Call Sign January 2013

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Well, that’s the first part of the holidays fin-

leaving your driver a tip easy and optional.

ished and we are just days away from the

The Hailo Fee in Chicago is as follows. Non-Peak

annual fight for fares. But if I’ve learned one

Fee $1.50 with the Peak Fee (6-10am and 3-6pm,

thing in my almost 42 years in this business, it

Mon-Fri)

$2.75.”

is that you can never tell! So perhaps 2013 will

So as I said last month: Just who are the mugs?

turn out to be a much better year than we

think. If true, then don’t forget you read it here

Baku Taxis

first. If it isn’t, then the editor of TAXI told me

As Call Sign exclusively revealed in our October

to say it!

issue, the Baku Taxi Company in Azerbaijan have

now ordered a further 1000 TX4 taxis to add to

‘Caught’ at the ‘Cross?

the 1000 they purchased last year. Company direc-

No, don’t be silly, I’m not talking about that Cross

tor, Ilgar Gasimov told us via an interpreter that

- this is a little tale about one of the northern sta-

they were so happy with the first batch of TX4s,

tions, Kings Cross.

that they wanted a second 1000 in 2013. Of

I was sitting on the rank like the good little boy

course, these taxis will come from Geely in

that I am with around 10 cabs in front of me,

Shanghai - the same Geely who refused the loan

when a prospective male passenger came up to

that could have seen the London Taxi Company

me. I put my Evening Standard down and

through their current difficulties and avoided

opened the nearside window assuming that he

them going into administration.

had a question. But he just asked if I was for hire.

The strange thing is that the guy who said he

As I wrote in the November issue, if it tran-

I politely directed him towards the first cab on

was an officer for an organisation I thought no

spired that Geely ended up buying the remains of

the rank and off he trotted. I reopened the paper,

longer existed, made a great play of comparing my

the LTC to add to their 20% at a knock-down price,

but almost immediately another male came up to

Badge / Bill number with that on the identifier, yet

I would find that to be reprehensible. In fact, if it

me, held out some smallish object in his hand that

missed the fact that the road tax - situated just

was a Geely TX4, I doubt that I would contem-

I couldn’t read because it was dark and he exhaled

below it - was two months out of date!

plate buying a TX4 again - even though I have

the words that I hadn’t heard for some time:

But hey, it’s the season of goodwill and I don’t

always believed that it is by far the best taxi in the

“PCO driver, can I see your Badge and Bill

hold grudges, but it did make me wonder just

trade.

please.”

who the hell he was...!

I was taken back for the minute and unsure

Now let’s have a coffee?

how genuine this guy was because I was under the

Norovirus

Look, it’s still officially the holiday season so if the

impression that the expression ‘PCO’ had been

It was pointed out to me recently that the

following seems to have little relevance to taxi

overtaken by LTPH - or TPH for short! But I decid-

Norovirus is much stronger than last year. The

matters, that’s because it doesn’t. But I’m part of

ed to assume that he believed I was a bit of a pil-

virus is often transmitted via contaminated food or

the trade and this happens to me several times

lock and that I wouldn’t have known that

water but can then be passed on by person-to-per-

every week and at Xmas / New Year time, I’m

Transport for London had given us TPH out of

son contact. Does that ring a bell for taxi drivers?

allowed!

the ruins of the former Penton Street administra-

Norovirus is often a cause of viral gastroenteritis

It’s all about my lovely wife Linda and her

tion. So perhaps using PCO was just the easier way

and can affect people of all ages. The virus can

choice of coffee. Like many others, our local High

for him to get across his point - that he had seen

also affect your future immunity.

Street gives us a choice of Costa or Caffè Nero

me “refuse” a passenger.

One answer is to carry a chlorine-based disin-

whenever we fancy a coffee and - just as impor-

So I gave him both items and sat there qui-

fectant, which is very effective in nullifying the

tantly - a sit down! We find Costa a bit like drink-

etly while he examined the numbers and then

virus. Surgical gloves would also be effective but

ing hot milk, but if Nero’s place is busy with the

walked round to the front of my TX4 to com-

could possibly cause some alarm - if not insult

mothers and babies union, then it has to be Costa

pare the numbers with my green identifier.

sensitive passengers!

where I always order a small Americano.

He came back to my nearside window and

The Norovirus doesn’t just pass easily from per-

That doesn’t appear to be much of a problem to

passed both items back to me with no comment

son to person; it’s also a very nasty illness. Be

the staff; but then I have to order Linda’s Java fix -

other than to ask if the passenger I had refused

aware...

and that ain’t so easy unless you have the memo-

wanted to pay with a credit card?

ry of a 21 year old.

I said that I didn’t know as he had only asked if

Hailo charges

“And can I also have a small, skinny, decaf cap-

I was available and I just redirected him towards

In last month’s Call Sign, I wrote under the head-

puccino with an extra shot and cinnamon sprin-

the first cab. He sort of nodded and walked off

ing of ‘So who are the mugs’ that the Chicago ver-

kles instead of chocolate and in a takeaway cup

and I was left wondering whether he was genuine

sion of Hailo - from the same three Americans

with a sleeve for holding it but with no lid please!”

or just looking for a badge number to copy.

who released it over here - charged passengers a

Incredibly, they usually get it right, but whatev-

The next day, that latter thought became even

premium for using the service. I compared it to

er happened to the days when you could just walk

more relevant when I took my cab in for a major

London drivers who are paying for the service

in and order two coffees!

service. At the end of it, Wayne, the boss of the

with no run-ins and up to five minutes free wait-

garage came up to me and said that everything

ing (which then gives the Hailo driver £2.40

Call Sign

looked fine, but did I know that my road fund

against a DaC driver’s £6 assuming he had an aver-

Because the printers of Call Sign closed for two

licence was two months out of date? As I remem-

age £3.60 on the meter on arrival). So besides los-

weeks over the holiday period, this issue was put

ber renewing it, I found that to be rather aston-

ing an average £3.60 on each job, the driver has to

together in almost half the usual time so I hope

ishing but soon unravelled the mystery. The previ-

also pay 10% of the fare! No wonder those US

the quality is as good as you would expect. Can I

ous year, my taxi failed its overhaul because I had

entrepreneurs are doing so well. But apparently

also thank all those contributors who came up

put a new tax disc on as the old one expired the

there were some drivers on one of the internet

with articles in a much quicker time than they

following day. But the passing station said that the

chat site who thought I had made it up. I’m only

would have usually done in addition to thanking

cab had to have an up-to-date disc and failed it -

on the US Taxi-l list - which I’ve been on since

everyone that takes the time to write for or to the

even though when they pointed it out, I rather

1989 - so I didn’t see any of the comments. But let

mag. That’s what keeps it going and I hope you

stupidly assumed they would tell me not to do it

me quote a piece from the Taxicab, Limousine &

will all continue with that contact in 2013.

again and pass it anyway.

Paratransit Association (TLPA) which praised the

This year saw the cab go up again just two days

App. In a recent newssheet they said:

Finally, can I wish everyone out there a very

before the old disc expired, so having learned

“The Hailo app is free to download and you don’t

happy New Year, with my sincere hope that

from the ridiculous situation of the previous year

pay any more until you’re delivered a Hailo taxi, at

you and your families have good health and

where I had to buy a new disc, let the passing sta-

which point you’ll get charged a Hailo Fee. The

that it turns out to be surprisingly busy...

tion see it and then return it to the DVLA for a

meter doesn’t start running until you get in the cab

refund while losing one month in the process, I

and you get 5 minutes of free waiting time. The

Alan Fisher

tucked the new disc behind the old one. Then I

minimum fare is only $5. Of course, good service

forgot about it and it stayed hidden until now!

deserves recognition, which is why we have made

Callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign January 2013

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

be thrown into disrepute regarding the pro-

EC5

cessing of credit cards.

As most of you nightmen are aware, we

changed the Finsbury Square rank so that

Apps

future work could be despatched to the indi-

As you are now aware, we have launched our

vidual zones of EC1/2/3/4. This was due to

App for Credit Cards and it is working very

several members asking for the change due to

well. We will also be launching an App for

our largest account re-locating to the ‘Island’

your Account Customers in the New Year.

and in future their work would not be

Whilst I am talking about Apps, it appears

despatched to EC5, but to E14 instead.

there is some confusion regarding Members

The thinking behind the change was that

using Apps from other companies.

members would then be able to soon-to-clear

As you can imagine, the BoM are not

into the EC zones, something which was not

thrilled with Dial-a-Cab vehicles turning up to

available to EC5. Also, you had to be in an EC

a customer displaying our livery and then

zone before you could book into EC5, where-

doing the cheap trip on behalf of the other

as you only had to be 15 minutes away from

App supplier. Well, what can we do about it?

the furthest point of a particular zone when

The answer is very little at the moment as we

trips were despatched to the individual ones.

are unaware of who has an App and who

The request for a change seemed quite rea-

Ernst and Young to carry out an investiga-

doesn’t and it would seem very churlish of

sonable and the BoM are only too happy to

tion / audit into Dial-a-Cab and our systems.

improve service to Members and customers

the BoM to try and police something that we

The Auditors were on our premises for five

cannot monitor or indeed enforce.

alike, so we agreed to the change for a trial

hours and we had to satisfy them on 496 counts

period. What then transpired was that

However, what we can do is to state

as to how we deal with the information we

quite categorically that if a Dial-a-Cab taxi

Members were booking into the zones, but in

receive and how secure it is. At the time it

our view some would have needed a jet pro-

has hardware fitted from another organi-

appeared to go smoothly, but of course you

pelled cab to get there in 15 minutes and there-

sation, then that is against our rules and

never know until you receive a final communica-

by offering an inferior service to our clients. We

action will be taken.

tion from the bank concerned. When we eventu-

were also inundated with complaints from

I have been told there are some Barrack

ally received the final result from the bank, there

Members stating they wanted EC5 to return

Room lawyers on a particular taxi forum, who

was not one suggestion on how our systems

and pointing out the pitfalls (in their opinion)

say we can’t do anything about it, but we can

could be improved or how we collect and store

which could occur.

and we will as we believe it is against our rules.

data. So we easily passed the audit inspection.

I believe their concerns were justified;

I can understand to a certain extent someone

The report also contained the recommen-

consequently the EC5 rank was re-intro-

wanting as many strings to their bow as possible,

dation that in their view Dial-a-Cab was a neg-

duced as the BoM believe it is in the inter-

but the line must be drawn somewhere and it

ligible risk and we would not have to under-

est of the Society to do so!

will be.

take an audit of any description in the future

I have heard some comments - from out-

Also remember that if you are caught using a

- or as they put it: NLR (No longer required)!

side of our Society I might add - asking if the

mobile phone whilst driving, it is a £60 fine and

They have also marked their vendor

BoM know what they are doing? Actually the

three points on your licence and if there is an

profile for us as ‘retired’! I think you will

answer is ‘yes’ and as I have stated before, we

accident or worse, then goodness knows - I

agree that is quite an accolade, especially

are only too keen to improve service for

know those scenarios only happen to others!

coming from one of the largest financial

Members and clients alike. It really does not

institutions in the world.

make any difference to us so long as the ser-

Finally

So you can see why I sometimes smile

vice to clients is impeccable and the majority

Another year has come and gone and 2012

when I see some systems that operate within

of Members are happy. I say majority, as what-

has proved to be a particularly bad year for

our industry that are not even Payment Card

ever we do or introduce, there will always be

the London Taxi Industry, we can only hope

Industry (PCI) compliant, when they make

a section of the Membership that will not be

that 2013 is better!

some of their credit card transactions. I really

happy with the decision.

However, I would like to wish you and your

cannot understand why this situation is

As you can see from the above, we do listen

families a very Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

allowed to prevail by the authorities, because

to Members requests and are only too happy to

if any cards were cloned after being used in a

Brian Rice

change something, but once we do, we must be

London Taxi, then our whole industry would

confident that it is for the better and will

Chairman, Dial-a-Cab

improve service and in this instance, we did not

believe it was for the best, hence the reversal.

Finally on this topic, if you were one of the

The Flower Mill

original Members that asked to have EC5 dis-

banded, please don’t ask again as the status

Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings

quo will prevail unless of course circum-

stances drastically change.

Ernst and Young Audit

Tel: 07854 738895

There are many topics and issues that arise

within Dial-a-Cab that Members are totally

Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk

oblivious to, however something has arisen

recently that I thought you might be interest-

Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk

ed in and the type of situation that occurs.

From time to time some of our larger cus-

Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties

tomers like to do their own internal audit

into Dial-a-Cab, just to see the systems we

have in place and how secure the information

“It is at the edge of a petal that love waits”- William Carlos Williams

we hold on customers really is. To that end, a

very large bank employed the services of

Call Sign January 2013

Page 5

Vito rear axle steering preparation

235 Vitos ordered without it!

According to an internal memo at Eco City

Vehicles or KPM, their quality control has

identified

235 Vito taxis having been

ordered without the rear axle steering

preparation. London Vito Taxi sales with

internal code BB4 were not updated in the

vehicle documentation system upon instal-

lation of the rear wheel steer system.

As a result, the ESP system - electronic

stability program

- may be activated

unnecessarily at speeds below the 12km/h

when the rear wheel steer is operated.

This would be displayed in the instrument

cluster by the yellow ESP warning light

illuminating. In plain English, ESP

improves the safety of a vehicle's stability

by detecting and reducing loss of traction

235 Vito taxis ordered without rear axle steering preparation

or skidding.

The memo concludes that it is therefore

“failure to SCN code both the ESP and EZS

In other words, Mercedes Benz and

necessary to carry out special coding on

control units successfully will result in fault

other dealers seem to be happy to say to

the ES and EZS control units. It adds that

codes occurring.”

Vito owners: Look, don't blame us!

Rogue limos driven

off capital’s roads

A new wave of enforcement against unsafe, uninsured and unlicensed vehicles in

the

down on dodgy operators to raise

capital has seen rogue operators of unsafe limousines hit with 17 prohibition orders.

safety standards across the capital.”

Operation Kansas, a joint initiative between TfL, the Vehicle and Operators Services

With the fad among young partygoers

Agency (VOSA) and the TfL-funded Safer Transport Command from the Metropolitan

to rent stretch limos, there are likely to be

Police Service, was launched in London at the beginning of March to step up enforce-

a lot of disappointed faces around...

ment against illegal luxury or novelty cars that feature prominently in the capital’s

nightlife.

Roadside stop-checks on limousines and other vehicles were carried out on Victoria

Embankment on Saturday night, 8 December, as the city got into the full swing of

Christmas party season. On that day, 26 vehicles were stop-checked, seven of them

issued with immediate prohibition order preventing them from being used until remedial

action had been taken. Of those seven, one was immediately impounded for having

• Roadside repair

vehicle defects and no operating licence. Three were immobilised at the road side. Five

• Roadside assistance

vehicles were issued with delayed prohibitions by VOSA inspectors, requiring them to

make improvements to the vehicle within a set period of time. Those vehicles will also

• Running repair recovery

be required to undergo a new MOT inspection. Five further vehicles were issued with

• Accident recovery

inspection notices.

