Yet another brilliant vid Andrew. Bought memories flooding back as I was fortunate to be chosen as one of the British Police escorts on the taxi trip about 15 to 20 years ago. It's a brilliant thing that the cabbies do. Seeing the disadvantaged or poorly kids enjoying themselves meeting the Disney characters is so humbling, and a memory to last a lifetime. Thanks again.
What started off as a ferry review ended up as a real heartstring-tugger! Most of the kids in those taxis won't see Christmas. To witness such kindness on such a huge scale really helps restore your faith in humanity.
No way would support this company financially by travelling on their ships while other options were available. Disgraceful treatment of their employees.
Yes. I had a nightmare crossing as a foot passenger in February and one of the worst parts was being escorted on and off the ferry by crew members who were unable to communicate in either English or French. I will not be using P and O again.
Andrew, are you still doing puff pieces for P&O? Despite the fact that they sacked all their UK staff without notice and admitted they broke the law simply so they could increase their profits? You are happy to point out that they are cheaper than their competitors, but fail to mention the fact that this is down to the fact that they underpay their crew at the expense of UK workers. How wonderful that the chef was from Kerala.
Absolutely amazing video!! Definitely a tearjerker seeing all the london taxi's returning from the children's magical trip. Not enough is publicised with all of the drivers that give up their time to give these terminally ill children their last trup and happiness. It is most of tge same drivers that give up their time to take the veterans to a lot of the memorial services both hete in the Uk and France. Will you be doing an update now that Irish Ferries operate Docer to Calais ferry services. Hope all is well, take care
I didn't expect it, but I was touched the gesture of the cabby drivers. Thank you for also reminding my of the time I could make a wish from a child even better by allowing him in the driving cabin of the train and use the horn.. The 'Make a wish' foundation here in Belgium made his wish of being a train conductor come true and letting him also have the feeling to be the driver for a short moment was great to be part of..
What a great trip out for you, lovely to see you doing this again. I read your Streamlining post about the Magic Taxi tour last night - absolute tear jerker, and watching your vid has set me off again. You are right about the news - stories like this should lead broadcasts every day, not the fear and doom-laden stuff we are subjected to.
What a wonderful thing that is to witness. It does make you wonder why mainstream news doesn't cover it? Oh I know why, because they prefer a good old bad news story. It looks like P & O has upped their game; however, it may be too late for some (us). We used Irish Ferries last time we went, and they were great...
The way the P&O captain blasted the ships fog horn to make the children in the cabs really happy, thst captain needs an Oscar award for that, including the lorry drivers because some lorries have crazy horn rhythms, and the generosity of the cab drivers giving up their time to sail the English Channel to drive to Paris. This is really emotional and so kind. 😢
Andrew , you put the tie/ ratchet strap on the wrong way round, you put the ratchet to the side stand side of the bike and that pulls the bike down to the stand, the way you done it pulls the bike away and if it's rough bike can go over. Regards Robert
Hello Andrew the taxi ride with the children is an annual thing, has been going on for years. I worked a couple days when they came onboard over the years. Looks a decent enough ship, saw my friend in the video who still works there. I cant ever go back on there after what was done to all the crew. The CEO also does himself no favors at all. That's a company that truely sold their soul.
Thank you for reminding me just how lucky and privileged I am. A wonderful experience for you 🤧💕 looking forward to seeing more of your biking adventures. 🏍 💨 did you film any of your visit to Belgium?
