Call Sign September 2013

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Holiday time

Twitter and Facebook...

By the time you read this, most DaC drivers

No, I haven’t backtracked and begun using

will have finished their holidays and settled

Twitter. And no, I still can’t see the point. But

back into the usual routine... no, I don’t

yes, I do have a presence on Facebook that I

mean driving the droshky but giving Call

rarely use. But hey, if knowing what others have

Sign information that Dial-a-Cab drivers

for breakfast turns you on then that’s great.

would want to read about! These last two

However, I feel concerned for friends on Twitter

months have been really tough in the maga-

and Facebook who feel that everyone in the

zine business and besides, why should I suf-

world is their friend - because they patently are

fer because you want to have a break!

not.

What’s fair about that! So what about if I

I recently looked at something on Facebook

say please or help the aged or perhaps just

and was shocked to see friends that I regard as

offer an out and out beg!

being sensible, virtually admitting that their

PS. I’m hoping that your returns will coin-

home was empty because they had posted pho-

cide with the busiest Christmas run-up we

tos of themselves on holiday in another country.

have seen for several years...

The photos were dated and included everyone

usually living in their northwest London abode.

Cyclists

They might just as well have put a notice up on

If you read Call Sign regularly, then you’ll know

believe that those drivers whose claims have

their front door saying: Gone on holiday. House

that my love of cyclists never really progressed

been agreed, have been asked to sign confiden-

empty...

tiality agreements. If true, then I’m delighted

What is wrong with people who have to say

beyond hate! Well, I don’t really hate them, but

that the matter has been put to rest and that the

what they are doing at any given time? Believe

I have been moaning about the two-wheeled

TX4 can reclaim its rightful place as the real

me, ask anyone who has ever been burgled how

menaces for almost as long as I have been in the

“official” London taxi!

it leaves you feeling and that might make them

Editor’s hot seat and long before it became fash-

wait until they get home before showing off

ionable to criticise them.

Hailo

photos that few really want to see anyway...

I was even been threatened by one Dial-a-

It isn’t often that I agree with Micky Walker in

Cab driver after a particular missive about

The Badge - or in this case that he agrees with

Lousy year...

cyclists. He told me that his son was an excel-

me - but many others are also beginning to

We are now heading towards the tail end of

lent cyclist and that he (the driver) would knock

realise that what I’ve been saying ever since

another year and I hope you will forgive me for

some sense into me if he ever saw me! Needless

Hailo first appeared is becoming a reality.

including this personal piece, because business

to say that he never gave his name.

One of the reasons August has been so quiet

may well be up from the last few years but it

But this piece isn’t about them going through

on the streets is that people are phoning Hailo

could be tearing busy and I would still have had

red lights or using our road when they have a

rather than standing around waiting for a pass-

a lousy year.

cycling lane. It’s not even about the few who

ing cab. What’s that, you cry in unison, Dial-a-

Regular Call Sign readers will know what I

think they can cycle along the pavement. It is,

Cab does the same thing? Well, that’s the whole

am talking about, because the loss of a child

without really going into it, about the tragedy of

point. DaC - as well as RTG and ComCab -

puts everything else into perspective. I think of

the five cyclists who have died so far in 2013

charge for the facility by having a run-in where-

Reed every single day, but just very occasionally

and even more about the people who make - or

as Hailo does it for nothing. Even waiting time

some of those thoughts and memories now

help to make - the laws that govern cyclists.

comes free up to the first five minutes

have a smile attached to them.

Inside this issue are two pieces that refer to

although I also hear that some drivers are disre-

But this piece isn’t about my son, it’s about

cyclists and shows the battle we have to not just

garding the waiting time and starting their

all you out there and the thoughtfulness and

control them, but to also help keep cyclists safe.

meters on arrival. No doubt some will say that

kindness you have shown and I would just like

We’ll never be able to stop some cyclists, who

should make me happy because it puts the

to offer my thanks. There was the huge number

obviously have no road sense whatsoever,

prices up that Hailo drivers are charging. Well,

of Dial-a-Cab drivers that attended Reed’s

attempting to overtake on the nearside even

no, actually, because the average passenger

funeral on January 14, many of whom I didn’t

though a vehicle has a left indicator on to show

thinks we are all the same (black taxis) and the

even know.

it intends making a left turn. In many cases -

assumption is that we are all “on the make.”

There was the whole DaC Board of

especially if it is a truck turning left - the cyclist

One Hailo driver, on a particularly quiet

Management who turned up, as well as people

cannot be seen in the vehicle’s mirror. It does-

August evening on the streets, told me that

from outside this Society such as RTG Chairman

n’t take much imagination to see how that can

he had completed six Hailo trips. One came

Geoffrey Riesel and LTDA General Secretary

turn into an appalling tragedy

to £22 while the other five totalled £37. Yep,

Steve McNamara.

One mention on the Mailshot page comes

that’s still

£59 but for six door-to-door

Then on August 4 and right in the middle of

from Eddie Lambert

(V37) and refers to

licensed taxi journeys, but it must be well

the holiday season, as we laid a stone in Reed’s

London Assembly member, Jenny Jones and

below even minicab prices. Of course, for

memory, there was another large crowd includ-

six street rides it is fairly average.

her apparent attitude towards wearing cyclist’s

ing many DaC drivers and with Brian Rice and

So can’t these drivers see how they are dam-

helmets, whilst an article by Tom Quigley

Mike Son representing DaC. I also had phone

aging the trade? Why did they bother doing the

(Y33) tells how Mayor Boris turned up at the

calls and text messages from around Europe on

Knowledge if they are happy to charge cheaper

recent Pru 100 cycling trip and his lack of a sen-

the day of the stone setting from those on holi-

fares than PH? The only certainty is that the

sible mode of dress.

day, but who had taken that brief moment out

three entrepreneurs who started Hailo aren’t

Both just go to show that cyclists are looking

of their vacation to think of me.

losing; the three drivers whose faces are used to

to take over the world! And if you think that is

But this piece is also about the eight months

front the operation aren’t losing; the passengers

an exaggeration, just speak to one of their mar-

in between those two dates and aimed at the

aren’t losing - in fact the only people losing are

shals when you get stuck behind a cycling

numerous drivers who have come up to me and

those drivers who can’t see the long term dam-

“reclaim the streets” demo...

offered me their condolences - again, many of

age they are doing to the radio trade and who

them I had never met before. It has been a lousy

are subsidising Hailo.

TX4 fire claims?

year for me, yet a chink of light has shone

Since writing this piece, I have now also read

I’m not sure how true this is, but I have been

through thanks to people I didn’t even really

this month’s Chairman’s report and one partic-

told unofficially that the claims put in by drivers

know. To everyone, I offer my sincere thanks...

ular sentence with regard to tender documents

who lost time over the 2008 recall following a

Be lucky...

and what our clients want from us has totally

small number of 56 registration TX4s catching

shocked me. It won’t take you long to work out

fire, is about to be settled.

Alan Fisher

which one that is...

The reason I say unofficially is because I

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign September 2013

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

Tenders

up - and it was getting a little better before the

I am writing this in mid-August but I’m sure I

holiday season started - that some have not gone

don’t need to point out that business is fairly

too far down the road of the customer expecting

quiet at the moment, but as we all know it’s fair-

a subsidy at the driver’s expense and I just hope

ly normal for that month. However, during this

there will be a way back!

quiet period we have completed two tenders and

there is another one in the pipeline for comple-

Concierge

tion.

I know that mention of private hire sometimes

We have completed the tender for your largest

gets drivers feeling rather irritated, but like most

account together with another that is in our top

things in life, there is good as well as bad in that

five. The one still for completion is our second

side of the trade.

largest account.

As you know, we have a number of car compa-

You may well be asking yourselves why I

nies on our platform and our clients can order

am mentioning this as surely it is normal for

cars from their chosen vendor. One of the best

us to complete tenders. Well it is, but some-

companies on the platform is Brunel, which

thing new is creeping into client’s requests.

started in business thirty years ago by Bill

After the tender was completed for our largest

Edwards. Bill started with one vehicle that he

client, I was asked to attend their premises to

drove himself and gradually built his business

own member’s vehicles display the Dial-a-Cab liv-

give them a presentation on a system that they

into a market leader.

ery, yet operate with reduced rates on behalf of

have been using for years. However, I suppose

Over the years I got to know Bill very well and

other organisations customers. It’s hardly sur-

that in fairness, all vendors have to be treated

I came to accept that his word was his bond. He

prising that our own customers believe that DaC

equally and if our competitors were required to

ran a very professional company, but sadly he

itself should extend the same rates to them.

give a presentation, then for the sake of equality

was diagnosed with cancer some five years ago

So it now appears that the latest trend is to

we had to be treated in the same manner.

and he battled with it ever since - a battle he

offer a first class taxi service to the customer that

Our presentation went very well. I also knew

appeared to be winning as he endeavoured to

will be subsidised by the driver. Unsurprisingly

some of the people present; however, they did

always keep himself fit.

perhaps, the corporate sector wants the same

have staff from their procurement department

Bill recently went on holiday to Spain with his

service carried over to their corporate accounts

there whom I had never met before. They, obvi-

wife Jackie. One morning he went out for a bike

and to again take money out of the driver’s pock-

ously, are just interested in cost as it is taken as

ride, only to suffer a fatal heart attack. He was 58.

et. Of course, they still require and expect all the

the norm that we supply an exceptional service.

Bill was a true gentleman and a man I had the

reporting we give them in addition to their own

Sometimes clients can forget what bad service is

utmost respect for; the Private Hire industry will

DaC Account Managers and Implants etc.

when they have received such good service for

be all the worse for his loss. My sincere condo-

It goes without saying that there is a tremen-

such a long time.

lences go to Jackie and children Alex, Nicola and

dous change going on in our market place and I

As I stated earlier, I believe our presenta-

Anthony.

know that some of you consider that it may be for

tion went well, but after a couple of weeks I

We have lost a truly good man and I for one

the best. We will have to see whether, in time,

was asked back to consult with the head of

will miss him enormously...

that is correct or not. What I do know is that it

their procurement department.

appears the driver is subsidising the whole

Brian Rice

The meeting was very amicable, but he was

change at the current time.

adamant that they did not wish to pay for a run-

I just hope that when business eventually picks

Chairman, Dial-a-Cab

in, neither did they wish to pay a driver gratuity.

I was equally adamant that both were needed to

maintain service levels to the high standards they

currently experience and demanded. I can assure

you that it would be so easy for me to just sit in

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

front of the client and agree to their demands, it

is much more difficult to say no! However, I did

376 Strand, WC2

agree to ‘cap’ the gratuity but nothing else and

went on to explain that the run-in and gratuity

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

was paid in its entirety to our members to entice

them to give an extraordinary service. I reiterated

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

that these payments were for members and not

for Dial-a-Cab as an organisation.

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

Unfortunately, that is how I left the meeting.

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

Although extremely amicable, we could not

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

come to an agreement and at the time of writing

I have not heard from the client.

