On Wednesday 3rd July 2019 ten drivers from local taxi operator Corker Cars set off at 8am to pick up 55 elderly and disabled residents which included residents from local care homes such as Grace Muriel, Orchard House, Tara’s Retreat, Lyndon House, Strathmore Lodge and Parkside View to treat them to a day trip to the beach at Southend On Sea. With their carers on board they first made their way to the Holiday Inn Express located by M25 junction at London Colney for a full breakfast served by the staff at the hotel. After having breakfast, the residents along with staff from Corker Cars and local Councillor Mandy McNeil officially launched the trip with a short ribbon cutting ceremony in the car park. Shortly after with residents and wheelchairs all strapped back into the taxis, the drivers set off towards Southend on Sea.
Once arriving at Southend, drivers disembarked all the passengers who were then free to wonder along the beachfront with their carers. After a short while of enjoying the gloriously warm weather with a gentle cool sea breeze, all the residents and carers made their way to Pebbles Restaurant for lunch.
Located right on the beach front, the ever so friendly staff prepared a meal of freshly made fish and chips for the travellers and after which homemade cakes, generously donated by a local resident from St. Albans, were handed out by staff from Corker Cars to all the people sitting on the balcony and also to the helpful the staff at the restaurant.
While eating ice cream the residents spent some time either conversing with other residents and carers on the trip or just gazing at the view of the sea. Shortly after the residents were ready to head home and with everyone on board drivers made their way back to St. Albans, disembarking everyone at their homes.
Residents and carers all said they had an extremely good time. Siouxsie Liddle from Grace Muriel said “the team at Corker were amazing and we felt very well looked after as the day was planned out for us. It was such a lovely sunny day and seeing the community come together to give the elderly residents a day at the seaside, brought back many memories for all. Edgar remembered cycling down from St. Albans with his brother and hearing that war had been declared on the wireless, he remembers that was their last seaside family holiday. So to go down on this outing meant so much to him. It was the perfect day, and we didn’t want to leave. I want to say thank you to all those who made it possible and a special thanks to our driver, we hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did.”

The idea of offering a free meal at the beach was only possible through partnering with local solicitors Debenhams Ottaway (main sponsor), local restaurant Chez Mumtaj and with generous donations from local residents that offering the free meal including an ice cream suddenly become a real. Susan Glenholme, Managing Partner of Debenhams Ottaway Solicitors commented “We are thrilled to be the main sponsors for this year’s Annual Day Trip to Southend for the elderly and disabled, very kindly organised by Corker Cars. As a local firm, we strongly believe in supporting our local community – this is a great initiative and one that we are very proud to be able to support!”

This was Corker Cars first day trip for the elderly, disabled and carers and although there were a few hick ups along the way, overall the programme was a success leaving everyone involved with great memories. Corker Cars are already looking into next year’s trip and hope to continue it in the future as well. Max, Andy, Nav (directors) and all the staff at Corker Cars would like to thank all those who took part and especially to the sponsors who made the trip extra special.