Local MPs David Amess, James Duddridge and Mark Francois lent their support to local taxi drivers who organised a special fun day out in early August for under-privileged children at Belchamps Scout Centre in Hawkwell. The organisers laid on a fleet of taxis to take the children from Southend United's ground at Roots Hall across to Belchamps, where they were able to participate in a whole variety of activities, ranging from donkey rides and face-painting though to archery, target shooting and climbing on the camp's large confidence course and climbing wall.
The day was led by Brian Houssart MBE and his team of volunteers and was also supported by local councillors, the Southend Air Training Corps and the carnival courts from both Ashingdon and Southend. In previous years the taxi drivers have taken the children to Clacton but this year it was decided to try an alternative venue, with Belchamps being chosen in part because of the large variety of activities on offer.
Speaking about the successful event, Rayleigh MP Mark Francois said:
""The taxi drivers and their supporters should be congratulated for laying on a really good day for the kids. Fortunately the weather was kind and everyone seemed to have a really fun day out. David, James and me were pleased to be able to lend our support to such a happy event and I hope that the taxi drivers will seek to repeat this again next year, as Belchamps seemed a very good location for a day of this kind.""
