Call Sign February 2004 - Page 26 -NEW GRANDDAUGHTER FOR ALLEN TOGWELL,A DIAL-A-CAB, A CARD AND A BALLOON!

NEW GRANDDAUGHTER FOR ALLEN TOGWELL

Christmas came early for the Togwell family when December 19 saw a new granddaughter, Harriet, born to Allen’s son Jason and his partner Susan.
   Obviously delighted and waxing lyrically about the new addition, Allen told Call Sign about his good news…
   "At a time when there is so much sorrow and despair in the world, there is nothing that can raise the spirits and bring such joy to a family than the birth of a child. My partner Sue and I are absolutely over the moon at the birth of our new Granddaughter Harriet. What a wonderful Christmas gift, especially for Jason and Susan."
   Weighing in at a healthy 7lb 14ozs, Harriet makes Allen and Sue’s fourth grandchild. Our best wishes go to the family…

A DIAL-A-CAB, A CARD AND A BALLOON!

So there I was, third on the rank when two young gents walked straight past the first two cabs and approached my nearside window. Concerned that the other drivers would feel aggrieved; I motioned the prospective fares towards the first cab.
   "I’ve got a DaC Chargecard," said Sam Kelly cheerfully. The card read ‘Time Warner Music’. "Then welcome," I greeted him equally cheerfully, "are we off to anywhere interesting or exciting?"
    "We’re going to collect a balloon from a party shop, but we’re not sure of the address," said Sam, "and we’re not sure of the size either, but we hope it’ll fit in the cab," chipped in his travelling companion.
   "I think there is such a place at West Hampstead," I said while at the same time swiping the card.
   "Ok," returned Sam’s voice from the back, "let’s try there. I’ll phone to make sure, because this is a special balloon ordered from Head Office for the promotion of one of our bands. Did I mention that it was filled with helium…?"
   Suddenly, visions of a Zeppelin size dirigible secured to the roof of my taxi sprang to mind…
   We pulled up outside Oscar’s Den and two minutes later Sam and his assistant were struggling to get the silver airship into the cab. Being helium filled, it had a mind of its own and showed no inclination to enter. It drifted aimlessly at the end of its tether, responding to every waft of breeze while resisting the young men’s efforts to tame it!
   Eventually, human endeavour prevailed and the errant blimp succumbed. With my two passengers squeezed uncomfortably into a corner of the rear seat, the kite bounced around in the carriage like a demented football! It took up most of the rear space, making it impossible for me to see out of the rear window…
   Arriving at their Baker Street Head Office, the human/airship struggle continued as they fought to gain control of the balloon. There was barely time to take the picture as they rushed towards the office door, shouting their thanks to me as they went.
   "All part of the service when you ride Dial a Cab," I shouted back, wondering if I’d have got such a fun job without those DaC Logo’s on the doors…