I know some of you will disagree with my sen-

We are certain that you will be delighted

timents, whilst others will agree. It just appears

that sometimes I’m damned if I do and damned

if I don’t.

Our second largest client, that I also

referred to earlier and whose tender is also in

the pipeline, has only gone so far as to make

us sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

However, I have been informed that not only

will this client be looking for a no run-in

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

agreement, but they also require five minutes

of free waiting time at the pick-up point - I

Salieri Restaurant

don’t even want to think about that one at

this stage!

376 Strand, WC2

You are all capable of drawing your own con-

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

clusions as to why our clients are now demand-

ing more for less, especially when some of our

Call Sign September 2013

Page 5

Just missing last month’s issue, Call Sign is

pleased to note that TX4 production is about

to restart again at the London Taxi

TX4 PRODUCTION TO

Company’s Coventry facility. The cab will also

continue to run on the VM Motori engine.

However, LTC have been made aware of some

RESTART AT COVENTRY

concerns from TX4 drivers regarding the 2.5l

engine, so have been working closely with the

Back to work at

Italian engine manufacturer and a number of

Coventry!

partners across the trade, investigating meth-

ods to improve the engine’s efficiency and

effectiveness.

LTC have identified three important princi-

and, therefore reduce or elimi-

ples which the company say that when correct-

ly combined and applied, have led to dramatic

nate maintenance and parts

costs.

improvements in performance and reliability as

well as reduced risk of possible engine failure.

The London Taxi company

COOLANT: Getting the right mix...

has launched a campaign in

If any vehicle does not have its coolant con-

order to drive home these fun-

centration maintained at a 50% coolant and

damental principles of engine

50% water mix at all times - regardless of the

maintenance to new and exist-

season - oxidisation of aluminium compo-

ing customers that will be sup-

nents can occur which causes particles to slow-

SERVICING: Getting the right mainte-

ported by their Approved

ly build up within both the heater and radiator

Service Dealer network. It will also be raising

nance...

matrices. This in turn triggers a sequence of

Ensuring that your TX4 is serviced correctly

awareness of its range of oils (£5.95 for 1litre)

events which can lead to blockages in the oil

and coolant (£4.45 for 1litre) created by Morris

and in line with manufacturer’s servicing

gallery, rising engine temperatures and eventu-

schedule is vital in order to protect the integri-

Lubricants, which are available from any

ally, engine failure. It is therefore vital that dri-

ty of your engine. Servicing your vehicle cor-

London Taxi Company dealership or Approved

vers understand the importance of maintain-

rectly dramatically improves vehicle and

Service Dealer.

ing a 50/50 coolant/water mix all year round...

engine life expectancy. It also acts as a preven-

You can read more about the importance of

OIL: Getting the right specification...

tative measure providing an opportunity for

coolant, oils and servicing at www.london-

Gone are the days when you could use any

mechanics to diagnose potential failures early

taxis.co.uk.

20w/50 specification oil in your vehicle. It is

now vital that you use a fully-synthetic, low

An amazing collection of pictorial maps from a 1915 Theatreland map,

SAPS

(Sulphated Ash and Phosphorus-

to a 1937 map of World Steamship routes, to a Post Office Radio

Sulphur),

10w40 specification oil in your

Telephone Services map from 1935...

engine. Failure to use the right oil can result in

a number of issues, including bore glazing,

bore polishing and, specific to Euro 5 vehicles,

MacDonald Gill:

blockages in the Diesel Particulate Filter. As

well as ensuring that an engine runs smoothly,

Out of the Shadows...

the right oil will also keep your engine clean

and free from contaminants...

Perhaps not the usual type of article from Call Sign but

one which we feel sure will interest many Dial-a-Cab dri-

vers - especially those who are artistically inclined or

who perhaps have children that take more than a pass-

Police

ing interest in painting and design.

From 20 September until 2 November 2013, the

PM Gallery & House at Walpole Park, Mattock Lane,

Enquiries:

Ealing runs a retrospective of the work of illustrator,

designer and architect MacDonald 'Max' Gill (1884 -

1947). Admission is free.

Marylebone

The collection features rarely-seen original art-

work and includes Gill's amazing Wonderground

map of London (1914, his pictorial maps of

Road

Theatreland, London Underground stations, bus

and postal services, tea routes, countries of

Police were called at approximately

Empire and many others, including a wealth of

original posters, personal papers and artefacts that were

18:40hrs on Saturday 27 July to

unearthed by his family from the remote Sussex cottage in which he lived, after his

Marylebone Road NW1, opposite

death.

Madam Tussauds, following reports of a

Gill's work was famous in his day, but not so much nowadays, so the exhibition is aiming to continue to shed

motorcycle in collision with a pedestrian.

some more light on his career and indeed this is the first London exhibition to display the full range of Gill’s work.

Out of the Shadows presents Gill’s captivating and innovative range of graphic designs in many

The pedestrian, a 50-year-old man, was

forms, across four decades. They cover political and social issues and the fields of transport and commu-

taken to a central London hospital where

nication. His work was celebrated in his lifetime but, unlike that of his elder brother, sculptor and typog-

he remains in a critical condition.

rapher Eric Gill, it faded from view after his death.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and

MacDonald Gill was best known for the richly-coloured and highly-detailed, light-hearted pictorial

maps he created for the London Underground, but his work also includes the design of the alphabet for

in particular a licensed black cab driver

standard military headstones (for the Imperial War Graves Commission); the procession map and title

who was close to the collision, to con-

page for the official programme for the Coronation of King George VI; painted wind-dial panel maps

tact them. The motorcyclist stopped at

commissioned by Edwin Lutyens; a new logo and posters for the General Post Office; and a huge paint-

the scene.

ed map of the North Atlantic for the First Class Dining room on Cunard’s Queen Mary.

This is an exhibition that is well worth seeing...

Anyone with information is asked to

Out of the Shadows: MacDonald Gill runs from 20 September until 2 November at the PM

contact officers at the Southwest

Gallery & Pitzhanger Manor, Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing, London W5 5EQ.

Traffic Garage on 020 8941 9011.

Opening times are Tues - Fri 1-5pm; Sat 11am-5pm; Sundays 1-5pm.

More info at: www.ealing.gov.uk/pmgalleryandhouse or phone 020 8567 1227.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 6

Jery’s World

“Thank Gawd, a decent vehicle at last! You can't beat a Ford Escort! I'm getting fed up wiv these taxis...”

Androids taking over the world!

Yes, it does sound like the heading for a new

Doctor Who story, but it is much more fright-

smart-

ening than that! Why? Well when it comes to

phones

smartphones, it seems that everyone now has

equals

to have one, feels compelled to look at them

more Apps

24x7 and apparently feels obligated to collect

- some bet-

as many Apps as they can - hopefully along

ter than

with DaC’s! But accepting that, it also seems

others!

that of the types of smartphones available,

Android has the business sewn up with

almost four in five gadgets running on the

platform in the second quarter of 2013 (cour-

tesy International Data Corp).

According to the research firm, Android ship-

ments soared 73.5% on an annual basis to

187.4 million units between April and June, which enlarged the operating system's

Call Sign

market share to 79.3% from 69.1% in the same period of last year.

Apple's iOS stayed in second place with a 20% jump on the year to 31.2 million units

September 2013

in that second quarter. However, there is a new product and refreshed platform sched-

Editor: Alan Fisher

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

uled for later this year, so the belief is that Apple will be able to re-capture market

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

share.

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

Windows Phone came in third over the period with the strongest annual increase

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

among the top-five platforms. Gadgets running on Microsoft's mobile operating sys-

Printers: Premier Print Group

tem jumped 77% - thanks to Nokia - reaching 8.7 million units.

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Overall, smartphone shipments grew 51.3% on the year and 9.3% on the quarter to

Design: Aldan Publications

Tel: 07958 300 428

236.4 million units between April and June 2013. So there seems to be little chance of

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

pedestrians looking at where they are going as they cross the road any time soon!

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

Michael Toomey

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

either manually or electronically without the express

Call Sign Online

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 7

Alan Nash (A95) has been on Dial-a-Cab since

Most DaC drivers eventually go grey on top, but Call Sign’s Alan

1996, just one year before he joined Call Sign

Nash (A95) went brown!

and began producing the monthly info sheet,

Nash’s Numbers. But besides producing facts

and figures for this mag, Alan also drives a

taxi and has told us about why he is going

brown on top!

Beware the factory

“The offer with a new taxi at the-then M&O in

2000 of a free factory fitted vinyl roof sounded

good. Looked fairly smart (well, this was 2000)

fitted vinyl roof!

and I have been pleased... until recently.

Being factory fitted, I have to assume that they

do not finish the roof off to the same standard as

a nice shiny one. But everything has been ok -

until this year’s annual test that is.

I like to keep my cab tidy, always getting

faults rectified quickly and keeping it clean,

although I am not overly fastidious - it is after

all, just my workhorse.

CAN YOU SING???

Are you a licenced taxi dri-

ver who can sing? The Taxi

Notice the circled lump below the vinyl

Driver of the Year Charity

I had noticed a small rusty lump by the For

back, the rust removed and glass fibred over.

Fund has been asked to

Hire sign (see picture with lump circled) and

Then he re-glued the vinyl back down and it was

find the best singers in the

thought this was a bit of a one-off. But I did not

almost as good as new. Well it did pass.

taxi trade, so if the answer

expect what NSL found on inspection. They just

The proverb to this story must be to beware of

is yes would you please be

reported a failure due to a rusty roof. But as it was

kind enough to get in touch with one of

taxi salesmen offering free gifts!

covered by vinyl, none of us (NSL, me or the

the TDOYCF contact numbers below.

You can get a much more detailed version

garage) had any idea until the vinyl was peeled

Please also remember to book your tickets

back.

of Nash’s Numbers containing most of the

for the TDOYCF’s dinner/ dance on 30th

The rust was above the passenger door on

things you need to know for a day’s work by

November 2013. For more info, phone or

both sides of the cab. You can see from the pic-

going to www.myfav.co.uk

/iehome.

email TDOYCF Hon Chairman, Russell

ture that the extent of the rust had gone through

php?g=taxi or www.myfav.co.uk and clicking

Poluck MBE (T55).

Phone/ Fax: 020 8952 1357 / Mobile: 07850

to the interior lining.

the ‘locked’ button. Use the unlock code of

056 765 / Email:brussella@talk21.com

So my thanks to Martin at Stanway Engineering

‘taxi’ to get in. You can also set it as your

for sorting out the problem. The vinyl was peeled

default page...

Call Sign September 2013

Page 8

As shock emission figures hit the

Vito, projected Olympic boom

WHATEVER NEXT!!!

figures don’t actually happen,

Also, many drivers faced with a shortage

the 15-year cab rule causes dri-

of vehicles went into retirement when they

vers to look at the future with

would have preferred to just slow down

and work a few hours a day to supplement

trepidation and the Law

their non-subsidised pensions.

