Youngsters enjoy trip to seaside thanks to Rotherham taxi drivers

Parents and children who are part of Rotherham Parent Carers Forum, recently had a trip to Cleethorpes, for a day out, and were transported by local taxi drivers who are members of ROADS (Rotherham Operators and Drivers Association). The group is seen being waved of by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenan. 171451-1

The event was organised by ROADS - Rotherham Operators and Driver Services - and involved 25 drivers from 11 firms.

They set off to Cleethorpes from the town centre early last Wednesday - and now organisers are dreaming of arranging a trip to Disneyland Paris.

ROADS vice chairman Stephen Anderson said: “We basically quadrupled in size this year compared to the first one we did last year. We had 101 young people this time and we went up from eight to 25 drivers.

“The drivers in the trade are all really enthusiastic about it. They want to be involved and some get as excited as the kids.

“It’s important to us because it shows the taxi trade in a good light. There’s been a lot of bad press and this helps remind people that we’re not what they might have read about, while also giving the children a great day out.”

General secretary Alan Gibson thanked Tesco and Morrisons for providing refreshments for the children and Toby Carvery and travel firm GNS for giving fundraising raffle prizes.

And chairman Gary Dearing added: “We set off from the town centre, with the Mayor waving us off. She really wanted to come with us but unfortunately she had another appointment later in the day.

“We were in one big convoy and we managed to keep it that way all the way until Cleethorpes.

“There were quite a few from the Rotherham Parents Forum with us, who we kept in the middle of the convoy, and we all arrived together. The weather was fantastic apart from about ten minutes of drizzle.”

The ROADS link-up with the forum means many children who take part are ones who might not otherwise enjoy a summer day out.

And the forum has nominated ROADS for a Voluntary Action Rotherham community achievement award for the trips.

The taxi firms involved this year were Starline, Ventura, Pegasus, A1, Goldstar, Door To Door, Fast 4s, Travellers, Yorkshire Travel, Dial a Cab and Advanced Travel.

Stephen said: “It’s been such a success that we’ve started early discussions about possibly doing a trip to Euro Disney.”

To support the taxi trips, contact ROADS at [email protected].