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Family tradition is strong in our City. The Pageantmaster, Dominic Reed,
succeeded his father nine years ago and was responsible for the Show which
this year consisted of 6000 people, 2000 horses, many marching bands and
floats accompanied by members of the various participating organisations.
They marched the 1.7 miles lead by the City of London Police and followed by
Christ's Hospital School Band.
Float number 34 was of course, The Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers. Can
you believe that 20 plus cabbies walked! I blame Jim Rainbird (T25), so does
John 'Marathon Man' Dixon, (B67) and Rob Budden (T87). We let Jim help
organise it and ended up with blistered feet!
However, our float was a major success consisting of a car transporter with
a 1934 Austin Taxi, driven by the original driver (Ronnie Mitchell) and a
TX1. Also there, were members of the London Ambulance Service and the Pearly
King and Queen of Southwark. The Pearly King of Smithfield and Roger Rabbit
joined the walkers.
Cab drivers dressed to represent the trade through the ages: There were
examples of Regency, Edwardian, Victorian, 1940's and modern day periods.
They stood bareheaded (or in the case of Roger Rabbit - headless) respecting
another tradition, with not a string vest or flip flop in sight; Alan
Togwell would have been pleased!
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Al Capone was looking for these suits.
Driver of the 1934 Austin Taxi, Ronnie Mitchell and
son. Apparently they don't always dress like that.
Jim Rainbird (T25) and the float driver, Roger Brooks.
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Jim Rainbird (T25) asks if we like his 'flares'.
But where's the kipper tie, Jim?
DaC marathon man, John Dixon (B67) doing his Benny Hill
impression.
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