Commission threatens our liveli-

On the back of the DfE statement, the

hood, DaC’s Eddie Lambert asks

RMT have asked their legal advisers if there

is a case for a

“class action” against

whatever next…???

TfL/PHTD. They are asking all ex-drivers

I know it’s not December 2012 when it

who have quit and those that suffer finan-

would have been traditional to look back over

cial hardship because of this event to con-

the year and comment on its ups and downs,

tact them so they can build up a case.

but it certainly seems that 2012 will long be

Oh well, on to this year and now we have

remembered in the cab trade for two events -

the Law Commission to deal with and make

or perhaps in the case of the Olympics, non-

no mistake, they must be considered as big a

events so far as work levels went!

threat to the Hackney trade as anything that

The Olympic shambles obviously went

now over one year on and I haven’t seen any-

has happened in the past. I know that the

much further than just in the cab trade with

thing so far this summer and I doubt whether

LCDC is not very popular in Call Sign but at

restaurants, hotels, theatres and many other

anyone else has either.

last they seem to be taking the threat posed by

businesses suffering a chronic lack of trade.

The other event which has caused major

the Law Commission seriously, unfortunately

What it did do, in my opinion, was to show up

problems to the cab trade was the introduc-

their fellow United Trade reps don't seem to

the powers-that-be to actually be seen as a

tion of the 15-year age limit to taxis. Done on

take it quite so seriously. The LTDA have been

totally double-dealing, self-seeking, shower of

the back of a problem with air quality, it was

very quiet and Unite (London) appear to be

totally shameless people.

said to have been to remove the old dirty taxis

very reluctant to cooperate with the trade as a

Prior to the actual events, London was

and buses. Unlike the buses, which are owned

whole unlike their northern brethren who

promised a bonanza of economic opportuni-

by huge often multinational companies who

have really gone out and put a hell of a lot of

ties, with the whole of London going to be

ask for and receive massive grants to purchase

effort into educating drivers across the country

stuffed to the gunnels with people. Then,

new vehicles, the taxi trade receives nothing.

about the threat the Law Commission poses.

when it became blatantly obvious that this was

Now figures from Department for

So the question is still... whatever next!

not happening, out came the spin doctors say-

Environment show that the new boy on the

ing that they didn't actually mean the benefits

block, the Mercedes Vito, actually emits

Eddie Lambert (V37)

of the Olympics would arrive during the

much higher levels of nitrogen dioxide

Games, but over the following years! Well it’s

(NO2) than taxis built before 2005.

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2013

Page 9

Vitos and air con...

CONTACT CENTRE CHAT

Further to Jon Robinson’s (E88) letter in last

month’s Call Sign regarding Vito taxis being

With Keith Cain

requested for local journeys because customers

are using them for the air conditioning facility

Credit Cards

in the back, rather than their ability to carry six

Some of our drivers - with new terminals espe-

passengers...

cially - are not following the procedures we

Before putting an answer together, I

have gone to great lengths to get out to you by

thought it would be best to try and ascertain

publishing them in the magazine, producing

the number of journeys this may apply to, so I

hand-out information sheets and also having a

had reports written which showed me the

DVD made that demonstrates what you need

total number of Vito trips from the 1st up to

do when handling payment via a credit card.

the 21st July, which is roughly the period when

It is essential that credit card receipts from

the hot weather began to kick in.

your terminal are read clearly before you hand

There had been 235 Vito trips in that 3 week

back the card. If a receipt says Void or

period that were specifically asked for by the

Cancelled you must repeat the process. More

client and 17 of those trips were cleared for

often than not, it is just that the PED has not

less than £20, although more than £15. There

connected with the clearing bank and drivers

were just 14 trips cleared for below £15.

just need to repeat the process.

Therefore taking off the 31 trips that in total

However, it is also advisable that every dri-

were cleared for £20 or less, that still left 204

ver carries a manual credit card docket book

trips with an average fare of £55.

account clients as to the number of passengers

with them at all times because in the unusual

Jon refers to local journeys being the prob-

travelling and then asked - or even suggested -

event that the electronic process fails com-

lem and I am not clear what is being classed as

whether the cab was being taken just for the

pletely, then you can revert to the manual

a local. Are they trips clearing for less than £20

air con, then I believe we would be putting

docket, take a rubbing of the card, write in the

or less than £15, or is Jon perhaps referring to

our necks on the line. Even more so if we

cost and journey details and get the card hold-

£8 minimums? But whatever trip is classed as

refused to meet their request because the

er to sign the docket. Ensure the signature

a local, the numbers are still small compared

length of journey was not a sufficient enough

matches with the one on the back of the card

to the total journeys that have been taken.

distance.

and then bring it to the office ASAP so that we

I think it's reasonable to make the assump-

I think the numbers suggest that the prob-

can deal with the transaction for you.

tion that if account clients did request a Vito

lem Jon alludes to is not really happening

If there is any trouble with the electronic

taxi to travel a short distance because of the air

enough to cause concern or to make us con-

transaction, the manual procedure in the

con, the number of occasions this occurred is

sider making changes. I have to say that if an

ONLY way we can get your money for you...

so minimal that any suggestions Jon is saying

account client uses us 100 times a day or just

we should consider, would in my mind have a

once a day and they are paying for our service,

Keith Cain

detrimental effect on the service we provide

it should be their prerogative to choose what-

Contact Centre Manager

and would impact on Dial-a-Cab members. I

ever type of taxi they want and it is for us to

also believe that if we began questioning our

supply that vehicle whenever we can.

Driver Operations Manager

Dutch electric TX4 company goes bust!

The February 2009 issue

of Call Sign revealed

that then-director of

Dutch taxi company Taxi

Centrale Amsterdam,

Bas Vos, was consider-

ing placing an order for

50 electric TX4Es and

that his claim was that

they would be on the

roads of Amsterdam

later that year.

Mr Vos had claimed

that the rear wheels

of his electric taxi

would have two bat-

tery-operated electric motors that were

expected to give around 150 kilometres before needing to be recharged. In

addition, a one-cylinder diesel engine was to be added as a generator that could

recharge the batteries while driving along. This would increase mileage to around

200Km or 125 miles. Overnight charging would take around 6 hours, but quick loaders

would be available to do the job in 15 minutes at taxi offices and ranks.

The engine was set up by a company called AGV who were said to want to use TX4

body parts with their own engine. However they have now gone into bankruptcy. Parts

of the company have been taken over by the Utrecht-based Electronic Power Holland,

but they will no longer be involved with electric TX4s.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 10

DaC Network Administrator Jon Winterburn enjoys playing the

latest computer games

GAMING WITH JON

ity. Statistics say otherwise and that 40 percent

of online gamers are female. That's a massive

number of gamers that are under-represented

because all the soldier avatars (the character

you play as) are men. Too often in games,

women are portrayed as eye candy or helpless

wimps or scantily-clad bimbos. At last this is

changing.

Finally, gaming is coming of age and realising

Call of Duty comes

that women are just as good at gaming as men

You see, there are two publishers who make

- and often better! What does this have to do

of age

the COD games: Infinity Ward, who make the

with Call of Duty? Well, in the upcoming

If you or your kids are PC, XBOX or PS3

Modern Warfare series and Treyarch, who

Ghosts release, gamers can select a female

gamers, chances are you'll know about the Call

make the Black Ops series.

avatar for the first time in a premium shooter

of Duty series of games. These first-person

As I write this, Infinity Ward (who I consider

game. I think this is excellent, as it recognises

shooter games are arguably the most popular

the superior publisher) has just publicly

that women like to play these kinds of games

premium games around, with around 40 mil-

revealed the new multiplayer features of their

too.

lion worldwide online gamers all plugging in

latest offering - due this November - called Call

So if you're a man reading this and you want

to virtually shoot the crap out of each other!

of Duty: Ghosts.

to play Call of Duty: Ghosts when it's released

In the past I've reviewed various titles in the

This next-generation game sports cutting

in November, but you're concerned your

Call of Duty franchise; sometimes I've raved

edge graphics and gameplay. More impor-

wife/girlfriend won't approve, fear not! Why

about them and other times I've ranted. I've

tantly, they've revealed some exciting new

not invite her to play with you? Together you

played almost every one of the 14 iterations of

features never seen before in a multiplayer

can destroy the opposition with all manner of

COD (as it's known by us gamers), but the only

shooter. These include customisable sol-

guns, grenades, drones, attach dogs and

one I really enjoyed was Modern Warfare 3.

diers, attack dogs you can control, squads

bombs - all from the comfort of your sofa.

Even though this game is a couple of years old,

of up to 4 players you can take with you

Go to http://www.callofduty.com/ ghosts

I still play it almost daily along with my friends.

into battle, maps with scenery you can

for more info on the multiplayer (and sin-

However, the latest edition - released last

actually destroy and use to your advantage,

gle player) campaign. And happy gaming...!

November - Black Ops 2, is plagued by lag

new weapons and much more!

(that's jargon for a noticeable delay between

Perhaps the biggest change is the publisher's

the action of players and the reaction of the

Jon Winterburn

attitude to female gamers. For too long, people

server) and nerfed guns (weapons that are

have assumed women don't play shooting

DaC Network Administration

under-powered).

games - or if they do, then they're in the minor-

BARKING BATHHOUSE: A TRIP TO HEAVEN!

A trip to heaven was how Dial-a-Cab driver Alex Constantinou (N05)

described his Deep Tissue massage at the Barking Bathhouse. Other DaC

drivers were waxing just as lyrically after paying them a visit at the Barking

Learning Centre in Barking Town Square following a special offer in Call

Sign.

While we may not have to worry about the world’s finances, there is

undoubtedly much stress involved in driving a London taxi. It may come from

a harassed passenger who hasn’t allowed enough time to get to his destina-

tion or perhaps be that nothing has gone right for you when you have some

big bills to pay.

People recognise London taxi drivers as the world’s best, but that in itself

brings its own stress when passengers expect you to know everything. But

one of the effects of stress is that familiar tightness in the neck and shoul-

ders, often with an irritating backache. If the pain becomes unbearable, then

medical assistance should be sought, but very often the best remedy can be

an expertly applied back, neck and shoulder massage. The problem very

often is where to go because the word ‘massage’ in a window has all sorts of different connotations!

The price for a thirty minute therapeutic back, neck and shoulder massage at the Barking Bathhouse is £25 (or £35 an

hour). It could be the best investment you have made this month.

In addition to the Deep Tissue massage, the Barking Bathhouse also specialises in Indian Head massage and Reflexology. There is also

Thai massage in addition to a nail lounge and Neal’s Yard facials. Waxing is carried out on request.

Always tell them that you are a taxi driver on Dial-a-Cab and that you read about them in Call Sign.

The spa is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with some

Sunday bookings available by appointment.

