Call Sign November 2012

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Editor’s problem...

And a Hailo problem...

I have a problem. I like to think that in my fifteen

Hardly surprising that as work levels have picked

years in the Editor’s hot seat, Call Sign has become

up, Hailo are having trouble in covering trips. As

more of an interesting magazine and that I have kept

Call Sign said in previous issues, we didn’t blame

the promise made in my first issue (June 1997) that

drivers that used Hailo, whose only concern during

no longer would there be six identical Board reports

the dire period containing both Olympics was to

- as there always had been before in each issue -

take some money. However, they were working on

which just tended to ask drivers to please cover the

rates that were more in line with those of minicabs

work!

than licensed taxis with drivers who are far better at

There are now just five BMs in addition to the

the job than any car drivers - even those with the

Chairman. As the Complaints Officer, Allan Evans

most sophisticated of satnavs.

writes in every issue (in case he complains about

But with no run-in, free waiting time and then to

me!), but the other four write in every other issue

pay 10% for the privilege, it was no surprise to find

unless - as I also said in 1997 - they have something

that as it got busier, Hailo’s coverage would suffer.

specific they want to write about. And as I wrote

They even offered a £10 minimum that they would

back then, the Chairman is also in each issue.

pay from their own pockets in order to get trips cov-

So what is the point of the above? Well it involves

ered with the extra coming on one weekend.

me and not the Board. Contrary to what some

Drivers were told not to tell their passengers. Now

believe, I do not attend Board meetings and in fact I

rumours suggest they have a problem with credit

have never been to one. Neither do I get a phone call

cards.

So where does that leave me and all those drivers

at the end of any meeting telling me what was dis-

Will they bounce back? Well if the trade goes flat

who berated me as though it was my fault that the

cussed. Neither am I given any personal information

again, yes, they probably will because that’s what

EC4 account were using GetTaxi? And when it came

about drivers! Yes, I often know stuff before drivers

they rely on. After all, if it was busy then you’d have

to it, how many cared enough to put themselves out

do, but the bottom line is that I am not - and never

to be outside the door to even be tempted.

to cover the two trips? I was in SW10 running to

will be - a Board member. Neither do I do what I

cover an account trip at The Harbour gym in

said wouldn’t happen back in ’97. I don’t tell drivers

PCN problem

Townmead Road SW6 because no one wanted to go

- and let’s face it, that’s what I am because that’s

You may remember I said in a recent Editorial that

to SW18 from there. It actually went just over the

how I earn my living - to cover the work. And yet,

Transport for London had presented me with a

bridge and I got just the minimum £8 from it, so yes,

that is what I am almost about to do. I say almost,

PCN for daring to turn right from Park Lane into

it probably cost me money to cover it. But the pas-

because as I’ve said, I’m not a Board member and

Upper Brook Street during the Olympics. In reality,

senger thanked me profusely and said how won-

neither do I have even the minutest bit of authority

TfL passengers using the Mayor’s taxi fleet were

derful DaC was. He wouldn’t have known that the

more than any driver out there.

expected to go all the way up to Marble Arch,

trip came from the bids! Don’t get me wrong, I did-

It started with a terminal message from Brian

through all the traffic on the roundabout and then

n’t want to run all that way and rejected the trip

Rice, who told DaC drivers that one of our clients in

back down the side to reach their destination on the

when it was first offered to me in SW10, as the back-

EC4 was going to start using GetTaxi, not just

east side of the duel carriageway. I said that TfL were

up zone to SW6. Sadly for me, something inside

because of the cost but also because of the coverage.

whistling in the dark if they thought I would pay it,

wouldn’t allow me to do the same when it came

This was at a time when the Olympics were about to

especially as they didn’t even name the right turn at

round again. I also know there are other drivers

start, with business and tourism in London drop-

Park Lane.

who, had they been where I was, would have done

ping to just below the status of stone dead! Several

I also mentioned it to Dial-a-Cab’s PCN expert,

exactly the same thing as me. But sadly for DaC, of

drivers wrote in - although just one (Jeffrey Petit

Barrie Segal, and he took it up. Within weeks I

all the cabs booked into City zones when the first

L77) wanted his letter published. He referred to

received a letter from TfL saying that “as a gesture of

two messages went out, not one was even prepared

some drivers as having a Kamikaze mindset, before

goodwill” they would cancel the ticket. Personally I

to offer a time. And we all moaned when they went

suggesting that perhaps this Society should look at

think they gave up when they saw Barrie’s name

to another supplier the first time. I don’t know if

some changes that he thought could increase our

attached to an appeal!

they still use us because I haven’t asked, but I just

competitiveness. Jeffrey mentioned gratuities, incen-

According to Barrie, TfL have now said that PCN’s

wonder whether anyone out there is prepared to

tives, masking destinations and fixed prices. The

issued during the Olympics would be cancelled if

comment...

Chairman responded by saying that even though it

there had been no previous warnings issued during

was obviously quiet out, DaC had to spend £6000 in

that period. Who said that TfL have no heart? Oh

And another problem...

premiums that month to help cover account work. I

yes... everyone! But at least they aren’t stupid and

Several drivers phoned me last month pointing out

then asked drivers what they thought of Jeffrey’s

know not to get involved with our Mr Segal!

that the heading of the first letter in the October

suggestions, but not one driver responded. Yet

Mailshot bore no resemblance to the text below it.

when it was revealed that this client was going to

Manganese administration

The problem is that there was a letter re Vito steer-

move over to GetTaxi, my phone didn’t stop ringing

You have to feel sorry for Manganese Bronze. The

ing and it seemed to have just vanished. In reality,

for a week and every time I stopped when on a rank

LTC’s parent company discovers a fault with new

for personal reasons the driver had changed his

or at a radio pick-up, there was only one topic of

TX4 steering boxes exactly four years after solving

mind and asked for it to not be published. So I took

conversation - losing an account to GetTaxi.

the problem of the eight TX4s that caught fire. Now

it out - but forgot to remove the heading!

The follow-up was that Brian Rice visited the

316 TX4s in London have to come off the road until

The actual published letter under the Vito head-

account and they began using us again. How much

a steering investigation is completed and that has

ing came from retired subscriber Terry Farmer

they used GetTaxi I do not know, but that decision

sent Manganese over the edge into administration.

(exT55J) who asked about any drivers who had

was theirs. The important part was that they were

Hopefully administrators will sort the company out,

interesting occupations prior to doing the

using us either solely or at least partly. After all, they

but it seems that it was 20% shareholder Geely’s

Knowledge and mentioned doing his own KoL with

had been annoyed that coverage wasn’t good when

refusal to unconditionally loan

£15million to

a member of The Foundations pop group of the

they knew it was quiet out. So forward (almost) to

Manganese that has caused the problem. I think that

1960s, but he couldn’t remember the driver’s name.

the present day and in particular Wednesday 26

many London taxi drivers would feel justifiably

Well Terry, it was Ken Hardy (G36) and no, he has-

September. Things had picked up and although we

annoyed if Geely now ended up buying the remain-

n’t built up any buttercups since then! Neither does

were hardly rushed off our feet, it was noticeably

ing 80% of the company that they don’t already own,

he know of any problems involving Vito steering!

busier and I, in just five hours, had completed 7

at a knock-down price .

But he was delighted to share a few of his memories

account rides in addition to street work. Sometime

Almost as sad was hearing Peter DaCosta telling

with Call Sign. If there are any other drivers out

during the evening, the dispatcher put out a mes-

the press after the steering box recall that he hoped

there who have any pre-taxi memories that you’d

sage to please cover two jobs in EC4 - yes, both

to take advantage of their problem - not for drivers,

like to share with our readers, just let me know and

were from the above account. A few minutes later,

but for his shareholders! The thought of how much

send it in with a photo. Any FA cup finalists, former

the same message went out again but with an extra

a Vito would cost without competition when it is up

MPs or butlers to the Queen out there? I know we

few words tagged on about the client needing the

to £42k with it, is almost unbearable to contemplate.

have at least one FA cup finalist who played for QPR

cabs with the dispatcher almost begging for two dri-

against Spurs in 1982, but I’m not sure if he wants

vers to cover the trips. Several minutes later, a third

to reveal himself. And of course Tom Whitbread

Alan Fisher

message came on informing us that the client had

was Chauffeur to HM Queen Mother. Any volun-

cancelled both taxis!

teers to take up Terry Farmer’s challenge?

Callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign November 2012

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

Dial-a-Cab App

Suburban Workshop

I wrote briefly last month regarding our App

I recently attended a meeting at LTPH where

and there is some more inside this issue from

they were discussing the situation regarding

Allan Evans. I have to say that we are happy

yellow badges in suburban areas. There is no

with its functionality and have now submitted

question that they are having a tough time,

it to both App stores for their approval. It has

because as we all know if it’s tough in town

to be approved before it can become available

then it is probably even worse in the suburbs.

to the public. Should everything proceed

Obviously a lot of this current downturn in

according to plan and it is accepted, we then

work is due to the economic climate, but I

intend to launch the App on 1st December.

can’t help feeling that much of it is also down

We have decided to charge a straight 10%

to the yellow and green identifiers that have

to the passenger with a £2 minimum charge;

been introduced.

the charges for Credit Card transactions will

I know the overwhelming majority of subur-

all be identical in the future, so no matter

ban drivers abide by the rules and only ply for

whether you receive the booking via the

hire in their own sectors, but there is no doubt

radio or off the street, the charge will be 10%

there were some that did not abide by the same

or a minimum of £2.

one, but they will not be mandatory any

rules. Those very drivers are now being forced

The £2 booking fee will no longer apply

more. Can you remember all the problems

back into their own sectors due to the identi-

to Credit Card transactions taken off the

when the old PCO, under the direction of

fiers, which in turn makes business even qui-

radio, only to cash bookings.

the-then Mayor, insisted that we had to

eter for the whole sector.

As I stated last month, this App will only be

have printers in taxis?

Whilst on the subject of identifiers, it would

as good as your coverage. If you don’t cover

I believe TfL are under some pressure for all

appear that LTPH have issued 104 written

the work then the public will just delete it, so

taxis to be in a position to take credit cards,

warnings (Yellow and Green) for drivers not

in an attempt to obtain the good coverage with

however I was under the distinct impression

displaying their identifier and 8 drivers have

the App that I know you are capable of, we

that LTPH would not make the taking of credit

been suspended for a month, while a further

have decided to despatch all trips As Directed.

cards mandatory, but of course would urge all

73 complaints have been made regarding not

Incidentally, with the Dial-a-Cab App, the

taxi drivers to be in a position to accept pay-

displaying identifiers.

customer will be able to make a pre-booking

ment by credit card.

25 arrests have been made by police for sus-

and of course the whole Application was built

What I do believe is that all taxis should be in

pected forged identifiers and of those, 16 of the

in-house by our IT department. But the ball is

a position to accept credit cards, but it has to

arrests were suburban drivers displaying

now in your court!

be Payment Card Industry Data Security

forged Green Badge identifiers while another 9

Standard (aka PCI Compliant). Otherwise the

arrests were made for unlicensed drivers using

Krav Maga

forged identifiers. The above does not refer to

public could lose confidence in the London

What’s that, you ask? Well that’s exactly what I

suburban drivers working out of sector, but the

Taxi industry’s ability to take a credit card

said when I first heard the name. It appears

failure to display an identifier or indeed for dis-

securely. It would only need a few cards to be

that Krav means combat and Maga means con-

playing a forged identifier - amazing isn’t it?

cloned after using them in a London taxi, for

tact and it is a form of self-defence that was first

our reputation to be tarnished for a long peri-

introduced by the Israeli army. I hasten to add

od of time.

that it isn’t any attacking Martial Art, but a form

Brian Rice

Although the tariff increase for next year has

of self-defence.

Chairman

not been finalised, it looks very much like the

Dial-a-Cab is very fortunate that we have a

increase could be between 1 and 2%.

Dial-a-Cab

member, Ricky Manetta (N16), who actually

teaches Krav Maga and he has agreed to take a

course to teach our members.

You may not need us now, but cut us out for when you do!

There is more about this programme

elsewhere in Call Sign, but I thought it so

worthwhile that I wanted to mention it. The

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

intention is for the class to commence in

January and it will be for thirty members

on a first come first served basis. Dial-a-Cab

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

will pay the class fees for our members.

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

However, I would urge you to only submit

Transponders / chipped keys

your name if you are committed to staying the

whole course, which I understand will be for

On site key cutting services including taxis

eight weeks. There are full details elsewhere in

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

the magazine, so no more having sand kicked

Burglary repairs / boarding up

in your face - or am I the only one who remem-

bers Charles Atlas?

Additional security / security upgrades

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

Fare increase, credit

Grilles and security gates

cards and printers

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

I recently attended a meeting at LTPH where all

Free estimates / no call out charge

matters were discussed from Credit Cards pos-

24hr service

sibly becoming mandatory, to the fare increase

for 2013.

What I did find quite amusing was that

You can find us at:

from January 2013, it would appear that a

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

printer will no longer be mandatory in

Tel: 01708 371115

London Taxis. If you want one you can have

Call Sign November 2012

Page 5

Manganese administration

The trade was stunned when on Friday 22 October

Manganese is 20% owned by China's Geely and

Manganese said on Monday it remained hopeful

Manganese Bronze, manufacturers of the TX4,

they went to them for a £15million loan to tide

that “its global reputation will provide the platform

announced it was going into administration under

them over, however the Manganese Board decided

for a successful business in the future”.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers. The company was in the

that the terms and the size of the loan itself were

Manganese shares - which were suspended at

middle of a recall for 316 new TX4s in London and

too heavy a price to take on board.

another 100 out of town. According to MB CEO

Manganese Bronze, which has been making taxis

10p valuing the company at just £3m - have fallen

John Russell, that process will go ahead and they

since 1948, can trace its roots back to the 19th cen-

by around 70% in the past year and it was only five

have almost solved the problem - which involved a

tury as a maker of ship propellers. At the Olympics

years ago that Call Sign was reporting that the

very small Chinese part inside an otherwise very

closing ceremony, they had a spectacular piece of

company’s shares were hitting the heights at over £8

good steering box.

PR when the Spice Girls used the TX4s as a dance

each!

He added that once the cabs had been fixed, they

floor! Sadly that didn’t last when they reported half-

Manganese employs around 300 workers whose

could begin selling the vehicle again and he hoped

year losses of £3.6 million.

that things could slowly begin the journey back to

Mr Russell had already said that the group need-

jobs are at risk unless the company can turn the sit-

normality.

ed several million pounds a month to stay afloat.

uation around.

Taxis at Finsbury Park Station

Transport for London has been advised

that despite previous advice being issued

and local police speaking to taxi drivers,

a small number of drivers have contin-

ued to commit offences at Finsbury Park

Station and put other road users, cyclists

and pedestrians at risk. The offences are

primarily focussed around the loading

bay outside Costa Coffee and include:

* Obstructing the cycle lane, forcing cyclists

into the lane used by buses entering the station.

* Parking on double red lines.

* Double parking next to the loading bay, forc-

ing cyclists across the two lanes used by buses.

* Reversing the wrong way out of the sta-

tion onto Seven Sisters Road.

* Driving the wrong way out of the station

onto Seven Sisters Road.

Finsbury Park Station is a busy interchange with buses, taxis and cyclists all passing through the

station plus pedestrians crossing at the entrance to the station. These offences put taxis, buses, cyclists and pedestrians at risk.

Police have advised TfL that Penalty Charge Notices will be issued to taxi drivers who continue to obstruct the cycle

lane, obstruct buses or commit any other offences in or around the station.

Taxi receipts no longer compulsory

With effect from l January 2013, taxis will no longer be required to have electronic taxi meter receipt printers installed as a condition of the cab licence. In

2003, as part of a review of the Conditions of Fitness, Transport for London took the decision to require all London taxis to install taximeters which had the

facility to issue printed receipts.

TfL is committed to evaluating the impact and relevance of licensing policies and to support changes that reflect the demand of the taxi industry, with a

view to achieving efficiency whilst also reducing any likely costs impact.

TfL Taxi and Private Hire received a number of representations from individ-

ual drivers and driver trade associations questioning the continued effectives

and relevance of the mandatory electronic meter receipt policy. Having

Keith Reading

reviewed this policy and the cost it imposes on drivers, TfL considers that

Professional Toastmaster

requiring all drivers to have receipt printers installed as a mandatory require-

Master of Ceremonies

ment is no longer appropriate.

Although TfL is removing the mandatory requirement for this type of equip-

ment, the requirement that drivers must provide a fare receipt on demand by

Tele: 01279 465 938

a passenger remains. However, drivers will now have a choice of how they

Mobile: 07774 860 374

meet this requirement, which could be through issuing paper receipts or if

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

they prefer, still using an operational taximeter printer installed in their taxi.

For credit and debit card transactions, it is still a legislative requirement that a

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

printed receipt is

provided to the passenger and this obligation remains operating.

Fellow of the Guild of

DaC drivers are unaffected as they already have a printer included with

Professional Toastmasters

their terminal...

Call Sign November 2012

Page 6

Jery’s World

Hey Boris, we hear you’re after the top job - so you’re gonna stand against Brian Rice at the AGM!!!

Divyesh to trek up Mount Kilimanjaro

Dial-a-Cab driver Divyesh

As a final word, Divyesh asks that if any

Ruparelia (V59) is going to find

DaC member has done the climb,

January tougher than most. Not for

please feel free to give him some

him the worry of whether there is

advice!

any work at St Pancras, nope,

Divyesh will be trekking up Africa’s

highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro -

in aid of various charities including

some in the taxi trade! He will be

going via the Lemosho route,

which will take him around 8 days.

Divyesh will be leaving London on 2 January as part

of his celebrations at reaching the age of fifty. Others may go for a huge party, but

Divyesh will be raising money for charity instead.

The whole cost of the trip has been paid for by the DaC driver as a birthday gift

to himself so everything he raises will be donated - except for the 5% that

• Roadside repair

JustGiving charge. The charities are Great Ormond Street Hospital, Help for

• Roadside assistance

Heroes and the WCHCD’s Magical Taxi Tour.

• Running repair recovery

Divyesh told Call Sign: “I don't have the choice to divide the money amongst the

charities, so it has to be up to the giver to decide what charity their money goes to.

• Accident recovery

GOSH is 1, Help For Heroes is 2 and the Magical Taxi Tour is number 3.

• Pay as you go to membership

“I would also like to raise money for Dial-a-Dream, but as they are a very small

• Credit card taken at roadside

charity run by Tom Whitbread and Bob Heath, they cannot (quite rightly) afford

to give £20 per month to JustGiving. So if any members would like to donate to

them, then they can give direct to the charity by paying into Barclays 20-52-74

0845 094 5307

40322202.”

We make wheels turn

Anyone wishing to donate to the other three can do so via JustGiving at: justgiv-

ing.com/teams/divyeshmidlifecrisistrekupthekilimanjaro

so you can earn.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 7

A Dial-a-Cab driver recalls how lucky he felt at being alive after his

“Yes, I’m very lucky indeed,” DaC driver Terry

Hardie (O23) told Call Sign, referring to his too

taxi was...

close encounter with the Grim Reaper.

“It could so easily have been an entirely dif-

ferent outcome, but thankfully here I am talking

Hit head-on in

to Call Sign,” Terry said grinning broadly with a

form of relief! Without further prompting, he

continued his story…

“It was back in June at around 7.15 in the

Rotherhithe Tunnel!

evening. I had just set down a job in south

London and decided that was enough for the

aches and pains too numerous to mention. I

Happy to

day, so I began making my way home to the east

ended up being off work for several weeks,”

just be

and headed north through the Rotherhithe

Terry said before adding how much more prefer-

alive!

