You can also email your letters to: callsignmag@aol.com

Them and Us?
Several months ago I wrote a letter to Call Sign regarding the 'them' and 'us' attitude of the BoM / clients / drivers. The jist of the letter was that drivers should be more involved. This was well received from all quarters. I have heard no more on the matter and as there have been a few opportunities to bring us into the fold ie have a 'jolly', I can only assume this to be an oversight which will now be rectified. I hope that this is the case.
Jon Trevor (W94)
Brian Rice replies: I can only assume your letter is written 'tongue in cheek' Jon. You write that your last letter was 'very well received.' Might I ask by whom? You then go on to say that there have been 'a few opportunities to bring us into the fold, ie have a jolly.' May I ask when have they been? I can only think of two occasions; they were the presentation of the Sunshine Coach to underprivileged children and our fiftieth anniversary dinner and our members were present at both. Perhaps you are suggesting that the whole membership is invited to every function en masse? However Jon, if you really want a good time, you can always accompany me on a client visit when they want to reduce our charges or to discuss a tender or indeed berate us regarding a service issue. You know what they say Jon: 'The grass is always greener'...

Health Scheme
I have just resigned from the DaC health scheme having discovered that my two major health problems (heart and back) are not covered as I have claimed for them in previous policy years. I suggest that other drivers look very carefully at their cover and don't expect to claim a second time on a health condition that may cause a problem. Phil Klimek told me that this was explained in a Call Sign article around eighteen months ago, which you may feel could do with repeating.
Geoff Fenton (E01)
John White of United Life & Health replies: The health scheme contains a pre-existing conditions exclusion clause. This operates in a way that all medical conditions existing prior to certain dates are not covered. These certain dates are either 1st May 1998 or when the driver first joined the health scheme whichever is the latter of the two dates. There is a further restriction upon the policy whereby sickness monthly benefits are not covered if a benefit has already been paid due to an accident.
 We are concerned that all the drivers in the health scheme are aware that these measures are taken to help keep their monthly premiums down, but we are currently looking at revising the scheme's policy terms and conditions to see if we can enhance the cover provided and at what premium cost. This would then be presented to the Dial-a-Cab board for their approval.

Limehouse
I have just logged onto your website and had just the biggest thrill seeing my name in your Mailshot page. I've been studying the transport systems of London (and Munich) for several months and it doesn't take a lot of brainpower to work out that your cab system is probably the best in the world. I just want to say again how useful the Call Sign website has been to my project. One last thing, there was a mention of Limehouse Link and I wonder if you can tell me what Limehouse is?
Aaron Smeltzing
UCLA, California
Thanks for your letter of this issue, last issue and your Internet 'thank you' card Aaron and whilst I'm delighted that our website is of use to you, Call Sign is aimed at its 2000+ drivers and in the nicest possible way, I have to tell you that I'd rather you didn't write to me every issue. Please do not be offended, we specialise in being nasty here!     Limehouse is a part of London that has a tunnel link between the old east end and the new docklands "city". Incidentally Aaron, perhaps you can help me in which case I'll allow you another letter! The churchyard of St Anne in Limehouse is said to contain a mysterious pyramid or tomb of which no one seems to know anything about. Perhaps your reference library at UCLA knows what it is? ...Ed

No More Mr Nice Guy!
I was shocked to see a photo and article by Mike Galvin in the last edition of Call Sign. I gave Mike his due and read what he had to say. What made me chuckle was when he said that both circuits had "matured together". Well I have been on DaC for nearly a year and there is a huge gap in the levels of maturity. I won't go through all the differences, but I have never heard Mike Galvin answer questions like Brian Rice does in Call Sign. I found Mike Galvin and the Board unapproachable, unaccountable and extremely vague. I for one feel a little bitter at the way I was treated by Computer Cab. The present day Computer Cab would not be as it is without the investment of the drivers who got back £950 over 10 years, after investing £1250 - some interest rate! Not once was any reference made to our contribution.
 If Mike Galvin would like to show me how much he has matured, then it would not go amiss for him to send a letter to me and other ex Computer Cab drivers apologising for the way we were treated by the Computer Cab management and recognising our contribution with thanks.
 I fully respect the openness with which Dial-a-Cab works and would want it no other way. Richard Potter (T51)
Brian Rice replies: I'm sorry that you feel as you do about ComCab. I certainly could not and would not comment on how Mike runs ComCab, but there are two sides to every story. However, Richard, I thought it was a very nice gesture from Mike to take the time and trouble to write an article for Call Sign and also take out advertising in the trade press congratulating us on our fiftieth anniversary.