The Barking Bathhouse is at the Barking Learning Centre, which is at Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB. For bookings, call

0208 227 2991 / 07889 008 828 or visit www.barkingbathhouse.com.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 12

It has almost become the stuff of legend; taxi

The expression ‘the game is finished’ has been passed down for

drivers saw a Knowledge Boy on his bike and

asked why he was bothering; after all, the

almost as long as there has been a game. But this time things are

game was finished! With the more modern

different and we really can ask the question:

breed of driver, the expression is said more as

a joke rather than a way to talk KoL students

out of the idea of becoming a licensed taxi dri-

IS THE GAME FINISHED???

ver and what those old timers perceived as a

possible decrease in their takings.

Newspapers back in those days were con-

sidered to be a closed shop - ie you couldn’t

get a job there unless your father worked

there. The same used to unofficially apply to

the taxi business; son followed father but the

trade didn’t need outsiders. Minicabs were an

irritation, but we had plenty of work and did-

n’t want to dilute it by taking on new drivers -

hence the expression from some drivers that

the game was finished. But the game is still

here. Now the question, according to Call

Sign’s Editor Alan Fisher, is for how long...

The question reared its head again while

chatting to Alan over a coffee in the Dial-a-

Cab reception area. He was talking about

his four grandchildren and more specifi-

cally about his oldest, 19-year old Taylor.

He is currently with a firm of accountants

but doesn’t feel that a life behind a desk

Is Alan right? Tell Call Sign…

might be what he wants. So he asked Alan

about whether going on the Knowledge

cash App, which they believe will compete

out to look for one when the cab will come to

for perhaps three years was worth consid-

with Hailo. Why? Because like Mr Bregman’s

them for nothing, will even wait 5 minutes

ering.

baby, there will be no run-ins and 5 minutes

before putting the meter on and then add

Naturally Alan told Taylor to think twice as

free waiting time. The Call Sign Editor, with

insult to injury by paying 10% for the privi-

an accountant wasn’t a job to throw away

some of his famed sarcasm, then asked who

lege!

lightly, but what shocked me was what Alan

would be the first to pay passengers in grati-

If you disagree with Alan, please write to

told him about the Knowledge. I asked the Ed

tude for them using taxis!

the usual Call Sign email address. All

if he minded me writing about his views and

Alan now believes that the number of KoL

responses will be published (so long as

he said they were his views and not a secret.

students will begin to drop once prospective

they aren’t rude or offensive).

Perhaps, unsurprisingly, they involved

students realise that there is a narrowing in

Write to callsignmag@aol.com and put

Hailo. Alan felt that as time passes and if Hailo

the money between taxi and minicab drivers

‘Finished’ in the subject line..

is still around - as it seems likely to be - then

and that in addition to working cheap and tak-

the value of taxi fares will drop and continue

ing work from the radio circuits, Hailo drivers

Ron Yarborough

to do so. The problem he felt was that the

will also be taking street work because why

Call Sign Online

three entrepreneurs behind it, Jay Bregman

would those looking for a taxi bother going

and co, will make more and more money but

that it won’t come from the passengers; it will

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

come from the drivers as they continue to sub-

sidise the fares. If that continues, then the

radio circuits as we know them will have to

change and begin competing by undercutting

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

fares. That, Alan claims, will lead to at least

one of them closing its doors for good.

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

Jay Bregman has no particular loyalty to the

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

taxi trade; he is an entrepreneur and actually

entered the trade as the co-founder of the

Transponders / chipped keys

online minicab company eCourier. Alan point-

On site key cutting services including taxis

ed out that he had no problem with Jay

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

Bregman’s business, but he felt disappointed

Burglary repairs / boarding up

with those drivers who were making Mr

Additional security / security upgrades

Bregman and his two partners a fortune at the

expense of a 350 year business.

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

And that, according to Alan’s current think-

Grilles and security gates

ing, means that you might just as well become

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

a minicab driver rather than spend three years

Free estimates / no call out charge

on a bike just to work at minicab rates,

24hr service

because when it does get busier - and accord-

ing to the Bank of England we could be going

in that direction this year - it will already be

You can find us at:

too late. Alan pointed out that the Radio

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

Taxis Group are currently testing their own

Tel: 01708 371115

Call Sign September 2013

Page 13

FUEL PRICES TO INCREASE

Are the oil companies into price fixing?

According to Brian

in mid-August, which equates to a

10%

the pump before the end of September and hit

Madderson, the

increase since the end of June.”

businesses and households in the pocket at a

Chairman of the

The PRA’s predictions come on the same

time when pundits are forecasting a continued

Petrol Retailers’

day as Dial-a-Cab client, Goldman Sachs,

increase in retail sales to drive growth in the

Association, diesel

forecast that Brent crude prices may rise to

economy. Should the Middle East tensions

and petrol prices are

$115 a barrel in the very near term.

escalate further and crude oil prices react

expected to increase

Mr Madderson continued: “UK petrol prices

accordingly, the Bank of England’s new infla-

substantially. Mr Madderson told Call Sign:

have not yet seen the full impact of this crude

tion targets could be significantly challenged.”

“Fuel prices are expected to increase as

oil increase due to the rapid and slightly unex-

Somewhat controversially, Mr Madderson

external factors have a great impact on the

pected revaluation of pound sterling from

ended by saying: “The sooner the EU com-

price of crude oil. The civil unrest in Syria and

$1.48 to $1.56. Therefore it was concerning to

petition investigation into allegations of oil

Egypt, the reduction by one third in Libya’s oil

read recent comments from the City that the

price fixing is completed, the more certain

exports and the demand for oil slowly return-

pound is overblown and will soon come

we can be that our retail fuel prices are

ing to some Asian markets, have all had an

hurtling down towards the $1.45 level.

only being influenced by macro-economic

impact on crude oil prices. The cost of Brent

“We calculate at current wholesale prices

and political factors and not anti-competi-

pushed through the critical $110/barrel level

that this will add a further 5pence per litre at

tive actions of the oil companies.”

As part of their 85th anniversary celebrations...

LTFUC and Matilda...!

Nope, this isn’t a piece of exposed scan-

the imagination of young and old

alike and continues to play to

dal, it’s about a trip by the London

packed houses at London's

Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged

Cambridge Theatre. It has captured

Children as part of their celebrations to

a total of 47 awards in Stratford-

commemorate the 85th anniversary of

Upon-Avon, London and New York

the taxi charity.

including 24 awards for the

The Royal Shakespeare Company kindly

London production alone, includ-

invited the LTFUC to take 50 underprivileged

ing seven Laurence Olivier Awards.

and special needs children to see a matinee

Over 800,000 people have seen

performance of Roald Dahl's Matilda: The

the show in the West End since it

Musical. The excited children were collected

opened in October 2011.

from the East End of London and taken to the

With many of the children never

Cambridge Theatre to see the show in a con-

having been to the theatre before,

voy of 18 balloon-decorated taxis, passing the

this was an unforgettable and cher-

time by waving to amazed onlookers as they

ished afternoon for them. They had

passed through the crowded streets .

an amazing day and the Fund asked

The show was brilliant and the children

us to pass on their grateful thanks

all loved it. It was a magical and memo-

all the drivers and helpers who came

rable afternoon and also a very special

and made this outing possible.

one for the Fund in this special anniver-

Guess where we've been!

sary year.

The Hon President, Hon Chair and

Committee would like to express their gratitude

to the Royal Shakespeare Company for mak-

ing this wonderful trip possible. They have also

asked Call Sign to pass on the LTFUC’s grateful

thanks to the Management and staff at the

Cambridge Theatre for their co-operation and

they were especially grateful to cast members

Annette McLaughlin (Mrs Wormwood) and

Steve Furst (Mr Wormwood). They were met

with loud cheers and screams when making a

surprise appearance after the show to meet

and greet the children.

Thanks go to Lydia Cassidy of Lydia

Cassidy Co. Ltd, Chloe, Ryan and Charlotte

from the Corner Shop and Jessica Nowell

of The Really Useful Theatres Group for

their input and help in making the outing

happen. Also to Tristian Arnold and the

National Car Parks Ltd, who donated 18

complimentary parking spaces for the

taxis at the Drury Lane NCP - something

that was really appreciated by the group.

The Royal Shakespeare Company's produc-

tion of Matilda: The Musical has captured

Call Sign September 2013

Page 14

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

Pru 100 bike ride:

Boris let us down

Just to point out that not all taxi drivers

were against the recent closures of

London and Surrey for the entire

August 4th weekend. As a keen cyclist

and avid follower of the major tours

and races, my wife Wendy and I went

along to enjoy the Sunday spectacle and

to support fellow Dial-a-Cab driver Ian

Worth (A74) who completed the 100

mile journey, despite the misfortune of

two early punctures.

Standing cheering and applauding for

Immigrants? We

as many cyclists as I could for almost

three hours at the 500 metre marker, it

British? Never...!

was a pleasure to see Ian come through

There is little doubt that one of the

Admiralty Arch and onto the last leg. A

most volatile of subjects in the current

quick chat, hugs and congratulations

political arena is that of immigration,

and off he rode to enjoy his own per-

with arguments accusing immigration

sonal triumph in crossing the finish

of all the woes and faults of the nation,

line.

be that a lack of jobs for the young, a

Ian was suitably attired with the full

lack of hospital beds for the elderly and

kit, but it was somewhat misguided of

a shortage of affordable housing for

our Mayor Boris - the self-elected cycle

everyone else!

champion - that he was not. He rode

Immigration seems to be at the

wearing a number 1 on his helmet -

heart of these problems - or could it

your own thoughts on that - but the

just be the negative way that the

Mayor wasn’t wearing any reflective

media use the word immigrants?

Ian Worth celebrates at the end of the

clothing just a light blue top and baggy

Many of us are descendants from

Pru 100 mile bike ride

shorts. The shorts I didn’t mind as Boris

some form of immigration; we only

in Lycra would have been too much!

the provincial Connacht final, a major

have to look at our surnames to get an

I know it was sunny, but he should

achievement almost akin to Leyton

idea of where we originate from.

have had some lights on his bike to pro-

Orient qualifying for the Europa

During the recent riots in Tottenham,

mote the lack of safety issues of cycling

League! The London Irish press

which spread to other parts of Britain,

without them.

referred to the London side as ex-pats,

many a TV Interview or bulletin was

though not all are named Pat. I could

started with prefixes describing an area

Tom Quigley

not but smile at the term.

as having a large West Indian / African

Call Sign Online

immigrant community. Also, the bomb-

ings in London brought many a news-

flash highlighting the Asian

/ Muslim

population in some areas.

My family and I lived through the

troubles of Northern Ireland and the

IRA bombing campaign of the 70s and

80s. County Kilburn was often visited by

the media. What highlights the differ-

ence in reporting and the stance taken

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

by the media is when an event happens

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

elsewhere in the world such as the col-

lapse of the economy in Cyprus or land

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

grab cases in Valencia. Or in places such

as Dubai or Australia when interviewing

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

British people who are basically immi-

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage Therapy,

grants there, the word immigrant isn’t

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

used because those communities are

referred to as ex-pats.