Tunnel. The traffic was moving steadily through

able that was to the alternative!

it at around 20 mph as I approached that nasty

my door but

“The car driver admitted liability, saying she

bend in the road. Suddenly a 4x4 car came

the damage

was late for an appointment. I believe the police

whizzing round it and onto my side of the car-

was

too

have charged her with ‘undue care and atten-

riageway. The driver had obviously lost control

g r e a t

tion’ and I wonder if her passenger - who was

at a very high speed for the tunnel and was on

However, I

also injured in the incident - will ever want to

just two of its four wheels! The speed of the 4x4

somehow

travel with her again!” Terry’s smile returned at

was later estimated at 45/50 mph.

managed to

the thought.

“I recall seeing the car drop back onto all four

crawl over

“The damage to my 30,000 mile cab was

tyres and these four eyes staring out at me

the central

extensive indeed, requiring a new chassis, radia-

before feeling an almighty impact directly into

console to

tor grille, bonnet, windshield, off-side front

the front of my one year old TX4.

exit via the

wing, both right/hand door panels and off-side

rear wing. In all, I understand the repairs came

Simultaneously, I heard a lot of crashing noises

luggage door

to around £17,000 and it was touch and go

as the car then collided into the side of the cab

before stumbling out into the tunnel roadway.

whether the cab might even be written off. I

as well, that noise compounded by the echo of

Don’t ask me how I did it!

know I nearly was and given the choice, I’d

the Tunnel,” he continued.

“Witnesses later told me that the 4x4 had

rather it was the cab!”

“The impact threw me forward out of my seat

crashed into my cab head-on, spun around with

Finishing his story, Terry asked Call Sign to

and I hit my head on the hinge that protrudes

the force of the momentum and then bounced

offer two thank-yous on his behalf.

from the edge of the sun visor, while my shoul-

down the entire off-side of the cab, which

“I’d like to thank Cab-Aid for their help, but

der carried on going into the - by now - already

explains why I couldn’t open my door!

I’d like to offer a special ultra-big thank you to

shattered cab windshield. For that brief moment

“The police and ambulance services arrived

the London Taxi Company for the strength of

you begin to wonder if this was it!

and the Tunnel was closed for almost two hours

their TX4,” Terry said appreciatively, “it may well

“I really didn’t know what was happening and

as the medics tended our wounds and the police

have saved my life!”

felt totally confused with shock. Although I

took statement details. They also organised the

could barely think, I realised that I was able to

vehicles to be towed out of the way. I had a lump

Alan Green,

move and that I had to get out. I tried opening

on my head the size of a golf ball and other

Call Sign Online

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Processing of self-assessment returns.

Advice on trading as a Limited Company with its tax advantages and potential pitfalls.

Preparation of accounts.

Initial consultation dealing with loss of earnings claims (due to accidents on the road etc.)

Letters to banks, building societies

and other lenders.

Specialist in-house facilities to deal with Inland Revenue enquiry cases.

(This is expensive and time consuming. Ask your accountant how much he will charge should this

unpredictable event occur).

A three hundred and sixty five days a year service.

A ‘nightshift’

service.

Offices in North and East London.

First consultation free of charge.

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All for one yearly fee

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(24 hour answering service for prompt service)

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Front Office, First Floor, 9 Church Road, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4AS

www.martin-cordell.co.uk

Call Sign November 2012

Page 8

Dial-a-Cab driver Bill Kibble (K86) has been

on the circuit since 1995, but told Call Sign

The minicab driver

that this incident was a new one on him.

“Yes, I was just astonished,” he repeated, “I

know our expectation of the giddy heights that

who wasn’t backward!

minicabs reach has never really gone much

above floor level, but this was ridiculous.”

The minicab driver

Bill was talking about the minicab in front of

pushes his car into

him as they tried to get through the congestion

the space left by Bill

of Mount Street W1. As usual, with vehicles

parked on both sides of the street, it left just

as he had no reverse

one lane free and no one was giving way.

gear!

However, the minicab got himself into a posi-

“That made my mind up

tion where he had blocked traffic coming from

and I told him to get his

the other way.

passengers to push. After

“There was no way that we were going to get

all, they were obviously

through, so I stopped but was amazed to see

using a minicab believing

the minicab carry on forward when he had no

that they were saving

chance of progressing any further,” Bill contin-

money! So I left him to it

ued with a story that Call Sign had heard many

and eventually he pushed

times before and wouldn’t normally print as

it himself with the two pas-

we see it virtually every day. But this time it was

sengers remaining on the

a bit different.

he had taken a chance and gone out to work

back seat!

“The minicab couldn’t get any further as a

knowing that he had no reverse gear! I told

“After he reversed and the traffic began mov-

van was coming towards us. I had waited,

him that he would have to do something and

ing again, I asked him how he could possibly

assuming the minicab would do the same, but

he said he would push it back into the gap I left

work with no reverse, but he just shrugged his

he continued and was now stuck. I waited for

and asked me to help him. Well, I didn’t think

shoulders and continued on his way in a for-

a few minutes and had left a space for him to

me pushing a minicab would go down too well

wardly direction! Well at least no one could

reverse into. As time went on, the minicab

if other DaC drivers saw me, but while I was

ever call him backwards!”

wouldn’t move so eventually I got out and

thinking that perhaps I should as otherwise

Michael Toomey

went up to the PH car.

nothing would move, I realised that he had two

“The reason he wasn’t moving was because

passengers in the back.

Call Sign Online

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

We pay to give our money away

The visits

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

During the run up to Xmas, we adopt the

Unfortunately my mother, who is 83, has not

same routine of trying to earn and spend at

been too well recently and while in hospital

the same rate. It’s the time when we cash in

underwent an operation that was touch and

our different forms of Christmas clubs or simi-

go, but gratefully she has recovered.

lar. Throughout this period, it’s incredible how

With a family tree of seven children, seven-

we give money away.

teen grandchildren and a rising number of over

I am of an age where I remember that as

thirty great grandchildren not including other

part of our saving routine throughout the year,

relatives, the highlight of the period was visit-

we’d take our coppers to school in a matchbox

ing times with the family all descending from

to purchase a saving stamp that would gener-

different parts of the country. It was guaran-

ally be used at Christmas time to buy presents.

teed that mum would not get any rest; she

God forbid that our children be even allowed

would however moan and revel at the same

to carry - or even look at - a matchbox as they

time at all the attention.

are now stored out of sight in your local super-

There were moments when it was like a

market. I wonder if that is to stop them from

scene from a Mike Leigh or Jack Rosenthal

smoking or becoming arsonists!

play. Allowing just two visitors at a time

Nowadays many use a bottle or jar in which

enough to believe that whoever we bought

brought out the organisational skills of my sis-

to throw whatever loose change we have and

the currency from does it for free? Yet we

ters with regular text updates and schedule vis-

then boast that it’s so heavy that we can’t even

stand there and pay them to take our money

iting rotas to be adhered to! When this was

lift it! Worse still - and imagine telling your

off our hands!

not carried out and someone turned up unex-

grandparents this - there is so much money in

We all have some money sitting in accounts

pectedly, it just added to the merriment! When

it that you can’t be bothered to count it!

in banks or building societies lying dormant,

my sister brought along a family photo from

Instead we put the coins into carrier bags and

collecting virtually zero interest. Yet you can be

her first communion some 45 years ago, the

take them to a machine in the supermarket

sure that as soon as you want to do something

usual arguments surfaced about how the

that counts it for us - looking around smugly as

out of the ordinary and want to pay a cheque

newer generation looked like the old genera-

the machine makes a racket that sounds as

out of the account for a nephew or niece’s gift,

tion, with the younger ones now struck in fear

though you’ve just got 3 bells up on a one-arm

there will be some fee circa £25 for the time

that they could turn out like their overweight

bandit. Unfortunately this bandit doesn’t even

involved in putting the piece of paper through

balding uncles!

have an arm, and we actually have to pay the

a machine as you stand and watch.

But the highlight for me was when two of

machine to count it at a current colossal going

Or perhaps the annual routine of posting

my - shall we say well fed - brothers were

rate of 7p in the pound. I don’t believe there is

Christmas cards; bunging a first class stamp on

arguing about who had the most chins and

a savings account with any bank that would

a card and posting it to a friend, neighbour or

who was the heaviest, although neither would

get such a return for our savings. Well, the

relative who you see and talk to several times a

ask for scales to back up their argument! My

DaC Credit Union perhaps!

week. But we cannot to be seen to appear

Mum, coming out of one of her sleeping peri-

Standing in a Post Office queue, you see

mean at this time of year, so we go along with

ods, turned round and in her full Irish accent,

people losing around 20p in the pound to have

the whole charade. So in the Xmas run up this

with colourful language thrown in, told them

their currency changed back to sterling even

year, just enjoy giving your money away. it’s

both to shut up. Then we all knew that she

though there is a no commission charge on the

not humbug, it’s tradition...!

was on the mend...

initial purchase. Surely we are not stupid

Tom Quigley (Y33)

Call Sign November 2012

Page 10

Butlins Holidays, as part of their

support for the the charity

DaC at Butlins Golf

Carers Trust: The Princess Royal

Trust for Carers, held their annu-

DaC's golf team

al golf day at Berkhamsted Golf

(L - R): Keith Cain,

Simon Wallis,

Club recently and once again

Terry Fulvus and

Call Sign was invited to enter a

Ray Scott

four-man team.

It was led by Dial-a-Cab Board

This year alone the

member Keith Cain, who was

teams have sur-

joined by drivers Simon Wallis

passed their annual

(M11), Terry Felvus (M86) and

target and have

raised

almost

Ray Scott (T34).

£50,000, and with 3

After breakfast had been served, a two tee

months of the year

start saw the teams get away very swiftly on a

still to come! It’s an

very pleasant day with a very well presented

outstanding achieve-

golf course. However, it is one that demands

ment.

accuracy off the tee and is punishing should

This year Butlins

you be off-target. There are no bunkers on

has put in place a

the course, but there are plenty of large

and raffle, it represented a great day out.

new ground break-

mounds to catch you out.

Corporate fund raising manager for Carer’s

ing initiative to support young adult carers

The day consisted of an individual

Trust, Trish Brown, told Call Sign:

who, because of their caring role, have

Stapleford competition and a team game

“It was great to see the boys from Team

missed out on the opportunities most young

where the best three scores counted. Ray

Scott did exceptionally well, playing to just

Dial-a-Cab and our thanks to you all for sup-

people take for granted - education, sociali-

porting Butlins Golf Day. I can’t tell you how

sation with friends, travel etc. Working with

below his handicap with a score of 37 points.

The total DaC team score was 117 and found

much we all appreciate, for the fourth year

our operations managers, Butlins has estab-

them finishing in seventh place. The team felt

running, you taking the time to come along,

lished a work placement scheme that enables

that Ray’s score stood a very good chance of

play some golf and help raise funds for

young adult carers aged 18-25 to gain work

being in the top three, but there was a win-

Carers Trust. All of the money raised by

experience and have taster sessions in a host

ning score of 46 points from a player with a

Butlins is unrestricted, which means we are

of roles that are tailored to their specific

handicap of 24 who insisted as he was pre-

able to respond to crisis situations for carers

needs. The intention of the scheme is to offer

sented with his trophy that this was only the

and also to provide financial support to areas

support, build confidence and help young

third time he had ever played golf!

of most urgent need.

adult carers to achieve their full potential. We

With Carlsberg sponsoring the midway

This is the fifth year we have been lucky

have two young adult carers on the scheme at

lager stop and with a delicious three course

enough to have the support of Butlins and in

the moment, which is fantastic and we hope

meal in the evening followed by a prize giving

that time they have raised almost £250,000.

to have more on board very soon.”

Please...no idling say TfL

A campaign to encourage drivers to switch off their engines when stationary to reduce unnecessary

emissions has been launched in London. This is the second phase of Transport for London’s ‘no-idling'

campaign, which is targeted at vehicles when parked, waiting or loading at the roadside - something

that obviously could apply to licensed radio taxi companies such as Dial-a-Cab.

The campaign highlights the impact of pollution on health and how small changes can make a big

difference. Reducing pollution levels can both prevent and alleviate illnesses such as asthma and heart

and lung conditions.

According to TfL, switching off a vehicle’s engine when stationary for more than one minute not only

reduces the amount of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM

10) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)

emitted, but also reduces fuel consumption. Surveys taken before and after the first phase of the cam-

paign (delivered in January 2012) on central London roads with high levels of pollution estimated an

average drop of five per cent in unnecessary engine idling across all vehicles.

Research suggests engine idling to be a significant contributor to pollution in London. TfL estimates

that 59 per cent of drivers parking or loading at the side of the road in central London leave their

engines idling unnecessarily. Modelling has shown that if all drivers in central London switched off their

engines, rather than leaving them idling unnecessarily for one minute each day, this could reduce PM

emissions by around 290g per day or at least 90kg per year. This is the equivalent of a medium sized

diesel car making 62 trips around the world, the equivalent of travelling 2.5 million kilometres!

The no-idling campaign is part of a wider package of measures the Mayor is introducing to improve

air quality by cleaning up emissions from taxis, buses, lorries and encouraging cleaner cars.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I am introducing a range of robust measures to tackle pollution.

Drivers can play their part by taking time to switch off when stationary. This can save money

off costly fuel bills as well as make our city a cleaner place to live and work.”

TfL added that it was a common myth regarding engine idling that switching a vehicle's engine on

and off would wear it out and that it would also use more fuel. They added that ignitions in modern

cars have eliminated that problem and research showed that turning off an engine and restarting it after

a minute uses less fuel and causes less pollution. Switching the engine on and off, according to TfL,

does not cause any damage to the vehicle and they undertook testing and research when developing

the campaign at Millbrook Proving Ground. That showed, again according to TfL, that vehicle engines

may be restarted repeatedly many times over without a discernible effect on the performance of the

vehicle’s battery. The vehicles tested were able to withstand repeatedly being switched on and off over a

hundred times in an hour with no loss of performance observed. That level of activity would far exceed

real-life scenarios.

Call Sign would like to add that while the advice given sounds logical, in our view older

taxis should get independent advice re the constant starting and stopping of their cabs.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 11

The first story in an occasional series from DaC driver Sean Farrell (B39)

The Brethren of the Whip

The story of Hansom cab driver, James Crisp...

named Joyce for being the first to strike him on

the river. They waited for him to come up - and

the nose in presumably a game like slapsies.

they waited. Soon their cries of laughter

Joyce intimated to Crisp that the passenger

became resonant with panic as they realised

was going to bilk him. Again Crisp asked to be

the cabman was not coming up. Joyce fell to

paid off: “Perhaps you will be good enough to

the edge of the barge and plunged his hand as

So Mike Son found it hard to believe that there

pay me before your friend Caunt,” he said.

far as he could trying to feel for the driver. After

Southwell then asked to be taken to Cotterell’s

a minute of fishing around he found him and

are some people who still can’t believe he had

to sail out to a boat in order to get paid in the

Wharf at Blackfriars, where he would be paid.

pulled him up by his hair, but Crisp’s great

Fortunately for Crisp, William Joyce agreed to

coat, so beloved by cabmen for keeping out the

October Call Sign! He certainly was not the

first to go to such lengths. I remember reading

go with and back him up in case there was any

winter chill, was by now saturated and so heavy

trouble.

that he could not be pulled out of the water.

of a similar account, set during World War Two

and described by Bill Eales in his self-pub-

When they arrived at the wharf, Crisp had to

Eventually the captain and a cabin boy came to

leave his cab in the care of a stranger whilst all

Crisp’s aid and assisted in pulling the all but

lished book. Even further back is the story of

James Harman Crisp and if Mike Son had

three entered the yard and walked across a

lifeless body of the cab driver out of the water.

plank over the river to a barge. They walked

Joyce believed that Crisp had been under water

known what happened to him, he would have

stayed firmly on terra firma and waited for the

along the barge and then climbed a ladder

for a minute and a half and it was midnight on

from there onto Southwell’s boat, The Petrel, a

January 2nd, the height of winter. Crisp sur-

fare to come to him...

brig out of Great Yarmouth. Once in the boat,

vived the ordeal. He was in bed for four days

It was way back in 1852 and a cold night in

Southwell became quite jocular and invited all

but off work for several months.

January when James Crisp set a fare down in

to have something to eat.

At an early remand hearing, he informed the

his Hansom cab at the Adelphi theatre. Almost

It was now midnight. Crisp declined and

magistrate that he was not working and was

immediately he was hired again, this time the

asked to be paid, he was now demanding 6s 8d

awarded 2s 6d (12p) from the poor box. At a

passenger wanted to go to Ben Caunt’s, a pub-

(approx 33p). But still Southwell prevaricated;

later hearing, Crisp’s saviour, William Joyce,

lic house in nearby St Martin’s Lane. A short

he picked up a ham bone and hit Crisp across

informed the court that he believed Crisp had

ride, but as the minimum fare was 8d (approx

the face with it, though not hard, and Crisp

been paid £5 compensation in order to drop

3p) in a Hansom it was no doubt seen as a

took this as a bit of fun. Less funny was when

the charges of assault and that he himself was

good quick job.

Southwell produced a knife, lunged at the

given a sovereign (£1) by the captain of the brig

It turned out to be better than that as the

great coat Crisp was wearing and managed to

not to testify and therefore had to be sum-

passenger said he would be required all night.

stab the ship’s cat which was sitting behind

monsed himself. The captain was re-examined

When he pulled up outside the infamous

him. Realising that it might be safer to come

and warned that he could face trial for perjury.

drinking establishment, the passenger - a sailor

back in the morning, both Crisp and Joyce

Undeterred by Crisp not wanting to proceed

named Southwell - told him to wait. And he

waited and waited in the freezing cold. Several

began to leave the ship. At that moment, the

with the assault charges, though he still wanted

Captain and his wife came on board and

charges brought for being bilked of 8s 6d

times Crisp went into the pub and asked to be

paid off, but was told to keep waiting. Even the

demanded to know what the two strangers

(approx 42p), the city authorities continued

landlord, Ben Caunt, formerly a pugilist, felt

were doing on his vessel? They explained, but

with the prosecution.

for the cabman and gave him a drink to keep

the captain was no less sympathetic to their

At the Old Bailey, Southwell was described as

the chill out. Southwell was getting quite

cause and fearing what had happened to the

a “most kind hearted man” not known to drink

drunk; he had stood a mug of beer with a man

cat might be their eventual fate, they made a

by the now discredited captain. He was found

hasty retreat.

guilty of assault and imprisoned for one month

Joyce made his way down the ladder first

with hard labour. And yes, the cat survived its

and into the barge at the bottom and Crisp

ordeal and was said to be fine - rather better

began following him down. Southwell was not

than James Harman Crisp...

quite finished with the Hansom cab driver and

LTFUC

he grabbed hold of the ladder and twisted it,

Sean Farrell (B39)

causing Crisp to lose his balance and fall into

AGM

THE ALPHA POWER PILL

The Annual General Meeting of

the London Taxidrivers' Fund

Now even better!

for Underprivileged Children

Helps cut the cost of diesel - and reduce Emissions!

will be held on

Tuesday 6th November 2012 at

OnlyCabs.co.uk are pleased to supply

7.30pm at the New Park Day

Dial-a-Cab drivers with the amazing Alpha Pill

Centre,

Order Today to take advantage of the special price of £16.95

19 Highbury New Park,

Highbury, N5

Go to www.OnlyCabs.co.uk or scan your smartphone

There is parking at the Centre

on the ad code

and refreshments will be available.

Or telephone your order to:

All drivers are most welcome

Stephen Vale at Only Cabs 020 3239 6101

to attend.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 12

The name of Jimmy Savile used to be held in

high esteem within the London taxi trade. In

fact, for several years during the 1980s, he had

Jimmy Savile and

an account with Dial-a-Cab and would often

be taken to or from his account address at

Park Crescent, off Marylebone Road.

I picked him up twice from that address and

the taxi trade

once going back there. I remember that on

two out of the three occasions, he had some

young dolly birds with him. However, I have to

say that on neither of those two trips did I

even briefly consider that the girls might be

underage, only how on earth they fancied

someone who at that time was not only in his

fifties, but who when seen close up, actually

looked it! Other drivers made similar com-

ments at the time, but none out of concern

because no one even suspected that good old

Mr Jim’ll Fix It could have been anything other

than a gentleman put on this earth to help

people and who would certainly never have

done anything wrong.