• Pay as you go to membership

Since concerted enforcement activity began in March, Operation Kansas has stopped

• Credit card taken at roadside

and examined more than 300 vehicles. Despite significant progress over recent years,

illegal limos, cabs and private hire vehicles remain a high priority for TfL as they are a

danger to the public, especially as they operate around the capital’s night life.

0845 094 5307

TfL’s Commissioner, Peter Hendy CBE, said: “TfL and our partners have come down

hard on rogue operators in recent months and we are now starting to see posi-

We make wheels turn

tive results on the road. These vehicles, which in many cases are unsafe and unin-

sured, are a danger to anyone who hires them and we will continue to bear

so you can earn.

Call Sign January 2013

Page 7

If you were one of the Dial-a-Cab drivers at

Ricky Manetta’s (N16) recent Krav Maga

course, you may have noticed a team from

BBC 2 coming in and speaking to some of

DAC DRIVERS

those on the Israeli self-defence class.

Having spoken at length to Call Sign editor

Alan Fisher about the taxi business, they

decided to go to Tench Street in Wapping

where the classes take place and select a driver

ON THE TELLY!

they could follow around for two days in order

to assist in making a programme about taxis,

provisionally called The Roads. This is a fol-

prisingly quiet on the streets, I decided not to

low-up to the recent BBC 2 programme - The

do any radio trips because I was nervous that

Tube - about an underground train driver.

the camera would pick-up information about

BBC 2 ended up selecting Marc Turner

our clients that they wouldn’t necessarily want

(R97) as their taxi driver and we asked the

publicised. I could have used some DaC work,

night driver how it went.

but I didn’t think it was worth taking the risk.

“They came to my house at around 4pm on

Perhaps the most astonishing part was that

a recent Saturday and about an hour later

even though the cab was illuminated more

began fitting the cab with camera equipment;

akin to Las Vegas than a taxi’s interior, very few

they put four cameras in total in both front

queried why or realised they were being

and back taking almost three hours before

filmed! I actually pointed out to the men from

they could say they were ready. In the mean-

the Beeb that the heavy lighting would take

time, the inside of my taxi was bathed in an

away the intimacy associated with a late-night

amazing light as I began work.

taxi ride, but they said there was no choice.

The BBC 2 crew, including the pro-

I believe at least one other DaC driver was

gramme’s producer, were in a car behind fol-

filmed and they even mentioned that the

lowing me with a radio mike connected to the

Editor had offered them a tour of DaC House

cab and I ended up doing two days with them.

if they wanted it as part of the programme.

I worked as usual and as my passengers got

They also said The Roads will be on sometime

out, the BBC men would ask them to sign a

early next year...”

disclaimer document saying they didn’t mind

being on television. Some said no, but most

agreed.

Jamie Corum

Although it was a Saturday night and sur-

Marc was selected by BBC 2

Call Sign Online

Martin Cordell & Co.

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Does your accountant supply you with the following?

Over forty years of experience with the Licensed London Taxi Trade.

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.

Martin Cordell & Co . . . Do!

All for one yearly fee

The London Taxi Trades Premier Accountants

(24 hour answering service for prompt service)

020 8980 7161

(24 hour answering service for prompt service)

1-5 Alfred Street, Bow, London E3 2BE also at

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

www.martin-cordell.co.uk

Call Sign January 2013

Page 9

Allen Togwell’s Marketing Place

o everybody at Dial-a-Cab, may I

ately thought would be an apt description of

take this opportunity to wish you

me if I took the advice of Mr Lyons (Y52)

and your families’ peace, goodwill,

who suggested I go casual when writing about

happiness and good health for the

our member’s dress code.

New Year. 2013 - a year ending in 13 is omi-

In Paxo’s case - or to give him his proper

nous in itself. It is likely to be yet another

name Jeremy Paxman - he was criticised in a

uncertain year particularly for the cab trade,

humorous way by columnist Quentin Letts

but not as uncertain as it was for us old‘uns

who wrote that Newsnight viewers have been

who remember January and February - and

treated to the sight of Paxo’s scrawny dewlaps

even March - when they were always Kipper

flapping below his chin. Is that a neck, sir he

months and it was common to sit on the rank

asks, or is it the undercarriage of an amorous

at Kings X that went to the top of Pancras

turkey hen?

Road! Then after an hour or more of freezing

The criticism came because of Paxman

your whatsits off, you got to the point and

being tieless during an interview with Lord

your hopes would rise when you saw luggage,

Black, who had recently been released from

only to be deflated when hearing the destina-

prison. Lord Black was wearing a smart grey

tion was a hotel in Argyle Square, which you

1996. Radical improvements were made at

suit and an imperious purple tie. The BBC’s

could practically see from the rank. There was

Board level, including team spirit, profession-

Paxman, conversely, wore a jazzy blue jacket

no brooming trips off in those days and as

al managers were installed and the Chairman

and an open-necked blue-and-white stripey

tough as it was, if a cab driver overtook you

adopting a role more akin to that of a CEO.

shirt, which could have been his pyjama top.

and saw a fare waving, he would indicate to

Resulting in the society experiencing the most

Letts then went on to say that the rule of

the cab he had just passed and carried on dri-

successful period in its history.

thumb should be that presenters should dress

ving. A gesture that has sadly disappeared

in a way that suits their age. Which I believe

with time.

Remembering...

applies to anybody, me in particular. Apart

But enough of dwelling on the past, I’ll leave

from complimenting a suit, I find the benefits

Silver Anniversary!

that for Mr Whitbread. I’m aware that not all

of wearing a tie keeps me warmer on a cold

2012 was my 25th year of serving on your

of our members read my articles, but from the

day, can bring a splash of welcome colour to

Board and knowing how in the past Board

few that do there have been some who have

the ‘bib’ of a shirt and it can pull together the

members used to come and go like ships in

benefited from my mentioning either things

top of the collar, hiding all my unseemly old-

the night, I was secretly thinking all year I

in the market place that they were unaware

lizard neck.

might be presented with a Mickey Mouse

off, or simply a prompt to get something that

watch or even a cake, but no such luck. But

they have been meaning to get but just

Best in the world?

joking aside, it really has been a remarkable

haven’t got round to doing.

As regards the uncertainty of what the cab

25 years.

In my last article, I mentioned the hands-

trade holds in 2013, if it’s any consolation, the

Dial-a-Cab had not long moved from

free Bluetooth car kit for speaking on a

report that London cabbies are the best in the

Shirland Road to Brunswick House when I

mobile when driving your taxi, which costs

world, beating our rivals from New York,

joined the Board. And considering how much

less than £19. As I write this, I have just seen

Tokyo and Shanghai for the fifth year in suc-

bigger the new building was, it wasn’t long

an article in the press that included a photo of

cession (last month’s Call Sign) should lift the

before an additional floor was added to

a cab driver talking on a mobile, claiming that

spirits. It is just a pity that Alison Couper,

accommodate a new control centre. Even

a million people have been nicked using a

senior director of communications of

though I’m not an architect, I was delighted to

mobile whilst driving. Why they pick on a cab

Hotel.com who undertook the survey, does

get the chance to redesign the entire ground

driver out of a million people is probably

not communicate that fact to all those hotels

floor including the reception area and later to

because we are considered to be responsible

in London who use minicabs. Personally - and

redesign the control centre. Which was a far

drivers, which is praise in one respect but also

it’s only my opinion, - I think the ever increas-

cry from when we moved across the road to

a warning that a cab driver is more likely to be

ing threat private hire was having on our trade

Dial-a-Cab House and able to afford profes-

nicked than the average motorist.

over the past few years could well ease off

sional architects at fees in the tens of thou-

On the question of gadgets, I was saddened

since the introduction of so many taxi Apps.

sands.

to read tragic stories recently about people,

I’m not an App nerd myself - I don’t own an

Technology 25 years ago was in the form of

including the elderly, young couples (many

IPhone, Blackberry or IPad. But I must say I’m

electric typewriters. When word processors

on holiday) and whole families who have suf-

extremely surprised and impressed by the

came into fashion, I made a request for one

fered, with many having died from carbon

effect these taxi Apps have had on the average

but the then Board said we couldn’t afford it

monoxide poisoning. It’s ridiculous to think

cab driver and in particular quite a number of

so I had to make do with a second hand

that almost all could have avoided that

drivers on Dial-a-Cab.

Amstrad with a nine-inch screen. The text was

tragedy for as little as £14, which is the cost of

For years I used to get slaughtered at our

so small that I bought a pair of spectacles with

a carbon monoxide alarm. These alarms are

AGMs and in Call Sign when I retained or cap-

huge frames, which made me look like Brains

easy to fit, particularly for the elderly; they are

tured a new client by reducing our charges.

out of the 1960’s TV show Thunderbirds.

battery operated and if you are going on holi-

On one occasion, I was physically threatened

Board meetings back then, compared with

day, particularly to a villa that could well have

outside Brunswick House because I was

today, will always be remembered - but not

a dodgy heating system, you simply take the

forced to reduce the gratuity of our biggest

with affection. They were noisy, aggressive

alarm with you. They are so small, you can put

client from 12?% to 10% or else lose the

and health wise I feel lucky I haven’t suffered

it in your first aid bag. Many of you may

account and as for reducing waiting time or

the effects of passive smoke, because every-

already do this, but if you don’t then pop

run-ins, I wouldn’t dare because no way

body except me smoked at Board meetings .

along to your nearest DIY store or even your

would the work get covered!

One even smoked a cigar in a room with no

local chemist, it could be the best 14 quid you

Yet now we have many of those same dri-

ventilation for ten hours solid, made worse by

have ever spent.

vers willingly covering work with no run-ins,

another BM who brought a dog to the meet-

no gratuity, no waiting time and gladly pay the

ings that used to relieve itself under the

Paxo and my tie!

taxi App company 10 percent of the ridicu-

Boardroom table, always near to where I was

Changing the subject, I had to smile recently

lously reduced fare for the pleasure of doing

sitting! Some might find that amusing, but in

when I had my head buried in the mountain

them. There has got to be a moral there some-

reality it was a just one example of how badly

of paper that comprises the Sunday Times,

where, but I’ll be dammed if I can find it...

the Society was run at that time. And it could

when seeing the headline: Paxo, put your tie

well have continued that way if it hadn’t been

back on, there’s nothing more pathetic than an

Allen Togwell

for the present Chairman taking office in

old man trying to be groovy. Which I immedi-

DaC Marketing

Call Sign January 2013

Page 10

Obituary

DAVE PARRIS

When it comes to the Christmas period, we reflect on the people that have added something special in

our lives. Maybe that’s because we slow down and have a little more time to mull over memories. One

person I will certainly be thinking of is Dave Parris, who was employed by DaC as a despatcher, work-

ing mainly on the night shift while I was the Board member in charge of the Call Centre. We recently

heard that he had suddenly died.

I liked Dave; to me he was an honest character who would not lie if I asked him a question - even if

it could have shown him in a bad light. Yes, he had his faults; he loved his pint of beer especially while waiting for an Arsenal match to

start. His greatest friend at DaC during those times was Jay Gomez - another fanatical Gunners fan.

Dave was very dry witted, which matched in with myself. He loved baiting Board members - one of his favourite targets was Allen

Togwell. But when it was work, he took it very seriously and he did not take too kindly to drivers who tried to take advantage of the sys-

tem while he was despatching.

So I was rather shocked after years of working with him when he informed me he was leaving and going to work for Her Majesty’s

Prison Service.

After I moved to Roman Way, I used to see Dave as he was at that time working in Pentonville Prison, so he would occasionally pop

around for a cup of tea and a chat. He also told me he fancied moving out to Banbury in Oxfordshire and buying a little place and that

is what he eventually did.

In the first week of December, I received a message from Steve at the Roman Way depot to contact him. I did so that evening and he

informed me that Dave’s car had broken down three days earlier and so he had decided to use his bicycle to go to his new place of work

- HMP Bicester. He set off without a care in the world, but on that journey a car went into him and killed him on the spot.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer the condolences from all staff and drivers of Dial-a-Cab to his family. May he rest in peace.

Tom Whitbread

London taxi guide Bob Woodford looks back at London’s past...

JANUARY DISASTERS!

Every time we get around to January, I’m reminded about a dreadful event i

London's history - the 110th anniversary of which will be on the 27th of this

month.

Many Londoners probably no nothing about the tragic event that took plac

at the building that, when I was on the Knowledge, was called The Friern

Hospital, but which has now become the Princess Park Manor luxury apart

ments in New Southgate.

Back in 1903, this collection of buildings was known as the Colney Hatch

Lunatic Asylum and operated by the London County Council, housing over

3,000 of the 'pauper insane'.

On the night in question, 52 people - all female - lost their

lives when a fire swept through the wards - the death toll

marking the worst peacetime fire in London's history since the

medieval period. Many of the inmates were held in temporary

timber wings in a complex famous for its long corridors.

But the inevitable happened: One of the timber wards

caught fire and aided by strong winter winds, the conflagra-

tion spread, with the disastrous consequence of many poor

souls being burned in their beds.

The fire occurred in the Jewish wing - people that

were separated for apparently practical reasons such

as shared dietary needs, but the temptation is there to

dice. It was a sad time when psychiatric patients of any ethnic group were held in very low regard.

The Princess Park Manor luxury apartments website does not mention the tragic fire; neither does the history section make any mention of the build-

ing's former function as an Asylum.

There is also, strangely, no mention of this event in an absolutely superb book I was given as a gift for Christmas. If you intend to dwell on ranks

during the kipper season, then I could recommend a thoroughly good read - check out London's Disasters by John Withington. This fascinating and

unique book tells the story of over 2,000 years of disaster from fire, water, disease, storm, pollution, accident, riot, terrorism and enemy action as well

as lesser known events such as whirlwinds and earthquakes.

It does, however, make reference to another disaster in January 1867 when on the 15th of that month hundreds of pleasure seekers

descended on Regent's Park to take advantage of the boating lake, which had frozen over and despite the warnings of thin ice many

visitors got their skates on and started to take a turn.

But the unthinkable happened - the ice began to weaken close to the banks and eventually cracked. The result was that around 200 skaters plunged

into the freezing cold water, their heavy skates conspiring to worsen the tragedy. Despite the frantic efforts of those on shore - many of whom ripped

off tree branches to haul people in - 40 people perished.

Two chilling stories of events from a chilly January of London's past. Hopefully, London will have a safe 2013...

Bob Woodford

Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2013

Page 11

Dial-a-Cab driver Alex Smith

(J67) was sitting on the

USAIN AND

Claridges rank recently when

he saw a rather famous face

THE VITO!

leaving the hotel and being

directed towards a limousine

Usain poses with

DaC's Alex Smith

that had obviously been wait-

ing for him.

“I recognised him immediately,” Alex told

that he would rather

Call Sign. “It was Olympic double sprint

use a taxi than a car -

gold medallist, Usain Bolt.”

and he was going to

Of course, when you are sitting on a rank

Heathrow!”

such as Claridges or the Savoy, the chances

He was chatty and a

are someone famous will eventually exit and

really nice guy. And for

more often than not, get into a limo. But

once, I didn’t mind

Alex got a shock.

having a ‘runner’ in

“I saw Usain shake his head and point to

the cab!

my Vito cab, apparently telling the doorman

NISSAN GETTING READY FOR LONDON?