Oh that was really lovely!! What a fantastic gesture that is by the cabbies! I bet it was really emotional for you, I'd have been in bits!! Great video, your production of these vlogs just gets better and better! Numero uno!! Great to see you back in your leathers!! How we've missed that!! You're looking well too, I hope the migraines have gone for now! I had one the last couple of days and I took too many tablets yesterday! I was away with the fairies!! Anyway, if I manage to see you on Saturday, it may possibly be the last time for me at the NEC! (Have you just let out a big cheer?!!) It's too much for me now, the walking around doesn't do me any good at all, plus it takes me a couple of days to get over it! Last thing I would want is for any one of you to witness me collapsing in a heap!! My mum isn't too good either which is a worry! Really enjoyed this one! I wouldn't mind going on that ferry and paying the extra £24 for everything you get is a real bargain and well worth it!! See you the weekend, take care and look after yourself! Love and hugs xxx 😘😍🐶🐕🏍⛴
I went shopping today and at the checkout in front of us was a woman and a small child about 2-3 years old and his head was shaven and he had a tube coming out of his nose and taped to the side of his face! Your video was still fresh in my mind and when I saw him, I nearly burst into tears! A lovely, gorgeous baby barely been on this earth and probably not for too much longer! This world is wicked!! xxx
Small tip for the next time: make sure the ratchet is on the side of the side stand. Otherwise you will pull the bike in a more upright position when tightening the ratchet. Which could (with severe weather) flip the bike over to the other side.
Thanks! I noticed on the Spirit of France that they actually have instructions on the wall to that effect... still missing on the Pioneer & Liberte. Cheers.
Mainstream media couldn't possibly broadcast something positive. Good news can sell. Thanks for showing this, it was a joy to see and learn about. Great bike Andrew, hope to see more of your other two wheeled travels.
A heartwarming video, Andrew, and a bonus for you on the return journey. It reminded me of the East Coast Truckers convoy day out for disabled children. I have just looked it up and see they are still going after all these years. Best wishes. ilona
Another great video, good to see P&O upping their game and the piece about the terminally ill children and all those involved in giving them a great time was so moving, well done to all involved, thanks.
Ha ha! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do my GT-SR. A shame Mutt doesn't even acknowledge my existence, but then I'm used to that from car and caravan manufacturers... ;@)
Puts things into perspective.. somehow the dry carrot cake and lack of premium drinks seem pretty unimportant 😭 however, a very informative vlog delivered professionally as always ❤
I live within ten minutes of the channel tunnel, so always cross by that means. However, it might be nice to take the ferry for a change. Thanks for the review.
Hi Andrew. The Club lounge does seem to have improved. We love Ghent our favourite place in Belgium. Some great Bands come from there to. Oh yes that was so lovely. The Taxi's up here take kids through the Blackpool Lights. A lovely site to behold. Many Thanks P&J🙂👍
Great video! Glad that they have listened to feedback - im guessing that you did this incognito as possible eg not forwarn ing P&O press department that you were coming? I knew about the black cab trip to Disney those guys do a lot for charity. Its wonderful to know that there are such good people in the world.
Aw, what a lovely video. I got quite teary watching it and listening to your narration. I have travelled a few times with Brittany Ferries in the past year and was impressed with their Club Lounge - until I watched your video! Glad you had an enjoyable ride in Belgium.
wow amazing - hadn't heard of that - I sure need reminders there's good folks out there having landed in a 'strange' neighbourhood where the youths seem consumed by alcohol and callous behaviour and the adults turn a blind eye - I did see a group of motorbikes from another village driving slowly past my house one day and like an idiot started waving at them not seeing that behind there was a white car and a hearse with a small white coffin, lead motorcyle had a passenger piece that was empty...very moving even 6 months later...she was five, I appreciated getting to significantly older than that and every day I have left!!
50 isn't old Andrew, though yeah the shock of turning 50 takes a bit of getting used to but I put it down to the sort of marketing we are bombed with[[!] You are sooo active so your biological age is clearly quite young - I really appreciate having friends 20-30+ years older than me as a grounding. I was told I wouldn't make it when I was in my 30s but as the decades roll on and I see so many healthy young folks drop, I realise how lucky I was not to accept the 'medical wisdom' of the day. And I admire that you are actively taking care of your own health in such a positive way.@@andrewjditton
Top tip for strapping down bikes on ferries. Slip your jackets back protector out & put over the seat. Distributes the force from the strap across the seat. Always leave the bike in gear.