He was always very friendly, making jokes

about having to use DaC in case it rained so he

wouldn’t make his Rolls Royce dirty! He would

also joke about what his mum (he called her

The Duchess) would say about him going out

with women! The girls in the cab with him

were hardly women, but undoubtedly good

The photo is over 40 years old but we have still decided to hide the children's

looking teenage girls. The only complaint was

identities. Incidentally, one of the two bears was Tom Whitbread..

the smell of cigar smoke left behind when he

got out. Otherwise it was good old Jim. He was

ised, the children were safe.

blonde hair, but he quickly said that she

one of the boys!

Said with humour at the time, Bill also

had black hair and was

looking forward to

Then when he died last year, Bill Tyzack

wrote:

his visit! Bells began ringing and we soon

BEM (C06) - who is also the LTFUC Hon

“The second time Jimmy went on the

realised that he was booked into the

President - went into print in Call Sign prais-

Southend trip, I asked our Hon Secretary to

nurse’s home on the wrong side of

ing the undoubted help that Jimmy Savile had

make arrangements for him to again sleep

Beaumont Square!”

given to the Underprivileged Children’s Fund.

overnight at the retirement home and

We all thought we knew good old Jimmy. We

And Bill was right; Jim went on several trips to

when I asked Jim if he had been in to con-

didn’t know him at all and this trade probably

Southend and helped to raise much-needed

firm the arrangements, he told me he’d

had a lucky escape...

funds. No one knew then what we seem to

seen the Matron and they were putting him

Alan Fisher

know now, but fortunately by the very nature

up the night before the outing. In passing,

of the way the LTFUC trips are securely organ-

I mentioned that she was a nice lady with

Call Sign Online

WHY IS UBER SHUTTING DOWN???

Is there a connection to credit card acceptance?

Call Sign rarely looks at the cab situation in other countries unless

it’s tied into the UK in some way - using London taxis for exam-

ple. But a strange situation has developed in New York and the

SAVINGS!

biggest question has to be why?

Uber began their App service to New Yorkers around 6 weeks

ago and while some said that it had quietened down since the

★ KITCHENS

launch - which they did against the wishes of the Taxi and

Limousine Commission - nevertheless Uber are an experi-

& APPLIANCES

enced company who would have been prepared for a much

★ BEDROOMS

longer bedding-in period.

★ WORKTOPS

According to Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, taxi drivers were returning the phones that Uber gives

them when they signed up. He also claimed that some drivers were not up to Uber's standard and

★ DOOR & DRAW REPLACMENTS

had been asked to return their phones. However, drivers were giving a somewhat different story.

★ PLANTATION SHUTTERS

One, who didn’t want to be identified, said:

“Uber called us in saying we needed to come and get paid and that we would get a

★ ALL TYPES OF BLINDS

bonus for the inconvenience of having to show up in person. But when we got there,

★ AWNINGS

Uber took the phones back and said that the taxi service App was no longer available in

New York.”

You are welcome to visit

Uber, apparently, have been trying to get the Yellow taxi drivers to sign up to operate black car

our showroom at:

services (their private hire), which have to be pre-booked whereas the Yellow cabbies could be

hailed in the street and accept a credit card via the Uber smartphones. Credit card acceptance is

Unit 8 Tripes Farm,

compulsory in New York.

Chelsfield Lane,

When Uber launched their taxi App service, there were good reviews from customers and drivers

Orpington, Kent BR6 7RS

alike, yet suddenly the App is ok for pre-booked PH but not taxis that just pick up. Is it something

to do with credit cards and personal smart phones? And will it affect the London Apps?

Instant Kitchen and

A statement from LTPH would be welcome...

Bedroom & Blinds UK

Ron Yarborough

Call Ian (R50) on 01689 897111…

Call Sign Online

Call Sign November 2012

Page 13

Allen Togwell’s Marketing Place

read with interest Michael Lyons (Y52)

wearing my hearing aid, for example when just

article on dress code in the October Call

coming out of a shower. The staff at Action for

Sign. As expected, my name was men-

Hearing Loss, when I enquired about such a

tioned together with a comment - a valid

phone were extremely helpful and suggested I

one I might add - that it doesn’t help my cause

try their Maybelle 650 for 28 days and if I

if every article I write on the subject includes a

wasn’t satisfied, I could return it and get a full

photo of me suited and booted, instead of me

refund.

being in casual clothes that I would consider

I went online to their website at

appropriate to wear behind the wheel. For the

www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/ to view

record, I never submit photos of myself with my

the model, ordered it and it was delivered with-

articles, only the hard copy. Photos are the edi-

in a few days. And it is absolutely brilliant! I

tor’s responsibility and his choice very much

would recommend it to any of our members or

depends on how benevolent he feels - in my

their families who have hearing difficulties. And

case it’s usually the most unflattering mug shots

needless to say, I received the same help when

imaginable!

enquiring about a new mobile phone. I’m not a

Incidentally, the whole Board wear a suit; it’s

cell phone geek; I wasn’t looking for one with

gible or non-tangible product. One reason for

how we present ourselves in the office. Also as a

all the whistles and bells and could knit socks. I

this policy was to avoid liability should there be

matter of interest, the style of clothes I invari-

use a cell phone only when it’s absolutely nec-

a problem with a product and also to prevent

ably wore behind the wheel of a cab was a jack-

essary, and when on the road exactly as I would

the Board or a Board member having a vested

et, trousers, shirt and tie. As for wearing casual

use a phone box - when they existed! Ring a

interest in a product. But under the circum-

clothes in general, I have over thirty different

number, put fourpence in the slot and if I hear

stances, I feel an exception can be made in this

polo shirts and dozens of short-sleeved shirts

a voice, I press button A and if I don’t hear any-

instance as it involves health issues and the pre-

given to me as gifts that I have never worn

thing, I press button B and get me fourpence

vention of getting nicked whilst driving.

because psychologically I just don’t feel com-

back. To save anyone writing in, yes, that was a

It’s said that there are more cab drivers over

fortable wearing short-sleeved garments in pub-

joke for older members!

the age of 70 than there are under the age of 30.

lic. I have never considered myself to have the

But seriously, how people spend their lives

This being so and considering the environment

physique to wear casual clothes. When I was a

on a mobile that has a million Apps and with an

in which cab drivers work, there are probably

teenager, it was the era when girls were only

attachment that looks like a lighter stuck per-

more than a few whose hearing has been affect-

attracted to guys with bodies like Charles Atlas,

manently in their ear, I’ll never know. Anyway,

ed by the constant noise of London’s traffic. I’ve

which was quite a contrast to me with arms and

there were a couple of requirements I needed

had a hearing impairment since birth and there

legs like bits of string! And such was the effect

for the new mobile and they were that it should

were two incidences that I experienced recently

this had on me that throughout my entire life, I

have a Bluetooth for when I am driving and it

concerning hearing that I feel might be of inter-

have never worn bathing trunks and sunbathed

should be any colour other than black, because

est to some of you.

on a beach.

I was forever mislaying the damn thing when it

I was on the M20 a few weeks ago when I had

I don’t know why, but one of life’s pecu-

was laying on something that was also black.

a puncture. I pulled onto the hard shoulder,

liarities is to mock and ridicule people who

On speaking with Action for Hearing Loss,

exited the vehicle as per safety regulations and

are slight in build, or in other words skinny,

they were again extremely helpful and recom-

set about contacting the RAC. I didn’t know at

but never those who are grossly overweight.

mended a mobile phone to suit my purpose

the time that it would have been illegal for me

Which is what I should really be when I con-

with the same agreement of money back after

to change the wheel myself, the reason I con-

sider the amount of food I eat, including bis-

28 days if it was not suitable. The cell phone I

tacted the RAC was simply because I don’t have

cuits, chocolate and cakes etc, yet I don’t put

selected is white and the sound volume is so

the muscle power to undo the ridiculously tight

on an ounce. However I’m pleased to say

good in the noisiest of environments that I can

lugnuts with the silly little wrench that came

that having now reached the senior years,

hear clearly even without wearing my hearing

with my vehicle. So I am standing on the hard

my attitude has changed a little and I occa-

aid. It has lots of extras to aid those with a hear-

shoulder in the howling wind with my mobile

sionally venture onto a beach wearing tai-

ing impairment including in the event of an

pressed close to my ear trying to explain to the

lored shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

accident and of course it has Bluetooth.

RAC where on the M20 I had broken down, but

One last point to Mr Lyons; in all the years I

That brings me onto another product that a

because of the constant noise of cars, motor

have carped on about the cab trade needing to

number of our members with good hearing or

bikes, juggernauts etc bombing past, I could not

raise its image to compete with PH, I have never

otherwise would do well to take note of, espe-

hear a word the RAC were saying. Eventually

advocated that cab drivers should wear a suit,

after much yelling on my part, sufficient details

cially those that continue to flaunt the law by

because that style of dress would be impractical.

were relayed and the RAC eventually arrived.

using their hand held mobile while driving. This

However there is a big difference between wear-

Later that day, I decided to make enquiries

product is a Bluetooth Multipoint

ing a suit and the public’s perception of cab dri-

about obtaining a mobile phone that catered

Speakerphone.

vers looking like tramps. Personally a simple

specifically for the hard of hearing and the obvi-

In my previous vehicle, I had a hands free cell

outfit of the following would be appropriate for

ous people to contact was of course the RNID

phone system that cost over £250 to install and

our members to wear:

(Royal National Institute For The Deaf). As a

involved yards of wires going all over the place.

A white open necked shirt for the sum-

point of interest, in June

2011 the RNID

When I bought my next car, a small Hyundai

mer, or white polo neck for the winter. A

changed their name to Action on Hearing

i10, I was hoping to transfer the hands free sys-

navy v-neck jumper carrying the Dial-a-Cab

Loss. This rebrand coincided with the charities

tem but it wasn’t possible. By chance I heard

legend, navy Chino’s and a pair of soft tan

100th anniversary and for the benefit of those

about the Multipoint Speakerphone and discov-

loafers, plus a rain jacket sporting the Dial-a-

who like trivia, the charity was founded by a

ered they were available from a number of out-

Cab Legend. It’s smart, it’s comfortable, it’s

gentleman called Leo Bonn; they have more

lets, including Amazon, for just £18. It’s a flat

practical and it would not cost a fortune.

than 1,000 staff, 1,092 volunteers and more

5”x 2” attachment that clips onto the visor, no

Such an outfit isn’t in itself unique, but it

than 20,000 members who support their work

wires and the sound from and to a mobile is

would be if the public and all of our clients

across the UK.

excellent. It’s an unbelievable piece of equip-

saw every Dial-a-Cab member wearing it.

This wasn’t the first time I had contacted

ment and for the price there is absolutely no

Action on Hearing Loss, in fact I had done so

excuse in taking a chance of getting nicked for

Problems in hearing

only a few months previously when I wanted to

using a mobile in your hand whilst driving.

In all the years I have been on the Board, it’s

buy a telephone for my home. I wear a hearing

Allen Togwell

been an accepted policy that the BoM do not

aid most of the time but needed a telephone

endorse products for our members, be it a tan-

that I could have a conversation on without

DaC Marketing

Call Sign November 2012

Page 14

In the last issue of Call Sign, retired Dial-a-

Cab driver Terry Farmer (exT55J) wrote ask-

ing whether we had any drivers who were

sportsmen or musicians etc before undertak-

Built on a

ing the Knowledge, as it could make an inter-

esting item for drivers to read about. Terry

remembered being on the KoL with a musician

from sixties hit pop group, The Foundations.

Foundation!

Within days of publication, DaC driver Ken

Hardy (G36) wrote to say that he had been a

keyboard player with the group and also went

Unfortunately for the band, Lynsey de Paul

on the Knowledge around 40 years ago!

and Mike Moran beat us to it with a song

For those who might not have been around

called Rock Bottom in a BBC show called A

in that amazing period known as the swinging

Song for Europe.

sixties that saw the birth of groups such as The

“The last gig I did with the band was on the

Beatles and Rolling Stones, The Foundations

BBC’s Crackerjack show and I remember

- while perhaps not in the league as those two

feeling rather disappointed at not getting a

- were right up there with the biggest UK

famous Crackerjack pencil! I could have used

groups of the time between 1967 and 1970.

it now for writing down details of my next DaC

Their two biggest hits were Baby now that

job!”

I've found you, which made number one in

November

1967 hit parade

(courtesy

November 1967 and Build me

Warner)

up Buttercup, which reach

1 Baby now that I’ve found you - Foundations

number four in January 196

2 Massachusetts - Bee Gees

To show how different tim

3. Zabadak - Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and

were back then, Th

Tich

Foundations were the fir

4. Autumn Almanac - Kinks

multi-racial pop group an

5. The last Waltz - Englebert Humperdinck

included West Indian and Sr

Lankan members. Also

January 1969 hit parade (courtesy Warner)

en now. Inset pic Ken

Buttercup was written by

1. Ob la di, ob la da - Marmalade

ircled) on Foundations EP

Tony Macaulay and Mike

2. Lily the Pink - Scaffold

D’Abo - who at the time was

ver

3. Albatross - Fleetwood Mac

the lead singer with Manfred Mann!

ment needed a keyboard player to

4. Build me up Buttercup - Foundations

Ken told Call Sign: “I wasn’t with The

promote a song they hoped would be used for

5. I’m the urban Spaceman - Bonzo Dog doo-

Foundations that long. The group’s manage-

the Eurovision Song Contest and I got the job!

Dah Band

LTFUC AND THE PEARLIES

The London Taxidrivers' Fund for Underprivileged Children

recently had the pleasure of being invited to attend the traditional

annual London Pearly Kings and Queens Costermongers'

Harvest Festival Parade held at the Guildhall. I went along,

together with the Fund's Hon. Chair, Susan Angel and committee

member Steven Bell, together with our wives Maureen and

Wendy to witness this colourful and spectacular event.

Scores of Pearly Kings & Queens from all corners of London

gathered for the festival, more than 130 years on from when road

sweeper Henry Croft covered his finest whistle and flute - that’s

his suit - in shiny white buttons in aid of the City's poor. Modern

day Pearlies continue his mission and do much great charity work.

Following some brilliant entertainment, which was greatly

appreciated by the huge crowd gathered in the Guildhall yard,

our three taxis joined the long procession led by the Pearlies

around the City to attend the St Mary-le-Bow church where the

pealing of the Cockney Bow Bells welcomed the congregation

for a thanksgiving service. It was highly evident from the large

crowds lining the streets that spirits were still running high following the Jubilee and the Olympics!

Steven and Wendy Bell made a brilliant job of converting his taxi into a large brown furry rabbit, which delighted the many children

and adults who couldn’t resist stroking its fur. One Policeman even fed it with a carrot! Even taxi rabbits must get hungry!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who came over to see us and we are deeply grateful for their kind donations.

Finally, well done to the Pearly Queen of the Old Kent Road, Doreen Golding, for organising such a brilliant event. Her late hus-

band Larry, would have been very proud of her and thrilled to see so many people in attendance. We would also like to thank all the

wonderful Pearlies who help so many charities in London and the Greater London Area and for all the help they give the LTFUC.

Raymond Levy

LTFUC Press Officer

Call Sign November 2012

Page 15

Self Defence Classes for DaC Drivers

And they’re free if you are on Dial-a-Cab!

Some of you may have seen the

DaC are sponsoring Ricky Manetta's

article on self-defence expert

self-defence course

Ricky Manetta (N16) in the May

2009 issue of Call Sign, where he

spoke of starting a day class teach-

Classes consist of warm-up and

ing Krav maga, the self defence

stretching exercises, then a quick run

system used by Israeli special

over previous lessons. That’s followed

forces.

by learning a new technique and some

Soon after the article appeared,

drills, so everything you learn

Editor Alan Fisher was approached

becomes an instinct and not a

by Steve McNamara of the LTDA to

thought. In a real life situation, by the

say that if Ricky agreed, the LTDA

time you’ve had the thought, the

would be happy to sponsor the

instinct has already dealt with it.

lessons as the organisation felt they

Two DaC drivers on a previous

could be useful to taxi drivers,

course told Call Sign that they really

although they would have to be LTDA members.

enjoyed and benefitted from them. Mickey Tarr (R02) was 6’ 2”

Now Dial-a-Cab is sponsoring Ricky’s self-defence classes

and 16 stone, so we asked why he would need to do the classes?

for our drivers. Each course will last for 8 weeks and take

He explained: “As I get older, I’m not as confident as I used to be

up to 30 DaC drivers. It will cost drivers nothing, but if you

and cab driving is so unpredictable. Ricky was absolutely brilliant

feel you would like to take part, then please don’t just come

and gives you that confidence back by giving you the knowledge

along once to see if you like it because you could cost some-

to deal with any situation, not just the physical - and it’s done in

one else a place on the course. It is a complete course and

a fun atmosphere.”

not one for an occasional visit.

Steve Politz (N57) told us that the classes were brilliant. “I

If more than 30 drivers put their names down, they will be on

can’t say enough about them, I was just addicted!” He added that

a first-come, first-served basis and those failing to get on will go

for him the main thing was the confidence he gained through

to the top of the list for the second course.

the self-defence and aggression avoidance techniques. This

They will take place at the John Orwell Sports Centre,

taught him how to react in situations and not to panic.

Tench Street, Wapping each Wednesday from 2 - 3.30pm.

If you are interested, email Shelagh Adkins on

Parking is available.

shelagha@dialacab.co.uk or call on 0207 553 7200. If you

The classes are very mixed, taking drivers in their 20s right

want to speak to Ricky about the course, call him on 07950

into their 60s. They come tall, small, fat and thin because it’s the

267 574. He won’t be taking names but is happy to tell you

techniques that work and not the size of those performing them.

anything you need to know about the Dial-a-Cab courses.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 16

Elaine Cochrane, wife of Dial-a-Cab driver

Bernie Cochrane (V92), in a pairing with

long standing golf playing partner Tina

DaC driver's wife

Hollyoake, has won golf ’s LGU Peugeot

Coronation Foursomes Grand Final.

Hertfordshire golfing duo Elaine and Tina,

representing the Manor of Groves Golf and

Country Club, came through from an entry

is a golf champ!

of over 30,000 golfers at club level to win the

Final on a wet and very windy day played

over the Eden Course at St Andrews on

Monday 24 September.

Tina, who plays off a 17 handicap and

Elaine (15) topped the field of 16 pairs that

qualified by winning their regional finals

throughout the UK and Ireland, with a total

of 33points. It was a tight finish with Tina and

Elaine winning on a card countback from

another pair, Diane Melling and Jean

Sidebottom from the Shaw Hill Hotel Golf

Club in Lancashire, who also totalled

33points. The winners score included

birdies - one on the front 9 and two on the

back 9. The two birdies on the inward half

went towards a back 9 total of 20points - 3

more than their opponents who had halves of

16 and 17points.

Two pairs finished with 31 points to their

credit. The third place prize, by virtue of hav-

Elaine (L) and Tina get their Cups from Peugeot's Sam Meacock

ing a better inward half, went to the Irish

pairing of Fiona Carroll and Mary Ryan from

phy and gift vouchers, plus an all-expens-

Elaine is no stranger to Dial-a-Cab, having

Galway Bay. Also on the 31points mark were

es paid return trip to St Andrews next

played in one of our last charity golf days at

Emma Bullock and Sarah Clapp from

August to play in the Ladies British Open

Sundridge Park, where - perhaps unsurpris-

Worthing.

Pro Am, which is held on the world

ingly

- she came in with the highest

Elaine and Tina's prizes included a tro-

famous Old Course at St Andrews.

Stableford score on the day...

After Call Sign criticises them for paying hotels to get airports...

GetTaxi backs down on hotel payments!

Two months ago, Call Sign criticised GetTaxi for a secret text they had sent to their drivers telling them that they were going

to “buy” hotel work that went to Heathrow Airport. They claimed that the passenger would actually be paying the extra

without knowing it, but this magazine’s view was that if that were the case, why not just knock £10 - the amount going to

the hotel - off the cost of the fare?