The Nissan NV200 that is said to meet all the London Conditions of

Fitness but that rather than using a rear wheel turning circle - that many

Vito drivers have said doesn’t work - will use a standard front-wheel steer-

ing system circle more akin to that of the TX4, is progressing well with

Nissan hinting that it may hit London earlier than its original launch date.

According to Nissan, they learnt much about this trade and its

taxis at the time it provided engines for the Fairway - although

the last of that model was built over 15 years ago in 1997.

The head of the NV200 cab building program, David Jackson, has

claimed that Nissan intends being a very prominent player and not just

to throw a few taxis into the ring, adding that Manganese’ problems

could spur Nissan into speeding up their entry into the London taxi mar-

ket - originally scheduled for mid-summer 2013.

Nissan also say that a battery-powered NV200 could begin produc-

tion in 2014 - something that could make even the Mayor’s ears begin to tingle. Boris

has said that he wants London to have an all-electric taxi fleet by 2020.

Jamie Corum

Call Sign Online

LTI sacked workers protest

Workers from Coventry taxi makers, Manganese Bronze, took their fight against

being sacked to London after the company went into administration. They came

to the capital as part of a Unite - The Union group to promote their Save our

Black Cabs campaign.

In an attempt to raise awareness of their fight to keep taxi manufac-

turing in Coventry, they handed out leaflets and spoke to taxi drivers

and members of the public.

Call Sign spoke to several of the workers, all of whom had been with LTI -

as they called the company - for many years. They all said that it wasn’t a

demonstration, but a rally to generate support to help keep taxi manufacturing

in Coventry. There is already a campaign on Facebook.

One of the workers told our reporter: “The response from the London taxi

drivers has been fantastic and they’ve all supported our fight. Yes, we know

they might have the odd moan and groan about the TX4, but they know that these are quality vehicles and

they want to continue driving them.

“We’ve got no gripe with the administrator; they’ve got jobs to do. But we want to gain support and make the right people take

over the business with manufacturing in Coventry the focal point.”

A Unite spokesman added that the event went well and the workers were well received, particularly by the cabbies they spoke to.

Dennis Latchett, Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2013

Page 12

DaC driver Sean Farrell (B39) looks at trade history from a different angle

The Brethren of the Whip

against George Wilde.

Seeing is believing?

What Watson told the commissioners not

Ever been tricked into thinking that some-

only astounded them, but had them nearly

thing you have seen on TV was not quite real?

falling off their seats with laughter, while

Sure you have, but commonsense dictates

Watson could not understand what the fuss

that what you’ve seen is some form of trickery

was about. His cab was being employed at an

of the camera. I know of several taxi drivers

hourly rate each night, but the truth was that

who to this day still believe that the moon

it was being driven each night from Temple

landings were faked. Are such illusions sus-

Bar to Blackwall; he witnessed it with his own

tainable at a theatre? After all, that is what

eyes. He believed therefore that he was enti-

makes Derren Brown and David Blane so

tled to the half-a-crown fare that the cab

popular; but even with these illusionists your

undertook every night for the six week run

commonsense and intelligence is telling you

and so was entitled to put in a claim for £5.

that you have been conned - even if you do

Try as they might, they could not convince

not know how?

Watson of his error. In the end they sent for

1843, George Wilde, lessee of the

the treasurer of the theatre, Mr Lewis, who

Olympic Theatre put on a production enti-

again, to cut down costs, Wilde himself would

explained to him that

“Temple Bar and

tled Road of Life. The Olympic Theatre was

don the multi-layered cloak of a cabman and

Blackwall have been brought within the walls

in Wych Street, which was completely oblit-

perform the part. With rates agreed, the pro-

of the Olympic Theatre. Temple Bar is on the

erated by the construction of Kingsway and

duction went ahead.

stage and Blackwall is in the Painting Room.”

Aldwych, but ran from Drury Lane south-east-

Act one opened to a reproduced scene of

Eventually Watson was convinced and no

erly to St Clement Danes Church. To give real-

Temple Bar. Towards the end of the act,

doubt scratching his head, proclaimed:

ism to the play, he wanted to engage a han-

the lead actor would hail the conveniently

“Well, I declare, I thought the cab went

som cab and horse every night for the perfor-

waiting cab on the rank and direct the dri-

to Blackwall and no gammon. I let my

mance. There was nothing particularly unusu-

ver to take him to Blackwall. Horse and

horse and cab to the theatre and of course

al in having live animals on stage, particularly

cab would trundle across the stage as the

when I thought it was used to take some-

at the Olympic. In fact the first production it

curtain fell.

body to Blackwall, I wanted my reg’lar fare

ever staged, The Indian Chief, had horses

Act Two would open with the cab arriving at

- I don’t understand their stage decep-

and it was even used for indoor pony races!

a scene depicting Blackwall. Cabby would be

tions.”

George Wilde approached a cab proprietor,

paid off and makes his exit. That was the sole

There was little doubt that even George

Mr Watson, and offered to rent a horse and

use of the cab every night. Towards the end of

Wilde saw the funny side of things. Even

cab from him each night of the play for its six

the run, Mr Watson, the proprietor of the cab,

though the summons was dismissed, he gra-

week run. Within the vicinity of the Olympic

took a seat in the gallery and watched the per-

ciously paid two shillings for the summons

Theatre, there would have been dozens of sta-

formance; he did not like what he saw. The

and for Watson’s time in endeavouring to jus-

bles and it is almost certain that in order to

following morning he was before the com-

tify what he saw with his very own eyes.

cut down costs, the proprietor would be

missioners of the Westminster Court of

based nearby. No driver would be needed as

Requests in order to take out a summons

Sean Farrell (B39)

Euro 5 requirement

suspended

Because the TX4 steering box problems caused such huge problems in the taxi rental market, TfL

have agreed to implement a temporary relaxation of the requirement that all taxis new to licens-

ing must be Euro 5 compliant and that requirement has been suspended until further notice.

TAXI AIR

As a result, TfL will now allow taxis new to licensing (and those previously licensed by TfL but

which have not been licensed for some time) to be a minimum of Euro 4 standard for up to 5

CONDITIONING

years, but only within the maximum age of the taxi of 15 years. No taxi in scope will be

allowed to exceed the 15 year age limit and that requirement remains unchanged.

• All makes and models serviced

In summary; the changes mean that individual drivers and garages can now source Euro 4

and repaired

taxis that would have otherwise not been licensed by TfL and can present these taxis to meet

• Mobile service - we come to you!

the licensing inspection standards in the normal manner.

However, any Euro 4 taxi new to licensing will only be licensed for a maximum of 5

years and will not be allowed to exceed the maximum age of the vehicle of 15 years.

Call Mick Wheeler

TfL say they will review the impact of this suspension on a regular basis and will end it once

it is satisfied that there is improved stability and availability of taxis.

Individual drivers and garages who source Euro 4 taxis which they wish to licence in London,

on 020 8715 0079

can now do so by following the standard taxi licensing and inspection process.

For further information, refer to previous TfL notices via www.tfl.gov.uk/tph.

Covering London and the Home Counties

Call Sign January 2013

Page 13

At last... someone is listening to the cab trade!

Mayor seeks ban on

dangerous pedicabs!

The Mayor and Transport for

We may soon see more of

London have called for a

this!

change to legislation that

would allow them to effectively

ban dangerous pedicabs in the

and aside from the regular

capital. In its submission to the

aggravation they cause local

Law Commission’s consulta-

residents and other road users,

tion ‘Reforming the Law on

there is increasing concern that

Taxi and Private Hire

these unlicensed, unregulated

Services’, TfL proposes that

vehicles may cause serious acci-

pedicabs and other

‘novelty’

dents. I welcome the effort put

vehicles should be brought

in by Westminster, TfL and the

under the same legislative

police to make sure that the

framework that governs Taxis

streets are a safe place.”

and Private Hire vehicles. This

Roger Johnson, from the

would give TfL the power to

Prince Edward Theatre

- a

remove

pedicabs

from

hotspot for pedicabs after the

London’s roads as they don’t

show ends - said:

meet the rigorous safety and licensing standards that Taxis and PH

“The West End is a world class destination and safety plays a sig-

must adhere to.

nificant part to this; if pedicabs were banned or regulated, it would

Although there are a relatively small number of pedicabs that

most certainly improve the area and the safety for our customers.”

operate in a small part of central London, they have a dispropor-

TfL’s proposal to the Law Commission will require primary leg-

tionate effect on traffic congestion and congregate in pedestrian

islation to be implemented. In the meantime TfL will continue to

areas - both of which impact on bus passengers and other road

work with Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police

users.

Service on enforcement activity to tackle illegal and unsafe activity

Whilst there are some responsible pedicab companies, even they

by pedicabs

cannot ensure the safety of their passengers to an acceptable level

and the Mayor and TfL believe they are unsuitable for London’s

roads. Neither pedicabs nor their riders are licensed with no

requirement for riders to undergo CRB checks. Pedicabs are often

unroadworthy and uninsured with riders often disobeying road

rules and putting the public at risk.TfL has now released figures

which demonstrate that pedicabs pose a risk to passengers and

cause considerable congestion in the West End.

Between October 2011 and November 2012, joint enforcement

activity undertaken by TfL, the Metropolitan Police and

Westminster City Council saw 365 arrests and seizures and 839

warnings issued to pedicab drivers for offences such as dangerous

riding, causing obstruction and cycling on a footway. The most

recent enforcement activity saw 5 arrests for similar offences with

one of the people arrested having been wanted for deportation by

the UK Borders Agency for 18 months!

TfL and Westminster City Council had previously sought to intro-

duce a voluntary registration scheme but it was recognised that

this would not have resulted in a robust and rigorous licensing

regime. The Mayor and TfL are seeking to change current legisla-

tion so that the issue can be tackled effectively.

A number of businesses and organisations have expressed their

support for the proposal to ban pedicabs. Boris Johnson, Mayor

of London, said:

“Although there are a number of responsible pedicab compa-

nies, the fact is that these vehicles jam up the capital’s roads and

consistently fail to ensure the safety of their passengers. Whereas

other forms of public transport have measures in place to protect

passengers, with pedicabs anyone can just hop aboard and ply for

hire. It has become clear that a voluntary registration scheme

would not have produced a robust solution. That’s why we and a

wide range of businesses, local authorities and West End institu-

tions are calling for TfL to be given the powers to remove them

from the streets.”

Mark Field, MP for the City of London and Westminster, added:

“The numbers of pedicabs have exploded over the past few years

Call Sign January 2013

Page 14

2012 BOM ELECTION

Brian Rice has been returned

is always to make

Those meetings, listening to clients with their

the system fair and

needs and expectations of our service, were

unopposed as Chairman. The fol-

equal for us all and

invaluable for both the customer and Dial-a-

lowing are CVs of those standing

I have not been

Cab.

(in alphabetical order) as mem-

frightened of mak-

Marketing was and always should be an

ing important or

important part of any company sales strategy.

bers of the Dial-a-Cab Board of

difficult decisions

During these many years, we have promoted

Management...

when necessary.

Dial-a-Cab not only from the literature aspect -

But I have always

ie brochures created by Allen Togwell - but also

Keith Cain (Q07)

listened to each

taking Dial-a-Cab out into the market place. As

When I first joined

and every one of you before passing judge-

a result, I, together with representatives from

the Board some 22

ment. I treat my position extremely seriously

our Sales, Account Management and Call

years ago, it was

and my decisions are built on experience,

Centre teams was able to meet new and existing

the year before the

integrity and the need to safeguard our Society

clients at stands we erected at exhibitions such

recession of the

and most importantly you, the members.

as Travel, Business and Office to promote all

early 90s that last-

I worked as a new Driver Trainer and

that our organisation has to offer.

ed just over two

Marshalling Officer prior to being elected,

Times have changed quite dramatically and

years. That difficult

always on hand to be of assistance and through-

many organisations have not the financial

time taught me

out my time in office I have always strived to

power to promote their service or products as

some valuable

build up an excellent working relationship with

they were able to do in the past.

business lessons that I, along with others,

some of our most senior clients.

As most of you may be aware, I still drive my

applied to the way we have managed the

As a working driver, I have never lost touch

cab. However, I am and hope to remain a val-

Society. Since then we have experienced the

with you, the members, and I pride myself in

ued member of your Board to offer new ideas

best trading years this Society has ever seen and

being totally approachable, fair, open minded

and of course pick up concerns of the drivers

being prudent in managing the finances during

and at all times ready to offer help and advice.

when we meet out on the road.

those times has put us in such a strong position

The knowledge and understanding I have

With all this in mind and looking to a brighter

to fend off this current recessionary period. In

gained during my time in office has given me a

future, I seek your support to continue as your

such difficult times you have to consolidate and

deep understanding of our Society and my

Board Member for the next period.

cut your cloth accordingly to ensure stability to

commitment has never wavered. I am confident

ride out the storm.

in my ability and have always been wholly ded-

Allen Togwell (Q08)

Within my role as Driver Operations

icated to my position of Board Member; it is a

My name is Allen

Manager, I have had the responsibility of over

responsibility that I certainly do not take lightly.

Togwell. I’ve held a

one hundred staff who work within the call cen-

The last two years have been particularly

green badge for 47

tre. With clients having reduced their usage

tough and it is with optimism that as a member

years. I joined Dial-

considerably, I believed that while there were

of this current Board under the guidance of the

a-Cab in 1979 and

clients who are prepared to pay for a top dollar

Chairman and with your loyal support, working

was elected onto

service, our staff should be fully trained to deliv-

together we have the experience, knowledge

the Board in April

er what has become the buzz words inside Dial-

and technical knowhow to not only consolidate

1986 when two

a-Cab; Exceeding Good Customer Service.

our position, but to effectively react to the chal-

board members

Working closely with our in-house trainers to

lenges that lie ahead and steer our Society for-

resigned suddenly

deliver this, I am confident that the service we

ward.

mid-term. At that

give is the best in the industry.

I ask you once again for your support so that

time, the Society had no proper Sales depart-

Not knowing how long this recession will

I can represent you for a further term in office;

ment and having run my own business for a

last, focus must now be on retaining our client

base and to offer them the best service their

I will certainly not let you down.

number of years, I immediately became respon-

sible for Sales.

money can buy. There will never be such a

more important time within our Society for

Mike Son (V52)

My first task was to design a flyer and create a

you, the members, to provide the best possible

Dear Members,

database of over 600 companies that I intended

service you can. That may take some motiva-

It is yet another

to target. This type of direct marketing was new

tion, but the time has come to prove how much

AGM election; I

to our Society in those days and it proved to be

better we are than the rest. The next two years

cannot believe it

extremely successful. However our then

at least will be challenging and tough for any

has been two years

method of dispatching trips (by voice) became

Board elected and it will be a case of rolling the

since the last elec-

inadequate and I was a member of the Board

sleeves up and getting stuck in.

tion process.

that proposed we change to a computerised

Experience will be invaluable and I offer my

What

despatching system that went live in 1989, a sys-

experience to you once again. No one person

extremely difficult

tem that we still use today.

can work miracles, but I can promise you all my

few years for every-

On a more dramatic note, during the early

determination and effort to help steer the

one to say the least.

