Plan were very proud to sponsor The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers (WCHCD) 14th Annual Liverymen’s Dinner on November 9th. The WCHCD are renowned in the trade for organising, amongst other events, the fantastic Magical Taxi Tour in which hundreds of sick and terminally ill children are taken in a convoy of black cabs to Euro Disney.
During the annual Liverymen’s Dinner, an awards ceremony is held in which either drivers or non-trade members are recognised for acts of bravery, charitable work and their support of the Licensed Hackney Carriage trade. The event takes place at the prestigious Cutler’s Hall venue – itself home to The Cutler’s Company who can trace their first Royal Charter back to 1416.
Attendees are also entertained by a traditional address given by the company’s current Master. That honour is currently held by David Cannell, Esq. The Master is then followed by a guest speaker. This year former classical musician Mrs Frances Luczyc-Wyhowska gave a light hearted talk in which she illuminated attendees on how her fondness for the cab trade originated during her childhood.
In the weeks leading up to the dinner the WCHCD’s awards committee are tasked with carefully selecting recipients from the amongst the numerous nominations they receive. The winners are announced and celebrated on the night post dining.
The following awards were presented by Past Master Colin Evans:
The Friend of the Cab Trade Award – presented to an individual from outside of the industry who promoted the Licensed Trade in various ways.
Handed to Mrs Frances Luczyc-Wyhowska Frances has worked closely with the Poppy Cab initiative for numerous years to transport war veterans to and from the Lord Mayor’s show on Remembrance Sunday.
The Life Time Achievement Award –
Presented to John Sheen in recognition of his life dedicated to the trade.
The Charity Award
Presented to Anthony Haynes for his fantastic efforts towards helping London’s homeless.
The Hitch Award named after soldier Frederick Hitch who received the Victoria Cross for valour displayed at the Battle of Rorkes Drift. He went on to become a London black cab driver and his efforts were made famous by the film Zulu that starred a young Michael Caine.
This year it was presented to Darren Kenny for bravery shown whilst aiding numerous victims of the terrible Borough Market terrorist attacks by transporting them away from danger.
Plan were very pleased to be able to support the dinner and enjoyed meeting the worthy recipients of the Company’s awards.