Dancing Dennis
Departs to Dorset
Dennis about to dance off into the sunset
Dial-a-Cab ballroom dancing teacher and call taker for almost 15 years,
Dennis McCracken is finally hanging up his headset and heading out to the
sunny southwest of Dorset and semi-retirement. You will have seen Dennis's
ad in most Call Sign's asking for volunteers to join his dancing classes
held close to New Scotland Yard - not because of any possible uprising by
the dancers, it should be stressed!
Dennis - an ISTD Licentiate - intends continuing the dancing lessons in
Dorset and has already been offered a job in connection with his talent. He
was also in the food trade for many years and may take a part-time position
within that business.
Speaking to Call Sign on the changes he has seen at Brunswick House during
those 15 years, he spoke of the early days and catching dockets that were
rushing around a conveyer belt and of the finger calluses that were
considered to be a part of the job!
"It's a pleasure now compared to those days," said
Dennis.
There was also one particular moment in his time at DaC that
Dennis treasures and says that he will never forget. Around 8 years ago, his
father died in Belfast and Dennis was struggling to find the fare money to
catch a plane over to Ireland so that he could attend his father's funeral.
"The staff in the DaC Call Centre heard about my
predicament, had a whip-round, and raised enough for me to buy a ticket. It
is a gesture that I shall never forget," said Dennis with genuine
emotion.
Call Sign wishes Dennis, his King Charles Cavalier dog
and African Grey Parrot - which actually says 'Dial-a-Cab is the best' - the
best of luck in their new life.
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LETTER FROM THE CITY OF LONDON POLICE: TAXI TOUTING
The following letter was received at DaC as part of a general mailshot
from the City of London police to all companies in the City area who are on
their database for ongoing information...
"During the evening of Friday 6th July 2001, officers from the City of
London Police, supported by the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan
Police Service and the Benefits Agency carried out an operation to identify and
arrest offenders involved in taxi touting.
A total of 37 offenders were arrested of which:
- 35 were charged with taxi touting and having no insurance.
- 1 offender was charged with touting offences, actual bodily harm, assault
with intent to resist arrest, escaping from lawful custody and obstructing a
constable.
- 1 offender has been bailed pending further enquiries.
- 7 offenders were additionally reported for fraudulent social benefit
claims.
More prosecutions are expected.
The operation was a huge success and gives a valuable indication as to the
large number of unlicensed taxis operating in the City of London.
All parts of the City of London community are reminded that many
of the unlicensed cabs operating on the streets of London are uninsured,
unroadworthy and driven by unqualified and untrained drivers. Special care
should be given to personal safety when travelling alone in unlicensed taxis.
Licensed Taxi Cabs offer the safest and most reliable
service."
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