90s I, together with Keith Cain, was instrumen-

Society through this unprecedented difficult

However we must

tal in keeping Dial-a-Cab afloat by capturing

time.

be optimistic and look forward to a better

three major accounts after being told by our

future.

auditors that our Society was on the verge of

Allan Evans (Y83)

I became a cabdriver in 1965 and joined Dial-

becoming insolvent.

I have for the last twelve years been fortunate to

a-Cab in 1991. During the 1990s I successfully

I have served with 4 different chairman and

represent you, the members, on the Board of

sought election to the BoM. During my term on

22 different Board members. Unfortunately,

Management. I am a licensed taxi driver with 34

the Board, my responsibilities have been varied;

during my early years the politics, animosity

years’ experience and a member of our Society

Driver interviews and training for a few years

and unrest amongst Board members, exacer-

since 1985. I am jointly responsible for Driver

and then Customer Service, which gave me the

bated by the resentment at having to pay PAYE

Operations and now hold the position of

opportunity of face-to-face meetings with

tax and the knowledge that the Board of Dial-a-

Compliance Officer. My aim in this crucial role

clients, especially if there were service issues.

Cab are personally liable should the Society go

Call Sign January 2013

Page 15

2012 BOM ELECTION continued from previous page

belly up, resulted in many leaving after just one

Board Members cut and ran; I stayed with

Board consisting of

term, which was not only disruptive, but this

other Board Members who believed we could

members

who

lack of continuity did not bode well with many

carry on to success again.

have been working

of our major clients.

Whilst I held the Complaints / Compliance

cooperation

For my part, I believe my 25 years’ experience

Officer job for some 20 years, I was told I could

over a lengthy

at Board level, my many years running our Sales

only see problems in black and white. This is

time; therefore this

and Marketing department and my creative

correct, as I believe that only honest drivers

conveys mutually

work, the bulk of which I do at home in my own

should represent the Society and I hope this is

arisen thoughts.

time, is still an asset to the Society and I would

the way you see me. Then every driver gets an

A brand new

like to continue serving you in that role.

equal share of the work.

addition to the

I have always been my own man with my

Board would mean further fresh thoughts,

Tom Whitbread (Q09)

own opinions. This way I represent every dri-

ideas and judgement. However, of course, we

I would never have

ver unless he proves to me he is a villain and

still need the members of Dial-a-Cab to play

thought that when

wants to do harm to his fellow colleagues

their part to promote the Society and help us

I walked over the

working potential.

achieve our goals.

threshold of that

If you want a Board Member with these

Please vote for Garry White (L65).

shop come-Owner

views and not one who wants to be on the

Drivers Radio Taxi

Board just for the title, then I hope you will

Service office in

support me at the coming Annual General

Call Sign

Shirland Road, that

Meeting.

January 2013

I would still be

Editor: Alan Fisher

working for the

Garry White (L65)

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

company nearly 40

Dear fellow members,

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

years later. When I joined, it was London’s top

My name is Garry White. I have been driving

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

licensed radio taxi service and who would have

a cab for 25 years and have been on Dial-a-Cab

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

thought it could still hold that position.

for the duration of 23 of these.

Printers: Premier Print Group

During that time, I have held most jobs that

I am asking for your vote as I would like to

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Design: Aldan Publications

bind the Society into a well-oiled machine,

become part of the Board to bring a fresh and

Tel: 07958 300 428

respected by a multitude of clients and passen-

bright new approach and to deal with the chal-

Email: dfdannyfresco@gmail.com

gers. I have stayed with the Society in the good

lenges that face us from the private hire com-

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

times and in the bad, even when Board mem-

panies and apps who have gained large inroads

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

bers were threatened that if we carried on trad-

to the account work that DaC have cherished

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

ing and work continued to drop, we could be

for many years.

either manually or electronically without the express

permission of the Editor.

liable and lose our personal assets. Some

At present, I feel that we have a maturing

Call Sign January 2013

Page 16

At the November Board meeting, held at Dial-

a-Cab House, a decision was taken following

requests from drivers to get rid of the night-

time EC5 - formerly Finsbury Square - rank and

DRIVER MOANS

replace it by reverting to the daytime system of

four city zones and including the usual soon-to-

clear facility.

The Board members that Call Sign spoke

GET EC5 BACK!

- Keith Cain, Allan Evans and even

Chairman Brian Rice - told this magazine

the same thing: It mattered not to them

which of the two systems we used, so long

as the work was covered and that it was fair

to all.

However, Call Sign received emails and

phone calls from drivers all saying that the new

system meant that some drivers could end up

waiting far longer than others who had booked

into a different city zone. Not one driver wrote

in to say that they liked the new system.

We passed our reader’s views over to the

BoM just before the December Board meet-

ing. As a result of those contacting Call Sign,

added to those the Board had received direct,

a decision was taken to revert to the original

system.

Who said it doesn’t pay to write into Call

Sign!

Ron Yarborough

Call Sign Online

Most DaC drivers seem to prefer EC5

Lee Pearce

Wembley bust up?

Dial-a-Cab driver Lee Pearce (J71) has been in

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

Call Sign many times with stories about his

goal-keeping involvement with Combined

376 Strand, WC2

Counties football team Wembley FC - more so

this year as the team made some amazing sign-

ings in a bid to progress to the first round of

We Invite Dial-a-Cab drivers and their guests to our

the FA Cup. Sadly for the north London team,

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

the acquisition of players of the calibre of

Argentinian world cup winner Claudio

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

Caniggia and others such as Graham LeSaux,

Brian McBride, Ray Parlour and a personal

and go over the years, we are happy to be able to

goalkeeping coach in ex-Arsenal favourite

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

David Seaman - not to mention the team’s

technical advisor in no less than former England

and Spurs manager, Terry Venables, did noth-

We are certain that you will be delighted

ing to improve the team’s performance.

Then Lee suffered a bad knee injury that put

him on the sidelines for several weeks. When

he was fit, Manager Ian Bates refused to

change the team - even though they were

having a poor run of results.

Now Lee has been loaned out to Evo Stik

league team North Greenford United, who are

managed by former Chelsea and Southampton

star Neil Shipperley and the rumour mill has

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

suggested a bust-up between Ian Bates and Lee -

although the DaC driver refused to discuss the

Salieri Restaurant

matter until it had been sorted out, only confirm-

ing that relations had been better.

376 Strand, WC2

Who said these things only happen to Arsenal!

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

Dennis Latchett

Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2013

Page 17

In a year when the double dip recession hit the

taxi trade hard, the London Taxidrivers’

Fund for Underprivileged Children has, with

LTFUC HON CHAIR

our supporters help, gone from strength to

strength. The trustees of this Fund work hard

and diligently for no financial remuneration,

enabling us not only to keep our reputation as

REPORT 2011/2012

being the best, but also ensuring that for every

pound we receive, 98p goes towards assisting

In June trustees attended the closing down

London’s disabled and disadvantaged children.

party of the Jack Taylor School. This school for

Our year started in December 2011 where

the disabled has a long association with the

we were once again invited to take some chil-

Fund and is now relocated to the new Swiss

dren to Clarence House for lunch and to deco-

Cottage Academy.

rate the Christmas tree. The Fund’s Patron,

In August, trustees and their partners visited

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, had a good

Helen and Douglas House, a Children’s

rapport with the disabled children who we

Hospice, to present toys and goodwill to the

took from the Jack Taylor School, this school

children and we thank them for their hospital-

being renamed after our past Chairman. What

ity. The day was pleasurable and gave us a little

a wonderful day we had and the smiles on the

knowledge into the workings of a hospice.

children’s faces said it all.

In September we were invited to the Pearly

Also in December 2011 we held another

Kings and Queens Harvest Festival at The

Concert at St John’s, Smith Square. It was an

Guildhall, followed by a service at St Mary-le-

excellent evening with performances by the

Bow Church. It’s good to see this tradition of

London Charity Orchestra conducted by

port, as without them we would not be able to

London promoted and we send our thanks to

William Carslake, Soloist Simon Kodurand and

stage the event.

Doreen Golding and the Pearly Kings and

the New London Children’s Choir amongst

In June of this year I had the great plea-

Queens for their support of the LTFUC. The

others. During the evening, many wonderful

sure, alongside my husband Gerald and fel-

day was a great fund raiser and promoted this

pieces were played including a new composi-

low trustee Michael Son with his wife

charity to a wider audience and I would like to

tion by a taxi driver from San Francisco who

Maxine, to attend one of Her Majesty’s gar-

thank the trustees and their wives who attend-

had contacted the Fund via our website. There

den parties at Buckingham Palace. In atten-

ed that day.

were many surprises that night, including

dance was Her Majesty the Queen, HRH

Also during the year, talks were given to var-

trustee Michael Son taking over the baton and

The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH the

ious clubs and Women’s Institutes about this

conducting the Liberty Bell complete with ‘L’

Princess Royal. The sun shone, their

charity and I would like to thank the trustees

plates! A good time was had by all and I would

Highnesses were at their best and a tremen-

and their wives who gave these entertaining

like to thank all those involved for making it

dous day was had by all.

and humorous and sometimes heart rending

the success it was.

Also in June was our annual Southend-on-

speeches about the Fund.

In January 2012 we held our annual Mad

Sea outing. I had the honour there to present

I’d also like to thank the Fund’s trustees and

Hatter’s tea party at The Grosvenor House, a

Mr Michael Henderson-Begg CC - retiring

their wives and partners for their hard work

JW Marriott Hotel, for 600 disabled and under-

Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate

and their continued support during a particu-

privileged children. This party is a mind-bog-

Workers & Wire Workers - with honorary mem-

larly difficult year, with a special thank you to

gling event and the children lucky enough to

bership of The London Taxidrivers’ Fund for

my hubby Gerald.

attend never forget this day. I’d like to thank all

Underprivileged Children. The Worshipful

Last but not least, I would like to pay our

the trustees, wives, partners, family and

Company have for a long time been supporters

respects and give a moment of reflection to those

friends, the celebrities, the entertainers, face

of this Fund and we look forward to a continu-

who have sadly passed away this year...

painters, toy suppliers, donors and the many

ing partnership. The children on the outing

people who make this event so special. I also

had a marvellous time and we thank all the dri-

Susan Angel,

give a huge thank you to the hotel manage-

vers, helpers and sponsors and everyone who

ment and their staff for their continued sup-

made the day possible.

Hon Chair, LTFUC

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 assis-

tance 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

Call Sign January 2013

Page 18

With the TX4 uncertainty and

Conditions of Fitness:

Vito drivers having problems

with the cab’s turning circle, Call

Sign asked DaC drivers at ran-

DO WE STILL

dom whether they thought the

Conditions of Fitness should be

abolished and if we should be

WANT IT?

able to drive any vehicle regard-

would like to keep the turning circle, I

much will that slow up traffic? Also, it has

less of the turning circle...

think we may have to move with the times

to be a purpose-built vehicle otherwise we

in the longer term for the sake of the taxi

would all blend into one and nobody

Jackie Kott (Y88):

trade as a whole.

would know what’s what. All my taxis have

Would we want to

also been black over my twenty five year

Malcolm Chiswick (N18): The turning cir-

drive another vehi-

cabbing career and I think the general pub-

cle should remain.

cle? No, I really

lic would prefer us to be a uniform colour.

It is a part of the

don’t think so as

iconic taxi image,

Steve

Saxon

the London taxi is

otherwise

(A21): My view has

a world famous

might as well drive

always been that

icon and as such

cars and then

the 25foot turning

it’s important that

would no longer

circle is hugely

it should be easily

be recognisable as

important and I

recognised and

taxis. So far as the

feel that it is just as

that wouldn’t be the case in just any type of

Vito is concerned,

important

vehicle, just because it has a TAXI sign on

it has the image of

make sure that any

the top.

private hire. It might be a very good vehicle

London taxi has

David

Cohen

to drive, but it loses the taxi image.

the capability. I

(E94): Yes, we

also would much prefer to have a purpose-

George Christou

should be able to

built vehicle of our own to retain our iden-

(E14): No, defi-

drive any vehicle

tity.

nitely not any vehi-

provided they are

cle. It is important

Dennis Heavin

all

the same

that we keep the

(A01): The CoF

colour as in New

differential

should not be

York City, which I

between us and

abolished, but I

visit regularly. Also

the private hire

could do without

in NYC, all cabs

sector. They are

the 25foot turning

have a sign on the

slowly dumbing us

circle as the MB

passenger division

‘please alight at the

down to their

Vito has suffered

kerbside’ obviously for safety reasons. Just

level. I would not want to drive a cab in

from rear-steer

today I had a passenger causing a near miss

London without the 25 foot turning circle

problems and I

with passing traffic because she decided to

and all the practicalities that brings.

have learned to

alight on the road side...

work around it. But I would add that if we

David O’Mahoney (V86): No, the turning

Jim

Reason

are to be allowed other vehicles, then they

circle should not

(T69): No, so far

should all be a statutory black colour as a

be abolished. You

as I am concerned

recognisable iconic taxi. Furthermore, I

need it in central

the turning circle

would consider the durability of the vehi-

London. If numer-

is a very necessary

cle and strength of construction in order to

ous vehicles are

part of the cab.

last at least the 15 year life span as at pre-

having to make

But I have to say

sent.

‘several

point’

that if another

turns

around

Alan Green

vehicle became

London,

how

Call Sign Online

available and it

had the existing

turning circle capability, I would certainly

consider purchasing it.

THE ALPHA POWER PILL

Martin Freeborn

Now even better!

(C67): Given the

current circum-

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stances, the CoF

could be modified

OnlyCabs.co.uk are pleased to supply

taking out the

Dial-a-Cab drivers with the amazing Alpha Pill

turning circle, but

the vehicle itself is

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iconic so far as the

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even

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concerned and any future vehicle/model

should stay the same recognisable iconic

Or telephone your order to:

style. It should obviously be a taxi with the

Stephen Vale at Only Cabs 020 3239 6101

present attributes of wheelchair accessibil-

ity, ease of entry and exit etc. As much as I

Call Sign January 2013

Page 19

Since a recent Call Sign article asked about

famous relations to Dial-a-Cab drivers, several

have queried if Editor Alan Fisher’s sister-in-

Law Daphne Sherman really was the wife of

NO, NOT

world-famous shirt maker and founder of the

Button Down shirt collar, Ben Sherman. This

magazine also received some emails from dri-

ver’s children - who all seemed to doubt that

Alan’s wife Linda’s brother-in-law, Ben

JUST A SHIRT!

Sherman, was indeed Mr Shirt himself! Well

it’s true!

shirt with him when he came back from the USA

After the 1950s with its Teddy Boys and their

in 1962 and after working on details of the

Edwardian clothing had long faded into histo-

design for a year, he made the button down

ry, the much fabled 1960s hit London with a

shirt his own. 1963 saw the first of his button

bang and the button down collar designed by

down shirts in the shops - although the label

young shirt designer Ben Sherman was picked

inside the shirts said 'Sussex Shirts'. Later, Ben

up and popularised by pop groups such as

decided to name-brand his button down shirt

The Who, Kinks and Rolling Stones!

and young people no longer spoke about buying

They were soon followed by millions of

a button down shirt, but of buying a ‘Ben

young men known as Mods, who adopted the

Sherman’!