The text had found its way to us via several unhappy GetTaxi drivers in late August. Some of Dial-a-Cab’s older drivers will

remember the fights this trade had against paying money to hotel porters in exchange for airport rides. GetTaxi threw that to

the wall when the text went out. It read:

Great news, GetTaxi is now picking up airport work from hotels in town! Airport work from hotels are fixed prices. GetTaxi

will collect £11 incl £1 cash job fee from you for each hotel airport job, eg SW3 - LHR T5: £64, leaving you with £53. This is unfortunately

necessary to ensure hotels use us, not PHV!

Now GetTaxi are claiming that the text was sent out by “... a former employee and that it conveyed exactly the opposite of what they were looking

to do.”

They added in the October email that after a number of consultations with their drivers, they had decided to shelve this scheme until confident they

had found “the best way of implementing it.”

Well, it seems strange that it has taken them three months to cancel a text that we saw in August and which they finally acknowledged in an

October email! Then that it was sent by that “former employee and that it conveyed exactly the opposite of what they were looking to do.” Yet now

they are saying that they want a better way of implementing it! Someone needs to get their story right...

DVLA Group 2 Medical Standards

CHANGES IN STANDARD OF VISUAL ACUITY

Earlier this year the DVLA revised the visual acuity standard for holders of Group 2 licences. The new standard is as follows:

A visual acuity, using corrective lenses if necessary, of at least 6/7.5 in the better eye and at least 6/12 in the other eye. The uncorrected visual acuity in each eye

must be at least 3/60. Where glasses are worn to meet the minimum standards, they should have a corrective power of less than or equal to +8 dioptres.

It is also necessary for all drivers of Group 2 vehicles to be able to meet the prescribed and relevant Group 1 visual acuity requirements.

In assessing whether an applicant for a taxi or PHV driver’s licence is medically fit, TfL has regard to the medical standard that would apply in relation to a DVLA

Group 2 licence. Therefore any applicant applying for a taxi or PHV driver’s licence after 31 October 2012 will be required to meet the new Group 2 standard.

Drivers who were originally licensed under lower standards are allowed to retain these entitlements under ‘grandfather rights’. The standard applied is determined

by the date a PHV driver was first licensed or when a taxi driver was accepted onto the Knowledge of London. Retaining this entitlement is dependent on:

* The driver remaining continuously licensed since he or she was first licensed.

* There being no significant deterioration in any other aspects of the driver’s vision.

* The driver not having been involved in an accident in the preceding 10 years, in which their eyesight might have been a factor.

* The driver meeting all of the current Group 1 acuity standards.

The Group 2 standards are set out in full in the DVLA publication ‘At a Glance Guide to the Current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive’ that can be found at

www.dft.gov.uk/dvla.

John Mason, Director London Taxi and Private Hire

Call Sign November 2012

Page 17

Goodbye Nuala

After many years with Dial-a-Cab, Nuala

Nuala’s replacement, former Contact

Glavin’s smiling face in the ground floor

Centre CSR Jacqui Franklin, will con-

Driver Services office left for the final

tinue that relationship.

time at the end of September.

Jacqui told this magazine: “Nuala has

“I have always loved this company,”

had a 20+ year start on me, but I’ll do my

Nuala told Call Sign on her last day, “and

best to keep Driver Services running

I will miss all those drivers whom I’ve got

every bit as smoothly as it has in the

to know so well. I’ll also miss Brian,

past.”

Warren and the Board in addition to the

During her time at DaC, Call Sign has

staff who all help to make Dial-a-Cab

reported on both Nuala’s marriages, her

House such a lovely place to work.”

time attempting the Knowledge and that

Nuala and Editor Alan Fisher at DaC's 50th

Nuala also worked closely with

dress at DaC’s 50th anniversary ball! Now

anniversary ball in 2003. Alan must have

DaC’s PCN expert Barrie Segal and

we wish her well for the future...

had something in his eye!

Former fireman Richard Potter and life behind the

POT

TERS WHEEL

Change...

to try hard to help themselves, rather than

In this world of change, we tend to take

relaxing and letting others do it for them.

things for granted until all of a sudden

they’re gone. Then we complain that things

Entering a taxi...

aren’t what they used to be, but don’t nec-

During the Paralympics, I accepted a radio job

essarily want them back as we embrace new

and when I got to the pick-up, the lady and

technology. Imagine being a businessperson

gentleman began telling me the best way for

trying to advance and guess what the public

them to get into the taxi. The man picked the

mood is? But sometimes the public don’t

lady out of her wheelchair and tried to carry

get what the public wants and vice versa.

her into the back of the cab, seriously bend-

A few years ago, if you passed The

ing his back and nearly dropping the lady

Parkway cinema in Camden, you wouldn’t

onto the ground. They didn’t realise I had a

see a film - just the windows boarded up

ramp! So I showed them the best way to

and covered with billposters advertising who

approach such a manoeuvre for future use.

was playing at the Dublin Castle. This was

They were amazed that I was so organised,

an image that could be seen in most High Streets with picture hous-

but to me it was the normal thing to do, using the ramp and swivel

es shutting by the 100s as people flocked to video stores to rent

seat etc. The public are very unaware of how wheelchair friendly our

films and take them home to watch on their new video players.

taxis and if they were, we could perhaps generate more work.

After most of the big companies sold their properties to developers

and sold out for good, suddenly there was a sea change. The public

Our man at TfL

realised that sitting at home watching movies wasn’t as good as

Bob Oddy is our man on the TfL Board. You also probably remem-

going out to the pictures and remarkably things turned completely

ber Ken Livingstone as the then Labour leader of the GLC, threat-

round in a way that no one could have predicted. Today, once

ening to put up taxes and goading Mrs Thatcher with a huge

again, you have a thriving cinema industry and even though the

poster on the walls of the GLC building opposite the House of

‘pick and mix’ can be more expensive than the tickets, people just

Commons. As a reaction to this, Maggie disbanded the GLC alto-

want a good night out.

gether, whilst giving all the power to the boroughs.

If you get up with the larks, another once-declining industry mak-

When Tony Blair decided to give a governing body back to the

ing a comeback is the old milkman. Slowly, a company called Milk

London public, it was a chance to rewrite some of the old job

and More is fighting back, delivering many items of food as well as

descriptions and readdress power. And Ken Livingstone did just that

milk to people’s doorsteps. I imagine that if you are elderly or rely

when forming a TfL board. So what can Bob Oddy do? Well, if you

on people’s help to survive, this service is a godsend. I tend to buy

read his job description, not much more than walking around on tip

my milk in bulk when doing the weekly shop, not because of the

toes. The TfL Board is made up of hand-picked (by the Mayor)

price but I always found that milk from the milkman was quite old

members who have a certain amount of knowledge of the position

and began to separate. Even when you shook it up it still left lumps,

they have taken up.

which the kids wouldn’t drink. Supermarket milk is much fresher

Members are invited to join for a 4 year term, where on expiry

and tastier and if the milkman can match that freshness, I may well

they are again invited to rejoin providing they have behaved them-

return to putting out a note every day and putting rubber covers on

selves. If they don’t, they can be fired without notice. They are not

the top to stop the birds from stealing the cream!

allowed to vote on matters that directly concern them and not

Another old service, which is being reintroduced, is the fuel atten-

allowed to represent anyone, especially those groups of which they

dant. My local Shell service station has an attendant at peak times to

have knowledge. They are there solely there to advise the Mayor on

save you from getting your hands dirty. I haven’t enjoyed such a ser-

such issues when required. I don’t think it’s a case of what Bob

vice since the days of the Waverton Street garage. Personally, I think

Oddy does, it’s a case of what is he allowed to do - and that’s prob-

these small things do mean a lot to people and they enjoy the person-

ably not too much.

al touch, however we’ve all become used to roughing it. People tend

Richard Potter (T51)

Call Sign November 2012

Page 18

Disneyland Paris time again and it’s...

DaC at the

Magical Taxi Tour

John Dixon (B67) at Disney with some

of the family helpers

This year’s Magical Taxi Tour, organised by

The Worshipful Company of Hackney

Carriage Drivers, left Canary Wharf on

Friday 12th October in a fleet of almost 100

taxis filled with excited children and helpers.

They’d had breakfast

(cooked by

Ampersand) and received some spending

money from Mark Brown, GM at the

Brewery Road taxi dealership. The Marriott

Hotel at East India Quay provided packed

lunches for the journey and the kids had all

collected their goody bags.

There are numerous people involved

in making The Magical Taxi Tour a reali-

ty; the funding needed to give these chil-

dren with life threatening illnesses the

trip of a lifetime increases year on year

and it’s thanks to this generosity and

hard work by the Disney Organising

Committee that this is the 19th trip. It is

also made possible by drivers donating

theirs and their vehicles time freely.

Many Dial-a-Cab drivers are involved,

both on the committee and as drivers.

The convoy was accompanied by police

outriders from the UK and France, as well as

doctors and nurses from various hospitals

where the children are treated, ambulance

crews, the AA and the all-important tuck

wagon bearing snacks and drinks.

For some of these children, the sight of the

Lord Mayor resplendent in his robes was

something they had never seen before. He

arrived with his wife, Aldermen and Sheriffs

of the City of London. Together with the trip

sponsors, they had made time in their diaries

(Top) Phil Davis (F10) organises the cabs as they leave Canary Wharf

Divyesh Ruparelia (V59) having dinner at the hotel with two young ladies

to join the send-off and wish the convoy a

great weekend. The Band of the Household

Next morning the Taxi drivers and families

(and some adults!) got the chance to sit on

Cavalry gave a rousing performance during

made their way into the Magical Kingdom

police bikes and in police cars. Then it was

breakfast and then took up their places near

and the rides. Sadly the heavens opened, but

goodbye to France and Disney.

the front of the convoy to provide a fanfare

the magic continued as the children ignored

More information on the trip can be found

for departure. The noise levels on the Wharf

the rain and enjoyed the park. They were

at www.magicaltaxitour.com.

were certainly more than normal as the taxi

joined during the day by Liz Wootton, Lady

Sandie Goodwin

drivers sounded their horns with many peo-

Mayoress and wife of Alderman David

ple lining the streets and cheering as the

Wootton, who wanted to experience the

Call Sign

convoy left.

event for herself. She arrived by train and

November 2012

Then it was off to Dover to board a P&O

was met by WCHCD Master, Brenda

Editor: Alan Fisher

ferry for the sail across to Calais. P&O are

Address: 39 - 47 East Rd, London N1 6AH

Bartlett.

always generous in their support of the

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

After a great - if wet - time at the theme

annual tour and the Committee are grateful

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

park, it was back to the Newport Bay Hotel

Website:-www.dac-callsign.co.uk

for that. Once in Calais the convoy got ready

for a Gala Dinner with many of the kids

Printers: Premier Print Group

for the journey down to Disneyland Paris.

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

dressed either in Disney costumes or party

The usual fuel stop was made at the service

Design: Aldan Publications

attire. Soon it was time for the real Disney

Tel: 07958 300 428

area where refreshments and face painting

characters to join the party and they were

Email: dfdannyfresco@gmail.com

had been organised. Then it was time to set

kept very busy signing autographs etc.

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

off on the final leg of the journey. The con-

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or Board.No

The following morning it was time to

part of Call Sign may be reproduced

voy arrived at their hotel for a meal and

depart on the return journey. The children

either manually or electronically without the express

some sleep ready for the big day!

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 19

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2012

All members will receive an individual notice of the Annual General Meeting 2012 advising that the

meeting will be held at:

The HAC, Armoury House, City Road, London EC1Y 2BQ on Sunday, 3rd February 2013 at

11:00hrs.

The meeting this year will consider an agenda including the Election of Officers and any proposed

Rule Changes and Propositions.

Proposed Rule Changes, Propositions and nominations for the Board, must be received at Dial-a-Cab House on or before

09:00hrs on Monday 12th November 2012 and be received in accordance with Society Rules.

Any member putting forward a Rule Change, Proposition or nomination for the Board and wishing to give a brief explanation

to support their submission in the January Call Sign, may do so by emailing it to the Editor with a maximum 250 words by

midday on Friday 7th December 2012.

Howard Pears

Company Secretary

Alec Wilkey trio triumphant!

There was triple success for Dial-a-Cab driver and boxing trainer Alec Wilkey (W83), together with the TKO Gym in Canning Town, when Areti

Mastrodouka, Eren Arif and Brett O’Callaghan were all successful in

their latest appearances inside the ropes in an exciting Left Jab Promotion

bill at York Hall. The three fighters all improved their records, with Arif

taking a wide points victory in his debut professional fight. With another

of Alec’s fighters, Danny Connor, recently capturing the Southern Area

title, ‘Team Wilkey’ looks to be gathering momentum!

Female boxer Areti Mastrodouka scored a resounding first round TKO

victory against Gabriella Vicze in a short affair that lasted just 91 sec-

onds. Areti measured up her opponent, began getting body shots in and

then switched to the head. The Master planted her feet and landed a

few straight left hands and it was this shot that sent her opponent to the

canvas, giving the undefeated Mastrodouka her third win and second

TKO victory. She is now lined up for a rematch with Kristine Shergold

who she beat back in March, but this time the Masters title will be on

the line at Left Jab Promotion’s Matinee Idols show on Sunday 18th

November. If Areti wins, a world title shot will have to follow.

Debutant Eren Arif was impressive in his first professional bout,

scheduled for 4 rounds against journeyman Johnny Greaves - who

was fighting in his 91st pro bout! After a good amateur career fight-

ing for Fisher ABC, Arif got his first win in style with his fans cheer-

ing him on from the stands. It looked as if Arif was going to have too much

for Greaves in the first as he piled on the pressure putting 3 and 4 punches together in explosive bursts, but

Greaves used his experience and ring craft and kept Arif on his toes. In the second round Arif continued to force Greaves back with eye

catching right hands and hooks to the body, but Greaves gestured and showboated to show Arif he was no pushover. In the third, Arif continued his

good work with punch variation, throwing hooks, upper cuts and straight shots. Then again in the fourth, it was the man from South London who

applied the pressure and landed the scoring shots. At the end of the bout, it was Arif’s arm that was raised after winning all four rounds with a score of

36-40. But credit has to go to Greaves, who made the fight an exciting and tough first one for Arif. He is looking to keep busy and is scheduled to

fight again on the Matinee Idols show, with his opponent to be announced later.

Brett O’Callaghan was making his 4th appearance as a pro against Duncan Cottier and again took a comfortable points decision to get his 4th

win. Brett stood strong behind an established and effective jab and it was the unbeaten man from North London who took control of the action, vary-

ing his attack from head to body. Cottier was keen to show he was no pushover, but didn’t have the skills to make any lasting effect on the younger

man. At just 20 years of age, Brett boxed well beyond his years as he put punches together and backed Cottier up in the second round, catching him

with a good left hook. The third and fourth rounds saw much of the same with O’Callaghan dictating the exchanges and using his reach to his advan-

tage. It was no surprise when his arm was raised at the end of the bout. O’Callaghan will continue his boxing journey in 2013.

Cruiserweight Menay Edwards, trained by Derek Grainger, suffered a tight points loss to Neil Dawson in an exciting bout where both fighters hit

the canvas, but it was Dawson who just edged it.

Left Jab Promotions next show on Sunday 18th November will feature Arif, Mastrodouka and some new faces to the pro game. Trainer

Alec Wilkey and manager Jonny Eames have taken on Tommy Williams, who fought for Fitzroy Lodge as an amateur and who will have

his first pro bout, as does Tommy ‘Da Gun’ Martin from St Neots. Also from the TKO gym camp is lightweight Francis Maina Gicheha, who

has just joined the TKO team.

Sunday 18th November is sure to be an exciting afternoon of boxing. Tickets are priced at £35 and to purchase them just call Alec

Wilkey on 07944 791 360.

December 8th sees the highly anticipated rematch between Southern Area Champion Danny Connor and Chris Evangelou. Connor won the

vacant title against Evangelou when he outpointed him in an outstanding bout at Alexandra Palace in September and if that first fight is anything to

go by, it is sure to be a high quality contest. The two fighters will do it again at the same venue on the undercard of Darren Barker’s UK return and

the Lee Purdy v Carson Jones bout. Tickets are priced at £40 or £60 for ringside. Call Alec on 07944 791 360 for Ally Pally tickets or more info.

David Wilkey

Call Sign November 2012

Page 20

You may have seen in this month’s Mailshot,

Keith Cain looks at Dial-a-Cab’s contact centre and...

my reply to Ray Sorene (A53) who felt that

one of our Customer Service Representatives

had not focussed sufficiently on obtaining

enough details from a caller to make the pick-

National Customer

up easier for the driver.

I have been working constantly over the

past two and half years with both our in-

house trainers, Daren Morley and Christina

Service Week

Simms, to ensure that Dial-a-Cab offers the

best customer service of any taxi or private

hire contact centre. Chris originally devised a

series of training sessions for existing employ-

ees, covering many aspects of the job of a tele-

phonist - not only soft skills such as having a

good telephone manner, but also the techni-

cal side. There was an emphasis on obtaining

the correct information when taking a book-

ing and on repeating the details back to the

client before dispatching the trip, thereby

reducing the chance of a costly mistake being

made. This initiative involved every member

of the Contact Centre team being put through

a number of different sessions in our Training

Room and having their skills developed.

Twelve months later, Chris and I met

with each employee to review how they

were performing and how often they were

applying the new skills they had learned.

Sadly, this exercise highlighted that a

Christina makes some points

small minority had slipped back into their

old ways and I had no option but to warn

driver, who had dropped him off at the station,

National Customer

underachievers that they faced discipli-

had perhaps not been able to take him all the

nary action if they didn’t improve.

Service Week

way home. She reassured the client through-

We have Managers and Team Leaders in the

The first week of October was ‘National

out the call, not only that we would strive to

Contact Centre who monitor their respective

Customer Service Week’ in the UK, so we

get him a taxi, but also that we would keep

teams with regard as to how they perform

felt this was an opportunity not to be

him informed at regular intervals as to how we

their duties. At monthly one-to-one meetings,

missed to once again impress upon our

were doing. Then, after taking all the informa-

Contact Centre team the critical impor-

tion and following the call structure correctly,

every member of the team is given feedback

on their overall performance, including the

tance of them delivering excellent cus-

Jemma noticed just before finishing the call

tomer service, particularly in the current

that the trip had been accepted. There was a

number of calls they have handled, both in -

economic climate.

palpable sense of relief in the client’s voice

and outbound. They are shown the length of

So we held a competition throughout the

when she told him that a taxi was on its way.

time they have been unavailable to accept or

week, with a prize on offer for the telephonist

I felt that instead of just winding up the call

make the next call, which is measured as a

judged to have given the very best customer

as we normally do - by advising that we would

percentage of the total amount of time the

service to a client. Individuals had to be nomi-

call if we had any problems or delays - Jemma

employee has been signed on to the tele-

nated either by a superior, or one of their col-

remained focused on her screen to spot that a

phone system. Any mistakes made are also

leagues. Relevant calls were then reviewed and

driver had accepted the trip. It was a call that

discussed, with a view to understanding their

a finalist eventually chosen for each day of the

demonstrated that Dial-a-Cab were helpful,

cause and trying to prevent a recurrence.

week, leaving me to select a winner from the

considerate and friendly and a company to do

Team members are also spoken to about their

final seven. And I have to say that it was really

business with.

attendance / timekeeping and last but not

a pleasure to listen to and judge the calls and

Alas, Jemma has an aversion to having

least, the level of customer service they have

it reinforced my belief that our team is the best

her photograph taken, which prevents me

delivered.

in the business for delivering excellent cus-

from showing you the moment I came in

I’m naturally pleased to say that the over-

tomer service. All seven finalists were worthy

early one morning to present her with her

whelming majority receive largely positive

of a prize, but there could only be one winner.

well-deserved prize. Apparently, not even

feedback in their one-to-one meetings.