Call us on 020 8507 8169

Now in my fifties, spending the major-

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

ity of my youth as an Irish immigrant

along with my many friends and col-

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

leagues who are descendants of the

Out of hours enquiries welcome

Windrush and Asian Kenyans etc, even

though we have always been legally

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

British, if we all moved abroad we

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

would now all become ex-pats!

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

On a lighter side, recently the

www.bptconline.co.uk

London Gaelic Football team reached

Call Sign September 2013

Page 15

For many transport companies,

reducing carbon emissions is chal-

DaC and carbon

lenging. As one of the largest

taxi providers in London, Dial-a-

Cab recognises that its fleet of

neutral taxi journeys

cabs has an impact on the envi-

ronment. In 2008, the Society

decided to take action by offset-

ting all of its carbon emissions,

including, of course, taxi journeys

booked by our customers. But

why did Dial-a-Cab take that

step? Call Sign has taken a look

at the benefits of offsetting for

DaC and its customers.

What is carbon offsetting?

Offsetting is the process by which people and

businesses can balance out their carbon impact

by buying carbon credits. These credits fund

projects which reduce or remove emissions in

developing countries. Put

simply, carbon offsetti

balances out CO

2 em

ted in one place with th

equivalent

emissio

reductions in anothe

place.

Delhi's Metro System & (inset) China's Dioabingshan wind farm are

A carbon credit i

oth helped by DaC offsetting carbon

equal to one tonne of

ial-a-Cab has bought offsets

helping to retain clients, drive sales and build

carbon dioxide and can

om the following projects:

relationships. Dial-a-Cab works with many pro-

be purchased to bal-

* The Dioabingshan Wind

fessional service companies that are concerned

ance out the impact

Farm project in China con-

about their carbon impact. These companies

emissions released into the atmosphere. To

tributes clean renewable electricity to the

often prefer to work with businesses that have

know how many carbon credits to buy, DaC has

regional grid, whilst also improving infrastruc-

strong environmental credentials and that take

to measure how much carbon the company

ture such as roads and access to health care

managing their emissions seriously. By demon-

emits by calculating its carbon footprint. Once

and providing jobs in the local area.

strating the company’s environmental commit-

they know what the annual carbon footprint is,

* The Keban Hydro in Turkey, another

ment through measuring and offsetting its emis-

Dial-a-Cab then makes a decision about where

renewable electricity project, contributes to

sions, DaC is in a great position to retain their

to offset its emissions, such as the country

Turkey’s low carbon economy as well as facili-

current client base, is well placed to win new

where the project is located and the type of

tating jobs and building a sustainable trout fish-

business and to remain competitive.”

technology.

ery on the banks of the project reservoir.

There are commercial reasons for Dial-a-Cab

By offsetting all carbon emissions since

* The Delhi Metro project lowers energy

to offset emissions, but it’s important to also

2008, the Society has saved over 27,300 tonnes

consumption and carbon emissions from its

remember that these offsets reduce carbon

of carbon. That’s the equivalent to 360,000 taxi

trains through regenerative braking technolo-

emissions and improve the lives of communi-

journeys from London to Manchester!

gy, improving city air quality and making trav-

ties where the projects are located. If your pas-

So why is it important?

el quicker, safer and more comfortable for

senger is interested in London’s amazing black

Carbon offset projects not only reduce car-

residents.

taxis and more specifically in Dial-a-Cab, per-

bon emissions, but also have other benefits

haps you could inform them of the work that

Carbon offsetting - important for your

for communities wherever they are located,

DaC does in offsetting its carbon...

business

such as improved living conditions, access to

For more on carbon offsetting, visit

Cameron Wilson added: “Offsetting carbon

education or improved infrastructure to

Carbon Clear’s website at www.carbon-

emissions is not just an environmental decision

name just a few.

clear.com.

for companies. It also adds value to the business,

DaC has been working with the leading car-

bon management consultancy, Carbon Clear,

since 2011 to calculate and offset its carbon

TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR

footprint.

Annual dinner and dance

The Carbon Clear account manager for

There are still a few tickets available for the Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Funds

Dial-a-Cab, Cameron Wilson, explained to

Call Sign:

Annual dinner and dance

It takes place on 30th November 2013 at the

“Dial-a-Cab has offset its carbon footprint

with three different projects located in Turkey,

Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road SW7

The price: £62.50 per person (includes welcome drink at reception, 4-course meal, half a bot-

India and China in the past few years and all

the projects have had additional social and

tle of wine per person and tea/coffee. Tea/coffee/Danish pastries will also be served later).

economic benefits, as well as reducing carbon

Dancing to a live band!

emissions. Without the carbon finance gener-

We have arranged a special deal if you would like to stay at the hotel overnight. For more

ated from buying these credits, the projects

information please call (phone/ fax) 020 8952 1357 or mobile 07850 056 765

would not have been implemented, resulting

All money raised is split between the five taxi charities...

in more carbon emissions being emitted into

Russell Poluck MBE (T55), TDoY Charity Fund Hon Chairman

the atmosphere.”

Call Sign September 2013

Page 16

Another true story from Geoff Levene

MY DOG IS DEAD!

Look at the picture that adorns the

I should, at this point, mention that I've never owned a dog. I've

side of this piece. Do you, like the

always been a bit nervous of them. The only one I've had much to do

good lady wife, detect an enigmatic

with belonged to an account customer and I would either take it to,

Mona Lisa-like smile playing around

or bring it back from the grooming parlour. It was a nice dog. In fact

my lips - or am I a miserable old cur-

a lot nicer than its owner - but that's another story.

mudgeon?

Then I was on the point of Waitrose in Finchley Road a few years

The fact is that I'll happily chat to

back and a scrawny little woman approached with a trolley full of bags

passengers and in the Grill I am more

and asked if I took Taxicards? I said I did.

than prepared to give or receive the

“Marvellous,” she said, “you've saved my life!” I began transferring

pee taking. But I'm the first to admit

bags to the cab when she said it:

that I don't drive around with a huge

“Cheer up! You look like you've lost a shilling and found sixpence.”

grin on my face and I don't really

I wasn't going to take it. I asked her what she had said and she repeat-

trust those who do - I think they're either crazy or have something to

ed it word for word.

hide. You know the type; when you ask how they are they reply with

“What exactly has the look on my face to do with you?”

the annoying phrase of “I'm good.” Good at what?

“Right,” she yelled, “get those bags out!”

But down the years, passengers and drivers - complete strangers all

And I did! As she pushed the trolley away from the rank she let rip

- have had the effrontery to make remarks about the look on my face.

with a volley of abuse. The other drivers looked shocked. Even a pla-

Would I say to them that they were looking fat or that their perfume

toon of troopers marching by went red with embarrassment!

was so strong that I was having trouble breathing! Perhaps I could

And finally there was the camp young Aussie that I dropped at Kings

utter: “Do you know there's lipstick all over your teeth?” Of course I

Cross. He paid me, I thanked him and gave him the change. He

wouldn’t... ok, I have been tempted, but at the time they said them, I

looked at me, hissed the word ‘smile’ in my direction and minced off.

would just meekly reply that I was ok thank you.

I shouted after him to come back.

Until one day when a woman said that I didn’t look very happy and

“Do you realise my dog died this morning?”

I suddenly thought to myself that she didn't really care whether I was

“I'm sorry, I didn't know.”

happy or not, she just wanted me to look like the legendary Cheshire

“Well you shouldn't utter such hurtful mutterings.”

cat. So I immediately replied: “Well my dog died this morning...”

And before he went, all sort of Larry Grayson, he said: “Well I hope

She couldn't have been more distraught if I'd told her my entire

he goes to doggy heaven.”

family had been wiped out by Lassa Fever.

That certainly put a smile on my face, but there was no one left to

“Will you get another,” she asked? With my saddest voice I said that

take a photo...

I didn't know and that it was a bit soon.

And then there was the time I was outside a Dial-a-Cab account

Geoff Levene (W32)

address waiting for my passenger. Another DaC driver drew up and

got out to chat. He was a man with all the style and charisma of a

young Arthur Mullard.

“Wasser matter mate, lousy set-down?”

“No, but my dog died this morning.”

TIGER

He considered momentarily and then asked what breed it was? I

wondered whether he knew any more about dogs than I did, so I

decided to chance it.

off with this

"It was a lapsang souchong,” I said, knowing that was of course a

advert

Chinese tea.

“Oh yeah,” replied the driver, “they're nice. Sorry to hear it.”

TAXI TYRE SPECIALIST

Dartford Crossing

STOCKISTS OF MICHELIN, AUSTONE AND

REMOULDS FOR ALL FX AND TX TAXIS.

HI FLY / BARUMS AND CONTINENTALS

charges up again

FOR THE VITO TAXI

he Dartford Crossing, joining Kent to Essex, was

FRONT PADS FITTED FOR TX1 & TX2

opened as a tunnel in 1963 and since then has

£40 AND TX4

£45 INCLUSIVE VAT

been expanded several times to cope with

NEW VALVES AND BALANCING ON ALL TYRES

increased traffic - charges for crossing expanding

along with it.

WE ALSO DO LASER TRACKING AND PUNCTURES

As of October 2014, the toll barriers where the fees are

paid will be disbanded and crossings will have to be paid

FREE TYRE INSPECTION

via phone, text, online or by purchasing vouchers from

OPENING TIMES: 08.30am - 17.30pm

local shops. Non-payment will entail a £70 fine.

Although it will still be free between the hours of 10pm

and 6am, the rest of the time will increase from £2 to

call now 020 7729 5237

£2.50 each way.

Unit 14 Peterley Business Centre

472 Hackney Road, London E2 9EQ

Call Sign September 2013

Page 17

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

on the meter on arrival at a client’s address,

erage and make it easier for you, as soon as

but it is so important to keep an eye on those

the DaC IT department can make the neces-

amounts and to remember that the maximum

sary changes to the system, any cancelled

run-in is no more than £4.20 at booked time

trips will be treated the same as a normal

or on arrival for an ASAP trip.

account journey and you will gain your num-

Also, forgetting to PoB when you start

ber one queue position back as well as the

the trip can cause so many problems. If

scrub amount on the meter.

you have less than the allowed amount or

With new technology, you can now pay

it needs to be adjusted, please do not add

for a fare of up to £20 with a Contactless

the difference on at the end of the jour-

card via the PED on the new terminal. We

ney.

have produced a clear Contactless sign

I have previously mentioned that there are

which you will be asked to display on

quite a number of journeys that need to be

your front window screen (replacing the

re-validated before they are invoiced and a

yellow CCC sticker).

high proportion of these cause delays in

This is not a gimmick; it is there to gener-

invoicing and more importantly, your pay-

ate extra income for you. In this current cli-

Hello Ladies & Gents

ment.

mate, we must do everything possible to gen-

Again I ask you to notify the Control

erate additional income, so if you have the

By now the schools are ready to

Centre of any adjustments to the fares, of

new system please either pop in to Roman

start a new term, the summer

any problems that may impact on the

Way or come to our East Road office and pick

cleared meter fare during or at the end of

one of the stickers up.

holiday period is coming to an

the journey. They will, in turn, add notes

Please drive carefully and be very

end and work should begin to

to the trip loggers and it will then be a

lucky!

pick up in the normal way.

straightforward process with no unneces-

We know and expect that traffic conditions

sary delays.