Ben Sherman BD shirt as their own identifica-

Newspapers and magazines of the time began

tion mark together with the Parka - something

criticising the Ben Sherman, referring to it as a

that was also used by Knowledge Boys

uniform linking the troubles between Mods,

Rockers and later on Skinheads. But in reality,

Views on life as seen through the

many other men also quietly purchased Ben

Sherman shirts in their thousands for the style,

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

colours, easy fit and ease of ironing!

In 1965, Ben opened his first showroom in

the centre of swinging London and helped to

Kupkake’s

put Carnaby Street on the map. His timing was

perfect. Along with the music scene, London

was leading the rest of the world in fashion -

August 1968: Daphne and Ben Sherman

and no fashion conscious young man about

get married

Korner

town would be seen clubbing without his Levi's,

although not for fashion! And who could for-

Doc Martins and Ben Sherman buttoned down

get the Skinheads with their Ben Shermans in

shirt!

the 70s!

And, here we are 50 years later and 90% of

But the bottom line is that yes, there WAS a

the young men and women still 'go clubbing' in

real person called Ben Sherman - although he

their Ben Sherman shirts, shoes and suits."

was born as Arthur Sugarman. Ben died many

You can read about the Ben Sherman phe-

years ago, but Daphne still has vivid memories

nomenon in My Favourite Shirt - A History

of the period and Call Sign asked her to recall

of the Ben Sherman Style by Paulo Hewitt

them briefly…

and Terry Rawlings (Published by the Ben

"Ben brought his prototype of button down

Sherman group - £20).

Food for

thought...?

I can’t stand people eating in my cab,

It makes me feel quite sick,

Fish and chips, doner kebab,

They all get on my wick!

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

Treatment for pain & discomfort doesn’t have to be expensive

McDonald’s chips, Kentucky Fried,

Pizza in a box,

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

Onion rings from onions died,

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

Tough and hard as rocks...

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage Therapy,

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

And look at the meat on the kebab,

Revolving on its' peg,

Call us on 020 8507 8169

The meat is grey, perhaps it’s bad,

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

Could it be an elephant’s leg!

Email: andy@bptconline.co.uk or fax: 020 8507 9650

Out of hours enquiries welcome

Take-away Chinese is bearable - just,

Or curry in a carton,

Eat in the cab and I'm fit to bust,

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

And you might have to beg my pardon!

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am till 8pm and Saturday 9am till 2pm

Kopyright Kupkake 2013

www.bptconline.co.uk

Call Sign January 2013

Page 20

When I worked in the Call Centre at Shirland

Road, Maida Vale as the Night Despatcher /

THE UNTOLD HISTORY

Supervisor, my staff contained many different

characters - some who brought light humor-

ous relief to what could be a really monoto-

nous shift.

OF DIAL-A-CAB

One of these was an Irish lady who lived

nearby and came into work at 23:30, always

Bits you may not know as

carrying a bag containing her sandwiches and

a bottle of lemonade. As she worked on the

remembered by Tom Whitbread

phones through the night, she’d munch away

on her sandwiches and sip her lemonade. I sat

Hughes. I worked full time in the control

facing the telephonists at the end of a convey-

room at Shirland Road with Anne for about 9

or belt system; directly in front of me was a

years; this was before I took a more full time

pigeon hole type of filing system and on the

job as a Board member.

other side of it sat this lady. Sometime after

Even as a Board member I still worked with

she started working for us, Telephonist

Anne, as most of that time I was still in charge

Supervisor Anne Hughes came to me in the

of the control room. I was at her retirement

middle of the night and asked if I had noticed

party after 27 years of working at DaC. One of

** eyes? I said I hadn’t, but when I looked,

the main reasons for her retirement was that

they seemed a little glazed. It was agreed we

she had contracted Multiple Sclerosis and was

would keep a watch on her.

getting to a point where it took her hours to

Some nights later, I noticed her eyes were

get ready for work. During those years we had

looking glazed again and then at around

many a good laugh and I regarded her as a

02:30am this rather portly lady fell off her

very good friend as well as a loyal worker.

chair and onto the floor. I rushed around to

The drivers who used to go to the front

pick her up and was amused at her

office to collect their credit work payments

demeanour. She was grinning and seemed to

will remember the girls who worked behind

to the Shepherds Bush rank. It was no good

have a lack of control in her limbs, a classic

the counter. Two of these were Lorraine

trying to bluff it, because if you did you could

sign that someone is well under the influence

Carruthers and Lynn Pestell. In the summer

bet the driver would ask to save him looking

of alcohol. It was later revealed that she had a

there would be a very large queue to get in

it up, which road did it come off?

drink problem and the lemonade was in fact

the office as they were both wearing hot

Manny and I were always pulling strokes on

pure vodka! So by the middle of the night she

pants! The latter of these two girls left and

one another, the greater number being pulled

was well p****d but was a really good actress

became a Playboy bunny at their Park Lane

by myself. One night a rather large aggressive

and had up till then been able to fool us all.

Casino and then went onto the Bahamas. So

driver was driving me mad over the airwaves,

Another telephonist was a man aged

you can understand the reason for the queue!

so I had a go at him to which he got annoyed,

between 40 / 50 years old with long grey hair;

Another of the young ladies was Denise

threatening to come over to the office. I

he had the appearance of an eccentric poet.

Zemma, who hailed originally from France.

assumed he intended hitting me! So I said:

During these times you were allowed to

Denise left for a short period but returned

“See if I care, I will be here until 2am you

smoke in the workplace. This gentleman was

and is still with us, which must be around 30

come and ask for me, my name is Manny

a compulsive smoker and during every shift

years. What is it that makes these people stay

Conway.” What the driver couldn’t hear was

he was on, he would either throw a used

with Dial-a-Cab for such long periods? It must

the other drivers going into convulsions of

match or cigarette into the waste bin, which

be something that we are doing right.

laughter and calling me a rotten sod!

had not been properly extinguished. It was

But I think that the one young lady that has

Every night after he finished, Manny would

these episodes that made me keep a fire extin-

stayed with us continually since she started

hang about to have a coffee or tea then go off

guisher next to the despatching desk, so that

and is now in charge of Credit Control is

to play snooker. But because a driver had

I was ready and put out the fire within 30 sec-

Caroline McGowan. Caroline first started

gone over to his channel and told him what I

onds.

with us when she was about 16 - not long out

had done, he was up the stairs and gone at

The night shift started at

23:30, so a

of school. Now she runs her own department

01:55.

despatcher and a couple of the late turn shift

with great efficiency and knowledge. Over the

You would also get drivers playing pranks

worked over until 02:00, this was to help cope

years she has seen her sister Sandra and niece

on one another. When Jack Taylor’s son

Sophie also working at DaC in other depart-

with the influx of work from the banks and

Howard got his bill, he used to love playing

finance houses finishing off the day’s work

ments. Her sister was the complete opposite

pranks on his friend Neville Chapman - an ex

to Caroline, a very tall young lady wearing

ready for the next morning’s shift. Some of

Board member from Mountview. He called

the banks would only let one passenger ride

short skirts and working closely with the Sales

me over the air one morning to ask if Neville

department and who often got Allen Togwell

in a taxi at a time, even if other passengers

was out working, I called him and told

hot under the collar!

were going the same way. The idea was that if

Howard he was at that moment by the Moby

A despatcher who became the night super-

the taxi crashed, only one member of their

Dick, to which Howard asked me to tell him

visor after me was gentle giant Micky Faust -

team would be injured and they could carry

to wait there.

a man who would go to the Granby Grill and

on functioning!

Some 30 minutes later and Neville called to

order two breakfasts, and I think that was for

The despatcher who did the overlap was a

ask how long Howard was going to be.

starters! He had such a dry wit his first name

man called Manny Conway; he also had a

Howard’s response was: “I just wanted him to

should have been Sahara! But he would

brother by the name of Sid Conway who was

stay there while I tried to get a job before he

always help you if you had a problem. He mar-

a driver on the circuit and did a little bit of

got into town and nicked all the work!”

ried David Kupler’s sister and moved to the

despatching. Now Manny did not like hard

You also had a group of drivers who sent

South Coast. Sadly he died some years ago.

work, so he always took the East side of

coded messages to one another; one would

These are just some of the other people

London at 23:25 before I sat down. The east

call in and ask for his mate to meet him at the

who have worked in the Dial-a-Cab company;

had most of its work despatched to fixed

office. This was telling his mate he was hold-

some have left; while others are still making

ranks, such as Finsbury Square, which made

ing a flyer at a regular hotel for him, so to get

us the top taxi company in London.

it easy.

there quick.

If you had to despatch the west side, you

When I started to learn and get my ground-

I would like to take this opportunity to wish

needed a good knowledge as all jobs were

ing of the running at Lords / DaC, the first per-

you all a very Healthy and Prosperous 2013.

despatched to streets - this was after we lost

son to instruct me into the working of the old

the BBC account which had been despatched

key and lamp telephone system was Anne

Tom Whitbread

Call Sign January 2013

Page 21

In the magnificent surroundings of The

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

Cutlers’ Hall in Warwick Lane, Liverymen of

The WCHCD and their guests enjoyed an

evening of elegant dining at the annual

WCHCD ANNUAL

Liverymen’s dinner. Many of those members

who have received the Freedom of the City of

London in a ceremony at The Guildhall, would

have met the guest speaker at this dinner,

LIVERYMEN’S DINNER

Murray Craig. He is the Clerk to the

Chamberlain’s Court and many of the

racotta frieze by the

Company’s Liverymen were presented with

Sheffield

sculptor

their Freedom by Murray.

Benjamin Creswick,

He entertained everyone with anecdotes of

which shows cutlers

some of the ceremonies he has officiated at

working at their craft.

during his time in office. The office of Clerk to

Inside the building, the

the Chamberlain’s Court dates back to 1294

Company’s ivory gavel of

and amazingly, Murray is only the thirty sev-

1603 and the iron

enth Clerk to hold office since that time!

Elephant Alms Box dat-

WCHCD Master, Brenda Bartlett, together

ing from 1624 are housed

with Graham Woodhouse, course tutor for

and can be admired by

the Guide Course, presented all the students

visitors. The stained glass

from the recently completed course with their

window on the left of the

certificates and badges. The students were full

entrance hall shows

of praise for the course, having enjoyed both

Henry V granting the

the classroom experience and visits and walks.

original Charter in 1416

Now they have an extra means of earning

and cutlers working at

more as they can undertake guided tours in

Master Brenda Bartlett and Murray Craig

their trade. In the Livery

their taxis. A new course begins in February

Hall itself, diners can

and there are still some places available.

admire the Victorian

Education is an important part of the

hammer beam roof.

role that Livery companies play in the City

Throughout the building

and the WCHCD is justifiably proud of its

there are artefacts and

Guide Course.

examples of the Cutlers

The evening commenced with a drinks

work, including swords,

reception, where guests were received by The

knives and cutlery.

Master and her Wardens, followed by a three

You can see more

course dinner with wines and port.

information

Livery companies such as WCHCD are an

www.hackneycar-

important part of life in the City and the

riagedrivers.com about

WCHCD is made up of members from all dif-

the WCHCD and read

ferent aspects of the cab trade. Many of its

about recent events the

members are working taxi drivers, some are

Company has been

involved in businesses associated with the

involved with.

trade such as garages, knowledge schools,

trade press and radio circuits - with Brian

Brian Rice represents DaC at most events of the taxi trade

Sandie Goodwin

Rice representing Dial-a-Cab as he often does.

The diversity of this membership is wide, but

has one thing in common - promoting the taxi

trade. Some of the guests were police officers,

NOTICE OF

including the Commissioner from the City

force, Adrian Leppard, who accompanied the

Magical Taxi Tour on its annual trip to

Disneyland Paris this year. Charitable works

2012 DAC AGM

are an important part of the Livery and

WCHCD is also affiliated with 20th Transport

By now, all members should have received an individual

Squadron and Royal Docks School.

notice of the Dial-a-Cab 2012 Annual General Meeting

For anyone who has not seen behind the

advising that it will be held at:

doors of The Cutlers’ Hall, it is a magnificent

The HAC, Armoury House, City Road, London EC1Y

building. The Cutlers’ Company is one of the

2BQ on Sunday 3rd February 2013 at 11:00hrs.

most ancient in the City of London, having

received its first Royal Charter from Henry V

The meeting this year will consider an agenda including

in 1416. It is the fifth Hall the cutlers’ have

the Election of Officers and any proposed Rule Changes

had, built on land in Warwick Lane, which had

and Propositions, all of which should have been received

been the site of the Royal College of Physicians

at Dial-a-Cab House on or before 09:00hrs on Monday

from 1674 to

1825 and subsequently a

12th November 2012 and in accordance with Society

foundry. During WW2, the Hall survived the

Rules.

great fire bomb raid of 29 December 1940.

As a reminder, if you do not vote by post, then you must attend in person. If you do nei-

However, on 10 May 1941 a high explosive

ther, you may be subject to a £50 fine...

bomb demolished the adjoining building and

took away the entire north wall of the Hall. By

1951 all the damage had been repaired and

Howard Pears

the Hall came back into full use. On the out-

Company Secretary

side facing Warwick Lane is a finely carved ter-

Call Sign January 2013

Page 22

TfL recently issued notice 24/12

A wee message from TfL...

detailing problems of drivers uri-

nating in the street. The main

areas of complaint are Cornwall

Urinating in the street

Gardens, Ecclestone Square, St

Georges Square and Vincent

Square. Many others areas have

had problems reported but are

not documented.

Like having a bale of hay and lamp oil in the

boot, it seems that peeing up the rear offside

wheel is also a thing of the past. Mind you, as

you then had to find a policeman to protect

your modesty with his cape, that wasn’t always

a particularly handy option!

When passengers tell me they would love to

drive a taxi and be their own boss, I do point

out there is no holiday pay, no sick pay, no

superannuation scheme and no office toilet!

This has always been a problem, but the notice

now uses the following words:

Urinating in the street is unpleasant,

unacceptable, a criminal offence and dri-

vers can be charged and appropriate

The Regency Place foul smelling toilets that taxi drivers are compelled to use -

action taken. Any driver charged and con-

hence the reason they are in black & white

victed with this offence may have their

licence suspended or revoked.

This will mean a visit to Palestra House and it

Useful information’ which is not reproduced

says on the tin! No, nothing to do with adding

will not be to use their toilets! Ranks are also

here as it is just a list of stations where the prob-

100% freshness!

highlighted as areas of offence and local bor-

lem just passes from solving a bladder problem

Alan Nash, Call Sign Online

oughs may revoke ranks if the offences contin-

to creating a parking problem.

