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Knowing that several Dial-a-Cab drivers would be in the Lord Mayor's Show
on November 11 with the Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, Call Sign asked
Jim Rainbird (T25) to file a report on the morning's events...
"You're having a laugh ... 8.00am.... on a Saturday morning? That's
the middle of the night as far as I'm concerned.... don't worry, I'll be
there." That was roughly the reply I received from nocturnal Leon
Benjamin when I asked him to take part in this year's Lord Mayor's Show.
Last year, The Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers entered a huge
articulated float, accompanied by walkers dressed as cabbies through the
ages. This year was much simpler. Six taxis liveried as though they were
taking part in the Children's Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris.
Tight security called for an early start with each cab to have
two drivers. The four Dial-a-Cab drivers involved were Roger Rowe (M05),
Richard Old (F39), the previously mentioned night owl Leon Benjamin
(N50) and me, Jim Rainbird (T25). The rest of the not-so-dirty
dozen were Phil Davis, the Chairman of the Magical Taxi Tour committee, Jack
Moss, Patricia Stanley, John Sheen, Gary Mitchell, Steve Barker and from
Mann and Overton, Mike Saunders and Danny Spencer.
Two LTI TX1 Silver SE, two Asquith vintage style taxis and two
Metrocabs formed our mini convoy festooned with the Company's colours of
yellow and green. Blowing up a huge dome of helium-filled balloons onto the
roof of each cab, tying ribbons and rosettes everywhere and then applying
the liveries, kept everyone busy for three hours prior to the festivities
commencing.
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Call Sign at the Lord Mayors Show
the Wren Parade Marshal togather with
Leon Benjamin (N50) in his cab and Gary Mitchell on his left
Happy Kids from St Barts surrounded by
balloons in the back of an Asquith
"Race you to the
Mayor!" Richard Old (F39) on left with Leon Benjamin (N50) on
right
In the back of the taxis were children from St.
Bartholomew's Hospital, waving glove puppets out of the windows to the
delight of the thousands who had turned out on a cold but beautifully sunny
day as we drove around the City of London's streets.
As we passed Christopher Wren's masterpiece of St. Paul's
Cathedral, a voice rang out: "...JIM!" Was it the legendary
architect calling from the other side asking me to take another look at his
crowning glory? No, it was Bill Chatterway (A43) calling from the
nearside, who looked freezing cold, but happy as he enjoyed the passing
parade.
Lots of kids, 12 drivers, six cabs, hundreds of balloons and
to top it off - England 1 Sweden 1...! All in all, a wonderful day...
Jim Rainbird (T25)
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