Thanks for Mr PC and a Suggestion...
Just a line to say thank you for putting Mike Dickson's add in Call Sign. He came over to London, N20 this week and truly sorted out the problems I had with my computer. I, like you, highly recommend him and in addition he is a really nice guy.  While I'm on Mailshot, a suggestion. When we give printed receipts from our terminals to passengers, why not give a card with it (same size) to promote DaC and our credit card Service? I expect most of our drivers do this already, so just say shut up Martin!
Martin Freeborn (C67)
Shut up, Martin ...Ed

Logos on Ex-Cabs
I usually spend the afternoons in the west of London and on a couple of occasions in the past week or so, I have spotted an old cab, reg G78 VYE, which is unplated, floating around. Now it may be all above board and the driver may be just ferrying friends and family around, but what shocks me is that this cab has DaC logos on his front doors and if he is illegally touting, the logos could quite easily fool punters into thinking that he is a licensed taxi. Firstly, I would be interested in knowing if DaC are aware of this cab and secondly, I would have thought that whenever a subscriber has their DaC equipment stripped out of the cab for whatever reason, before the cab is allowed to leave Roman Way the door logos and front windscreen CCC sign should be removed by DaC personnel as a matter of course. Under no circumstances should it be left to the driver to remove them.
 I would be interested in your views and comments...
David Ellis (J11)

Not This Elder Statesman...
I have just read the Editorial in the August Call Sign and felt that anyone reading your comments referring to DISCUSS and ex-Board members - in particular, an "elder statesman" - might think that it was to me that you were alluding to. Whilst not in the least criticising the right of people to voice their own opinions, I personally have always felt that having served with various colleagues over very many years and subscribed to collective responsibility, it would be wrong then, having left the Board of Management, to go into print or whatever and then become politically active. That is why I have studiously steered away from writing controversial items. I, as a former Chairman, experienced those very sort of problems that can arise from situations that could have been avoided.
 On a lighter note, I would like to express my thanks to all my ex-colleagues and staff of Dial-a-Cab for the most wonderful welcome they afforded me at the recent 50th anniversary Dinner and Ball. I must say it left me overwhelmed and to see all those old friends and officials of the trade brought back many good memories. My good wishes go to all at DaC and not forgetting, of course, the lifeblood of the Society - its drivers!
Aubrey Siteman (ex-C07) Barkingside, Essex
Thanks for the letter Aubrey and no, it most certainly wasn't you I was referring to. I actually said that this person considered himself to be the elder statesman of the Internet list - not DaC. For new members benefit, Aubrey Siteman was DaC Chairman between 1992 and 1996 ...Ed

Call Sign Prize Winner
Thank you for the prizes I received. I think Waxfantastic is one of the best products I have
used, it brings the taxi back to a showroom look. In addition, Phil Warren's book is a good insight into the Knowledge and is a must for those who would like to know more about this trade.
Stanley Roth (Y53)

Taking Exception to the Editor!
I have to take exception to a statement you made in your August Editorial. You say in the third paragraph "in the real world that infers...". You should have used "implies" instead of "infers." A statement only implies one thing or another. A person infers from that statement a conclusion. I know how you English are sticklers for the proper use of the language...
Tom Carter
Morgantown, Indiana, USA
So if I imply that you're driving me nuts, will Call Sign readers infer from that you are nuts? Or will any come to the conclusion that you are not really nuts - just a bit daft from too much sun! ...Ed

