| Jack Russell Jack Russell was Chairman of ODRTS from 1964 to 1969. As he heads into his 91st year, Jack gives Call Sign an insight into memories of his chairmanship… I’ve just read Call Sign’s report of the recent Dial-a-Cab AGM and it takes me back forty years or so. Nothing changes! The Chairman gets a lot of stick - more often for something that is nothing whatsoever to do with him - and in spite of the fact that he and his Board have done a wonderful job over the past 12 months, there are still some out there who simply cannot find it possible to say: “Well done Mr Chairman, I think you have done a good job.” DaC is the most democratic organisation in the trade, it always has been and no doubt always will be and the Chairman and Board do not get enough congratulations for what they have done. In my opinion – and remember I am a past Chairman – I believe that Brian is probably the best Chairman this Society has had. He is its longest serving Chairman and I think you should all make sure that he stays around for some time to come! I was not a founder-member of the Society, but arrived soon after, so I know a little of what has gone on over the past 51 years… Going Back in Time… Prior to my becoming the Society’s fourth Chairman in 1964, a number of us were of the opinion that running the Society as it was until then, would soon become unsustainable. The monthly subscriptions would have eventually have had to be increased by a substantial amount and eventually we would have been paying more in subs than we would be getting from working off the radio. Something would have to be done about it… Allen’s cafe in Pentonville Road, opposite our first office at number 72, was at the time a meeting place for a number of small groups – including us – who used to meet and discuss whatever it was we had to talk about. We discussed firstly how we could keep the ship afloat and secondly what we could do to improve it. We knew an EGM was imminent and once we knew the date, would call a meeting to discuss what actions we could take. That day came sooner than we expected, but we were ready for it and a plan of action was agreed. The 1962 EGM was called to discuss the possible purchase of our radio equipment, something we did not agree with as it was our then-current equipment – dating back to 1953 -that was for sale and if we were to buy anything at |
MEMORIES... |
|
all, it would have to be something new. At the EGM,
the Board’s proposition was thrown out. In
our opinion, it was a bad deal anyway. I would
point out that at this time I was Chairman of
the London Taxi branch of the British Legion, of
|
could
do. Both efforts had some reward. There was quite a lot of opposition to a number of these, chiefly the buying of the property. But when you see Brunswick House now, you can see how right we were. As for account work, where would the Society be without it! The equipment? Look at DaC now! The advertising speaks for itself with the amount of work you have coming into DaC every day. Sitting here writing about it makes it sound so easy, but believe me it was bl**dy hard work! Board members in those early days received half a crown (12p) per hour for the time they spent on Society business. The Board meetings did not start until 8pm and sometimes went on until after midnight. Every Chairman of the Society has at some time or another, incurred the wrath of some member of the Society. That is good for a democratic Society like ours, but at times it goes a little too far. I still have a great feeling for the Society and await the delivery of my Call Sign every month and it was the AGM issue that prompted me to put a few thoughts onto paper. It was my intention to mention just the names of a few friends who are still around ie Martin Freeborn (C67) and his brother Ken (W06), both of whom I have many happy memories of and both of whom have worked with me on charities, together with Stanley Roth (Y53) and a number of others. When you think that I am now in my nineties, they must have been young bloods when I first knew them! One name that really stands out for me is Sid Nathan (K88). That name rings many happy memories. I shared many hearty words with Sid and no doubt I was not the only Chairman to have experienced Sid’s wrath! However, I must say that whatever subject was under discussion, Sid was never, ever offensive. But whatever it was, it was bound to be relevant. A number of members could learn a thing or two from Sid. Keep up the good work, Sid and it’s nice to know you are still around! There are many things I could write about regarding my 50 years of driving a London taxi – not ‘black cab, Alan – but I think the above will have to do for now. In closing, can I wish you all many more happy times on DaC and can I ask that you give the Board the credit they deserve for all the hard work put in on your behalf. Jack Russell |
|
 |
Powered by NetXPosure |
| Copyright © 1997-2005 Dial-A-Cab Ltd, All rights reserved. |