Date: 9th February 2004
Taxi Drivers' Fund Party Hailed a success by Children from Norwood
Forty-three youngsters from Norwood were guests at a Mad Hatters Tea Party on Sunday 8th February, organised by the London Taxi Drivers' Fund for Underprivileged Children.
More than 600 children from around 60 groups throughout London attended the event at Park Lane's Grosvenor House Hotel. They were greeted at the door by clowns and life size cartoon characters including Bugs Bunny, Noddy, Scooby Doo and Mr Plod the Policeman and his car.
Once inside, magicians, jugglers, balloonologists, face-painters, singers, dancers and cheerleaders teamed up with a host of TV stars to give the children an unforgettable carnival-style afternoon of fun, which included an indoor laser and fireworks show. Amongst the celebrities were The Cheeky Girls and some of the young stars from EastEnders including Brooke Kinsella (Kelly) and Pooja Shah (Kareena).
Sonia Muscovitch, Head of Norwood's Leonard Sainer Centre in Redbridge, commented on the success of the event. "I think the London Taxi Drivers' Fund are absolutely incredible. The entertainment here today is phenomenal. It's lovely to see all the children having a great time."
As well as youngsters from UNITY - Norwood's recreational service for children with disabilities were also children from NORWOOD 25, an outings group run by dedicated volunteers. Paula Cohen, Chairperson of Norwood 25, echoed the sentiment, "I would like to thank the organisers for such a wonderful day out and for giving the children one of the best days of their lives."
The link between Norwood and the London Taxi Drivers' Fund goes far deeper than cabbies entertaining their children. Raymond Levy the Fund's PR Officer explains "The Fund was started in 1928 by Mick Cohen who actually grew up in the Norwood Orphanage. He became a taxi driver and suggested the idea of running an annual outing." The original trip was a tour around London for Norwood orphans and their teachers. Now, 76 years on, the charity organises an array of events for Jewish and Non-Jewish children from across the Capital. The London Taxi Drivers' Fund motto is "None walks so tall as he who stoops to help a child."
