Family and friends are coming together next week to remember the life of one of Kidderminster's first female hackney carriage drivers. 

Vivien Bennett-Preece, who was born in Stourport in 1944 to Gilbert and Doris Bennett, died peacefully at home in Bewdley on January 5. 

A well-known taxi driver in the local area for more than 40 years, Vivien was one of the first women to get a hackney carriage licence in the 1970s when she started working for the family business, Bennett's Taxis, on Leswell Lane. 

Having enjoyed a successful career at Bennett's Taxis, she later joined Regency Taxis in the 1990s before retiring in 2011. 

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Her daughter, Carol Pountney, aged 61, from Knightwick, said: "The business was a real family affair and involved her mum Doris, her dad Gilbert and her brother Arty. She loved being part of the community and always having someone to chat with when she was driving. 

"Kidderminster was a thriving place back then and I always remember my mum saying how she'd pick someone up one week and see them again the next week. Each time she'd get to know that person a bit more so it was a really rewarding job and she was well thought of in the community." 

As well as enjoying a long career as a taxi driver, Vivien also enjoyed spending time with her family which included her three children, Carol, Chris and Michael, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. 

She was also happily married to Ron Preece for 17 years before he passed away in May last year. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: She was a much-loved family woman She was a much-loved family woman (Image: Carol Pountney)

Ms Pountney said: "We have always been very close as a family and even when I relocated to Knightwick, we still spoke a lot and always made time for one another. 

"I have very fond memories of my mum, she was a lot of fun and my brothers and I have had a few giggles over old photos recently and reminiscing about the times we spent together. 

"She adored her grandchildren and great-grandson and we are going to miss her greatly." 

Vivien also loved dogs, decorating the house at Christmas time and enjoyed holidays in Cornwall. 

Ms Pountney, who is a foster carer, said: "She loved her labradoodle Lucy who lived to 14 and then got a rescue Jug Alfie who died a couple of years ago. We used to joke that the dog got fatter with all the love and affection my mum gave to him.

"Then at Christmas time, it was like Santa's Grotto as she would always go over the top with all the decorations.

"She also loved spending time by the sea so we're going to honour her wishes and scatter her ashes there." 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at 3.30pm The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at 3.30pm (Image: Carol Pountney)

The funeral service is being held at Wyre Forest Crematorium on Tuesday, January 30 at 3.30pm. 

It is family flowers only and will be followed by a wake at The Waggon and Horses in Bewdley where Vivien and Ron had their wedding reception in 2006. 

Vivien requested that people do not wear black and instead come dressed in something bright and colourful. 

Ms Pountney added: "Everyone is welcome to come and remember my mum at the service on Tuesday. The more the merrier. 

"She was a wonderful mum who will be missed by everyone who knew her and we will treasure our times together."