Call Sign Comment

ue, which will affect many drivers by the actions

To see their notice, there is a dedicated

As Alan points out, a list of toilets accompanied

of a few.

icon on the MyFav website’s taxi page. Just

the press release, but as none of the London stop-

TfL do admit that access to toilets is an impor-

go to www.myfav.co.uk and use the unlock

ping places had facilities for parking, there was

tant issue and are working with local boroughs

code taxi.

little point in publishing them. You will have to

to increase access and availability, but that is the

Finally, a tip for the boys; an old 2 litre fabric

take your chances at the foul-smelling Regency

future and having a stronger bladder is today’s

softener bottle is an ideal ‘in the cab toilet’. My

Place ‘Iron Lung’ where we are only up against

option. Their notice does list ‘Toilet facilities -

preference is Comfort because it does what it

wardens and CCTV...

Call Sign visits London’s most gruesome yet fascinating exhibition...

DOCTORS, DISSECTION AND RESURRECTION MEN

Call Sign was recently invited to a private viewing of the

amazing - if sometimes gruesome - Doctors, Dissection

and Resurrection Men exhibition at the Museum of

London.

In 2006, during excavations at the Royal London Hospital,

the Archaeology Department discovered some 262 historic

burials, some showing signs of dissection.

Before the Anatomy Act of 1832 introduced by MP Henry

Warburton, pioneering surgeons and medical practitioners

would often use ‘Resurrection Men’ (body snatchers) to sup-

ply fresh human corpses for anatomical studies, research and

dissection. Sometimes people would also mysteriously disap-

pear, never to be seen again.

This fascinating exhibition follows the history of anatomi-

cal research, the shadowy world of those who supplied the

fresh corpses and the fate of those whose physical remains were

subject to close scrutiny. Implements used by those pioneering surgeons in days gone by are

also showcased, so while this exhibition is not for the faint-hearted, it does make you very

grateful for the ability of the medical profession to accurately pin-point organs of the human

body and the knowledge to successfully diagnose and treat ailments and disease.

The Doctors Dissection and Resurrection Men Exhibition at the Museum of London

is on until 14 April 2013. There are some post-cards in the DaC drivers reception for a

2 for 1 ticket offer.

To pre-book, visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/postcard or call 020 7001 9844

and quote POS241. With special thanks to Nicola Kalimeris of the Museum of London.

Call Sign January 2013

Page 23

George Cato (H80) has been on

Following an alleged assault by the doorman against

Dial-a-Cab since 2001 and

George Cato…

appeared in Call Sign several

times since, but none of those

DaC driver wins judgment

appearances have been quite as

astonishing as an incident that

happened to him at the presti-

against The Ivy!

gious Ivy Restaurant in West

Street. George takes up the

story…

“It was around midnight on a normal Friday

night and I was trying in these difficult eco-

nomic times to make a living with fewer radio

jobs and even more yellow lights around. I

went to Covent Garden in the hope of getting

a fare and was driving along Shelton Street. I

turned into Mercer Street and as I approached

Seven Dials, a man stood in the middle of the

road with the stance of Henry VIII in a top hat

and full length coat, trying to get me to stop.

Ok, I admit I have never liked people who

purposely obstruct my path to gain a cab

under duress, so I drove around him at walk-

ing pace to the kerbside and continued my

George and the man in the top hat (Pic courtesy Observer Food Monthly)

journey up Mercer Street towards Shaftsbury

Avenue. As I got there, I was hailed and picked

and then moved my cab into Shaftsbury

witnesses to the facts, while the doorman had

up two passengers. While waiting to cross the

Avenue and parked awaiting the police. My

none. I took the officer’s details and advised

stationary traffic, I noticed in my rear view mir-

two passengers were willing to be witnesses

them that I wanted the details of the doorman

ror that the man in the top hat was running at

and waited with me. When the police arrived,

from the Ivy so that I could recover my dam-

pace towards me. I still was focused on trying

the two officers asked what had happened and

ages in the County Court.

to get out of Mercer Street with my fare when

then one of them drove off towards the Ivy as

The officer who first went to the Ivy then got

the man in the top hat ran past the cab and

the other one spoke to my passengers.

back in the police car and drove back to the

stood in front of the taxi obstructing my path.

Whilst talking to the remaining officer,

restaurant - I assumed to get me the informa-

He had a mobile phone and was using the

his radio was paged and he moved out of

tion - while leaving me with the other police-

flash to take photos of my front number plate,

earshot before coming back and saying

man who seemed stunned that I was to con-

the front of the cab and then tried to take pho-

there was a counter-allegation by the man

tinue with this course of action. I told him I

tos of me. The traffic in Shaftsbury Avenue was

in the top hat, claiming I had spat at him

had used it before to recover damages.

still not moving.

and also tried to kill him at Seven Dials! He

The other officer then returned with

He then came to my driver’s window and

added that if the investigation was to pro-

details of the Ivy doorman and I asked him

said that he was going to have my cab licence

ceed with my allegation of criminal damage

if the details were genuine? Amazingly he

taken away at the PCO. I told him he knew

that I would have to be arrested and taken

replied that he had known him for several

nothing about cab law and that he did not have

to Holborn police station. Then, in the

years! The plot thickened and it all became

the power to have my licence taken away. He

words of the policeman, I would probably

clear as to the non-action on the police offi-

then began skipping like a boxer and placed

be locked up until the following afternoon

cer’s behalf.

his fists in a clenched style as in sparring and

at the earliest after which “anything could

I returned home later that day and went

told me to get out of the cab so he could hit

happen!”

online to make a claim in the County Court for

me! All this with his top hat still on!

I wasn’t prepared to give up and told my

the damages caused to me by the Ivy employ-

He suddenly reached through the dri-

passengers to seek another cab and asked the

ee as he was employed by them to procure

ver’s window and snatched the glasses I

officer to allow time for my wife to arrive to

cabs from the street for their restaurant. As a

was wearing from my face and with both

recover my cab, as I lived not too far away. The

result, I held them responsible for his behav-

hands, twisted the frames before throwing

policeman then radioed my request to the

iour. I also wrote a letter of complaint to the

them back at me and then running back

other officer at the Ivy. There was whispering

director of the Ivy stating all the facts of my

down Mercer Street towards Seven Dials.

over the radio and the policeman kept going

complaint.

Ruining my glasses undoubtedly constituted

out of earshot, but there seemed to be a lot

The County Court served the summons to

criminal damage and with my two passengers

being said between the two of them. Then the

the Ivy for my damages and again they, for

as witnesses, I decided to dial 999 and sum-

officer with me said I could possibly be in the

whatever reason, chose not to reply. The

mon the police. Whilst on the phone to them,

police station most of the weekend to sort it

time line of the claim then expired and I

I noticed the man with the top hat get into

out. I said I would do anything to recover the

applied for judgment and it was issued.

another cab in Mercer Street but because of

cost of my glasses as they had been an expen-

I hope all of you reading this in Call Sign

the one-way system, it had to drive towards

sive pair.

believe, as I do, that we don’t go to work to

me. So I approached the driver of that cab as

The second officer then returned from

fight or do work under duress in any form and

he stopped behind mine and advised the dri-

the Ivy and both officers told me it would

that the pen is always mightier than the sword.

ver of what his passenger had done and that I

be a waste of everyone’s time and that I

Finally, to finish the story, I eventually

was now awaiting the arrival of the police, to

would be better to just put it down to expe-

received the sum of £275 from the company

which the man in the top hat got out of that

rience as I would lose more money in time

that owns the Ivy. But other than the cheque,

cab and ran along Shaftsbury Avenue towards

carrying on with my accusation than my

which represented full payment of the dam-

Charing Cross Road. I asked the other cab dri-

glasses were worth. As a result, they were

ages, there was no letter or any note of apolo-

ver where he was going and he said it was to

taking no further action.

gy whatsoever! Nice place…”

The Ivy restaurant in West Street.

I smelt a bit of a rat and believed that there

There was now no reason to hold up the

was something going on as I had the two pas-

George Cato (H80)

traffic, so I took details of the other cab driver

sengers in the cab and the other cab driver as

Call Sign January 2013

Page 24

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

it may be somewhere close to a satisfactory res-

As the weeks pass, it will also go out on the

olution. Most of you who unfortunately had

public network and as long as we all support

recalls on your steering boxes should now be

the project, it will work. It is equally important

back on the road, but again to suffer this situa-

that every one of you display the door logos on

tion at the busiest time of the year was and is

your taxi, it helps clients locate their particular

totally unacceptable.

taxi and also advertises Dial-a-Cab, which sure-

ly is a no brainer.

And please don’t forget that there is no

£80 trips

longer a £2 booking fee on credit card trips via

Most of you will know that trips over £80 in

the system and that the former 12.5% charge

total are automatically rejected for re-validation

has been reduced to 10%. The £2 charge

before they are invoiced to the client and paid

remains for cash trips.

to you, the member. I have mentioned it

before, but it is important that if you are out of

signal range and have a problem clearing the

EC5

trip or if you have additional details that may

The Chairman has already mentioned in his

Hello ladies & gents,

add to the meter fare or even reduce it, please

report the reasons behind the initial trial to the

make the Call Centre aware either by phone or

EC5 rank and why it was reverted back to nor-

terminal message (if possible). They can then in

mal working, so I won’t go into heavy dialogue.

Manganese Bronze

turn enter a trip update on the event logger

All I will say is that this Board of Management

I have been asked by the Editor to put pen to

that will not only significantly speed up pay-

does listen to the membership and any reason-

paper fairly soon after the last report due to

ment, but also prevent unnecessary queries

able requests will always be considered and

printing closures. So even though it isn’t yet

rightly so.

which can be time consuming and hold up pay-

Christmas as I write, it probably will be by the

In this instance, there was an overwhelming

ment.

time you receive this issue, so I hope that you

disapproval to the changes, so much so that it

all have and had a busy and prosperous lead up

seemed prudent to reinstate the system as it is

to Christmas and that those of you who had a

Credit cards

today.

well-deserved break over the festive period, will

It’s nice to hear that most of you are displaying

come back with your batteries fully recharged.

the new credit card stickers in your taxis that

Before I finish, can I wish you all a very

happy and prosperous 2013...

Although at this time of writing Manganese

along with information on the Dial-a-Cab web-

Bronze are still in the hands of the administra-

site, will slowly but surely get the message out

Allan Evans

tors, it does appear that a number of interested

to passengers and steadily generate more of

parties are still in discussion and I hope by now

this type of work.

Allane@Dialacab.co.uk

Winter

Wonderland

Taxi Rank

Now that it is likely to be somewhat quieter

for a few months, events such as Hyde Park’s

Winter Wonderland are likely to look an

attractive proposition for trapping a fare. But

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

of course other drivers will be thinking the

same thing, so please make certain that if

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

someone puts their hand out, that there are

variable bank interest rates?

no cabs on the official rank.

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

If you aren’t sure where the rank is, then it

is along the side of Aspley House, Hyde Park

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

Corner, in the same location as last year. The

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

park gate is open only for entrance to the

at your address also qualifies for membership!

rank and is for 12 taxis.

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

It has been very successful in previous

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

years, but problems have been reported when

some drivers have not used the designated

up to 3 times your total savings…

taxi rank but instead have formed an unoffi-

The cost?

cial queue on South Carriage Drive.

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

So please, when picking up passengers

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

from Winter Wonderland, please make sure

that the designated taxi rank is empty, other-

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

wise please go and wait there and not queue

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

on South Carriage Drive. Otherwise the police

have said that the rank may be removed in

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

future years.

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

Winter Wonderland is open every day

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

between 10:00 to 22:00 until Sunday 6

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

January 2013.

Registration number 213263

Call Sign January 2013

Page 25

Minou wasn’t just a cat, she was Denise’s best

buddy for 22 years. But she passed away in

DENISE AND THE CELIA

November 2006 and Denise - who works in

Dial-a-Cab’s administration department and is

HAMMOND ANIMAL TRUST

the account manager for one of DaC’s largest

clients - still misses her greatly, explaining to

Call Sign how much of a character she was and

how she was loved by the many that knew her.

Denise, who was with DaC way back in our

Shirland Road days, wanted to do her bit for

her favourite charity in memory of Minou - but

especially to help raise much needed funds for

The Celia Hammond Animal Trust, who over

the years have campaigned tirelessly for the

welfare of animals - especially cats and dogs.

The Celia Hammond Animal Trust receives no

government funding and relies solely upon the

generosity of the public to fund their rescue

and rehoming work as well as their free veteri-

nary services. So Denise set herself a target...

She began on Monday 12 November,

when instead of going on the tube, she

walked home from work each day for 10

Denise and Minou

days, covering a distance of 4.3 miles each

day and 43 miles in total.

Denise told Call Sign after completing the

funds that CHAT needs so desperately, then

She began to enjoy the walks with her only

walk: “I know it might sound daft to some

you can easily do so via safe online Just Giving

complaint being the dodging of all the fellow

humans, but I’m still grieving for Minou

donations. No matter how small, it will be put

workers coming out of their offices at the end

and my way of coping is to belong to a few

to good use by the Trust. You can do it easily by

of their working days. But half way through her

charities and sponsor animals at a distance:

going to Denise’ Just Giving website and put in

daily trek, Denise was struck down with a

There is a cat called Lila, a dog called Shane

your donation.

touch of bronchitis, began feeling quite poorly

and a donkey called Wayne! Yes, I know I

and was put onto antibiotics. But she wasn’t

am barmy but Call Sign already knows

Just go to:

prepared to give up on her target and com-

that!”

http://www.justgiving.com/in-memory-of-

pleted the full ten days.

If anyone wants to help Denise raise those

minou-anonymous

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

DISNEY GALA BALL

RAISES £2500...

The Children's Magical Taxi Tour is organised yearly by the

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers when it take

around 200 children, many of whom suffer with life-threaten-

ing illnesses, to the Disneyland Resort, Paris.

Many of the volunteer drivers and organisers are from Dial-a-Cab,

but in this case that comes second to the brilliant job they all do as

the children have the weekend of their lives.

The WCHCD also organise a Christmas Gala Ball in which they

raise funds for the following year’s Disney trip via raffles and an auc-

tion. This year’s ball raised over £2500 and included in that total

was a hand-made set of three cross stitch pictures featuring charac-

ters from Disney's Winnie the Pooh from Dial-a-Cab

Customer Service Representatives, Fiona McLachlan

and Carole Chart. This is the third time Fiona has

been involved in making a cross stitch for the

WCHCD auction and it was snapped up in ultra-

quick time to help with the fundraising.

DaC Chairman Brian Rice bought the star auction

lot of a James Bond package for his two grandchil-

dren, but rather surprisingly a signed record from

Englebert Humperdinck was left unsold and anyone interested in making their wives relive their youth with

memories of Enge, just let Call Sign know and we’ll put you in touch - with the organisers and not Englebert!

DaC’s Phil Davis (F10), Chairman of the Disney committee said: “Thanks to everyone who came along to this fund raising

event and made it so enjoyable. We look forward to seeing many of the drivers on the 2012 Magical Taxi Tour and appre-

ciate the support we receive from you all.”

Call Sign January 2013

Page 26

In the October Call Sign, retired

member Terry Farmer (ex-T55J)

Peter Ustinov, DaC and me!

asked whether anyone on Dial-a-

Cab had a previous famous life

before doing the Knowledge.