Allan Evans

never get any easier and that it is not always

Credit Card trips are now an important

easy to judge the amount of run-in showing

addition of our earnings and to improve cov-

DaC Compliance Officer

Call Sign’s Bob Woodford on the progress of...

LONDON BLACK CAB SIGHTSEEING TOURS

In July 2009 'London Black Cab Sightseeing Tours' were a new kid on the block as a London visitor attraction - in what is a

very competitive market!

We decided not to be 'understated cool' - instead, set out to make a splash and hired the ground floor exhibition space at central

London's 'Visit Britain Tourist Information Office’ on Regent Street for a week in the heart of London’s West End. The public would

have been surprised to find a taxi with its hire sign glowing inside the building! Well it was half a taxi anyway or Arfur as he’s been

nicknamed - the iconic London Black Cab sliced down its centre. An unsliced one would never have fit through the main door! Arfur

lives at the London Ambulance Museum in Ilford - surely the best place for a sliced taxi? He gets his chance of the limelight at events

such as ours.

We had pre-invited other London tourist industry dudes to come and check us out - and many did, including Encore Tickets (thanks

guys). We dished out our new shiny leaflets to all and sundry - some to their obvious looking bemusement. We went out in turns can-

vassing the very top London hotels in Mayfair and St. James’s, who in the main were very pleased to see us (once they found out about our com-

mission rates)! We blagged a vital 10-minute slot on the Robert Elms Show on Radio London - the popular broadcaster could not do enough to promote us (glad

to hear you back on the air mate).

We were up and away!

The Sofitel Hotel in Waterloo Place St James’s can proudly boast of being our first tour supplier (many thanks Concierge Oliver). More Tours started

coming in and our team of qualified London Taxi Guides with their new shiny green and gold badges, certified by the City of London University,

part-funded by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, began escorting punters around on panoramic sweeps of London.

We conducted continued running commentaries throughout the Tours (well, you just try to shut us up) through crisp, clear intercom systems in our gleaming

polished chariots that can comfortably sit up to 5 people (or 3 if you include a passenger in a wheelchair), not only stopping for popular photographs with

famous London landmarks as a backdrop - but also negotiating tiny medieval streets that the tourist buses just cannot go - London comprises a much larger can-

vas than the well-known neighbourhoods of Westminster.

A great little product ideally suited for folks looking to get close and personal with our London - looking to enjoy a presentation that is not only interesting

and factual, but fun and entertaining too! We not only take in all of the obvious, but include secret haunts that the rush of modern London has yet to engulf!

And guess what? Our Tours did not seem at all expensive for the happy campers that rolled up. In fact five sharing pay the same price as the

bus tours, with one huge difference - their questions do not get lost on a bus loaded with 50-plus people!

We started to develop Theme Tours - Harry Potter London Film Location Tours is still the most popular. Our Royal London Tours went down a hoot while

Wills and Kate were getting married or when Her Majesty was celebrating her Golden Jubilee. Bespoke requests are also handled with care, whether you are a

James Bond movie buff, a Jack the Ripper rascal or a devout Downton Abbey addict. One of our Guides is currently writing a Beatles in London Tour -

yeah, yeah, yeah!

Day trips outside London are accommodated too - Windsor, Bath, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge and Oxford are all in reaching distance from a central

London bolthole, with ample time to get you back for Let it Be, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot or whatever else takes your fancy on a night out in London - unless of

course you would like your London at Night Tour of the Capital - we have a rather good London by Night Tour as well.

Since our radio debut, we have featured on Belgian, Dutch and American TV - have been interviewed by the travel guide website Europe Travel and our cus-

tomers have found us from as near as Mayfair and as far as Melbourne, Australia.

During our first (nearly) 4 years, we have gone in for a whole new name: Black Cab Heritage Tours. We have also taken on a USA-based partner with direct

sales offices in Georgia and Florida (941-227-6038). But now, just ahead of our 4th birthday, we are going Social Media - something us oldies have taken time

to adapt to! With just a Facebook presence to our name so far, that is all about to change. It's all well and good being old school but there is a train running

and we need to get on it! So watch out for our Blogs and Tweets!

In the meantime, you can check us out on www.blackcabheritagetours.co.uk or call Sandie right now on 01707 696034 (or 07766 332938) to

book one of our Guides. Go on - treat yourself or maybe someone special - is it their Birthday too?

Bob Woodford

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2013

Page 18

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 issue looks back to August 1980 and a poignant piece

Sometimes you would hear him tearing a strip

from Alf Townsend regarding the death of former ODRTS

off one of the drivers for giving a vague posi-

dispatcher, Johnny Thwaites...

tion.

“Who’s that messing Johnny abaft,”

he’d shout, “that’s a bit of a road that Old

Goodbye Johnny

Kent Road. Where shall I put you on the

At the age of 68 and after enjoying only two years of his retire-

map, down by the bleedin’ Hop Fields?”

ment, Johnny Thwaites, the best-known voice on the Lords

Then he would chuckle and say, “Now don’t lark

radio circuit, passed away on Tuesday 9th August 1980. For over

Johnny 'abaht!”

twenty years, Thwaitsey had been the night dispatcher on Lords

To the casual unknowing listener, this continuous stream of quick-

and a generation of radio men will remember and respect him for

fire repartee, delivered in a low, rasping voice, conjured up a picture

his unquestioned integrity and his raw cockney humour. The Cab

in the mind of a rather large, healthy middle-aged gent. What a shock

Trade has a habit of throwing up characters and Thwaitsey was

they would have got if they had ever met Thwaitsey. Pale and drawn

certainly a character.

from the pain of a dodgy ticker, tipping the scales at around the

Many's the time his familiar and comforting voice has brought a

featherweight minimum and about as high as six penn'orth of cop-

smile to our cold, miserable faces in the early hours of a black

pers, what he lacked in stature he made up for with guts and the will

winter's morning with a fruity oath or another gem from his end-

to live. Thwaitsey was a fighter and he lived his life the way he want-

less collection of long-forgotten Arsenal players.

ed to. I remember what he told me the last time I picked him up…

“Yuss boy,” he’d say, “you pick up ‘a name of Copping - used

“Look boy,” he said, “my card’s marked, what’s the bleedin’

to play for the Ass-noo before the war. Remember him? Bit of

good me listening to the quack and packing up smoking and

a hard nut was our Wilf; gor blimey, he’d eat your present day

drinking and having a bet? I’ll still die anyway - only that way

pansies for breakfast! Fed ‘im on raw meat, they say!”

I’ll die miserable.”

You never forgot a passenger’s name when Thwaitsey gave it to

We are all going to miss you, John, most of all we drivers. Better dis-

you. If it wasn’t an ex-Arsenal player, then it was an old Music Hall

patchers may come along, but there will never be another Thwaitsey.

star - Johnny knew them all. Mind you, he’d sometimes deliber-

Knowing the little man as I did, I feel certain that Johnny will be as

ately mix up everything for the sake of a story to tell:

chirpy and abrasive in the next world as he was in this one. And woe

“Yuss” he’d go, “we took our birds up into the ‘Gods’ at the

betide the man in charge of the Pearly Gates if Thwaitsey can’t get his

old Collin's Music Hall to have a bit of slap and tickle for a

copy of The Sporting Life or The Brewers Weekly. And he will put some

penn'orth of sweets and five Woodbines and listen to Marie

verbal about if he can’t find a betting shop or a boozer!

Lloyd and Vesta Tilley and all the others. Great names they

Our sincere condolences go out to his wife and family...

were. Bit of a night out - especially if you got your oats after

the pie and mash!”

Alf Townsend

Goodbye CCC...Hello Contactless

As part of the advertising campaign for our Dial-a-Cab App, we are changing the front

window sticker from the yellow CCC one to a new sticker representing the Contactless

sign.

This should help us to target customers who are in a rush, from needing to look for an ATM along the route

for an under £20 fare, when they perhaps don’t have the cash to hand. They can then make use of the more

viable option and that is DaC’s Contactless facility.

The stickers can be obtained from Roman Way or Dial-a-Cab House Driver’s Reception. The

Contactless facility only applies to the new terminals...

Garry White, DaC Board Member

Chinese TX4s go to... China!

Not that long ago, the mention of a London

Nanjing, Ji Jianye, first saw the TX4 when visiting London to

taxi suggested exactly what it said on the tin -

watch the Olympics and fell in love with them. So much so that

the traditional “black cab” that the world

he ordered 500 of them! And why was he at the London

knew as a London taxi. But time and money

Olympics? It was because Nanjing, the second-largest commer-

has changed that!

cial centre in the East China region after Shanghai, will be

When Manganese Bronze called in the

home to the Youth Olympic Games of August 2014.

administrators last year and its TX4 manufacturing base at Holyfield

The taxis arrived in Nanjing on July 31 and Call Sign believes that

Road in Coventry closed with most of the staff being laid off, it

they will be converted to run on a natural gas fuel system. The deal is

seemed to be the end of the road. But then Zhejiang Geely - the

worth some 80 million yuan (£8.4 million).

company that MB’s trading arm, LTI, had an agreement with in

According to Shanghai London Taxi Company GM, James Lin:

Shanghai, China - stepped in and bought the company. Now they

“In the past we just focused on the UK market, but after the Geely

seem to be selling the cab all over the show in addition to reopening

takeover we looked at the Chinese and global markets.”

Holyfield Road again.

Geely often flies in engineers from the Coventry facility to oversee

Geely’s latest success is to sell 500 TX4s to the ancient

large orders in order to protect the essence of the brand. TX4s are

Chinese capital of Nanjing. The story is that the Mayor of

now also being manufactured at Coventry again...

Call Sign September 2013

Page 19

And just behind DaC’s sixtieth...

Joe Stern (with mous-

It’s Radio

tache) in the old

Mountview call centre

Taxis!

in 1987

2013 represents Dial-a-Cab’s

sixtieth year in the taxi busi-

Hill, Highgate with an aer-

ness, however on

ial that reached a height of

December 1953 and just a

100 feet.

few weeks after ODRTS

Radio Taxis

(London)

opened on

12 November

Founder-Chairman, Joe

1953, the fledgling Radio

Stern, told me in 1987 dur-

Taxis

(Southern) Limited

ing an interview with him

forever known as Mountview

for Taxi Globe, that he

- announced their arrival in

wasn’t too keen on Bonnie

the radio taxi business by reg-

Martyn…

istering as a company.

“He showed off too

Although we are competitors

much for my liking,” said

in business, there has always

Joe,

“but he certainly

been a friendship between

knew how to run a radio

DaC and Radio Taxis. So in

circuit!”

DaC’s mag, this is the Radio

In January 1998, DaC’s Founder-Chairman Bonnie Martyn admitted to

Taxis story...!

