When Call Sign met Paul Faulkner (O13) recently, he wasn’t a very happy bunny. His TX4 rear suspension stabiliser bar had broken and he was awaiting the recovery truck to take him back to his garage.
Paul takes up the story:
   "I’d stopped at Shepherds Bush for a passenger going to Kensington. As I pulled away, I heard a light scraping noise from the rear of the cab, but kept on going gently thinking I’d drop the passenger off before investigating the problem. Unfortunately, the noise got rapidly louder and the rear end of the cab began swaying uncontrollably from side to side as I rolled along. I had to let the passenger get another taxi as mine had become very unstable. I wobbled ultra-cautiously into Hyde Park, as it was safer to stop there and looked under the cab to see if I could find the problem. I originally thought it might be something jammed in either the suspension or a wheel that was causing the difficulty, so you can imagine my dismay when I saw an iron bar - obviously part of the rear axle/suspension - hanging down just centimetres from the ground! It had broken away from somewhere near the rear wheel and apparently plays a major role in the stability of the taxi."
   Paul lost the use of the cab over that weekend and for much of the following the week whilst repairs were being carried out. He continued his story…
   "After LTI in Coventry confirmed the warranty status, my garage - Ascott Cab Co – got on with the job, keeping me informed throughout. They were brilliant and got me back on the road as quickly as they could. It’s a bit daunting when the rear end of your taxi suddenly starts wobbling like a strawberry jelly!"

On 3 June, the football club car park at The Valley - home to Charlton Athletic FC - saw 90 taxis convene ready for the annual Albany Charity outing to Hastings. Cabs were decorated before departing in convoy with their precious cargo of special needs children. The annual event began back in 1972 and has left from Charlton’s ground for many of these years. Thanks go to Charlton for providing the much-appreciated breakfast.
   Once on the road, the excitement built for the 300 children and their carers. A quick comfort stop at Bewl Water on the A21 saw everyone enjoying sandwiches and refreshments; credit goes to Claire and mum-in-law Jean for these. Then it was off to the seaside!
   The Sussex police joined the convoy and helped make sure everyone arrived safely. The weather in Hastings was kind as the town welcomed the convoy of taxis. Everyone enjoyed a great day at the funfair and amusements followed by tea and a disco, before winding their weary way back to London.
   The Albany charity is grateful to everyone who gave their help and support to make the trip a success. The committee would like to thank Ascotts for providing diesel for the outing, T&J Rescue for their back-up service in case of any breakdowns and of course the drivers who gave up their time to make the 17^th annual outing possible. We were pleased to welcome new drivers on the trip and look forward to seeing them again.