In the end, there were two calls that I

her own family have portraits of her, so to

Should we find that an employee has under-

found difficult to choose between. One of

accompany these words, I have had to

achieved, they typically receive additional

the two belonged to Hyacinth Inniss-Reid

resort to shots of a recent training session

coaching from a senior member of staff, and it

from our Evening shift. It was a fine exam-

I gate-crashed. As for Jemma, I’ll have to

has not been uncommon for Chris or Daren

ple of how to put one’s personality across

settle for congratulating her in print with a

to run extra one-on-one training sessions to

on a call, rather than simply reading from

public “well done Jemma!”

help individuals attain and maintain the high

a script like a robot. I commended

National Customer Service Week also saw

standards of performance we require and

Hyacinth for being a close runner-up, but,

the launch of a brand new training pro-

expect of them.

unfortunately for her she was just pipped

gramme, once again crafted by Chris Simms

Sometimes, however, despite all the train-

to the post by Jemma Rushton of our Night

but this time concentrating on what I have

ing, guidance and support I have mentioned,

shift.

called the soft skills of customer service, as

I regrettably have to take disciplinary action,

Jemma had received a call from a client who

opposed to the procedural side of taking a

resulting in formal warnings being issued and

had missed his last train home and was in

booking. I really see this as the cherry on the

where necessary, employees being dismissed

some doubt as to whether we would be able to

cake of our customer service and should help

when for reasons perhaps best known to

transport him all the way from Charing Cross

to further differentiate ourselves from our

themselves, they are either not willing or per-

to Tonbridge in Kent. Jemma showed great

competitors.

haps able to do the job they are employed to

empathy for the gentleman’s situation and

continued on page 21

do.

gave an excellent explanation as to why our

Call Sign November 2012

Page 21

As Christmas is just 7 weeks away, I thought I'd

DaC’s Network Administrator and avid computer games player, Jon

offer you my opinions on the best gifts you can

Winterburn, looks at...

get for the gamer, the gadget-freak and the hob-

byist in your life...

For the Gamer: Call of Duty:

JON’s XMAS STOCKING FILLERS

Black Ops 2

galaxy. There’s much feature-rich lore to the story,

Well okay, I haven’t actually tried this out yet! Call

including countless books and it is based upon

of Duty: Black Ops 2 comes out on November 13

those wars and you, the hobbyist, play the game.

and even though I’ve not played it yet, I have

Part hobby, part game, Warhammer

40k

every confidence it’ll be a smash. Put it this way:

involves choosing your army from 16 available

my copy is already on pre-order. The original

factions; buying and building (with glue) your

Black Ops was an epic game with fantastic graph-

army miniatures; painting miniatures and battle-

ics and fun gameplay.

field scenery; learning rules of combat and wag-

The new game will feature an action-packed

ing table-top battles against other players with up

story in the single-player mode, which is a sequel

to 30 dice and your army codex to reference indi-

to the original Black Ops game. The story takes

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

vidual characters abilities (ballistic power, stami-

place across two separate arcs, one recounting

much faith in Google’s Nexus 7. I think because it

na, range etc).

events in the 1980s and the other following char-

This is a great hobby to get into for kids and

runs the much improved Jelly Bean operating sys-

acters in the year 2025. Of course the main fea-

adults alike, and is an excellent way of spending

tem, this has attributed greatly to its speed and

ture of the game will be the multiplayer aspect,

time with your kids doing something construc-

stability. If you are looking for a first tablet or just

allowing gamers to fight it out against others

tive. Yes, it is time-consuming, but this means

want to downsize to a tablet that is lightweight

around the world, or team up with their friends.

your initial outlay provides many months or even

and affordable (around the £200 mark), then I

I’ve seen quite a few videos on YouTube from

years of enjoyment. The game itself has simple

would recommend the Nexus 7. It’s very easy to

Activision and Treyarch (publisher and maker of

mechanics which are easy to learn, but difficult to

use, fast and responsive. There are a lot of apps

Black Ops and Black Ops2) as well as from early

master due to the large amount of additional

available for it on the Google Play store, many of

testers of the game. From what I’ve seen, the

rules (you don’t need to use these at the start).

which are the same as their iPad counterparts.

game engine delivers gorgeous graphics, exciting

The game is very strategic, so requires thought,

maps and a well-balanced gun system. This game

For the Hobbyist: Warhammer

calculated risks and good leadership. The back-

is simply a must-have for any XBOX 360, PS3 or

ground lore, combined with the painted minia-

40,000 - Dark Vengeance Starter Kit

PC gamer over 18.

tures, bring the battles to life in a way that even

Created in 1987, Warhammer 40k is a table-top

computer games, in my humble opinion, cannot.

View trailer at www.callofduty. com/blackops2

miniature war game produced by UK firm Games

If you are interested, pop into your local Games

and see gameplay previews on YouTube.

Workshop and set in a dystopian science-fantasy

Workshop. The staff are always very friendly, let

For the Gadget-freak: Google Nexus 7

universe. Now I know this might sound geeky or

you play games in the shop, give you tips and

At the time of writing, there is no sign as yet of the

just for kids, but I assure you it isn’t. I’ve toyed

tricks for painting and even have completely free

much-rumoured iPad Mini, but I’d be surprised if

with the idea of learning to build and play

initiation courses. They have just released the 6th

this didn’t surface very soon. However, what is

Warhammer 40k for some years, but never got

edition of the rule book along with a complete 2-

most definitely available right now is the 7 inch

around to it. Now that my 10 year old son is inter-

army starter kit (which I’ve built with my son)

Google Nexus 7 mini-tablet. Whilst I don’t own

ested in futuristic science fiction, we both found

called Dark Vengeance. I highly recommend it!

one (I’m an iPad 2 user), one of my colleagues in

Warhammer 40k to be engaging and good fun.

The website is at www.games-workshop.com.

the Dial-a-Cab IT department has one and he was

Warhammer 40k is set in the 41st millennium

Well, I hope there was something useful in

kind enough to let me have a play with it. I must

and follows the evolution of mankind on earth

there for you, and I wish you and your families a

say I was impressed. I’m not an Android fan, I

from the first lunar landing in 1969 to inhabiting

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

love Linux but I’ve been disappointed by the frac-

Mars in 2100, right up to the 41st millennium

Jon Winterburn

tured Android market. Consequently I didn’t have

where there’s nothing but endless wars across the

DaC Network Administrator

continued from page 20

National Customer Service Week (continued)...

Chris had a busy month delivering this training to as many members of the Contact Centre team as she could, before finishing work at

the end of October in anticipation of a very different type of delivery - that of her second child! You can see Chris in one of her training

sessions, along with some of her less-camera-shy trainees, in the photo.

As an introduction to National Customer Service Week and the competition and training, I delivered a series of team briefings that

enabled me to share with the Contact Centre how the Society performed during the financial year just ended, and the impact the Olympic

Games had on those year-end results. I emphasised that we have a difficult time ahead of us and how difficult it is for us to compete with

private hire companies on the basis of cost, but that we can win business if the service we give to our clients is unequalled.

Everyone that attended one of the briefings had an opportunity to comment on my presentation and ask questions. Time and

again I was asked about the service our drivers give. Employees were keen to know why drivers complained of a lack of work

when all too often in the Contact Centre they see a good job being rejected umpteen times in a row. I was also challenged as to

why some drivers offer ridiculous delay times, or ask for a ring out when they are not outside the door.

As a driver myself, it was easy for me to answer all of these questions, but I have to confess I am not convinced they all followed the logic!

Thinking in hindsight about the feedback I received, there was undoubtedly a sense of whether drivers understood how the quality of their

service affected our ability to give a good service?

One contributor even put forward the idea of members spending some time in the Contact Centre to gain a better under-

standing of the job of a calltaker and the difficulties they often face in some of the scenarios put to me. I should add that these

visits are something I have always encouraged and I am only too happy to arrange should any drivers be interested.

Meeting with employees from across all of our various shifts convinced me that by and large, our Contact Centre team are conscientious

about how they do their job and do want to improve our service and enhance the reputation of the Society and its future success. With

you, the drivers, playing your part, I am more than confident that we will get through this difficult period and emerge from it even stronger

still.

If you are interested in learning more about how our Contact Centre works and perhaps listening in to a few calls, please don’t

hesitate to get in touch.

Keith Cain

Contact Centre Manager, Drivers Operations Manager

Call Sign November 2012

Page 22

Jim Baptist (E6) stood silently for a few sec-

onds. Then out came the words that he

apparently wanted Dial-a-Cab’s in-house

magazine to publish...

“I Hate Dial-a-Cab!”

“Yes, I hate Dial-a-Cab,” he said, “and you

that with a minimum fare of £8.80 per trip, if

can put that in Call Sign!”

you only cover just 1 job a day over the

Call Sign had published many articles over

course of the month, that’s well over what

the years and yes, some have been critical.

your subs will have cost and the rest is

But to hate DaC? That was another ball game

straight into the bank and you have all the

entirely! But fortunately for this magazine’s

other benefits of being on Dial-a-Cab ie traf-

editor, who would have had to decide what

fic info, fixes on points if you get stuck and of

to do about Jim’s comments, within seconds

course the map facility when you need it.

a huge smile appeared on his face as he

Even now after all these years, it’s still pretty

admitted to joking! Then he went on to

good if you exclude the Island and I’m sure

explain what he was referring to...

that it will be brilliant with the new terminals.

“Drivers are complaining about the lack of

“I often wonder” Jim mused, “that if drivers

work and yet I’ve managed 4 jobs this morn-

complain about the lack of work through the

ing so far and it’s only 10.30,” he said twist-

system, just how many trip offers they actual-

ing his free left hand to confirm the time on

ly reject before accepting something? These

his wristwatch.

Fortunately for the Editor, Jim was

four trips I’ve done so far today have gone a

“Yes, admittedly the economy is weak and

joking!

long way towards paying my subs and it’s

the competition tough, so you have to go that

pretty much downhill from now on, so you

extra mile to retain our client base and keep

tainly not making light of the present eco-

can see why I hate Dial-a-Cab!” Jim grinned

the customers happy, and if that means run-

nomic downturn, it won’t last indefinitely

mischievously as he realised how the editor

ning a little further to cover work, then so be

and we have to push on, be flexible in our

had been let off the hook!

it.

modus operandi and just get stuck in!

“The real problem is that most drivers

“I know some subscribers are saying things

Alan Green

won’t remember the early 1990s when things

like there’s not enough work on the radio

were very tough indeed. So while I’m cer-

and they are still paying subs, but the fact is

Call Sign Online

PCN request from Barrie Segal

Dial-a-Cab’s PCN expert, Barrie Segal has an incredible record of getting Penalty Charge Notices cancelled.

However, he is asking for some assistance from DaC drivers and asked if Call Sign could put a message out:

“Can I ask that all drivers please write the date of receipt on all Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), Notices to

Owner, Notices of Rejection Charge Certificates, Orders for Recovery and any other correspondence they

receive relating to a PCN and then take photocopies before they send it to Jacqui Franklin in Drivers Services.

This will help enormously, particularly where councils claim they never received an appeal or where they

say they sent out a notice of rejection which they claim was ignored.”

Barrie Segal

Former Dial-a-Cab driver, Bob Woodford, writes a regular column for Call Sign from his home in

Languedoc, France and his taxi somewhere in London…

CALL SIGN EN LA BELLE FRANCE

Walking

Westminster Guides - have set themselves

sengers, the carriage stops at the entrance

up with their own walks and you can

to a tunnel - then after the countdown,

Do you get enough

check out their website at www.trailsoft-

the car is then shot into the tunnel

exercise? Do you

hecity.co.uk. You will find 'Big Steve' and

through two inversions, one of which are

make time to get to

'Richard II' very entertaining!

roll overs - and one of which is a

the gym either

corkscrew on a winding track, twisting and

before, during or

Magical Mystery Tour

turning - up and down!

after your shift? Has

the need to work

I recently enjoyed my second Magical

Me? I just don't sit comfortably with

longer hours meant that you are getting

Taxi Tour to Disneyland in Paris.

fairground rides. This one was relentless!

into the saddle earlier - and getting home

Another great weekend - yes, very tir-

But when the child in your care wants to

later, making exercise an ever more diffi-

ing - but very very rewarding! Scarlott

go up in the air - then sometimes you just

cult practice? Why not consider breaking

was the 14-year old I had a duty of

have to grin and bear it!

up your shift with a nice healthy walk?

care for - she had suffered from a col-

I came off that ride a quivering wreck -

But not just a stroll - make it more inter-

lapsed lung earlier in the year and had

and was promptly asked by Scarlott if we

esting!

a 36 hour stint in intensive care. But

could have another ride! My large intestine

Let me recommend www.westmin-

despite being an asthmatic - and hav-

is still in that carriage!

sterguides.org.uk - you can find a sub-

ing to be dependent on medication

A bientot…

ject to interest you, I'm sure.

and a nebuliser - she was determined

Westminster Guides are really enthusi-

to experience the fasted ride in the

Bob Woodford (Ex-P49)

astic about their patch - I should know,

park.

Saint Genies de Fontedit,

I'm one of them.

The 'rock n' roller coaster' accelerates to

A couple of my mates - who are also

57 mph in 2.8 seconds After loading pas-

Languedoc, France

Call Sign November 2012

Page 23

John Mason, the Director at

London Taxi and Private Hire has

Green and yellow

issued a warning to taxi drivers

about the area licencing identi-

identifiers warning

fiers. He told Call Sign:

“The Cab Order for the taxi driver licence

area identifiers came into effect from

March 2012. This means that all taxi drivers

must display valid All London (green) or

Suburban (yellow) identifiers, depending

on the area they are licensed to ply for hire

in, whenever they are working. As has been

previously notified, unless there are signifi-

cant mitigating factors, drivers found work-

ing without displaying their area identifiers

will face further action. This action will typ-

ically be:

A written warning for a first offence; a

DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO DISPLAY

nated ‘island rank’. Island ranks are located

period of suspension for a second

COPIED OR FORGED IDENTIFIERS. YOU

in inner London boroughs but all drivers

offence and revocation of the licence for

WILL LOSE YOU LICENCE WHEN

licensed for the specified suburban bor-

a third offence.

CAUGHT!

ough(s) are allowed to ply for hire on these

To date, a total of 104 written warnings

The scheme is not intended to be a

ranks. There are currently six designated

have been issued to drivers found by the

scheme for taxi drivers to police each other

island ranks:

TPH Compliance team not displaying both

and drivers should not approach or chal-

Finsbury Park Bus Station - Haringey drivers

area identifiers while working. A further 8

lenge other drivers who may not be display-

Garratt Lane

(Arndale), Wandsworth

drivers have so far had their licence sus-

ing their identifiers. This is made clear in the

Merton and Sutton drivers

pended for a minimum period of one

guidance document that each driver

Garrett Lane (Sainsbury’s), Wandsworth -

month.

received with his/her personal identifiers.

Merton and Sutton drivers

In addition, further to reports received via

TfL has received a number of reports of

Mitcham Road (Tooting Bdwy Station) -

the reporting tool at www.tfl.gov.uk/

Suburban taxi drivers being confronted or

Merton and Sutton drivers without the

cabenforcement, 73 letters have been sent

abused by All London drivers. Such behav-

Clapham extension

to drivers advising that a report has been

iour is unacceptable and any driver found to

Wimbledon Park Road (Southfields Station) -

received and reminding them of their oblig-

be acting in this way risks having his or her

Merton and Sutton drivers

ations to always display the area identifiers

fitness to be licensed reviewed.

High Street, Putney

- Richmond upon

whilst working.

All drivers are reminded that

Thames drivers

Since the area identifiers have been intro-

Suburban drivers can legitimately ply for

You do have the opportunity to report

duced, TfL has been working closely with

hire in parts of central London if:

any allegations of non-compliance via our

police to investigate and follow up instances

* The driver is licensed for one of the two

website at the following address:

of licensed and unlicensed drivers using

extension areas - Merton and Sutton sector,

www.tfl.gov.uk/

cabenforcement.

forged area identifiers.

which includes an extension to Clapham,

Information reported will be collated and

To date, 25 arrests have been made by

Balham and Tooting station ranks, while the

analysed and, where appropriate, used to

the police for suspected forged area

Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest sec-

determine the deployment of the TPH

identifier use. Of these, 16 arrests are for

tor includes the ranks at Stamford Hill and

Compliance team as well as the

drivers that are licensed to work in

Manor House.

Metropolitan Police Safer Transport

Suburban areas but have used forged All

* The driver is plying for hire at a desig-

Command Unit and City of London Police.”

London identifiers. The remaining 9 are

unlicensed drivers using forged area

identifiers. Investigations are also under-

way into a number of other cases.

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

TfL takes its obligations as the Licensing

Authority very seriously and will not tolerate

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

licensed drivers committing fraud in this

way. Of the 16 arrests so far, 6 drivers have

variable bank interest rates?

had their licences revoked and the remain-

Well wonder no more! If you are a subscriber, journeyman or

der are subject to their fitness to remain

member of staff at Dial-a-Cab, then you qualify to join the

licensed being reviewed. Furthermore, any

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union. Any member of your family residing

driver who is studying the Knowledge of

at your address also qualifies for membership!

London to obtain the All London licence

Then if you are over 18, have been a member of the Credit Union for

will no longer be able to complete these

over 3 months and have established regular savings, you can borrow

studies.

up to 3 times your total savings…

This is a reminder to all drivers that

you must display the original identifiers

The cost?

that you were sent by TfL at all times

Just 1% per month on the outstanding balance (or APR of 12.7%).

whilst working and must report to TfL

Loans can be paid back early AND there can be an annual dividend on your shares.

immediately if you need replacement

identifiers. Please call 0845 602 7000 or

The question is: Can you afford NOT to be in it…?

email TPH.Enquiries@tfl.gov.uk. TfL will

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

not accept under any circumstances, the

use of forged, stolen or copied identi-

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

fiers. Your identifiers are your responsi-

Member’s funds protected up to limit set by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

DaC Credit Union Ltd, Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney Rd E2 9EQ

bility. You risk losing your licence if you

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

knowingly allow your identifiers to be

Registration number 213263

borrowed or copied.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 24

Since writing my last article, it

seems to have kick-started others

THE UNTOLD HISTORY

into having recollections of the

OF DIAL-A-CAB...

years that have passed us by

since Pentonville and Shirland

Bits you may not know as remembered by Tom Whitbread!

Roads

me he had a very serious illness. He was receiving

treatment at the Middlesex Hospital in Mortimer

Simplex or duplex?

Street. During his treatment, he parted some dis-

I put my application in to the Lords radio taxi cir-

crete information to the doctor: “Doc, I can’t get

cuit in the early 1970s and just waited to be

the popcorn.” On hearing that, I started to smile

accepted or rejected. In those days you had to

because with Lou you just could not tell from his

have sponsors, but how would I know anyone on

facial expression if he was having you on. Then he

the circuit when I was coming from the Civil

said the doctor offered him an injection he could

Service side of the Metropolitan Police? But I

give himself when he felt the urge for sex, the

found them.

problem being it had to be injected into the

At the time of completing my Knowledge, I was

penis. Naturally the doctor said that he couldn’t

stationed at TDH - the Bow Traffic Division. It

let Lou do it without knowing how to do it cor-

would be a change driving around in an FX taxi to

rectly and not injure himself. So he sent Lou to a

what I had become accustomed to ie a large white

clinic to see a specific nurse. Lou presented him-

Land Rover 110 with a blue light and two speak-

self at the clinic with much trepidation and found

ers on the roof, which made it look like Mickey

the very matter-of-fact NHS nurse, who then told

Mouse’s car!

Lou to drop his trousers and pants and she would

despatching was to keep my foot on the peddle

The day before I was due to attend Highgate

give him a hypodermic needle to practise with.

so the other drivers could hear his location and

Road to have my Pye radio communications

Lou’s rather large tummy did not help when try-

the urgency in his voice, sometimes another taxi

equipment fitted, a kindly lorry driver decided to

ing to find the member that was going to have a

would be at his location before I had taken all the

back into the front of my taxi and smash the head-

large needle plunged into it. He described it to

details and phoned 999.

light and wing. So a battle worn taxi arrived for its

me as being akin to extricating a winkle from its

Dennis died many years ago, but his legend

installation, after which I was transported to

shell. He completed the task with a very sore

carries on with all the drivers who were for-

Shirland Road for my training. That involved sit-

member before being told by the very efficient

tunate enough to be able to have worked with

ting next to a despatcher in the basement of 144

nurse that he had done it correctly and that he

him.