Call Sign that Mountview’s first Chairman Joe Stern and he were never

It begins by going back to the time when ODRTS Founder-

close.

Chairman Bonnie Martyn and his opposite number from Radio

“I always found him to be bit abrasive, not caring too much if he

Taxis (Southern) Ltd, Joe Stern, were just ordinary London taxi dri-

upset someone, so we never really hit it off,” said Bonnie, “but I still

vers without a single thought of running their own radio circuits.

admired the work he did for Mountview. The fact that they are here

Radio manufacturing rivals, Marconi and Pye, had run early experi-

today is testament to the foundations that Joe and his early Board

ments with two-way radio in vehicles. Marconi was first into the taxi busi-

laid down.”

ness and used the services of long-time Stratford cabbie Alf Smith in

So a very happy 60th birthday to the Radio Taxis Group. DaC

1948, putting a basic receiving / sending radio set into his cab. The sig-

Chairman DaC Chairman, Brian Rice, told Call Sign: “I send my con-

nals were awful, but the experiment of being able to pass “dummy” jobs

gratulations to RTG on the excellent achievement of reaching sixty. We

to Alf was deemed a success.

may be in competition, but we are still friends and that is important

Pye came back with a bang in 1950 when they took the fleet owner of

when there are so many outsiders trying to get in.”

York Way Motors, Lew Levy and his son Wally to New York to see how

Alan Fisher

cabs there had adapted to radio. They were impressed and on returning

to London put the wheels into motion that would see the capital’s first

radio circuit -York Way Radio Cabs - hitting the streets. But it wasn’t for

owner-drivers…

Soon after, two more radio circuits were formed; Metropolitan Radio

Taxis - which came and then went almost as quickly - while the second

circuit, Radio Owner Drivers Association (RODA), seemed to be an

answer to the prayers of owner drivers. But RODA hit financial trouble

and closed as Pye were about to take their equipment back from the

office at Townsend Yard, Highgate.

After RODA closed, there were still some drivers that wanted to con-

tinue with radio, but not necessarily with the fledgling ODRTS who were

by now in business under Bonnie Martyn.

So Joe Stern and several others called a meeting at the ‘Rifle

Range’ in Harewood Avenue behind Marylebone Station. It was

decided to set up an opposing circuit to ODRTS and to call it Radio

Taxis (Southern) Ltd.

Joe Stern was elected “leader” and his first job was to talk Pye out of

taking their equipment back from RODA’s Townsend Yard premises. He

successfully managed to persuade the Cambridge group to allow RT to

keep it for a six month trial. Rumour at the time had it that Bonnie

Martyn had asked Pye not to let Joe have the equipment. Many years

later, Bonnie admitted to Call Sign that the rumour was true!

“It was nothing personal,” said Bonnie, “just business!”

Joe Stern, who by then had become Life President at Radio Taxis, told

me in 1987 how he met a sailor at Liverpool Street who was trying to sell

a radio transmitter cheaply! No one asked where it had come from and

demand was low, with most cabbies just asking if he had any fags or

booze! But Joe bought the transmitter from the sailor, tied it to the cab’s

roof rack and took it to Townsend Yard.

Soon after and just weeks after ODRTS, Radio Taxis (Southern)

were registered as a company on 14 December 1953 and Joe Stern

became their first Chairman with a fleet of around 50 taxis.

The Mountview name came from the telephone number that RODA

had originally used and which RT continued using - Mountview 3232.

The name Mountview stuck just as the Lords number stuck with DaC.

They soon moved and leased a basement flat at Highpoint in North

Call Sign September 2013

Page 20

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

The Brethren of the Whip

The wild, wild West...End (part two)

one

time,

Andrews, saw the passenger with the gun

innocent bystander - in the chest. The gunman,

Hollywood was trans-

when he looked down inside the cab. But on

an American, then ran off into the Horseshoe

fixed

with

the

this occasion the passenger threatened to kill

Hotel in Tottenham Court Road, where he

Western - cowboys,

himself. Both Andrews and the passenger

was soon arrested. The American informed the

injuns and gun

entered The Harp in Jermyn Street and when

police that a group of men had tried to rob him

fights!

But they

the gun was placed on the counter, Andrews

and that he was acting in self-defence. The

missed out on the

grabbed hold of it. At his subsequent court

police informed the magistrate that the man

opportunity of the

appearance, the passenger did not escape with

shot in the chest was part of the same gang and

tales of cabmen in

a fine but was locked up for a month.

was known as Brummagen Bill, an ex-convict

London and their

These two occurrences sandwiched a much

with a very violent past. Brummagen Bill

own exploits with six-shooters...

more serious crime in Oxford Street. Cabbie

informed the doctors that he was so drunk he

In last month’s Call Sign I related the cases of

Joseph Carter had just picked up two men by

could not remember being shot. His condition,

the suicide in 1886 of the Earl of Shaftesbury

Rathbone Place when within seconds one of

however, worsened and he later died from his

when he shot himself in Samuel Wakelind’s

his windows was smashed. At that moment, the

wounds. The American was now facing a mur-

cab in Regent Street, and the £2 fine levied

door of the cab flung open and one man

der charge, but at his trial the jury accepted

against cab driver William Wilson when he

jumped out. He was followed by the second

that he had acted in self- defence and he

accidently fired a gun he had been asked to

man who pulled a gun out and fired two shots

walked from the court a free man...

deliver by Lord Mandeville with the bullet nar-

into the air before levelling his aim and firing

two more shots. One hit the first man in the

Sean Farrell

rowly missing another cabbie, Henry Spinks!

Shortly after these two episodes, an actress

thigh; the second hit a man - apparently an

Call Sign Online

of somewhat limited renown shot herself

through the head whilst riding in a cab, then

After DaC drivers asked for it...

just two months after that, a passenger in a cab

put a gun to his heart, but the bullet glanced

Power Pills resized!

off

his

ribs

and he survived.

In a separate incident, a cab driver walked into

Many Dial-a-Cab drivers have been using Alpha Power Pills ever since Call Sign together with

Cricklewood Carriers taxi garage conducted tests on two old taxis and showed the difference between a

Vine St police station saying that he had been

cab on the pill and one that wasn’t. Power Pills clean the entire fuel system, break down carbon build-up in

shot in the hand whilst trying to stop a dispute

the engine, greatly cut down smoke and assist with a better fuel burn rate.

between a couple. The police did not believe

No one has ever suggested that the pills could be improved, but some drivers had suggested

his story.

the pills were too big for the amount of diesel most drivers use in one day.

Of a more serious nature was the fare

Steve Vale, who is the online supplier, has contacted Call Sign and told us that after hearing from all

Thomas Shovelin picked up in February 1889.

the DaC drivers who made the same suggestion, the new packs now contain twenty half-size pills instead

of the ten previously, with each pill now designed to put in with around 35 litres as against the previous

As he drove down Pall Mall, Shovelin heard the

70 litres.

flap between him and the passenger compart-

Steve told us: “When PowerPills were first introduced, the idea of putting 10 plus gallons in at a fill up

ment open. He bent his head down only to

was not that exceptional, but now with the price of petrol and diesel being what it is, realities have changed

come up against the barrel of a gun.

and we received many requests for smaller pills because it’s easier to use half a tablet if you are putting in

“Would you mind me having a shot at

smaller quantities.

you,” asked the passenger? Shovelin, for some-

I have also completely revamped the website at www.OnlyCabs.co.uk. While it will always be a work

in progress, it’s now much better than it was. So please visit, have a look around and if you have the

what selfish reasons answered in the negative!

time, send me any suggestions you may have on how you feel it could be improved. Also, if you have a

He watched as the passenger put the gun

Power Pill story you would like to share, please send that to me.

down and the cabbie was told to drive on. After

I thank all you Dial-a-Cab drivers for your custom and please remember that I’m always here

failing to get the attention of a policeman, the

to help or just have a chat on 020 3239 6101.”

passenger was refused entry at several hotels

Steve Vale

on the basis that he was slightly drunk, had no

luggage and no money for a deposit. Shovelin

could have left his passenger at any time, but

The Flower Mill

he needed to be paid as his Master would not

employ him again if he came back with no

Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings

money. The passenger was still without a room

and Shovelin without his money, when at the

Union Hotel in Charles Street (now Charles

II Street) the passenger stood at the top of a set

Tel: 07854 738895

of stairs and threatened to put four shots into

anyone who came near him. Shovelin by this

Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk

time was pleading to be paid off and fortunate-

ly for him, a stranger at the hotel took pity on

Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk

him and gave him two shillings (l0p).

Eventually a policeman arrived and the pas-

senger meekly gave up his gun, but on the way

Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties

to the police station he put up a violent strug-

gle, injuring one of the arresting PCs.

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

The passenger was fined £15 for his assaults

and threats with a gun, but three weeks later he

was at it again. This time the cab driver, Henry

Call Sign September 2013

Page 21

To drivers, it’s just a new terminal, but it is sub-

stantially more complicated to Dial-a-Cab itself.

DaC’s new Mobile Data Terminal project relies

DaC choose Fortinet

on a 3G connection via a private network

through O2. In order to make this network and

Dial-a-Cab’s core infrastructure work together

securely and reliably, the Society needed to

firewall solution

implement a robust firewall solution and

recently announced the company selected to

many security functionali-

provide that as Fortinet, the world leaders in

ties into a single device,

high-performance network security.

such as Active Directory

They will now help to secure DaC’s new and

integrated Web filtering

advanced taxi booking and payment system,

and SSL VPN, as well as

which includes a smartphone application

comprehensive,

user-

enabling customers to book taxis and to make

friendly log analysis. We

secure payments from any location.

found the set-up of

Dial-a-Cab has been providing taxis since

Fortinet firewall to be reli-

1953 and with a fleet of over 2000, has been set-

able and easy to use and

ting the standard for high tech systems and

configure, while log

operations since

1989, when the Society

analysis was fantastic,

became the first taxi organisation in Europe to

making diagnosis much

install a completely computerised booking and

easier.

dispatch system, with an MDT in every taxi.

ty but without compromising our internal

“Fortinet was an excel-

When DaC decided to implement a major

systems and data. Moving to the 3G network

lent choice to address the complexity of the

infrastructure upgrade of the dispatching sys-

gives us a greater assurance of availability,

system and the need for superior levels of

tem to move to the 3G mobile network (we pre-

plus scalability and future-proofing.

security, with clear and concise user inter-

viously used radio sites and leased lines), we

“However, our legacy Virtual Private

face and real-time logging.”

also needed to upgrade our security system as

Network was not secure enough and diag-

Fortinet is a worldwide provider of network

the previous firewalls and Websense solutions

nosis was proving difficult. The security

security appliances and a market leader in uni-

were proving inadequate, difficult to manage

solution we had was reaching its end-of-life

fied threat management. Their products pro-

and also expensive.

and becoming increasingly costly and diffi-

vide broad, integrated and high-performance

So we asked DaC’s Senior Network Architect

cult to manage. We needed security that

protection against dynamic security threats

and regular Call Sign contributor, Jon

could match the sophistication of our sys-

while simplifying the IT security infrastructure.

