Call Sign February 2011 - Page 17 - LCDC WRONG ON DAC "PH LICENSING"

For some time now, the London Cab Driver’s Club has been threatening Dial-a-Cab by saying they had sought legal advice over the "damaging accusations made after (Call Sign) articles were published." This magazine claimed that the LCDC was wrong when it put into print that London Taxi and Private Hire (LTPH) told DaC it would have to have a Private Hire Operator’s Licence. It was in the November issue of the LCDC’s newspaper, The Badge, that their Chairman and editorial board put out the following statement: "It has come to our attention that in recent issues of Call Sign Magazine, allegations have been made about articles printed in the Badge. We would like to put on record that both the Badge newspaper and the London Cab Drivers’ Club stand by the accuracy of the content of the articles printed in relation to Dial-a-Cab requiring a Private Hire operator’s Licence. In addition, we strongly object to the personal attacks and unfounded allegations made in this publication over the past four months, and have now sought legal advice over the damaging accusations made after our articles were published. We sincerely hope that the editorial board of this magazine will properly consider its responsibilities, both to the cab trade and to its readers, before any further issues are published. The statement was signed by Grant Davis, Darryl Cox, Alan McGrady, Danny Sullivan, Tony McGrady, Tony Lawyer and Mark Davis. Now LTPH have confirmed in a letter signed by their Head of Compliance, Dave Stock, that it is satisfied Dial-a-Cab do not require a PH operator’s licence. Perhaps more relevant is that Call Sign had also previously asked the question of the LCDC Chairman just how it managed to publish an article in The Badge	LCDC WRONG ON DAC "PH LICENSING" LTPH confirms DaC do not need a PH Operator’s Licence…
	claiming LTPH had told Dial-a-Cab it would have to have a Private Hire Operator’s Licence some time before any letter was even sent out – unless it was the LCDC who informed LTPH in the first place? As we have said in previous issues, we know they snitched on us – specifically about our Concierge system. But they were wrong in their assessment of just what Concierge actually does. No one at DaC was asking the LCDC to go on their knees begging forgiveness, just for an honest admission and apology. In return, they threatened to take legal advice. Someone at the LCDC "reminded" LTPH that both RTG and ComCab had PH operator’s licenses. However, both of those circuits either run PH fleets or have done so in the past, therefore their decision to have a PHOL is unsurprising. DaC has done neither. As we said in our last issue, The Badge can stand by its articles all they like, the question is not what they wrote but how they got the information and how they managed to publish it weeks before DaC were even asked the question by LTPH? Well, of course we know the answer, but some honesty from LCDC	would have been nice. And we have to wonder whether all seven of those that signed their statement actually realised just what they were signing? Grant Davis dislikes Dial-a-Cab as well as Concierge. That dislike has obviously festered since his expulsion from DaC by three of his peers. But his position as the Chairman of a trade organisation that purports to care about the trade should surely have overridden that dislike. But it appears that Mr Davis cannot let go and under his Chairmanship, The Badge has consistently attempted to deride this Society – ending with this false accusation and refusal to explain how he could have something published before it had even happened. DaC could provide evidence that he provided the information to LTPH about us, but it wouldn’t be to him because quite frankly, his actions have shown that he is not someone we can deal with. As we also said last month, this Society would never instigate legal action over such a trivial matter, especially against a trade organisation with not even one third of DaC’s membership on their books. Should they wish to continue with their charade about "allegations" against them, that is of course their prerogative. Neither is it any of our business who the LCDC has as its Chairman, however we cannot help but wonder whether that organisation’s membership is happy to see its money wasted in an anti-DaC program that has no truth in it? DaC has nothing to hide and Dave Stock even thanked this Society for its co-operation in the matter. We wonder whether the LCDC was thanked for wasting its time…

STARDUST IS BACK!

Phyllis and Brian - Stardust is back! Many of you will remember back in your younger days a theatre workshop group known as Stardust, which led you to an older pupils group known as Stagestruck. The group were responsible for many talented actors beginning their careers. One of the biggest was Tamzin Outhwaite, who went on to star in Hotel Babylon and West End musical Sweet Charity, among many other things.
Now Phyllis Borden B.A.Hons has re-established the Stardust Children’s Theatre Workshop in the Essex area. It runs between 4 and 5pm at the Steepleview Memorial Hall, Osier Drive, Laindon (opposite Costcutters and close to the A127). You can pre-book your child by phoning 01268 928 004 or just turn up on the day and look out for former Dial-a-Cab driver Brian at the entrance!
The age group is 5-9 years old and for an hour or so see how your children gain confidence, sociability, imagination, good speech, self-discipline and of course, have fun!
Past students have achieved distinction, not just on stage and TV, but also in the fields of medicine, law, science, art and teaching.
Phone 01268　928 004 to pre-book or just come along on the day.
At the end of next year, a scholarship of 1-year free tuition will be offered to the most promising student…

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