Shirland Road. My trainer was Dennis Samuels

could go home!

Two hours saw the end of your training and

(ex-F25), a man with more front than Selfridges!

you were then transported back to Highgate Road

Lou left the hospital and stepped into the warm

He stood about 5 foot 2 inches in his shoes and

and hopefully able to use the equipment in the

summer sunshine only to be confronted by young

someone who was so quick witted, it was fright-

correct way. It wasn’t till you had used the equip-

nubile women in their flimsy finery. It was then he

ening - and that comes from me, someone who

ment for about 2 weeks that you gained confi-

realised that the injection the nurse had given

considers himself very quick at a comeback.

dence and expertise to join fully in all conversa-

him was not a placebo, but the actual potion he

You had to sit next to the despatcher with a

tions over the air.

would be taking! As he felt some strange stirrings,

headset on and listen to both sides of the jobs

On Saturdays, it was the Ivor and Lou radio

he began to panic - he had gone to the hospital on

being offered and accepted. Lords worked on a

show. Ivor Belkin (C97) did the day shift with

the underground and was dressed in just a shirt

duplex system, which meant if the driver was still

Lou Gitlin taking over for the evening shift. Ivor

and trousers. So it was into the nearest newsagent

talking when the despatcher pushed the foot ped-

could talk the hind legs off a donkey in fact he still

to buy the largest broadsheet they had. He then

dle down, all the others drivers could hear him. I

can and still does the Saturday shift! He is one of

had to stand all the way on a Northern line train

say him as there were no women on the circuit at

the oldest subscribers on Dial-a-Cab along with

from Goodge Street to Edgware. During the jour-

Bill Tyzack (C06). Ivor is the type of person who

ney, he kept the paper strategically placed for fear

that time. On this system, the despatcher had to

falls into the category of why use six words when

of being arrested!

take all drivers for a job as the other drivers would

24 will do! I do not know the exact number of

As Lou finished his recollection of that after-

hear him trying as he proceeded to give details.

years that Ivor has been despatching, but it’s over

noon’s events to me, I was rolling around the can-

Radio Taxis (Southern) - or Mountview as it was

forty.

teen floor, chest void of air and aching, tears of

known - used a Simplex system, which meant if

laughter streaming down my cheeks. Lou was a

the despatcher put his foot peddle down, it

blanked out any driver trying to get in to gain a

Getting the needle

terrific story teller - whether true or not. You

job.

Lou Gitlin was a very well read man, intelligent

couldn’t always tell because of the twinkle he had

Dennis had mastered the art of the foot peddle;

and I believe, the Master of many Freemason

in his eye. Sadly, Lou the joker died in 2010 and I

his foot would go up and down faster than a fid-

Lodges. But what stood out was his wit; he knew

know I will always miss him and his humour.

dler’s elbow! This was something he would train

how to insult a driver and take the mickey out of

me to master in the coming years. As I sat beside

anyone - without them even realising! Some even

Characters and animals...

him, I heard the stupid comments and abuse he

said thanks, thinking he had complimented them!

When I was the night despatcher, there were a

got when a driver thought a job should have gone

When I left home on Saturday evenings after

group of drivers who, if you broke down, were

to him.

becoming a Board Member, I would let him know

around like a flash to get you going again. Among

One driver was giving Dennis plenty of aggra-

when I reached Essex Road. This was so he knew

them were Steve Sharpe (F34), Steve Shaller

vation - they obviously had past history in annoy-

he had someone he could call on in the event of

(R34), Brian Gillette (ex-A71) and a few others.

ing one another in their working lives. The driver

an emergency - or even a toilet break. Inevitably

But it wasn’t always wonderful - I have seen dri-

then accepted a delivery ride from Dennis, who

he would say: “Gentlemen, we have no more wor-

vers get their cabs fixed by this group and then

gave him the pickup address and said the man’s

ries now - the educated Tom Whitbread is on the

take the next passenger in front of their helpers!

name would be on the box - it was Locks and his

road... PLANK!” He could say it knowing there

However, liberty-takers were very few. Remember

initials were B O! That was the speed at which his

was no way you would have a go back because

that these drivers never charged for their mechan-

brain functioned.

knowing Lou, having a go would be taking your

ical expertise and I’ve even known them to tow a

During this training session, I learned a good

life and reputation into the realms of darkness

taxi to the owner’s garage if they could not fix it.

lesson; as this was a voice circuit, always speak

with no return.

Brian Gillette answered to the nickname of

clear and at a speed that can be understood. It

I used to sit with Lou in the canteen during his

mumbles due to drivers saying he would mumble

was no good screaming and shouting because if

lunch period. As I said, he was well educated so

when he covered despatcher’s breaks. He also

you did that, the despatcher would just get

we could sit there and resolve all of the country’s

somewhat resembled Jesus, with his long hair,

annoyed and not go out of his way to help you.

problems. The other thing about Lou was his size,

pallor complexion wispy beard and slim body. He

If you had an emergency, the despatcher would

he was quite large, but you would never see him

was just like Marmite - you either loved him or

cease despatching to get assistance to you as

over-eating.

quickly as possible. What I used to do when

One thing I’ll never forget was when he told

continued on page 25

Call Sign November 2012

Page 25

Jet Set Sports, one of the key players in arranging

Knowledge Point @Taxi Trade Promotions Ltd and…

corporate hospitality for the London Olympic

Games 2012 has given high praise to the taxi

trade for their invaluable contribution towards

THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS

their transport operations during the Games. A

Olympic knowledge and experience into the cur-

Knowledge Point spokesperson told Call Sign:

riculum was at the heart of the partnership that

“We were very proud that they chose

we formed and a key element in the overall suc-

Knowledge Point School to become their partner.

cess of our transportation operations. Recruiting

They came to us because they had learned we

and training drivers who were working towards

were the company who could provide them with

securing their Green badge or actively studying

drivers who were fit and proper, vocationally

The Knowledge to become Black Cab drivers was

competent and of the right calibre for their

a key focus. Their topographical knowledge of

important clients.

London and ability to provide an outstanding

Over a one year period, both we and Jet Set

experience to our guests at the Olympic Games

The participants all did well

Sports interviewed over 300 knowledge trainees

was key. TTP in collaboration with Jet Set Sports

together with yellow and green badge drivers

tunity of a lifetime to all those that were

were instrumental in the overall success of the

who had learned of the opportunity and wanted

involved.”

recruitment and training of our drivers, providing

to participate. The partnership was a complete

Michael Luzzo, Operations Manager at Jet Set

core support in sourcing drivers and managing

success with the majority of drivers not only being

Sports, said:?

administration functions. Without the guidance of

well paid, but also having the opportunity to

“Without a doubt, Taxi Trade Promotions,

Peter Osborne and the skills of Derek O’Reily,

attend both the Opening and Closing ceremonies

their talented management team and top notch

the success that was achieved would not have

as well as some of the major events. Knowledge

drivers played an integral role in the overall suc-

been possible. Our heartfelt thanks go out to

Point School was delighted to be able to work

cess of Jet Set Sports’ transport operations during

Malcolm Linskey and his team at TTP, who were

alongside Jet Set Sports and be part of the 2012

the London 2012 Olympic Games. Working with

true partners in every sense of the word!”

Olympics, collaboration of which gave the oppor-

highly trained drivers and integrating our

A number of DaC drivers took part.

THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF DIAL-A-CAB...(continued)

continued from page 24

hated him. He was also one of the trackers. I was

responsible for this group and it was included in

my Board duties.

The trackers task was to hunt down those few

drivers who decided to disrupt the circuit by

interfering with the signals - usually by holding

down their radio button and making silly noises

that would totally disrupt the despatcher while

calling work. Why they did it, I’ll never know. It

was their own livelihood they were ruining, but

they seemed to think they were being clever. But

they were idiots.

As you will have seen in the last issue of Call

Sign with David Kupler’s (Y74) moving tribute

to his mother Mary, a lot of drivers had members

of their family working full or part-time for the

Society. They would work on the phones, admin-

istration or in my case, when we could not get a

Jack had the same sense of humour whether talking to a driver or the Queen!

night security person, my son stepped in for two

weeks!

did not matter if Jack was the Chairman,

ing down smiling that after all these years, we

I remember David’s mother, father and sister.

Secretary, Treasurer or just a committee member

still talk about them!

His father was the original Frank Spencer with his

of the charity, he would over talk and take charge

These were some of the characters who gave

working attire of navy blue beret and light beige

of any conversation!

their time and energy to help build up this

mackintosh. I wonder if Judd Kupler ever

At ODRTS, Jack would often come into the

Society to the size and wealth it has today. These

picked up Michael Crawford, who was a regu-

office early in the morning and ask if I’d like a

men, like me, could have earned much more

lar account customer with Lords when starring at

break from despatching to grab a cup of tea - it

money out on the road, but they were from the

the Palladium or the Victoria Palace. Perhaps

wasn’t a question, it was a command! But I

early days and wanted the circuit to get better

he even copied Judd’s working clothes for his

would know that within four minutes, the whole

and never fail.

very popular Some mothers do ‘ave ‘em char-

circuit would be in uproar. He would give jobs -

There have been many other characters - a

acter!

not through malice or cheating - to cabs who

word we do not seem to need these days. Maybe

In a list of larger than life characters in the his-

were not the nearest to the pick-up, yet within

that was because data despatch eventually frag-

tory of Lords/Dial-a-Cab, there was one man who

minutes the victim who thought the job should

mented groups that used to meet and produce

stood out throughout the cab trade - that was my

have been his would be back as Jacks best friend!

these people. Neither do you hear the verbal

very good friend, Jack Taylor. He could get away

The moment we heard of Jack’s death, the

banter, regular callsigns or hear that certain dri-

with murder - and often did! He was the type of

whole atmosphere in the office and with all the

vers were sick and they would almost certainly

man who’d walk into a room and everyone

drivers on the fleet, was plunged into sadness.

then receive visits from fellow drivers. Nowadays

would know it was our Jack. Jack wasn’t always

He was such an incredibly loved person. He

we are numbers on a data sheet who travel

so outgoing, he really began to shine when Telly

would radiate humour and kindness, whether he

around in metal boxes, producing balance sheet

Savalas portrayed New York cop Kojak. The sim-

was talking to the Queen - as he did - lords,

bottom lines!

ilarity was uncanny to the point when people

ladies, heads of industry, financial wizards, the

I hope by my putting these words onto paper,

began calling him Kojak! Even if they phoned,

media or a young mistreated child. If you want-

it may remind you - or inform you if you are a

they’d ask if Kojak was in the office and everyone

ed people to donate money to a charity, forget

new driver - about the camaraderie that existed

would know who the caller was referring to!

Terry Wogan or other celebreties - you just sent

during the 70s and 80s. Look out for more mem-

Also, Jack’s tireless work with his team on the

in Jack Taylor!

ories soon...

London Taxi Drivers Fund for

I’m sure that Dennis, Lou and Jack are sit-

Underprivileged Children was remarkable. It

ting in that great synagogue in the sky look-

Tom Whitbread

Call Sign November 2012

Page 26

IT’S A BOY!

Three beautiful granddaughters, but now

DaC’s Sid Nathan can say...

Long-time Dial-a-Cab driver Sid

Sid told us, his voice bursting with

Nathan (K88) sounded ecstatic when he

excitement, “so long as the baby was

phoned Call Sign to tell us his wonder-

born healthy. But having our first grand-

ful news

- his fourth grandchild had

son is very exciting!”

been safely delivered, but after three

The baby was born to son and daugh-

granddaughters he and wife Ivy now had

ter-in-law Avney and Michal on

8th

their first grandson!

October and weighed in at 7lbs. To all

“It would have made absolutely no dif-

the Nathan family, congratulations and

ference to us had it been another girl,”

mazeltov...

At the European Taxi Fair 2012

LONDON TAXIS TO REPRESENT ANTENNENTECHNIK

Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH will be exhibiting

and promoting their innovative range of combination antennas

at the European Taxi Fair in Cologne on 9th and 10th November

and have specifically requested a TX4 London Taxi to represent

and demonstrate them on.

AntennenSystem UK Ltd was formed in 2011 to be the UK

business partner and distributor for Antennentechnik ABB Bad

Blankenburg GmbH, to service the growing UK automotive digi-

The European Taxi Fair will be held in Cologne

tal radio market as well as to promote ABB’s innovative range of

Cologne Trade Fair. It will be a privilege to send a London Taxi to

combination antennas aimed at the emergency services and

exhibit amongst all the other cream coloured saloon vehicles. I’m

mobile radio markets.

sure our platinum silver TX4 will do just the job for Nigel and his

In addition to antennas for many other applications,

team.”

ABB are at the forefront of DAB antenna innovation.

The London Taxi Company have been fitting antennas made

by Antennentechnik to London Taxis supplied to the UK market

for 6 years and highly recommend their products.

Nigel Moore, Business Development Manager for

Antennentechnik and Director of AntennenSystem UK Ltd, said:

“Any vehicle can promote our products on an exhibition

stand, but not any vehicle can attract the footfall like a London

Taxi. The iconic London Taxi is the most recognised taxi in the

world and I am sure it will get every visitor of the show onto our

stand. Once on our stand, we can talk antennas!”

Maria Holmes-Keeling, International Marketing Manager for

The London Taxi Company added:

“We are more than happy to represent Antennentechnik at the

Bank Enhancement Consultation

The City of London are conducting a public consultation on the strategy

developed to enhance the area around Bank and have asked the taxi (and

private hire) trades if they would like to contribute. Responses should go to

bankarea@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

The CoL said: With more people using the Bank area, the City of London

needs to ensure that the streets and spaces meet people's needs. As the

provider of local government and policing services for the Square Mile, the

City of London regularly consults with stakeholders and liaises with infrastruc-

ture providers to ensure that our streets are of the standard expected of a

world class city.

Following last year’s successful consultation where we asked local stake-

holders what works well in the streets and spaces around Bank, what doesn't

and what would make the area work better for you; we have developed an

enhancement strategy for the area based on the most popular occurring

themes and comments from the consultation. We would now like views from

all users of the area, whether you walk, cycle, take the bus or drive through

Bank, as to whether or not you feel the draft strategy targets the needs of

the area, now and for the future.

To take part, you can view the draft strategy at

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/areaconsultations. And then email your com-

ments on the strategy to: bankarea@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Call Sign November 2012

Page 27

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

this office, so please display them in your taxis.

Several minutes later, they all book back in

The reduced handling charge will also apply to

to E14 hoping that the next offer is more

street hirings with credit cards.

acceptable. This is not in the true spirit of the

With your assistance, especially with

Society and is unfair to the majority of our

coverage, it will certainly help to generate

members that are playing the game. A nightly

additional income for you all. The App

spread sheet is being compiled in the contact

works extremely well, but without your

centre and it will then be very easy to find the

backing it will not be a success. Please help

guilty parties. You have been politely warned!

us to help you.

The easiest solution is to make all trips

The trips will appear on your terminals

on Canary Wharf A/D, but as a trusting per-

exactly the same way as they have always done,

son I would much prefer this small section

normal run-ins (up to £4.20) will be applicable

of members to refrain from using the sys-

(at your discretion) and to assist with cover-

tem in a totally unfair manner at the

age, the trips will be As Directed. They are

expense of the majority.

authorised and processed in the usual way.

Hello ladies and gents,

There will be no pre-booking charges at sta-

DaC self-defence classes

I would like to raise your awareness of the

tions or theatres and scrubs will be paid in

Finally, you will see in this edition of the mag-

implementation of the Dial-a-Cab App for

most cases. It will be widely publicised on the

azine that the BoM are sponsoring the Krav

the iPhone and Android that begins on 1st

DaC website and the public network, but

Maga self-defence classes. They are initially for

December. Below this article there is

again I can’t stress highly enough how vital it

up to 30 members and will be run by Ricky

another important procedure that also

is that you give this your full support and back-

Manetta (N16). It will be an eight week course

begins on 1st December - that being the

ing.

starting in January and speaking to Ricky, to

return of the former EC5 rank back to four

get the most out of it, it is important that you

city postal zones. Please read that as well...

Work on the Island

are committed for the whole duration of the

Work on the Island is steadily increasing, both

course.

The Dial a Cab Credit Card App

‘Rolling Ranks’ are running very smoothly and

In this day and age and especially in our par-

As from 1st December, there will be No book-

it will certainly get busier as we approach the

ticular profession, you can never take anything

ing fee on all Credit Card bookings and the

festive period. After 1am when the ranks fin-

for granted and I am sure you will not only

handling charge will be reduced to 10%.

ish, there seems to be a small number of call-

enjoy the course, but gain confidence and

Clients will now be able to order taxis on an

signs that book into E14 and because some

increased self-esteem - and that’s straight from

ASAP basis or pre-book the taxis in advance

trips are then unmasked, they reject all A/D

the horse’s mouth, Ricky’s that is!

either by phone, on-line, or by using the Dial-

trips that they presume to be local rides. They

Be very lucky and drive safely...

a-Cab App (free to download from the rele-

then signal back to fellow members who in

Allan Evans

vant App store for iPhones and Androids).

turn engage the temporary off button simulta-

There will soon be new updated partition

neously, so the so-called local is not offered to

Allane@Dialacab.co.uk

stickers available from Roman Way and from

them, but they maintain their queue positions.

Compliance Officer Allan Evans explains about an important change to an old friend...

CHANGES TO EC5

I would like to explain about an important change involving the operating

procedures and rules on EC5, which is scheduled to start on 1st December.

Quite a number of you have requested that the Board of Management consider disbanding

the current booking-in procedures on the EC5 rank and dispatching all trips in the regular City

zones of EC1, EC2, EC3 and EC4 and relevant back-up zones. This seems a very fair sugges-

tion and from 1st December for a trial period between the hours of 9pm and 6am, the City

will operate as follows:-

All trips will be offered from the actual pick up zones

All trips will be offered As Directed - NREJ

Trips in the Bid Zone will appear in their actual postal zones eg EC1 will appear as EC1

When a trip is offered in the trip zone, it will be non-rejectable; once it is offered to a back-up zone, it then becomes

rejectable but it will remain As Directed

If you are booked in a City zone on a Code 3, the system will still only offer you trips As Directed (NREJ) and only when

you successfully bid for a trip in the normal manner, will it then unmask the destination and offer you journeys to your

home zone or one of the backup zones.

You will now be able to Soon to Clear (STC) into all City zones

Please remember that you must be able to reach the furthest part of the zone that you are either STC or Booking In to within fifteen

minutes. This rule has been in place for many years and will be strictly and realistically monitored and the time and distances will be

judged by the dispatchers, but it will be up to all of you to work within the framework of the Society.

Allan Evans

DaC Compliance Officer

Call Sign November 2012

Page 28

Anyone who uses the RAF church rank /

Even with inflation, Mike Lyons (Y52) queries the growing cost of

Law Courts at the Aldwych will be aware

using the loo...

that if they want to avail themselves of the

toilet facilities, it will now cost them 50p

even though there have been no improve-

£250 to spend a penny???

ments made to the facility to justify the new

cost. Within weeks, some of the urinals had

already been taped off and I suspect that the

hot water supply will only be available on a

very intermittent basis - never mind the

loose or missing toilet seats! And for all that,

Westminster Council expects 50p, so that

using their loo just twice a day will cost you

£1, or £5 per week or even £250 a year!

One thing that surprised me was the

number of taxi drivers who appeared in

looks to be well past their youth, somewhat

unfit and even a little overweight who,

when confronted with a barrier and 50p

sign - beit in anger or just a rush of adrena-

lin - find any possible way of clambering

over the obstacle! I was particularly

impressed by one driver who made an

Olympic-style leap over the barrier. Perhaps

this is what the Mayor meant when he spoke

of an Olympic legacy - although I doubt that

Westminster would see it that way!

