DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

Dear Members,
   I am writing this letter to mark my resignation from the Board on the occasion of my retirement. Firstly, may I say that having read the October Call Sign, how overwhelmed I was to read the kind words said about me, it was totally unexpected. I sincerely thank all those contributors, many whom I’ve known and respected for more years than I care to remember.
   Having been a member of the Society for 35 years, serving as Chairman, Treasurer and Board Member for 28 of them, I have seen us grow from small beginnings to the leading company in the taxi trade. When I stood down as Chairman, my words to you were that we had come through difficult times, but with yours and my fellow BM’s help, we had established a firm foundation that could lead to great success. How prophetic those words proved to be! I also said I would stay on to ensure a smooth transition while Brian settled in and to offer advice if needed. Little did I know of the political trauma that would subsequently arise. Happily, that is now at an end.
   Over many years, this Society as a democracy has always been driven by politics and minorities who feel that they have a point to prove. In a democratic society, this is always a price one has to pay and providing it is done in the correct manner, it is how it 
should be. After all, no one person owns the

Why I had to go…
In these last few months, it had occurred to me that although my term of office had another 18 months to go, a decision had to be made about converting my
cab into becoming wheelchair accessible. Also, perhaps I had gone as far as I could go in serving the Society. I feel that the time is now right for me to pursue other interests and to make way for some young blood to take the strains and stresses of helping to run the Society. Over the years, I have made many friends and acquaintances and would always, God willing, be available if asked to help. I do leave with a little sense of sadness, but overridingly, I leave with great pride when I see what has been achieved.
   The next few years will see challenges and decisions to be made. Remember that the Society belongs to you collectively, it has taken much sweat and tears, both past and present, to put it where it is today. But the past is the past - the future is your responsibility. You must be prepared to meet the challenges and changes in order to safeguard your future living standards. Be proud to be taxi drivers and members of Dial-a-Cab.
   In closing, I would like to thank Brian and all my colleagues who have served with me for their respect and support, not forgetting our Secretary Trevor Clarke and all the staff who work for Dial-a-Cab. Forgive me for not mentioning every individual, you certainly all deserve it, but the Editor would probably say enough is enough!
   Last but certainly not least and probably most importantly, my thanks go to you, the drivers, for without you there would not be a Dial-a-Cab.
   God bless…

Aubrey Siteman (C07)