The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans hosted a special event at the RAF Club on 10 March to celebrate International Women’s Day, bringing together serving personnel, veterans Including Robbie Hall, Dorothea Barron, Marie Scott, and Ruth Barnwell who served in WWII, supporters, volunteers and friends of the charity.
The afternoon highlighted the contributions of women in service, remembrance and charitable work, reflecting the values at the heart of the Taxi Charity’s mission to support military veterans.
Guests included two distinguished visitors from the Netherlands: Els Schiltmans from the Dutch Army Recovery and Identification Unit and Dr Linda Hiddink, who served with the Royal Netherlands Army Medical Corps. They took part in a special conversation hosted by broadcaster and journalist Hannah O’Sullivan from Host Media, sharing insights into their experiences and the important work they undertake.
Opening the event, the charity’s Chairman Colin Mills welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of the day. “It’s a pleasure to see you all here today as we come together to mark International Women’s Day,” he said. “Today gives us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women while also reflecting on the values of service, remembrance and community that are at the heart of the Taxi Charity.
Referring to this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” he highlighted the importance of collective effort in advancing gender equality. “When we invest in women’s safety, rights and leadership, we strengthen societies as a whole.”
The afternoon then turned to a conversation led by Hannah O’Sullivan with the charity’s Dutch guests, exploring their roles in military service and remembrance, as well as the ongoing importance of international cooperation in honouring those who served.
Events such as this form an important part of the Taxi Charity’s wider programme of activities, which brings veterans, supporters and volunteers together while continuing to highlight the enduring importance of remembrance and service.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948. It is the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment and arranges free trips (for veterans from all conflicts) to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration and days out to museums, concerts, or social events across the UK.
The charity received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, a remarkable milestone for a small, niche charity peopled by enthusiastic volunteers.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
