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Red taxi rides again and again.

Sunday, November 14th 2004 - 20:00 UTC
Full article

Also making an appearance at the Stanley Remembrance Sunday parade was the red London taxi, which was formerly the official transport for a number of Falkland Islands governors and now belongs to the Stanley Museum and National Trust.

Perhaps because it is still the most convenient vehicle for anyone wearing a tall hat or helmet, or perhaps simply because of its happy associations with his recent wedding, where it was again called into service, the Governor again borrowed the taxi to take him and Mrs. Pearce to the parade.

This vehicle, which was much missed by the people of Stanley when it was pensioned off in the early eighties, played a significant part in Falklands history, being Sir Rex Hunt's chosen transport to Stanley Airport, when he was expelled by the Argentines in 1982.

It also provided Mrs. Thatcher with a triumphal chariot on her first surprise visit to the Islands, not long after British rule had been restored and has carried many other famous people through the years.

After some years of neglect, this unlikely symbol of the Britishness of the Falklands has now been completely restored for the Museum, who will use it on cruise ship visiting days to provide a shuttle service for lucky tourists between the Visitor Centre and the Museum.

John Fowler (MP) Stanley

Categories: Falkland Islands.

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