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CALL SIGN AT THE TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR BALL |
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| Saturday 3 December
saw the annual Taxi Driver of the Year dinner and dance at the
Britannia Hotel on Marsh Wall in London’s Docklands. Most of
those present enjoyed the evening with the excellent meal and
the dance floor rarely less than full. There was a feeling of
enjoyment surrounding the affair and even as the band played
their last song, many were still there to congratulate
Russell Poluck (T55) and his committee for putting on such a
marvellous evening. The only serious note came during Russell’s speech when he explained why the last Taxi Driver of the Year competition had to be cancelled. The committee’s perennial partnership with sponsors Dunlop ended when the tyre company were taken over by Goodyear and they no longer wanted to sponsor the event. Russell also took us back 33 years to when the TDOTY committee were first founded and to the times when 25,000 or so people used to go and enjoy all the different aspects that used to make the show. Sadly, the numbers have dwindled over the years and despite the committee listening to what drivers and their families wanted – ie funfairs and something for the ladies – the numbers have failed to return to anywhere near their previous highs. "It is very difficult and expensive to hire Battersea Park," said Russell, "but if things go well – and we hope they do – we will be back there next year." At that comment, the hall broke into applause realising that Battersea was the show’s spiritual home and probably the one place where the successes of the previous years could possibly be repeated. Russell then made a presentation to Bill Tyzack (C06), who had been a founder member of the committee but who had decided that just being in one committee (LTFUC) was now enough for him! Russell also presented the various charities with cheques; DaC Board member Mike Son collecting one for the LTFUC, while Mike Calvey (B95), as Chairman of the War Disabled committee, collected one on their behalf. Representatives from The Albany, Southend Underprivileged Children’s Fund and the East London Cabbies Outing Fund also received cheques. The final speech came from former ODRTS Chairman and current TDOTY Vice President, Jack Russell. He stood up and made a pertinent thank-you speech to Bill Tyzack, but added that many of those from the trade who worked for the various charities did so with the unsung help of their wives – specifically mentioning Bill’s wife Grace who had successfully battled serious illness this year. Approaching his 92nd year, Jack still showed that he knew how to control a meeting. "I took enough of them as ODRTS Chairman," he told Call Sign afterwards, "and it’s something you never forget." At that, current DaC Chairman Brian Rice joked that he might have to watch Jack in case he decided to stand for Chairman again! At 1am, the evening ended with everyone agreeing that it had been a great night… |
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 DaC's Janet Baker (G35J) takes a rest - helped by Brian Rice! |
 Bill Tyzack (C06) with wife Grace after announcing his retirement from the committee |
 Allan Evans with wife Gill |
 Former
ODRTS Chairman, Jack Russell soon to be 92 years young, takes a
quick rest from the festivities |
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