Have you ever been able to find a taxi in Liverpool when you need one?

Most cabs carry a notice that refers to L.T.D.C.I.C.O.F. This may have mystified many visitors to Liverpool as well as most residents! In actual fact this stands for Liverpool Taxi Drivers Children in Care Outing Fund. This charity was founded in 1985 by a number of taxi drivers in order to meet the needs of the underprivileged children in care in the Merseyside and surrounding area.

Their first efforts involved them doing the rounds of fellow cab drivers and employers, as well as local garages and members of the public, to raise much needed funds.

They were so successful that they were able to take a party of children to see Blackpool Illuminations. Successive trips were made to Morecambe, Southport, Butlins, at Pwlleli, Camelot Theme Park, Chester Zoo, Gulliver’s World Theme Park, Disneyland Paris and last but not least, numerous Pantomimes. The Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police Forces have also participated in making them all a memorable day out for the all children, parents, carers and drivers alike.

Many local sponsors give their valuable support to this charity and the following are to name but a few:

Radio City Cash For Kids – L.F. C. & E.F.C. Football Clubs – Barclays Premier League-TaxiFix - Richard Gawith - H.E Manning - Royal Sun Alliance - Costco Liverpool - Royal Liver Assurance - Parfeitts Aintree - Irish Ferries - The Lottery Foundation - ChoiceQuote Insurance - The Following Golf Society’s & Clubs - The Taxi Drivers Club - L.T.D.A. - L.F.C. Stewards - Royal Hotel Formby - Half Way House - Sand Pipers - Old Omnibus - 208 Field Hospital - Knowsley Cabs – Hoylake – Childwall -West Derby - Lee Park - Mold – Hurlston Hall - Eastham Lodge - Aldersey Green - Mike Mawdsley Golf Pro - Radio Merseyside - Irving Solicitors - Top Gear Transmissions Ltd - McBride Taxi Repairs - Paul Clarke Butchers - C.S.Printing - All Black Cabs Peter Coyne Funeral Services -John Lewis Partnership - Focus Fire & Security - Spares Centre - Swinton Insurance - Peter Stanley – Westminster Tradex Insurance - Neil Richards - Vision Outdoor – abScreenprint – Herbert Of Liverpool - Dures Partnership - Charlie Gillin & Son - Tawd Street Garage - Cab Direct Barclay Card - Stephen Cain Funeral Service – TaxiTalk - M&S Liverpool Risley D T P Unit – Mr& Mrs Woodall - All Lord Mayors Past and Present.

As well as the above mentioned, our gratitude is sent to Mersey Cabs control room staff, drivers and all drivers wives and girlfriends for their exhaustive efforts in raising the necessary funds for forth coming trips and events.

However, we still need your help in ensuring the trips remain continuous and if you can give your hard earned cash to help a child in care, we can assure you that the money will be well spent.

The smiles of delight on the children’s faces expressing their gratitude is something to behold.

Bernie Buxton

Treasurer