Proud of England...
I was recently reading my son-in-law's copy of Call Sign and was very interested in reading Tom Whitbread's article entitled National Pride. I felt I would like to write to congratulate him on his sentiments. I wholeheartedly agree with him, I just wish there were more English people who showed a pride in our country and heritage. I for one always wear a rose on St George's Day and I don't care who it upsets! Perhaps someone should apply for a grant to the National Lottery or, as Tom suggests, Ken Livingstone, for a St George's Day Parade to enable we English people to show how proud we are of our patron saint!
Christina Springham
Bromley, Kent
Thanks for the letter, Christina; you do realise that you are ruining Tom Whitbread's carefully built-up reputation by agreeing with him! ...Ed

Alan Boca, Lou Dunn and Jack Everrit
Could I say a few words regarding the recent death of Alan Boca. I, along with a number of friends, also used to use his cafe opposite the old office in Pentonville Road. Many things were discussed there which had a bearing on the future of the trade. Remember that at this time most of the drivers were ex-servicemen and the largest organised group consisted of members of the London Taxidrivers branch of the British Legion, of which our late founder chairman Bonnie Martyn was also chairman. Many things pertaining to the trade were discussed at our office meetings and of course, later continued in Alan's cafe. We had a very good relationship with all facets of the trade, including the PCO, so we could get to the people that mattered when things of a serious nature had to be dealt with.  Alan's cafe was the most important place for these things to be dealt with and to his brother John, I offer my condolences. Remember, time is a great healer...
 Since I spoke to you last Alan, I have had news of two other deaths and I'd like to say a few words about them. The first was a man who was a driver for many years. When at the recent 50th anniversary dinner and ball I walked into the reception area, he was one of the first people I said hello to. I refer to Gerry Dunn's father, Lou, who I understand was 92. What a sprightly fellow he still was. To you Gerry, I offer my condolences. I must say that insome ways he died a happy man, knowing that he had left behind a son that any father would be proud of.
 The third person I'd like to mention was not a driver, but someone who had a great influence on events within the trade. I refer to John (Jack) Everrit, the man who for many years was in charge of the PCO passing station. When the committee of the Taxi Driver of The Year Charity was formed, I received a phone call from him asking if he could join the committee. How could I refuse him! The main objective of that committee was to develop better relations between the drivers and the PCO and John also had those same aims. I'm sure that objective has been achieved. The first thing he did was to get all his officers involved , thus making it possible for those officers to meet many drivers on a friendly basis. It is a great pity to see the work that he and various other committees did, has failed to keep its momentum going. I was in Bournemouth in February with John, his wife Lilly and a few other members of the trade. There was no sign then that soon he would no longer be with us.
 I do hope that this is not too long a letter to print Alan, but at my age I am hearing all the time that someone I have known for many years is no longer with us.
Jack Russell
Harrow, Middx
Nice to hear from you Jack and as someone ho recently survived a quadruple heart by-pass at the age of 89, I'm sure that you won't be joining the list for a long time to come! For readers benefit, Jack Russell was Chairman of ODRTS from 1975 till 1969 ...Ed

A Question of AOB...
I was attending the AGM of my local club recently and during the course of the meeting, it was pointed out that Any Other Business (AOB) had been omitted from the agenda for the first time in our club's 90-year history. The club Chairman answered the query by saying that under the rules of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, it was against the law and illegal for us to have AOB on the agenda. The members accepted his explanation and that was that.
 I later got to thinking that Dial-a-Cab are registered under the

Anne Green
May I through Mailshot, extend a grateful, if belated 'thank you' to all the well wishers who greeted me after my Ma's recent passing. Several DaC friends attended the funeral at very short notice (as is the way of these things) and my relatives noted this camaraderie. My Mom is now re-united with her husband of 60 years. With renewed thanks to all for your support.
Alan Green (E52)