No doubt Westminster Council will

soon alter the barrier so that even the

fittest and most agile of taxi drivers will

have to succumb to paying the fifty

pence!

interest-only mortgages. The result of all

office workers or bus drivers at the end of

Let’s face it, we’ve had a pretty terrible

those schemes was that house prices went

each run. In fact, most self-employed peo-

year with work being very slow due to the

up even more. So the possibility of owning

ple will have some form of free toilet access

Olympics, escalating fuel prices and increas-

your own home was reduced from being a

of some kind - whereas we seem to be the

es in the cost of new taxis, even though The

possibility to becoming a totally unrealistic

exception with very limited access. In my

London Taxi Company and KPM have intro-

goal and if things carry on as they are, then

book, that makes it a legitimate expense

duced deals to help with the payments.

the same situation will apply to buying your

against tax.

However, as the Editor pointed out in his

own taxi.

After all, if we weren’t driving our taxis,

column in last month’s Call Sign, the deals

The last thing we needed was to be

we would be in an environment where we

should be carefully looked at because the

burdened with another £250 outlay for

would almost certainly have free access to a

amounts drivers pay nowhere near resem-

just having a wee! But, and I know it will

loo. So this year I will be adding £250 under

ble the actual cost. It reminds me of house

be of little comfort to Dial-a-Cab drivers,

expenses on my tax form.

prices that were becoming increasingly

I see that as a legitimate expense that we

unaffordable, so the banks introduced vari-

can claim for on our tax forms.

ous schemes to get round it by lending

Most other forms of employment offer

Mike Lyons (Y52)

seven or eight times your salary, 125% or

some type of free toilet facilities. It can be

ALPHA POWER PILL IS BACK!

If there is one question we get asked more than any other, it’s

whatever happened to the amazing Alpha Power Pills. These

pills were among the most amazing things this magazine had

ever tested, with numerous readers having used them and telling

Call Sign how happy they were with them.

We began testing in 2005 and by 2007 it seemed that half the

fleet were using them. The pills worked then just as they work

now. The biggest problem was - and is - getting hold of them!

However, Call Sign has traced another supplier in Steve Vale

and he has now supplied a number of Dial-a-Cab drivers in

addition to Chairman Brian Rice.

For those who have never used the pills, they help to clear carbon that builds up in the

engine, with the result of better mpg. But far more importantly, they help to cut emis-

sions and users of the pill can see the results in their wing mirror as the smoke from the

exhaust begins to clear.

If you would like to order the amazing Alpha Pill, just go to OnlyCabs.co.uk

and click on the ‘Order Page’. Or you can phone your order to Stephen Vale at

Only Cabs on 020 3239 6101.

If you have a smartphone, you can go to the Alpha Pill ad inside this issue and

you will see a QR code where you can scan directly to the website by putting

the phone next to the code.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 29

Have your kids told you that

they now need an iPad or laptop

DaC Credit Union

in their room for homework!

Yes? Well this could be an expen-

and Xmas shopping

sive holiday season for you!

There are many reputable shops offering

cheap laptops and iPads etc - but only if you

Tiger Tyres.

pay outright. It’s when you want to pay off that

The other benefit you can find here at

it suddenly become expensive. We’ve seen

Hackney Road is the downstairs tyre service,

£800 packages with 48 monthly payments of

Tiger Tyres. If you save with either the DaC or

£24.28 that end up costing £1165 - an extra

Harp Credit Unions, then you can have your

£365. That’s just one example!

new tyres fitted and pay for them from your

Now look at the Dial-a-Cab Credit Union.

CU account. Now that really makes financial

That £800 loan over 12 months at £72 would

sense. It doesn’t have to be for your cab, they

cost you just £53 extra in interest. Even over

also supply any make of tyre for your car. Just

36 months, you would pay nowhere near PC

make a simple phone call with the size and

World’s rate.

they will call you back with three quotes - bud-

If DACCU loaned you

£1000 over

get, mid and top of the range tyres and then

months, that would cost you just £34 a month

it’s up to you. They can be ordered for next

and a total of

£195 in interest, probably

day delivery on condition they are in stock.

The DACCU is for drivers and staff of Dial-a-

around one third of the total interest the big

Now for all you doubting Thomas’s out there

Cab, but anyone in your family can also

electrical stores would charge you for not pay-

with a “shall I or shan’t I.” Now that you’ve

become a member in their own right with all

ing the whole amount up front.

read this article, you don’t have to go and hang

the loan benefits that it offers.

The Dial-a-Cab Credit Union now has

yourself (my Biblical bit as it’s Christmas-ish),

around 1000 members and enough funds to

so here’s hoping to see lots of new faces very

Harp Credit Union

cover most loans. It costs you nothing to join

soon.

As with DACCU, the above also applies to the

and if you do not want to borrow money, con-

I’ll finish with my usual rambling of be

Harp Credit Union. That has all the same

trary to rumour, you pay no fine and you can

lucky... but be very careful out there.

terms and conditions, except it is for non-

just continue saving - and saving is the only

You can contact the Dial-a-Cab Credit

Dial-a-Cab members or their families. If you

compulsory thing about DACCU. You have to

Union on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585,

remember from my previous articles, this CU

save a set amount regularly. How much you

Tiger Tyres on 0207 729 5237 or go to the

was having problems and the Financial

save is entirely up to you, but the more you

office at Unit 14, Peterley Business Centre,

Services Authority asked DACCU to take it on

save, the more you can borrow! And of course

472 Hackney Road, E2...

because of our experience in making our cred-

your savings can be taken back whenever you

it union so successful. And so far so good; it

want them or if you would like a loan, very

has gone from a minus figure to a £25,000 sur-

John Riley (K38)

often just a quick phone call will do it - no

plus, so we must be doing something right! So

dressing up and begging the bank manager or

Vice-President Dial-a-Cab and

come on down to Hackney Road and join

looking for loans with shark companies where

either DACCU or the Harp Credit Unions. You

Harp Credit Unions

1000+ per cent interest in normal!

know it makes sense.

Donating a taxi ride

Tyres... if snow comes!

on Remembrance Day

Over the past few years

With the ultra-changeable weather of 2012, several Dial-

the licensed taxi trade

has become involved in

a-Cab readers have asked Call Sign about snow tyres -

a lovely tradition on

one even mentioning snow chains! Well Michelin don’t

Remembrance

do those and Dunlop’s are not really suitable for taxi use

Sunday, thanks to the

as they would have to be removed as soon as you

help of a trade famed

reached anywhere the snow was very light. So we asked

for its caring.

LTPH about snow tyres being fitted onto taxis and this

Hopefully that tradi-

was their advice...

tion will continue this

year on Sunday 11

“We have no objection to the fitting of tyres which are

November.

manufactured to perform in snowy and icy conditions.

It involves trans-

Generally there are two tyre options available:-

porting former mem-

Winter Tyres: Full winter tyres are of a construction to

bers of our armed

offer performance at temperatures of minus 7ºC and below.

forces as a freebie

All Season Tyres: All season tyres are constructed to

and getting them to

offer performance at temperatures that are more suited to

the Whitehall Cenotaph in time for the ser-

UK weather conditions, as they have the flexibility to perform across

vice. That could involve picking up someone at

Waterloo Station or if you come into work from

the different seasons and weather conditions.

the suburbs during the morning and can get to

The conditions attached to the fitting of either winter tyres or all season tyres are as

Whitehall by around 9.30am and are happy to

follows:-

bring someone in with you, then that would be

* The tyre specification must comply with the original vehicle manufacturer’s prescribed tyre size

so appreciated.

designation, speed category and load category ratings.

Mike Hughes is co-ordinating the taxi side

and would be happy to hear from any Dial-a-

* A complete set of the same four tyres must be fitted plus the spare wheel (where applicable).

Cab driver who could help on and/or during the

* Seek the profession advice and guidance from the tyre supplier to ensure the most suitable tyre

day. He has had a number of requests for pick-

is purchased and the above conditions are met.

ups in suburban areas, so if drivers could let him

know the direction they come in, that would be

Nothing in the above statement implies that this office endorses or recommends these

a great help.

products and should any undesirable features become evident, we reserve the right to

You can contact Mike Hughes on 07973 430

withdraw authority for the installation and use.”

022 or mike@mikehughes.demon.co.uk

Call Sign November 2012

Page 30

LONG DISTANCE TRIP!

When Sophie and Jeremy decided to tie the

knot at the OBE Chapel in St Paul’s

Cathedral, they wanted the Bride’s immediate

wedding party to travel in London taxis from

their hotel and decided that Dial-a-Cab would

be the company of choice because as the cabs

Views on life as seen through the

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

Kupkake’s

Korner

The wedding party begin arriving at St Pauls in the DaC taxis

are owner driven, the chances were that they

Getting married in St Paul’s OBE chapel at

would be better looked after - and cleaner.

St Paul’s is a bit different in that you are in the

There was just one tiny problem - the bride

crypt with guests getting to the chapel via the

and groom lived in Australia!

café and past the tombs of Admiral Nelson

Because the couple were originally from the

and the Duke of Wellington. But the taxis

AGM TIME

UK, the idea of St Pauls and London taxis had

weren’t different, in fact they were exactly

an immediate appeal. They referred to it as

what Sophie and Jeremy wanted - genuine

It's a matter of weeks till the AGM

their desired true London experience.

black London taxis from Dial-a-Cab.

and your chance to make a change,

Jeremy corresponded with Shelagh Adkins

So well done to DaC drivers Jackie Kott

take a look at the now and then

at DaC House via email from Oz and Shelagh

(Y88), Larry Miller (S35) and Alan Green

to see what can be re-arranged.

made all the necessary arrangements to ensure

(E52), who gained much praise for their pro-

the taxis arrived on time and were in a clean

fessionalism. And yes, the cabs were gleaming!

We need the Board to think ahead

condition for the bridal party. The only

no one must sit on their hands,

requests were that the taxis were black in

Baghwat Singh

new ideas to capture work

colour and that the drivers wore a white top.

Call Sign Online

new procedures and plans.

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled

Let’s start with dispatching;

the rules are out of date,

LTBAWD take 40

complacency is catching

with apathy its' mate!

to the dogs!

I propose that every trip offer

On Thursday evening, the 11th

dispatched in the primary zone,

October 2012, four committee mem

is As Directed when fired out -

bers of The London Taxi

unless you're on going home.

Benevolent Association for War

Disabled welcomed forty patients

Of course you may reject it

and staff from Headley Court, for an

but you'll lose your place for sure,

evening at Sittingbourne Dog Track.

'cos when it goes into the back-up zone

TBAWD Hon Chairman, Dickie

all is revealed - and more!

Hudd told Call Sign:

“What a great night! Just to

It won’t take long for all to sus

be in the company of these

that looking for a clue,

young men and women is a

privilege, to see the way

just won’t be good enough

they are getting on with

we must do something new!

their lives in spite of their injuries, is a

lesson to us all.

So simple, like a hole in one

“The evening went really well, with food and drink - and for some lucky ones,

that's the way to show we're the best,

hopefully a profitable evening.

our response times will improve

“We’d like to thank all the staff at Sittingbourne Dog Track for their help at

'cos we're better than all the rest...

the event.”

Headley Court is a military hospital and rehabilitation centre for around 200 men and

Kopyrlght Kupkake 2012

women from the services of all three armed forces.

Call Sign November 2012

Page 31

There are probably a number of Dial-a-Cab dri-

As you can read inside this issue, Dial-a-Cab was once again at

vers - and indeed members of staff too - whose

Butlins’ golf day in aid of Carer’s Trust: The Princess Royal Trust for

daily lives contain a mixture of work and caring

for a loved one, but with little time for anything

Carers. Below are the stories from two carers who were placed into

else. That’s how it often is for carers. The two

the situation through events beyond their control..

examples below are not taxi drivers, but all car-

ers will recognise their stories of being forced

into a situation where their lives are taken over

by having to care for someone...

Being a Carer - whether

Brian’s story: Balancing the demands of

a working life with being a carer...

“For the last five years, I’ve unexpectedly had

you want to or not...

to balance the demands of a working life with

being a carer. I say unexpected because we

don’t normally expect an otherwise healthy

child and a healthy, active professional partner

to become ill. In my family's case, we’ve had to

cope with the double shock of my daughter

falling ill with Crohns Disease at the age of 11

and my wife with various episodes of Myalgic

Encephalomyelitis (ME). In neither case was

there a cure available.

The impact on our family has been pro-

found, but like most other families we have

gradually found a way to adapt and continue to

get the most we can from life. As a working

carer, I have to not just address the needs of my

family, but also fulfil work commitments - a dif-

ficult and often exhausting trick to pull off.

Thankfully I am fortunate to work for an

employer who is both sympathetic and flexible.

Many carers - and in particular those who are

still working - find it hard to talk openly about

what’s happening to them, perhaps fearful for

The Princess Royal doesn’t just lend her name to the Carer’s Trust, she attends

their jobs or worried that in some way they are

many events

letting their family down by seeking help. This

can be very isolating.

day where Charlene is supported by two staff

from his every day responsibilities and to enjoy

My employer told me about my local Carer

from an agency who take her out. Caring for

himself. Being around friends who understand

Centre, who I contacted for advice and sup-

his sister has caused much stress for Mark and

his caring role makes him feel at ease and for

port. For the first time in a year, I felt as though

all the family.

once, to feel included. The support workers at

someone was interested just in me and how I

For the past 10 years, Mark’s father has suf-

the project are always there to help him and

was doing. In my experience, professionals

fered from severe depression and panic

lend a listening ear for any problems he has. It

(and friends and family) usually focus on the

attacks. His mum is greatly stressed, often

has also helped him throughout the years to

sick or frail person and tend not to think so

attending meetings with Social Work Services

become more confident in himself and more

clearly about the carer and how they are doing.

or the Council trying to sort out funding and

confident around others.

It’s crucial for carers, whoever they are, to look

support for Charlene. This takes up any spare

The group offers him the opportunity to

after themselves. Working carers are so busy

time she would have had. She also needs to be

try new things and meet new people; it

that they often overlook themselves and in try-

there for her husband and to take care of

gives him the chance to forget - at least for

ing to appear competent at work, underplay

Mark’s little brother.

a little while - about his caring role.

what is happening elsewhere.”

Mark feels angry and guilty at not being able

Without the young carers project support,

In Brian’s case, staff from one of the Carer

to do more to support his parents because he

Mark doesn’t think he could cope with every-

Centres met with him and agreed an action

sees their struggle every day, even though he

day life. He told Carers Trust that they give him

plan. That included giving him up-to-date

does all he can. Mark is also aware that his par-

someone to talk to when times are tough. He

information on the support available. They also

ents feel guilty at not doing more to help him

feels that he can’t talk to his parents about

arranged for him to meet debt advisors when

and it becomes a vicious circle.

these pressures as it would only heap more

he became concerned at how he could reduce

Charlene needs two people to support her

stress on them and they have enough to cope

the debt that was building up around him. He

and very often Mark has to be that second per-

with. He also feels that his teachers have never

was also given emotional support to help him

son. He cannot make plans to go out with his

understood or tried to help him.

through his journey as a carer.

friends as he needs to check in at home first to

There are a lot of Young Carers out there

Brian’s workplace suddenly became a source

see if his parents need support. Mark finds it

who are under even more pressure than Mark

of respite for him, giving him time to be him-

hard to concentrate on school work as his fam-

and who need help and support. Many don’t

self - Brian the man and NOT Brian the carer.

ily are always on his mind.

have a mum and dad to take away some of the

My Life: Mark Connolly - a 17 year old

When his friends are planning to go out, he

pressures or they are the main carer for their

young carer...

often finds he doesn’t get included. Over the

parents. Without the young carers service,

Mark Connolly is 17 years old and supports

years his friends tend to assume that Mark will

these young people have nowhere to go and

his parents in looking after his sister Charlene,

be unable to go because he is supporting his

no one to help them.

who has Cerebral Palsy and Autism in addition

family. Mark often feels left out and sometimes

As Mark told us: “We all love our families and

to being deaf and registered blind. Although

feels the support he gives his family is taking

want to support them, but we also deserve to

now aged 23, due to her severe learning dis-

over his life and he just wants to shut himself

be kids first - and the young carers’ project

ability Charlene functions at around 2 years

away from the world and get away from it all.

allow us to be just that…kids.”

old.

When he feels like that, the young carers

And that’s why Call Sign has sent a team to

Mark’s parents are the main carers for his sis-

group becomes a lifeline to Mark.

represent Dial-a-Cab for the past four years at

ter and provide her with full-time care and sup-

The young carers group gives Mark a home

the Butlins’ golf day in aid of Carer’s Trust: The

port, although they receive a little time each

away from home; it allows him to get away

Princess Royal Trust for Carers..

Call Sign November 2012

Page 32

Fifty years of James Bond but...

THEY MISSED THE DAC CONNECTION!

Limo slid to a halt alongside me. The rear win-

dow slowly lowered and the passenger asked

if I knew Burlington Gardens, to which I natu-

rally replied that I did and then turned back to

continue my conversation with the cab driver

in front of me. The Limo rider then asked

“Yes, I know the James Bond films are cele-

again, adding that he was looking for a shop

brating 50 years, but while I have been driving

there, to which I replied:

“So, you want

a cab quite a long time I have a way to go yet

Abercrombie & Fitch, but that’s not what you

to reach the half century,” John Moynihan

asked.”

(G15) told Call Sign with a smile that 007 him-

“They looked quite astonished and must

self would have been proud of.

have thought I was a mind reader! Anyway, I

“But I do have a connection - albeit some-

directed them to the store and they were obvi-

what loosely perhaps - to his film creator in the

ously impressed by my intimate knowledge

form of Barbara Broccoli OBE as I am some-

and psychic powers, to which I simply replied

times lucky enough to pick her up when she

John has a connection to James Bond!

- gesturing with my hand towards the other

phones Dial-a-Cab for a taxi to take her from

taxis nearby - that we were the professionals!”

SW3 to her Bond offices,” John continued.

for SMERSH!

With that, John said farewell to Call Sign

“I live in the south west and often come into

“I always dress neatly yet comfortably - so

and drove off. But was that the 007 revolver

work through Chelsea and over time we have

the 007 dinner suit stays in the wardrobe -

we spotted in the front of his taxi as it glinted

chatted during the journey into town. She and

because I do try to promote a professional

in the late Autumn sunshine? No, it was the

her half-brother, Michael G Wilson, are co-

image. I always check the rear carriage as pas-

last cheese and pickle sandwich in his silver

producers of the Bond series of films. Her

sengers alight to ensure they haven’t left any-

lunchbox! No doubt even 007 gets hungry

father, Albert (Cubby) Broccoli, was the first

thing, or if I do miss something such as a

sometimes...!

producer of the Bond franchise and they sub-

mobile phone etc I return it as soon as possi-

sequently took over the company. Who knows,

ble. It makes for good public relations.

Alan Green

I might even be invited to a Bond premier

“Recently, I was on a rank in the Mayfair area

sometime! I could be Call Sign’s spy - but not

along with other cabs, when a black stretch

Call Sign Online

Every issue of Call Sign takes a look back at ODRTS history through the

in offering us policies

second to none.

pages of the magazines of the time with a flashback

Take for instance

the Sickness and

DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

Accident policy;

for a premium of

This issue looks back to ODRTS News

£14 per annum, you can

and Views, July 1978 and some info

be covered for £10 per week

about insurance of the time. They

excluding the first seven days but up to

certainly sound like a bargain!

104 weeks and you can take multiples of

this premium to suit your own require-

TREASURER’S REPORT by

ments. The taxicab and private car insur-

Aubrey Siteman

ances are offered at 15% discount on

current rates.

