Dial-a-Cab honoured by CHCD

On a warm and sunny early summer 23 April 2004 – very aptly St George’s Day and exactly 350 years since Oliver Cromwell through act of parliament set up the Master Hackney Carriages - the Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers held their Clothing Ceremony to clothe over one hundred Freemen of their Livery. The ceremony began with The Master, Wardens, Court of Assistance and Clerk led by the Beadle (John Sheen) in procession to the Nave of the Church of St Bartholomew the Great. The Master (John Rennie) then made the announcement regarding the Livery, after which the Clerk read out the Livery Oath that every Freeman had to take. Then the Freemen, in turn, approached the altar and were clothed by the Deputy Master.
   Amongst the recipients was Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian Rice, who is a very keen supporter of the Company and who was proudly watched by wife Brenda and daughter Carla. Brian was certainly in good company as also in line was the Finnish Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Pertti Salolaimen and Sir David Howard, the Company sponsoring Alderman and former Lord Mayor of London.
   Brian and his fellow Liverymen were clothed in dark green cloaks and presented with a Certificate of Livery. Following the ceremony, the Rector of St Bartholomew the Great held a thanksgiving service for the Livery after which the Beadle led the Master, Wardens, Court of Assistance, Liverymen and their guests in procession to the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers Hall for a buffet.
   After the event, Brian Rice told Call Sign: "It was a wonderful experience and also a great honour to be involved."

Brian Rice signs the book before witness Clerk Mary Whitworth and Master John Rennie.

DAC driver/marshal Jim Rainbird (T25) takes the Liveryman's Oath with the past Master Dave Allen.

The investiture is now well underway with Past Master Dave Allen, Alan Parker, Patricia Satnley, John Beesley, Beadle John Sheen and Master John Rennie waiting on the platform.

The procession begins leading the new Liveryman to the Ironmongers Hall for a liquid celebration.

DaC driver Triathlon champ Jon Trevor (W94) in the procession.

Together with proud wife Brenda (I) and daughter Carla, Brian Rice shows Call Sign his certificate.

DaC driver John Dixon (B67) at Ironmongers Hall with wife Louise and John Hill (r)