Several drivers responded, but

Terry’s original request has also

spawned a new offshoot - about

famous people DaC drivers have

picked up. Brian Marcantonio

(R73) has been on DaC for 34

years and is a past Taxi Driver of

the Year. This is his tale...

“For part of this story, I have to blow my

own trumpet. That was when in 1993 I

Peter Ustinov and the Taxi Driver of the Year!

won the Taxi Driver of The Year compe-

tition and amongst the other prizes I also

the kind of voice that made you just want

ble Oscar winner and superb racon-

received two plaques that were to be

to sit down, shut up and listen!”

teur, Peter Ustinov was appointed a

placed on the two tip-up seats of my taxi.

Brian Marcantonio (R73)

CBE in 1975 and Knighted in 1990. He

The inscription on each one read:

Brilliant actor, writer, director, dou-

died in 2004 ... Ed

‘The Driver of this taxicab, Mr Brian

Marcantonio, was the winner of the

Taxi Driver of the Year competition

EDNA MITCHELL

1993.’

It was the following summer in 1994

It was very sad news when I heard of the death of Edna Mitchell, wife of Ronnie Mitchell of

and although my year was coming to an

Stable Taxis. Edna had spent 10 weeks in hospital and recently celebrated her 84th birthday

end, I was still officially the Taxi Driver of

before passing away.

the Year. I had accepted a cash trip on the

It was over 25 years ago that I first met Edna, when as a butterboy I rented a taxi from Stables.

While chatting to her, it became obvious that Edna was very knowledgeable about the Taxi trade

radio from Upper Phillimore Gardens to

and I was surprised how she knew everybody’s name - not easy with a fleet of over a 150 taxis

SW3 and the name of the passenger was

and who knows how many mushers going in and out!

Ustinov.

In the 1970s, Ronnie rented some space from a very old taxi company called Goode’s and

Now Peter Ustinov was someone I real-

Cooper. They went back to the days of horse-drawn cabs and gave Ronnie the stables - hence

ly looked up to and I knew he was appear-

the name Stable Taxis.

ing at the Haymarket Theatre. I wondered

The fleet grew steadily and at one point reached over 150 taxis and Edna became involved in

if it was possible that it could be him; my

the running of the company, only retiring some 3 years ago due to ill health. Edna was just like

heart speeded up at the possibility as he

Ronnie - always willing to help a taxi driver who was in trouble.

had always been something of a hero to

I know many Dial-a-Cab drivers have used Stables Taxis in the past and like me, would

me.

wish to offer their deepest sympathy to Ronnie and all of the Mitchell family.

I rang the bell and a lady appeared

Edna is survived by Ronnie, who she married in June 1951, three children, Gary, Glen and

telling me that he would be out shortly.

Jill, nine grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Our sincerest condolences to the family and rest in peace Edna...

Sure enough, just a few minutes later the

Jon Robinson (E88)

door opened and there he was - the great

Sir Peter Ustinov!

I couldn’t believe it was him, but there

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

he was walking towards me! I jumped out

of the cab - Allen Togwell would have

been proud of me - opened the door for

him to get in and gushed!

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

“It's an honour to have you in my cab,

Sir Peter.” He smiled and thanked me. I

got back in the cab and asked where he

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

wanted to go to? He said Sloane Avenue

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

and off we went.

Transponders / chipped keys

As I turned down Argyle Road at the

On site key cutting services including taxis

crossroads with Phillimore Walk, I gave

way to an Oddbins van that had written

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

along its side: Oddbins Wine Merchant of

Burglary repairs / boarding up

the Year.

Additional security / security upgrades

Immediately Sir Peter leaned forward

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

towards the opening in the partition and

said:

Grilles and security gates

“Wine merchant of the year; Taxi Driver

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

of the year; it's an honour to be here!” I

Free estimates / no call out charge

was laughing all the way to Sloane Avenue.

24hr service

It was a great loss to the world when

Peter Ustinov died; it was easier to list

what he didn't do than what he did. If all

You can find us at:

my teachers at school had been like him, I

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

would be a genius now and not driving a

Tel: 01708 371115

taxi for a living! When he spoke, he had

Call Sign January 2013

Page 27

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

magazines of the time with a flashback

DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

This month’s Flashback returns to October 1970 and a story fea-

ly also edited ODRTS Monthly, so he knows a fact or

turing two well-known stalwarts of this radio circuit who were

two about the taxi trade.

interviewed in the Evening Standard...

“It’s about time that we had taxi sharing,” said

From the Evening Standard - October 1970

Joe, “sometimes you can go into Euston Station

and see a huge queue. My job may go to

Liverpool Street as may many of the others wait-

Taxis and the Maxwell Stamp report…

ing, yet even if the passenger doesn’t object, I’m not

If I were out on a big story and in a cab, I would wish my cab driver to

allowed to see if anyone else is going the same way. The queue

be Jack Taylor, he is quite the most talkative cabby I have ever met! The

would shrink and we’d all be happy. But I’m not

first thing that Jack and every other cab driver must do is to learn the

allowed to! Joe wants to see legislation to permit

Knowledge and that takes about a year.

taxi sharing. Currently, anyone caught doing it

“You have to learn every street in London” says Jack, “and it’s a bastard,

faces a £10 fine.

I’ll tell you! You have to cotton-up 468 point-to-point runs from a pink

“All we would need is a retired cabbie con-

book which is called the Blue book, and Scotland Yard test you rigorously

trolling the queue and Bob’s your uncle. Cab

on it. Then with your Knowledge and clean bill of health, you look to

sharing is in place. It is so simple.”

‘wangle’. That means you go to a garage with a fleet of cabs and learn to

The scheme has been recommended to the

drive one of them. There were five wanglers at my garage and I ended up

Maxwell Stamp committee by London’s

teaching them! Maddeningly, they all passed their ‘drive’ first time where-

youngest trade organisation, the Licensed

as I failed my first two!”

Taxi Driver’s Association. General Secretary

Jack remembers his first day well. “From my first trip from Shoreditch

Bill D’Arcy, claims that taxi sharing, would mean that each of the four pas-

to St Pancras to the end of the day, I was working solidly. They call it but-

sengers would pay half the meter fare on exit giving the driver a good prof-

terboy luck because in this game you can’t be a clever driver, only a lucky

it and the passengers a good service. London’s other taxi organisation, the

one. That’s why when we say goodbye to each other we say ‘be lucky’

Transport and General Workers Union, are against it fearing that it could

and not cheerio.”

lead to abuse.

Jack’s days aren’t typical, because he is the Chairman of the Owner

Their spokesman argued that it could lead to accusations from strangers

Drivers Radio Taxi Service in Maida Vale and spends much of his day at

sharing the cab of a male trying to pick upon an innocent girl or a prostitute

the office. But on a working day, Jack puts his ‘for hire’ light on straight

trying to solicit custom. They also asked how much the driver would charge

away. “Mind you, I live in Tottenham and rarely get a job before reaching

if only two were sharing. Would they still pay half each, or what if four from

Manor House where I usually put onto the rank. All ranks are free for all

the same family jumped in, would they end up paying double?

drivers to use, but my favourite is the one at Hanover Square because

Maxwell Stamp may well have his work cut out...

that’s where I usually eat! The food is cooked by Arthur and is great.”

When Jack and I walk in to the Hanover Square shelter, everyone calls

out “Hello Curly” - rather strange, as Jack doesn’t have a hair on his

head! But the food is very good. Over lunch, Jack explains why he enjoys

An Exclusive for Dial-a-Cab drivers!

cab journeys to places such as Blackheath and Finchley:

“Being on ODRTS, there is always the chance that someone will dial

286 4848 wanting to go into town. And while I have the chance,” said

Jack, “I find it very rude when people keep asking me how much I earn.

How would a passenger react if I kept asking them the same question!

Don’t forget, we only earn when someone is in the cab; so if I do a 12s:6d

Buy one,

fare from Shaftsbury Avenue to Highgate and I don’t trap on the way

back, that means that after expenses that I probably earned 7s:6d in that

hour. I think that there should be a minimum fare of 4/-. That way we

wouldn’t have to spend up to 30 minutes waiting for a 2s:6d ride.”

get one free offer!

Before I could say “Thanks Jack,” he had already changed the subject:

“And what about those minicabs,” he shouted, “we do the Knowledge

and then they get away with murder.”

Jack has recently bought a new black Austin FX4 for £1365 and now

Buy an oil and filter service during

had to get back to work…!

December, January and February and get

Like Jack, Joe Toff isn’t shy to pass his opinions. Joe is the Editor of

Steering Wheel, the journal of the British taxi industry and until recent-

the same service FREE on your next visit!

Keith Reading

Cable Taxis/Cabfix

Professional Toastmaster

Arch 100, Golding Street

Master of Ceremonies

(off Cable St), E1 1QH

Tele: 01279 465 938

Tel: 0207 488 9397

Mobile: 07774 860 374

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

Our other services include:

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

Overhauls at sensible prices

TX11 Timing Chains/Belts

Tracking

TX11 Heater Control Valves

Fellow of the Guild of

Tyres Supplied and Fitted

Professional Toastmasters

We are soon to be an MOT testing station for taxis and class 4 vehicles...

Call Sign January 2013

Page 28

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

once valuable future inheritance that has now

Am I mad?

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

been surpassed by the new next best thing!

It began with a fare from Canary Wharf to the

It has now got to the stage where there are

John Howard Centre in Kenworthy Road,

now out-of-town storage depots that were

Homerton.

once the reserve of large companies, but

Knowing the area and the road, I didn’t

which are now being used by families to hide

know of the Centre, but the client informed

(yes hide and not store) larger items like your

me that it was a secure psychiatric unit, which

nan’s old sideboard, that no one except nan

those of us of a certain age - and in our igno-

liked and which is so big that it won’t fit in any

rance - would call a home for nutters, a mad-

modern room! It is, however, made of good

house or asylum.

solid heavy wood and not like today’s rubbish!

It wasn’t until we pulled up outside the

It then becomes full of memories so that

gates that I realised the Centre was in the

every time we see something similar on a TV

grounds of the old Hackney Hospital, where I

show - be it a period drama or daytime auction

was born and spent most of my summer holi-

show - we scream at the screen to the annoy-

days with my brothers and sisters being

ance of our children that their nan had one of

stitched up, or put in plaster - not from abuse

them and that one day they will be the recipi-

I should add, but from the usual falls and

Society and the same said person the original

ent of one! We rub our hands Fagan-like with

scrapes of a childhood before Health and

centre was named after! Who said it’s a mad,

a smug smile and self-congratulatory nod of

Safety was invented!

mad, mad world!

the head at how right we were to pay for stor-

In fact it was often a pleasure because our

ing it, but too stupid to reason that if there are

Auntie Anne worked there as an orderly in the

Valuable clutter

more of them in the world, it renders our

A+E Department. She was a big lady with a

It’s that time of the year when after a barrage

timepiece less valuable.

big heart who would share any sweets that

patients left her with all the children in the

of full shelves goading us to buy gadgets, toys

Popping off for a short break to a seaside

and other goodies, shops clear them out of

town, we stroll around the antique shops, bor-

waiting room.

Like many of us, I have a Facebook account

the way and fill the shelves with all manner of

ing the owners (who must have heard the

storage boxes for us to buy and put what were

same story a thousand times) about how we

and was recently sent a link by an old school

friend - Lost Hospitals of London.

once desirable goods into, but what has now

must have owned half his stock but had to pay

turned into clutter!

someone to take it of our hands, or even

It contained a history of the secondary

school that I went to - Brooke House in

But to us, this is not any old normal clutter

dumped it! It doesn’t register to us that the

- these are classed as inheritance clutter. We

clutter we are keeping is the stuff we should

Clapton - because from 1758 to 1940, it

was a mental asylum. When we start on

stupidly believe that if we don’t use the goods

have thrown out and that these shop owners

for the purpose which we bought them and at

have built themselves a nice life by the coast

The Knowledge, everyone says that we’re

mad! But as we all know, the first

the over inflated prices in their special sea-

on our collective stupidity. In fact it only

sonal packaging, that they will turn into some

inspires us even more to store everything we

Knowledge run is Manor House to Gibson

Square. The Woodberry Down Estate - a

valuable collector’s item.

can and those storage boxes we saw the other

Storing them in lofts, cupboards, garages

day look to be a bargain.

Manor House ‘point’ - stands on the

grounds of the old Northumberland

and anywhere there is a space - although if

I’d like to wish everyone out there a very

there isn’t a space, we will make one by throw-

happy 2013...

Mental Hospital in Green Lanes!

To finish the story off, wife Wendy went to

ing out previously stored valuable clutter -

John Howard Grammar School, John Howard

even going to the expense of hiring a skip or a

Tom Quigley (Y33)

being the inspiration to the Penal Reform

Man with a Van and paying them to take our

ECLIPSED BY A CLOUD!

Many readers will know Sean Farrell (B39) for his fascinating insight into historical cabbing stories from long ago (The

Brethren of the Whip), but less familiar will be Sean’s hobby of Astronomy - a passion he has pursued from a very

young age.

“Earlier this year I was lucky enough to visit Australia on holiday, while taking the opportunity to combine my vaca-

tion and observe the solar eclipse,” Sean told Call Sign while at DaC’s Roman Way fitting bay. “Mind you, if it had

not have been for those very nice people at the DaC Credit Union, it would not have been possible,” Sean added,

“because my previous radio circuit demanded a considerable sum of money to pay off a balance, which would have

dented my savings to make the Oz trip, whereas the folks at DACCU made it all possible with an immediate electron-

ic transfer that gave me the ability to realise my dream, so a big thanks there!”

Obviously a passionate supporter of all things astronomy, Sean continued: “This was my fourth eclipse observation

and I had spent quite some time at the planning stage, even buying a special telescope that would fit into my ruck-

sack for easier travel. That was bearing in mind that I was visiting numerous other places in Australia as well.

I was based at Cairns, north of Port Douglas, on the line of the eclipse and spent about two hours prior to the

magic moment setting everything up so as to capture the eclipse, which was timed to last two minutes and four

seconds as the shadow moved over the land. However, the weather had other ideas and at the critical moment, a

large cloud moved across the sky limiting the time the eclipse was visible to a mere ONE second!”

Sean grinned philosophically at the memory. “Imagine all that effort for a one second display! I felt like crying,”

he admitted.

“It is said that only one in four eclipses can be viewed in their entirety due to weather or other factors such as environmental pollution, so I wasn’t

totally surprised. But that didn’t stop me feeling very upset.”

So was that his last planned eclipse journey outside of the UK?

“No, my next planned trips will be the Faroe Islands in 2015 and a big one in 2017 when the shadow of the eclipse will pass across the USA!”

Sean’s face reflected the excitement he was feeling with four years still to go - and hopefully for more than one second! Sean finished by giving Call

Sign some relevant information for those interested in eclipses. “There is eclipse information on the internet and also the NASA Eclipse website.

Furthermore, if you punch ‘Fred Espenak’ into a search engine, you will find a wealth of information as he is an acknowledged astrophysicist on eclipse

prediction.”

With that, Sean left Roman Way looking upwards to see if anything was happening!