Insurance schemes

Any questions you may have with regard

As I recently reported to you, we have

to these policies and any others can be

negotiated with our insurance brokers

some excellent policies. These include

answered by our brokers. I would ask you

Sickness and Accident, Permanent

served us for 25 years, have gone to con-

all to support these policies as in all insur-

Health, Pension Plans, Taxicab and

siderable trouble to comb the market to

ances the premiums are based on numbers.

your private car insurance - plus any-

get us competitive premiums. They are, in

thing else you may require.

fact, one of the biggest brokers in the

Aubrey Siteman (C07)

Our brokers, who incidentally have

business and I believe they have succeeded

ODRTS Treasurer

What’s on at the Science Museum

Pain and where it is heading

Geneticists decode DNA to find out how pain works in the body.

There are always many interesting exhibitions going on at London’s

Neuroscientists examine brain activity to discover how emotion affects the

pain we feel. Researchers ask: Do we really feel no pain during surgery

Science Museum, including the amazing 3D IMAX theatre. But two

caught the eye of Call Sign.

under anaesthetic or do we simply not remember it? How might this

From 8 November 2012 until 8 November 2013, you can visit Pain

affect us?

Pain Less will introduce you to the latest pain research, through person-

Less: the future of pain relief.

This is a new exhibition featured in the Antenna - Science News

al stories, scientific discovery, fascinating objects, films and even games.

gallery. It investigates the future of pain relief, which saw the average

Brit swallowing no less than 373 painkilling pills this year!

The BBC and 2LO

Yet we treat pain with drugs that haven’t really changed for decades. Is

On Wednesday 14 November and just for one day, the BBC will be cel-

there not a better way to control pain? This exhibition explores pain

ebrating the 90th anniversary of its first broadcast on 14th November

through the stories of extraordinary people who deal with it every day -

1922. To mark the historic moment, the Science Museum is displaying a

from the patient who suffers with chronic pain in his missing limb, to the

portion of 2LO, the transmitter which broadcast the first radio pro-

man who feels no pain at all.

grammes. If you are a digital radio freak, this will remind you that it

It examines how scientists work to create the perfect pain relief.

hasn’t always been like that..

Call Sign November 2012

Page 33

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

guess is that they won’t ...Ed

Dial-a-Cab House

Who would have

or email us at

callsignmag@aol.com

thought it...

How sad to read the Chairman’s page in the

October Call Sign that we have lost the

Sinatra, Bogart and

more taxi drivers than there were this

House of Commons/Lords to a minicab com-

time last year - 353 more to be precise -

pany that no one has heard of and which has

the HoC!

how would you feel if you had undergone

just 250 cars. It wouldn’t have felt so bad

Regrets, I have a few, but then again too few

3 or 4 years of the Knowledge only to be

had it been through service, but it looks as

to mention. Not sure about that, but I was

told that you can’t have your badge as it

though they have just gone for a cheap price.

on the dog and bone to Allan Evans - no, not

isn’t busy enough? I know what I’d feel

But what it shows is that no account is safe

me telling him about my naval gazing - but

like saying! I also drive a cab and have felt

anymore purely because of who we are and

suddenly popping into the conversation

the pinch, but I have always believed that

then to claim that minicabs are cheap as they

came the news that we had lost the House of

the 70,000 private hire vehicles are only

don’t know the way and use old bangers. We

Commons/Lords account. What followed

here because for many years our num-

must under all circumstances provide the

can only be called the sound of silence - at

bers stagnated - and that was at a time

best service, because that’s all we have. No

least for around five seconds which classifies

when we were busy. Had we increased at

minicab company can beat us on service

as an international world record for two cab

a steady rate, that 70,000 would probably

when we put ourselves out. Perhaps the

drivers! Then it appeared in the October Call

have been much less. I’ve taken a look

Chairman should reprint his piece on the

Sign and it looks like the Chairman’s

back at Call Sign files between 2005 - the

HoC every month just to remind us of what

favourite account has really gone over the

first year PH drivers were licensed - and

can happen...

hills and far away!

2009 to compare numbers. In those four

Sid Nathan (K88)

To lose an account is always a bummer,

years, taxi driver numbers went up by

I don’t think anyone needs reminding,

but the House account was not any ordinary

137 from 24,700 to 24,857. At the same

Sid. Several drivers have already said

account, it was special. We know the reasons

time, licensed minicab numbers went

how upset they were to see a queue of

why we have all been close to politicians for

from 36,900 to 48,619 an increase of

passengers waiting in the rain for cars

a ride - ok perhaps not all of us with Edwina

11,719 vehicles! In the three years since

where we used to pick up, with just one

Currie - but the staff inside the walls of our

then, taxi numbers have increased by a

minicab there. The only chance Fairway

hallowed palace had worked closely along-

further 595 vehicles whilst minicabs have

and Kenwood have of coverage is if they

side the law shapers and debaters, not to

probably added around 20,000 to their

get lots of notice as to when the cab are

mention observing the wheels of the nation

numbers. As I said, Dave, you are right,

needed and it doesn’t rain! I notice that

grinding ever so slowly forward.

but I hope you can see why I still feel

the next evening there were a lot of our

Being with folks in that position, albeit

worried ... Ed

taxis back again ...Ed

only for a relatively short time on the jour-

ney to their abodes far away to the land of

fact, of knowing the price of a bottle of milk

Golf thank-you

£1 subs or a gold

and a loaf of bread, did make us better cab

Hello Alan

drivers without even realising it. Maybe

Just to thank you for selecting me to repre-

watch?

Brian did see something we didn’t know we

sent Call Sign/Dial-a-Cab at the Butlins

Hi Alan

had been given, a few small nuts and bolts in

charity golf day at Berkhamsted. It was a

Very interesting article in the August Call

our armour as we progressed through life’s

wonderful day, nice weather, fantastic golf

Sign regarding the DaC long-service awards

riches. I guess you could say that's why he's

course, good company and excellent hospi-

for staff members. I understand these

tality shown from the Berkhamsted golf

awards are now an integral part of the office

God’s right hand man at DaC. As the song

goes; I've lived a life not in a shy way. If only

club. We were also fortunate enough to be

regime and occur twice yearly to recognise

seated for dinner with the club captain along

the longer serving members of staff. It does

Frank had added: But did a little their way,

he could have had a hit record with it.

with representatives from the Carers Trust

say something about Dial-a-Cab in an indus-

and Butlins.

try where large numbers of staff turnover is

I do hope one day the House returns: Why?

not only expected, but is the norm. I just feel

Because the more educated we are, the less

Although I thought the four members of

it’s a pity that the same recognition is not

chance there is of us being hoodwinked by

our team collectively produced a reasonable

afforded to subscribers. I understand that

the parasites that live off our backs, both in

score of 112 points, it was some way short of

staff and subscribers are different

- one

and outside the trade. And for once I don't

what was needed to make the podium. But

group being self-employed and one

mean Members of the House - after all, they

some success in the raffle for Keith and

employed - but I'm betting that there are

did put a tool in our locker of life.

myself helped to make up for that! Once

more long serving members as subscribers

In the words of Humphrey Bogart: “Here’s

again many thanks...

than employees?

looking at you kid!” Kid, you were special

Terry Felvus (M86)

In the same August edition on page 10,

and we never knew it.

In addition to Terry, Call Sign selected

Keith Cain said: “You, the drivers, are the

And by the way Al, you probably don't

Ray Scott, Keith Cain and Simon Wallis to

main workforce and the service you provide

need me to tell you old fruit, that the

represent DaC ...Ed

to our clients is not only of great significance,

October Call Sign had not just a fantastic

but forms a huge part of the wheel that turns

cover, but really good content.

New driver numbers

and makes this Society what is has become

Gary Cox (O46)

Hi Alan

today.”

Thanks Gary, I guess that money is more

I have been receiving weekly tweets from TfL

So why do longer serving members not

important than quality to those who pay

congratulating all the new drivers that have

get some form of recognition? I know that

the bill at the House and that is their pre-

that day gained their licence. Do you happen

after 30 years (that's one third of the average

rogative. It could be they now discover

to know how many drivers there are now?

lifespan) we get £1 subscriptions, but I have

that you can’t always get home on a one

This must be the only industry that employs

often wondered how the 30 years was

pound coin and if it didn’t affect us

more people the less work there is...

arrived at. Standard industry practice is 25

directly, I’d almost be interested in seeing

Dave Ballard (N28)

years with a gold watch! I also acknowledge

how this minicab company copes. My

Dave, whilst you are right that there are

that this represents a loss of revenue for the

Call Sign November 2012

Page 34

Mailshot

Continued from page 33

blocks? Needless to say the job was scrubbed

after a ten minute waste of time. I think our

operators should make sure they have every

Society and it would also be interesting to

part of the address and not leave it to driver

find out how many are currently paying the

to sort out.

£1 subs.

Ray Sorene (A53)

Perhaps this may be the time to re-think

Keith Cain replies: I have investigated

the rewards for subscribers; perhaps we

or his secretary to find out the name of

both trips Ray refers to in his letter -

could start off at say 20 years with a 10%

the mansions where he resides and this

Oakwood Court, Abbotsbury Road and

yearly reduction in subs until the 30 years

will be entered onto his profile details as

Queensgate Gardens. Ray will be interest-

are reached, or perhaps after 25 years’ ser-

soon as we can get them. This will ensure

ed to know that the trip from Oakwood

vice a 20% reduction is given for 5 years until

we do not have a similar situation hap-

Court had a ‘T’ attribute, which denotes it

the 30 year mark is reached, or even one or

pening again.

was a trip on behalf of a car company.

two free months per year?

We are not leaving the driver to sort

The bookings for this account are all

Anyway it's just a thought and I would like

things out, in fact we need this vital infor-

to know what Board members think about

ordered online and not touched by any of

mation about pick up addresses to ensure

our operators. The trip details appear on

re-thinking driver rewards. And before you

the details we hold on file are accurate.

ask, I have been on the circuit for over 32

the screen exactly how they are entered

Ray’s perception of our operators getting

by someone at the car company. When

years, but only 28 as a subscriber. So not

it wrong with these two trips could not

long now!

Ray informed us where he was parked,

have been further from the truth. I am a

Alan Sullivan (F20)

we contacted the car company immedi-

little surprised that Ray could not have

You’re not seeing double! Because there

ately and the delay was them getting back

called us to discuss this rather than write

was not enough time to get a response

to us to advise where the correct pick up

a letter to Call Sign. Dial-a-Cab is one big

last month, I have reprinted Alan’s letter

address was.

team and our service is measured from

...Ed

The second trip Ray mentions was

what is given by all of us. Therefore, as

Brian Rice responds: What you should

from one of our Concierge clients.

much as drivers rely on the contact cen-

realise Alan is that we like to show recog-

Concierge has been designed as a profile

tre, the contact centre and account man-

nition for long serving staff as well as

based system. What we mean by profile

agers rely on drivers to keep them updat-

members. If we were to offer the same

based is that the personal details and

ed of problems or situations. It's all about

scenario for members, it would not be

addresses of the authorised user are set

working together as a team...

popular as they would rather be at work

up on our data base by the user themself

earning their living and not wish to lose

when the account is first set up. This

time for no financial reward to attend a

includes their home address. As they use

MB problems?

reception. I am sure members would

us more often, they get the option to list

Hi Alan

sooner have a situation as now when

their regular journeys as a ‘favourite’

trip. Having this information already set

I'm not sure if you are copied into the bul-

they actually receive a reward for their

up makes the booking speedier, more

letins from Manganese Bronze. The account

years of service. We have had the current

efficient and personal. More important-

results make interesting reading and certain-

situation in place for the last sixteen

years and anything can be tinkered with,

ly, it cuts down on possible mistakes that

ly raise the question about how long MB can

but it seems to be accepted at the

can happen should staff enter the wrong

keep trading showing year after year losses.

moment. Of course the BoM could with-

details. The client on this occasion, tele-

In my opinion, the recent sales push by

draw the 30 years’ service award at any

phoned the contact centre to book two

Mercedes show that they are trying to put

time - just hope it’s not in the next two

taxis - one from the office to take him

the London Taxi Company out of business

years!

home and this one, which was the return

by offering sales deals that guarantee a total-

journey for 6am to take him back to

ly unrealistic end of plan vehicle value which

work. The DaC operator confirmed with

Apartment addresses

they are underpinning. Although the TX

the caller his home address that had been

Alan

Hydrogen version is on its way, it is still at

set up by him and it was confirmed as

To follow up the letter from Alan Sullivan

least 2-3 years away from serious production

correct. When Ray arrived seeking infor-

(F25) regarding the new terminals; my cab is

and will therefore probably be too late to

mation from us as to which block he

fifteen years old in February 2013 and I hope

should pick up from, we did have trouble

save the company. The bad feeling left by

to get an extension to take it up to February

finding it out from the client because he

unsettled warranty claims have not done

2014. But at the rate of 100 new terminals a

was asleep. All the contact centre was get-

LTC's reputation much good and has caused

month being fitted from a date we don’t yet

ting was his answer machine and as is

many previously loyal customers to jump

know, I think the only chance of me getting

the norm in such situations, the regular

ship over to Mercedes.

fitted is in the length of time I have been

message is sent asking the driver to make

Having spoken to many in the trade, they

being on Dial-a-Cab! In that respect and after

their own contact. While I accept that Ray

feel that the Vito is not ideal for two main

44 years, I should be about number one!

would never have known which block

reasons: Firstly it is a converted van rather

Changing tack, has anyone had problems

the customer was residing at, he should

than a purpose built vehicle and secondly,

with incomplete addresses being sent out on

have contacted the controller informing

because the Vito is widely used in the private

terminals? As an example, a few weeks ago

him of his predicament and he would

hire trade, it blurs yet further the distinction

on a job from Abbotsbury Court there was

have received instructions how to pro-

in the travelling public’s eyes between taxis

no flat number given and I was told to park

ceed. The client, then having been woken

and PH. LTC need to act quickly if they are to

at the entrance and advise arrival. I

by us calling his phone, called back to

save the iconic London taxi as we know it.

explained that there were twelve entrances

cancel the trip because he was not ready

You would have thought they had learnt

to the pick-up address, but that took 15 min-

to leave. There was no other reason why

from previous mistakes such as the Land

utes to get to the customer. Then in the last

Ray’s trip was cancelled.

Rover engine back in the late 80's. They need

week of September and a pick-up given as 7

Needless to say, since Ray’s letter has

to dump the VM engine for a more reliable

Queens Club Gardens, I was again told to do

been forwarded to me for a response, I

unit, be it either Japanese or a Perkins unit.

an AA and that they would find me. Back

have instructed the account manager

They also need to sort out the radiator prob-

comes the message: Cannot contact, make

regarding the pick-up address and she

lems and fit a cheaper basic unit and they

own contact. Do I ring bell seven at all 26

will be talking with either the gentleman

need to sort out the niggling quality control

Call Sign November 2012

Page 35

Mailshot

Continued from page 34

issues. That done and faith restored, I'm sure the trade will start buy-

The Knowledge

ing the TX4 again and the purpose London cab as we know it will sur-

vive. If they fail, we will all be driving converted bread vans and MPVs

Foundation!

and the difference between us and LPH will become even more of a

Hi Alan

blur. Please God let somebody up at LTC have the balls to admit the

I was pleasantly surprised to read the letter from Terry Farmer (ex-

problems and get them sorted!

T55J) in the October Call Sign. He mentions doing the Knowledge

Graham Waite (B35) Archivist London Vintage Taxi Association

about 40 years ago with someone who played in The Foundations

Thanks for that Graham. You may well be right about drivers

band. Well Terry, if you’re reading this, it was me! Unfortunately I

going to the Vito over the warrantee issue, I can’t say as I wasn’t

don’t remember you, but I guess you must have done the Knowledge

involved in that side. My cab was called in, converted and I got it

at Levy’s in York Way. It sounds as though you have retired now, so I

back. I was also the first owner of the Rover engine cab. I went

hope that you and your family are well. My only question is where did

into M&O and was told they had a new engine and that I could

those forty years go!

have either the new or old model. When they said the new one

Ken Hardy (G36)

was a Rover - well you can guess what my answer was! And do

There is a piece on Ken and The Foundations inside this issue. If

you know something, Graham; it was the best cab I had ever dri-

anyone else had a “famous” life before becoming a taxi driver, let

ven up to that point. Compared to previous cabs, it was almost

us know ...Ed

silent and passengers constantly commented on what a much

better ride it gave (I always believed that the ride was similar, but

Alpha Power Pill

that the new quietness made it feel better). The fact that you

Dear Alan

could have a conversation (there were no intercoms back then)

Following our ongoing advertising, new orders are coming in every

made a huge difference. The downside was that it struggled

day or so as a direct result of the ad in Call-Sign. But you may be

going up Highgate Hill when fully loaded. I always look at my

interested in knowing that in addition to southern enquiries, I got a

cabs as work tools and put that inconvenience up against the

call from a new customer in Dorset and thinking that this was a bit far

view that I went up Highgate Hill with four passengers on very

for him to commute while being a Dial-a-Cab driver, I discovered that

few occasions and I was enjoying having so much less noise. But

he actually owns a ‘Classic Cab’ and that your article had been refer-

it was definitely an underpowered engine and once word got

enced in his magazine! So as you can see, your influence is far and

round, then values plummeted. I still loved it, but ended up sell-

wide.

ing it privately for a reasonable amount and began a love match

Steve Vale

with the Fairway!

Alpha Power Pill

The bottom line is that yes, I also hope they learn from past

Many drivers are again using the Alpha Pill. Not only does it cut

mistakes just as most people try to do, but does anyone out there

emissions, it also increases the distance you get from each litre

believe for a single second that the manufacturers of the iconic

of diesel ...Ed

London taxi would ever deliberately produce a vehicle that was

unsuitable for the job we do? Take the Rover engine as a failure

- regardless of my view of it - and then look at the Fairway. That

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

was everything most drivers wanted. Most of the TX1s were very

good and the TX4 in my view is by far the best taxi ever made.

THE TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR CHARITY FUND

The TX2 in between the two was considered to be not in the

Remembering those less fortunate than ourselves

same class, but again I had one with no problems. But some dri-

vers did and it left a stain.

40th Anniversary

But my view is well known and yours is obviously in the same

Presents their annual Dinner and Dance

vein; The Vito is an overpriced vehicle that looks like a minicab

Saturday 1st December 2012

because PH used it long before we did. As a vehicle, it’s great - it

Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DN

just isn’t a real taxi regardless of its ‘for hire’ sign. However, you

Tickets £62.50 include a 4 course meal and half a bottle of wine per person

cannot uninvent the wheel and the Vito is here and its £135

And of course dancing to a live band!

lease/buy plan was a very shrewd piece of marketing that has

got them a large current share of the market. All that we can

With your kind support The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund is able to make

hope is that Manganese Bronze successfully recover from

substantial donations to the taxi trade charities.

Don’t be the one to miss this great night out. Come along and enjoy good food and great

administration and that the TX4 returns to the selling fields to

company. It will prove to be an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all...

battle the Vito once again ...Ed

Return to Russell Poluck MBE, Hon Chairman,

5 St Brides Avenue, Edgware Middx HA8 6BT

NV200

RSVP by 1 November 2012

Dress Smart

Dear Alan.

Please make cheque payable to T.D.Y.C.F. (please print)

This may be of interest to DaC drivers intending to purchase the new

Nissan NV200 taxi when it finally goes up for sale. Will the DaC ter-

Name:

minal be able to be fitted in this new vehicle and do you envisage any

implications with regards to the warranty being affected by the instal-

Address:

lation?

Clarence Ishmael (R54)

Interesting question, Clarence, one I would normally pass over

Tel:

Mobile:

to someone who knows more than I on the subject. But on this

Email:

occasion I doubt whether anyone knows anything yet. However,

I would be astounded if Nissan didn’t approach the radio circuits

Number of tickets:

before releasing the vehicle to ask about radio fitting specifica-

tions. Under those circumstances and assuming the terminal

Dietary requirements:

Veg

Fish

Meat

was fitted by DaC technicians, then the warrantee would be unaf-

For further information: Contact Russell Poluck 07850 056 765 - Tel/fax 020 8952 1357

fected ...Ed

Registered with the Charities Commission No: 1000761