originally an ice rink so you can imagine

Antony Moore has been involved with the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity For Children for 13 years since embarking on his second career and became its honorary chairman earlier this year the size of it. Inside it’s all done out with decorations and there’s a dance floor and all sorts of entertainment. They walk in and their faces light up. ur members were also in the grandstand for the coronation and I was invited to represent the charity at the King’s Coronation Garden Party.”

“That’s the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, which we hold over the festive season and the children get gifts and toys they can take away with them. As well as the entertainers – who all do the event for free – there are Pearly Kings and ueens from different boroughs and lots of people dressed up. It’s an amazing spectacle for the kids.

“Being a part of this charity has given me the opportunity to do things I’d never have dreamed of, like taking part in two Lord Mayor’s Shows.

“Our patron is Queen Camilla, so I’ve been fortunate to meet her several times, including driving her to deliver hundreds of Paddington Bear toys to arnardo’s in her first act as consort to the King.

The charity is always on the lookout for drivers to get involved and sponsors to help fund the work that it does.

“The trip to Paradise Wildlife Park was paid for by the Worshipful Company Of Tin-Plate Workers, so we owe them a massive thank-you,” he said.

“All the drivers involved give up their time for free and we’d love to get more support to fund more trips like this – we’re also starting to vary the kind of things that we do.

“We’ve done two trips to the Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre on the Isle Of Dogs, for example, where the kids get to try kayaking and paddleboarding.

“We had one child who stepped on the pontoon and immediately got scared but the staff there are so encouraging and by the end he was jumping in and out of the water, having got the confidence to do that. It was wonderful to see. We’re always looking for new ideas as to what the kids would enjoy and what would help them develop. We would love to do more, but everything costs money and we need support to do it.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity For Children can find out more information about the organisation, its activities and its history on its website. Go to ltcfc.org.uk for more details or call 0300 365 4404

Scan this code to nd out more about the charity what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | A Health To The Company

This show promises to blow the myth of the golden age of piracy out of the water as swords are crossed, timbers shivered and history uncovered. Aug 22-27, times vary, from £8, space.org.uk

Where? Poplar Union Isle Of Dogs

FILM |

Minions The Rise Of Gru

A prequel to the unstoppable franchise, which saw besuited youths ock to cinemas on its release, appears here in a free screening for all the family. Aug 11, 11am, free, poplarunion.com

Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs

STAGE | Highrise

This play explores sentience, memory and consciousness as its main character wanders a deserted highrise building talking to an AI. Aug 15-19, 7.30pm, from £8, space.org.uk ash back

This is Docklands Sailing And Watersports Centre instructor and ocean scientist Leila Moore who helps people get on the waters of Millwall Outer Dock in all types of craft including dinghies, kayaks and dragon boats dswc.org

Scan this code to read our interview with Leila or to nd out more about activities at DSWC on the Isle Of Dogs want more? @wharfwhispers