Alan Green, Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2013

Page 29

Dial-a-Cab driver Ray Challis

Following last month’s story from Mike Son about his run-in

(G98) issued a friendly warning

with a stripper...

to Call Sign - accompanied by a

wink - when he asked if we were

It could only happen

sure about printing his tale! We

nodded in agreement...

“It was about 5.30 in the morning when I

to a taxi driver!

arrived at the NW8 account address to pick up

a DaC trip. I rang the doorbell as instructed

and I was vaguely aware of some movement in

and a female voice on the intercom asked me

to go in and up the stairs. I assumed that there

the back of the cab. But people do move about

and I just concentrated on driving.

were heavy suitcases to bring down to the taxi,

or perhaps she needed some other form of

Then we stopped at traffic lights and a large

truck pulled up alongside me. The driver

assistance. But I thought little else about it and

went straight up several flights of stairs.

rolled his window down and called out to me.

Then he just kept pointing to the passenger

Entering the apartment I immediately

realised that the form of assistance she was

compartment, his eyes looking like two

moons!

expecting didn’t really match my own!

There in the hallway, hiding behind the half

I automatically looked round to see what he

was on about and could hardly miss seeing that

open front door, the lady was standing with

her slacks settled around her ankles!

my passenger was down to her bra and panties

while changing dresses! I’m not sure, but I

‘Help zip me up please, driver’ the lady

requested, and within seconds I found myself

think I may have looked a little shocked, but

fortunately the passenger smiled to relieve me

down on my hands and knees frantically strug-

gling to close this woman’s trouser zip while

of at least some of my obvious embarrassment

while explaining what she was doing. She

she, for her part, fought to secure the waist-

band together around a generously propor-

smiled as she also informed me that that the

traffic lights were green again!

tioned torso!

My mind was still in something of a shock

Ray smiling - no doubt wondering

Apparently she was going out for the

evening and took the opportunity to use my

mode, but I do remember thinking that if

what will happen next!

someone were to walk in at that moment,

cab as a changing room. She got in looking like

ple of how it could only happen to a taxi dri-

Miss Moneypenny, and got out looking more

goodness knows what conclusion they might

ver!

like Miss Whiplash! The smell of perfume was

have drawn! There I was down on my haunch-

“It was another time and another day in this

almost overpowering.

es with my hands on the front of the lady’s

weird job of ours. I had stopped in the City for

When my next passenger got in, he

trousers, and she attempting to either do, or

a lady dressed in a formal business suit who

remarked that the cab smelled like a brothel. I

undo, same garment! Looking back now, the

gave me a W1 destination. It was late afternoon

didn’t make any comment to him, but I did

scene was akin to a West End farce!”

as we drove westwards through heavy traffic

wonder how he knew what a brothel smelled

Now in full swing, Ray gave us another exam-

like!”

With that, Ray got back into his taxi for

another boring day in the office...!

War Disabled charity

Alan Green

Call Sign Online

Christmas lunch

SAVINGS!

★ KITCHENS

& APPLIANCES

★ BEDROOMS

★ WORKTOPS

★ DOOR & DRAW REPLACMENTS

★ PLANTATION SHUTTERS

★ ALL TYPES OF BLINDS

★ AWNINGS

Brian Rice and Eddie with some of the Chelsea Pensioners in the background

You are welcome to visit

our showroom at:

This year’s London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled Charity Christmas lunch

took place at Millwall Football Club and once again featured a slap-up lunch for members of

Unit 8 Tripes Farm,

the charity, their guests and of course many former soldiers who have been injured whilst fighting

Chelsfield Lane,

for their country.

Orpington, Kent BR6 7RS

Representing Dial-a-Cab was Chairman Brian Rice who is seen in the picture with last year’s

WCHCD Master, Eddie Crossley. Brian also had a brief chat with charity President and former

Instant Kitchen and

ODRTS Board member, Harry Joel, who celebrated his 88th birthday last October and who still

Bedroom & Blinds UK

likes to keep up with DaC events via Call Sign. Harry made a very pertinent speech about the

Call Ian (R50) on 01689 897111…

past and future regarding the charity...

Call Sign January 2013

Page 30

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

lose a similar amount every year, then in

2060 we’ll have to apply for a loan!

Dial-a-Cab House

And yes, I have been assured that once

or email us at

the Christmas and New Year holidays

callsignmag@aol.com

are over, the new terminals will begin a

fitting program ...Ed

EOBD light

Hi Alan

More EC5

lost the contract very quickly. What's to stop

the powers that be terminating F&K's deal

Sorry but I’m back again - as is the EOBD

Hi Alan

light! I can understand that the subject has

I just wanted to add my name to the list of

and going with another minicab firm know-

ing that we'll help them out (ie make them

had its run in Mailshot but I wonder if per-

drivers who think that EC5 should be

haps an appeal could be squeezed into Call

returned to how it was. I have been work-

''look good'' )?

John Addis (K97)

Sign for any suggestions or help.

ing that rank for the past 35 years and just

The EOBD light comes on sometimes in

cannot see what advantage we will gain by

Thanks for the email John. Re the chair-

man's response, I believe he was

damp weather and goes off after about 2

going back to the EC zones, other than dri-

hours if I stop, have a break and restart.

vers once again booking-in from all over

answering you but then went into a gen-

eralisation that wasn't necessarily aimed

Both AA and garage checks with their com-

London and being late getting to pick-ups.

puterised testers say the problem is with

Is a dispatcher going to sit in the call centre

at you. If that's the case, then it's my

fault for the way his response went in.

the EGR valve, which I doubted. However I

checking to see if every driver that books in

have had the valve and a vacuum pipe

is within fifteen minutes? With so much

As for using another minicab firm, I

doubt that the House would want to

replaced and still the light came on the fol-

competition around, the decision to

lowing day! My gut feeling has always been

change could well cost us accounts.

make their choice look bad, so instead

they have both DaC and F&K on their

a sensor problem as the cab runs well, so

I did read Allan Evans response to Alan

cleaners are not applicable. But I was told

Sullivan (F20) in last month’s Call Sign,

books, but use us. It isn’t a perfect world

and sometimes you have to accept that

there isn’t just one sensor but several.

but I still cannot understand the reasoning.

I wonder if any driver could definitely solve

It’s not as though you can’t get there after

things around you aren’t perfect either.

Meanwhile the House is happy with our

this or suggest a garage, preferably in the

9pm. Yes, during the days when it was so

NW area, that can. It’s galling to spend

much busier there was sense in the deci-

service and using us far more than their

elected little ones ...Ed

money and not fix the problem!

sion of splitting the zones because it kept

Alasdair Kay (C47)

customer’s waiting time down to a mini-

Can anyone help Alasdair? We tried one

mum. But it isn’t tearing busy at the

Now and then...

garage that said they had the cure, but

moment and unlikely to be so for some

Hi Alan

the cure didn’t work and it’s driving

time according to the Chancellor. So will

Compliments of the season to everyone at

Alasdair mad! We hate to see DaC drivers

Allan Evans stick everyone on complaint

Dial-a-Cab. I’d just like to add a few words

beg, so if anyone knows the answer,

who is 16 minutes away and who is to say

about yet another interesting article in Call

please pass it on! ...Ed

how far 16 minutes is? It would be so much

Sign - Now and Then in the December issue.

easier to just keep the status quo because it

Most of the early motorised taxis in

works. If the Board really feel that they

London were manufactured by French

End of Year Report

must continue with this trial period, per-

companies, such as Unic, Renault, Peugeot

Alan

haps a compromise would be to go back to

and also by Italy's FIAT, who incidentally

It’s no surprise to hear that Dial-a-Cab are

EC5 after midnight? But I still don’t under-

tried to make a comeback in the early 1990s

going to make a loss for our last trading

stand the logic in tampering with some-

with their FIAT Tempera saloon.

year and after the way this November has

thing that so obviously works.

In the 1990's others such as Mitsubishi,

been with the lack of work offered by my

Bernie Silver (G08)

Vauxhall, Ford, AID and Volkswagen all

DaC terminal, I imagine a greater loss for

I told Keith Cain and Allan Evans about

took a long look at making the London type

the next trading year. I fear that my new

the letters and phone calls this maga-

taxi, but did the figures and never really

DaC terminal will never get fitted.

zine had received, so at the December

entered the market. Mercedes-Benz and

But the reason I write is that surely our

Board meeting they decided to revert

Toyota were both strongly against produc-

Financial Report for the last trading year

back to EC5. My only concern now is

ing a complete and specialised vehicle for

should be sent out before or with the invi-

how many letters and phone calls I get

presentation to the PCO. The late and great

tation for members to stand for election.

saying that they preferred the new sys-

Ernie Keates was offered a great deal of

The report might change member’s opin-

tem! ...Ed

money by one large American motor com-

ions of the current Board’s success.

pany if he could get their large European

Jon Robinson (E88)

It's a point Jon, but for the last eight

The House...

saloon plated by the PCO. How do I know

this is true? I went with him several times to

years we have made profits totalling

Dear Alan

almost £5million, but no one suggested

How odd I found the Chairman's reply to

their UK offices in Essex to see if we could

progress this project, all to no avail. The

it then? You also have the problem of

my partially printed letter re the House of

our year ending on 31st August, an audit

Commons. Mr Rice called me and we had a

PCO would not budge over their

Conditions of Fitness. As for the Asquith, in

in October and then printing and

discussion about my view of us aiding an

preparing the report before sending it

unfair competitor. I won't go into all the

which a well know trade body and I were

involved, I thought they made 12 taxis in

out with the AGM bumph, also in

details of the conversation although I can if

October. I think it’s also worth pointing

required. At no time during the 40 minute

total, 11 sold and one pre-production that

was never meant to be sold and disap-

out that prior to the last month of the

call did the Chairman mention demoralisa-

financial year DaC was in profit, but

tion, negativity or '' always looking for a

peared.

I do not recall. any FX4s having that use-

according to a recent Chairman’s report

downside''. In fact, I felt he sympathised

in Call Sign, the month with the

with my concerns but gave me the impres-

ful hydraulic jacking system as fitted to

FX3s, even though it was common practice

Olympics was the worst in our history

sion that his hands were tied.

and dragged the Society from the black

I believe had we not been helping out

to fit a tap just under the reservoir to stop

all the expensive fluid leaking from the

into the red. I’ve worked it out that if we

Fairway and Kenwood, they would have

Call Sign January 2013

Page 31

Mailshot

Continued from page 31

Toyota running gear, but unfortunately

never got the sales or backing it deserved.

Rodney Lewis (ex Dan77)

joints in the pipes and jacks. Carbodies

were a large independent car body manu-

facturer specialist, who converted car mak-

Dave Parris

ers bodies - for example Ford Consuls and

Dear Alan

Zephyrs - into estate cars and convertibles.

We were saddened to hear of the sudden

They also made special bodies for Standard,

death of former night controller, Dave

will be missed.

SS/Jaguar and other well-known brands

Parris. He began working for Dial-a-Cab in

Our condolences go out to his family.

before becoming world famous for making

the 90s as a call-taker during the day shift.

May he rest in peace...

London taxis. As far as I know, Austin was a

After many years he went onto the night

Curls Villiers

supplier of major components to Carbodies

shift before being promoted to night con-

Senior DaC Night Shift Controller

for use in the production of FX3 & FX4s but

troller on that shift. He left in

2004 to

Thanks Curls. I think most of those

never owned Carbodies. As for the

become a Prison Officer at Pentonville

who knew Dave will agree with your

Metrocab TTT, it was much better with its

Prison. Dave was such a nice person and he

sentiments ...Ed

Last month Jon looked at websites for kids, this month it’s back to the adults...

Interesting Websites...

Hello, I hope you and your families had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas; the fact you are reading this

indicates you’ve survived the Christmas madness! The editor tells me that some of you have found the

websites I’ve mentioned as being useful, so I thought I’d tell you about a few more. Hopefully, there’ll be

something here for everyone. So, on to the websites...

SavyGamerygwww.savygamer.co.uk): I’ve been following this website for quite some time now; I first discovered it on

Twitter (@SavyGamer). An English website, the owner works in the gaming industry and because of this he knows

when the latest deals and bargains on games are coming up. The website is updated daily, providing gamers on all

platforms (PC, Mac, XBOX, PS3, Wii-U, iPhone, Android etc.) with the best prices available from the various outlets.

On many occasions, valid money-off codes are provided along with relevant links. If you are thinking of buying a digi-

tal game of any kind, be sure to check out SavyGamer first; you could save yourself a fair bit of cash!

GameSaladmeswww.gamesalad.com): On the subject of gaming, do you have children from 8 years old and up who love video games? Are you

concerned that they are not spending enough time exercising their creative skills? Well, help is at hand! GameSalad® is a really nice, easy to use

and learn FREE piece of software that enables anyone - child or adult - to create video games. Providing an easy to understand manual, along

with many free templates and “sprites” (in-game artwork), GameSalad® allows creative gamers make the games they want to play without

having to know any programming languages. Better yet, if your little ones find they are really rather good at making games, they can distribute

them on the Apple and Android app stores! The only cost incurred is if you sell them for profit on the app stores; GameSalad® takes a cut of

the profits. However, if the game is made freely available, then there are no fees to pay. This is an excellent way to get your children (or

teenagers) to be creative whilst engaging them in something that interests them. GameSalad® works on both Windows and Mac.

Vimeo.vwww.vimeo.com): If you are a YouTube user, you will no doubt know that whilst there are thousands of excellent videos available to

view, there are many more that are rubbish. Add into the mix some “noise” - endless pointless comments and adverts - and the experience can

quickly become one of annoyance. Vimeo is trying to offer an alternative - a clean, fresh website providing quality video content without ads,

without “noise”. I like it, and whilst it may not have the same quantity of content as YouTube, it does have more quality.

The Mag Piagwww.themagpi.com): Perhaps you may recall some months ago I talked about the phenomenon that is the Raspberry Pi; a cheap

credit card sized computer board which allows you to install and run a custom version of Linux. If you are interested in getting hold of one of

these, or even if you already own one, then the free monthly Mag Pi magazine is an invaluable resource. Packed with ideas, tips and tricks for

use with your Raspberry Pi, Mag Pi is the perfect accompaniment for any budding programmer or Linux user. My son and I used one of the arti-

cles on turning a Raspberry Pi into a retro games emulator, allowing us

to successfully play tons of retro arcade and Super Nintendo games on

our TV for free!

GNU Image Manipulation Programwww.gimp.org): No doubt you

would have heard of - and possibly even used - a piece of software

called Adobe Photoshop. Whilst Photoshop is an amazing product

that allows you to create and manipulate pretty much any digital

image, it is very expensive. This is where the GNU Image Manipulation

Program (aka GIMP) shines. A free (and safe) alternative to Photoshop,

GIMP allows you to do almost anything you can in Photoshop. Even

better, the massive, dedicated community who use and improve GIMP

provide hundreds of plugins, filters and tutorials freely available

online. Perhaps you have a budding photographer or graphic designer

in the family or just want to perform some image manipulation; you

can save yourself literally £100s. Go download and install GIMP; you

won’t regret it! GIMP works on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Well, that’s all for now..

Jon Winterburn

DaC Network Administrator