All Things Red and Beautiful and The Lord Mayor Made Them All... Certainly it seems that Mayor Ken needed a congestion charge to make space for the hundreds of new buses and routes advertised and implemented for our capital's narrow Victorian streets. This is all done in the name of making things better! If Amsterdam's claim to fame is its canals and bicycles, London's will be the proliferation of the red bus. Even minor side roads - hitherto forbidden areas for red buses - are now accommodating new and old route masters. London has now become the red bus Mecca. The Queen might even be worried that they will soon be gate crashing the Buckingham Palace garden parties. Sipping cocktails will never be the same again at the Sloane Hotel, Draycott Place, its peaceful tranquillity shattered in this leafy backwater as yet another number 360 shudders to a halt at the stop outside its door en route to the Elephant! One resident told me she is writing to her local MP, as having a bus route is not what this road is about. London buses now often arrive in triplicate - 2 empty, 1 full - putting paid to the timetable for that day. Don't take my word for it, ask the passengers on route 93.
 Has the mayor considered therapy to conquer this deep-seated obsession? London buses now advertise everything from Moet & Chandon Champagne to a stop smoking poster. Ironic, is it not, when plastered on the back of an old route master that has been a heavy smoker for over 40 years! With all of this and the ad infinitum issuing of taxi licenses, a London taxi driver's livelihood is now seriously in peril, coupled with the biggest price hike in history given to that licence. This of course is all done in the name of making things better!
David Heath (W27)
From the day Mayor Livingstone was elected, this magazine has warned that his philosophy on life involves buses, buses, buses and buses. That is against his previous philosophy when leader of the GLC of just buses, buses and buses. If ever there was a bus-man in power, Ken is he. I don't believe that he is anti-cab, just that when it comes to priorities, we are lying a long way back in eighth position behind, buses, trains, bikes, dustcarts, more buses, more trains and even more buses. Cars are currently behind us but catching up on the rails ...Ed

Training With Donna... I'm always interested in reading about Donna Merry in Call Sign and bad luck on her not making the England team. What about an article on her training regime?
Jon Trevor (W94)
I asked Donna on your behalf and she thanks you for your interest. The amount of training she does as a top skeet shooter is not quite up to the stamina-sapping regime of you Triathletes, however, Donna spends her weekends practicing by shooting at least 100 targets on Saturday and the same on Sunday. She also spends time in the gym and does cardio combat. In between that she does swimming and aerobics - and no, to save you asking, I don't have any photos of her running up a sweat! In all seriousness Jon, your triathlete training program would also be of interest - even if a photo of you sweating might not! How about it? ...Ed

Private Hire Licenses for Taxi Drivers?
I recently wrote a letter to the PCO regarding their Conditions of Fitness. Included in the letter, I said that I considered their offer of a private hire licence to Licensed Taxi drivers an insult and asked, why, when it takes so much hard work to become a Licensed cab driver, would we want a Private Hire licence and is this a start to the demise of this industry? Part of the reply from Mr Ed Thompson, TfL's Taxi and Private Hire Director came as follows:
 "You thought it an insult for Licensed Taxi drivers to be offered a Private Hire licence. The point is that licensed taxi drivers already qualify for the PH licence (whereas the vast majority of PH drivers do not qualify for a taxi driver's licence because of the Knowledge). I'm told that some drivers might welcome the chance of more flexible working, especially perhaps in some suburban sectors where work is slack. I could envisage that some of the up-market Private Hire companies could make a strong selling point of offering customers Licensed Taxi drivers in posh saloon cars."
 This statement does not build any confidence and does it mean that my £30,000 TX1 is not "posh." I would love to know whose side the Carriage Office is playing for and should I consider applying for a job with Addison Lee (joke)...! Steve Hodges (A36)
There have been licensed taxi drivers driving PH vehicles (usually from top-of-the-range Mercs upwards) long before Mountview made it official and claimed Worship Street as their drivers "resting" - or should that be "roasting" - area in between jobs. I've also heard of taxi drivers who have applied for licenses to drive buses and coaches! My belief has never changed. It may not be popular to say it, but we are the best taxi drivers in the world with the best and most recognisable vehicle in the world. It is also the most expensive cab, but we must not allow that to water down our deserved title as "the best." Those few who are using Mountview's car service aren't using them because there is a licensed taxi driver driving, it's because they want to travel in a car. That is their choice, but there are still millions who believe that our taxi service is far and away the best and if our service matches their expectations, then we will stay the best. As for the PCO, well, as Ed Thompson's title tells you, we are no longer their priority. That is not their choice, but they have to go along with it. What we need is a place on Transport for London and having spoken to several people about it, there is great opposition to the idea ...Ed

September 2003 Call Sign Home Page

Powered by NetXPosure