Winterburn, to explain why and exactly what it

tem while delivering high levels of diagnosis

Fortinet’s customers include enterprises, ser-

was that Fortinet were going to provide…

and log analysis.

vice providers and government entities world-

“Confidentiality, integrity and availability

“Guardian Internet Support Services (UK)

wide, including the majority of the

2012

are of prime importance. We need to ensure

Limited recommended Fortinet as the best

Fortune Global 100, which consists of an annu-

our network system has 24/7/365 availabili-

security solution that could provide us with

al ranking of the world's largest corporations.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 22

From the moment Call Sign met

Call Sign looks at past and present DaC drivers who fought for

Paul Corr (N83) we knew he was

their country. Last month saw Army sergeant Jack Russell; this

not the sort of person to mess

one sees Royal Marine Paul Corr (N83)...

with - but a good buddy to

have around in a sticky situa-

tion! As a former Royal Marine

Commando, Pauls’ demeanour

DAC WAR HEROES

projected soldierly bearing and

From Green Beret to Green Badge...

personal confidence (see cover

pic)...

“Even at a young age I knew exact-

ly what I wanted to be, so at sixteen

years old and with my parent’s con-

sent, I left school on the Friday and

enrolled at State House, Holborn on

the following Monday morning. I

recall it was 16th July 1979. But the

history of the Royal Marines goes back

to Tuesday 28th October 1664, when

the Unit was known as the infantry arm

of the Royal Navy and it has seen action

in many campaigns over the centurie

since then.

I joined the Junior Marine Command

Training Centre at Lympstone, Devo

and embarked on the gruelling 38 wee

training programme. To give you an ide

for regular Army recruits it’s just s

weeks basic training, but I had aspir

tions to make the grade. Indeed, of th

fifty two candidates that started out, ju

eighteen of us reached the required stan-

dards, finally being awarded our coveted

Green Beret. So my utter determination

paid off! A bit like The Knowledge I

conflict. They were shown with

my unit from all those years ago and they

guess…!

respect and not a hint of any gloating.

are my best mates to this day as we have

I joined 42 Commando (pronounced

Paul has three service medals; The

so many shared memories from our time

four-two) and my first deployment was

General Service Campaign Medal for

on active service together...”

Northern Ireland, the United Nations

stopping illegal immigrants making their

Medal and the Falklands

(South

way from China into Hong Kong.

Atlantic) Medal.

I have been all over the world in a vari-

“I still keep in touch with men from

MMX111

ety of deployments, such as the USA and

right throughout Europe/ I did several

months on a Royal Navy Protection

Vessel and also had a tour of Northern

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

Ireland to mention a few

‘jobs’

although some things must still remain

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

confidential due to covert activities, as

variable bank interest rates?

I’m sure Call Sign readers will under-

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

stand, even through the passage of time.

Then there was the Falklands war. We

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

went out there and back on the

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

S.S.Canberra, which had been a cruise

at your address also qualifies for membership!

ship originally that was requisitioned by

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

the M.o.D. as a troop ship while she was

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

still cruising in the Med! She took us and

up to 3 times your total savings…

our Parachute Regiment colleagues to

San Carlos Water in early May 1982. We

The cost?

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

were in a support role to the Paras and

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

saw action at Goose Green amongst

other places.”

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

At that moment, Paul paused

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

briefly as Call Sign was shown graph-

ic photographs from Paul’s personal

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

album of dead Argentinian soldiers

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

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

and various battle scenes from the

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Royal Marine’s involvement in the

Registration number 213263

Call Sign September 2013

Page 23

Although driving a cab these

days is frustrating, especially

negotiating London’s ever-

BLOWING HIS

increasing roadworks, occasional

tetchy passengers, the numer-

OWN TRUMPET?

ous cyclists, pedicabs and of

course our own financial needs,

Ask Mike Son...!

it is sometimes good to just take

Saturday and waiting for me was a large

time out and maybe listen to

parcel. I wasn’t expecting any deliveries

your passenger - that’s if they

and became a bit suspicious, so natural-

ly I asked my wife, Maxine, to unwrap it

want to chat - because it can

just in case it began ticking - just kid-

occasionally be so interesting.

ding... she shook it first!

For example, some time ago I picked

Anyway after opening it, we saw a

up a passenger and while taking him to

case and inside was this beautiful silver

his destination, we began chatting. The

trumpet accompanied by the letter. I

conversation was mainly about music

was speechless to think that this pas-

and the fact that the fella used to be in a

senger had bothered to send something

marching band. I mentioned about the

that had been so precious to him for

two concerts I had organised at St Johns

such a very long time.

Smith Square in an effort to raise rev-

I have now had the trumpet refur-

enue for the London Taxidrivers’ Fund

bished and will give it to perhaps to a

for Underprivileged Children. I also men-

youth orchestra or an individual who

tioned that this year the charity cele-

wrote:

will enjoy playing an instrument that

brates 85 years of helping children with

“As a band, we had to work for

has given so much pleasure to both the

special needs. I must say he was

everything that we achieved.

player and those that listen.

extremely interested in the efforts of the

Donations were rare but welcome.

So why have I written this article? It

taxi drivers who support the outings.

When I heard you talking about the

doesn’t necessarily relate to Dial-a-Cab

Although it wasn’t a particularly long

orchestra that you were associated

or the cab industry, but it was just a very

journey, we seemed to cover an awful

with whilst a passenger in your taxi

nice thing to have happened in our usu-

lot of ground starting with his early life

and the fact you are organising a

ally frustrating day.

as a member of a marching band in the

major event at St Paul’s Cathedral, it

If anyone would like to attend the

north of England. Consequently, when

reminded me of my old trumpet

Ranks of Angels thanksgiving service

we reached his destination, we contin-

which sits lonely in a dark corner of

for the LTFUC at St Paul’s Cathedral

ued chatting and if anybody asks... yes,

a cupboard. So when you mentioned

on Thursday 10th October 2013, then

I did stop the meter!

that you were searching for instru-

you can. Tickets are free. Just go to:

He told me he learnt the cornet whilst

ments, I resolved to send it to you. I

https://ltfuc.eventbrite.co.uk where

at junior school but didn't play again

do hope that someone can enjoy it as

you can download and print off the

until in his teens.

much as I did. It was well travelled

tickets.

He became a member of a Methodist

and had such a lovely tone. I recall

The Fund is also hosting a Gala

Scout group and that at every church

playing Harry Nilsson's

‘Without

Dinner at the Guildhall in the City cel-

parade a few of the scouts and guides

You’ as a solo at the finals at the NEC

ebrating 85 years on 24th October. To

would lead the parade playing drums

in Birmingham.

apply for tickets, go to https://ltfuc-

and other percussion instruments. In

“I wish you all the best with your

galadinner. eventbrite.co.uk.

the mid-1980s, the band incorporated

event. I will try to come to your con-

bell lyres

(a sort of upright glocken-

cert in October and let you know if I

spiel). Following that success, they

Mike Son

hear of any more instruments!”

added brass instruments. The group

So not being aware of the letter, I

DaC Special Projects

had very little money as it was in a very

deprived part of Oldham. Fundraising

was hard work but necessary for every

new instrument that they wanted to

buy. They spent hours washing cars at

the local car park and collecting old

newspapers for recycling etc.

asaptrades

As the band grew, they started playing

in carnivals and competitions in the

British Youth Band Association League.

ELECTRICAL

Every year they competed and finally

ended up at the Wembley national

finals.

Electrical Installations - Fault Finding & Repairs

As time ‘marched’ on, many players

left but the band still remained a

www.asaptrades.com

remarkable part of their lives. Almost

30 years later, some of the band mem-

bers are still best friends. We exchanged

details and in a letter I received from

0203 130 6798

the passenger I now know as Keith, he

Call Sign September 2013

Page 24

IT’S A CABBIES LIFE!

Stephen Berndes (R14)

ly piped in that I was the taxi driver involved.

Horror trip...

The sergeant took a statement and advised

If you push a cab around long enough there

me that I should take a few days off because

will be at least one scary incident that indeli-

of potential delayed shock. I laughed, saying

bly marks your driving experience thereafter.

that I was self-employed and sure enough I

Mine was an innocuous moment many years

was back at work the next day.

ago that turned nasty.

A few weeks later, a chief inspector con-

It was a sunny afternoon and I was caught

tacted me and said they were conducting a

in heavy traffic on Euston Road outside the

surveillance operation. All were known crim-

British Library. A guy sprinted up and got into

inals and apparently my passenger had sold

the offside of the cab. He looked a dodgy

the guys bad drugs. It was now get even time

Views on life as seen through the

geezer from the outset.

and the police said they would rather ignore

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

“They’re after me, get me out of here

what took place in my taxi and get them on

quick,” he shrilled.

more serious charges. Such is life...

I looked around and saw two large figures

Kupkake’s

in parkers, hoods up and running towards

Cappuccino month?

us. I engaged the central locking system, leav-

Friday 19th July saw me playing the dutiful

ing my window just ajar.

son when taking my father to Moorfields eye

The guys started yanking at the door whilst

hospital for his monthly check-up. My 2

Korner

my passenger was pleading with me to drive,

years 7 mouths son Conrad was in tow.

but I was boxed in. One of the two guys

Conrad has the concentration of a gadfly,

shouted out that if I didn’t open the door,

so I decided to hit Pret a Manger in City

then he would kick it in!

Road, clutching my badge for the generous

Having recently purchased a new cab with

offer of a free coffee. However, the assistant

an obvious wrong ‘un inside, I negotiated

seemed ignorant of the promotion so I help-

with the tykes and told them to walk a hun-

fully suggested that he should refer to the

dred yards up the road and that I would dis-

manager. This again was met with incredulity.

engage the locks when there. They agreed.

Nevertheless with persistence they relented

As my head was turned trying to encourage

and forthwith a cappuccino and one of those

Prejudice

the customer to get out, the two ‘lumps’ ran

foamy choc concoctions was extended as a

back and opened the door. One was stabbing

goodwill gesture. I paid for a packet of hand-

Eurostar???

my passenger with a pair of scissors while the

made sea salt cheese crisps to show goodwill.

The cab in front was red,

other sprayed ammonia into his face from a

Noshing my way through the crisps (strict-

mine's metallic grey.

lemon squeezer. Like a cornered rat, the pas-

ly rationed to Conrad for obvious health rea-

Behind us was a livery...

senger dived through an opening and vaulted

sons, you understand!), it suddenly dawned

and I heard some punters say.

over the metal central reservation fence, fol-

on me that the promotion was for the month

“They told us to get a black cab.

lowed closely by the big guys.

of August! I sat uncomfortably, realising that I

but none of these is black.

The stench of ammonia was overpowering,

had blagged a freebie.

Are the coloured cabs gypsies...?

so I hit Doug Sherry’s Kings Cross car wash

Fair play to Pret a Manger who are pre-

Ah, there’s a black one at the back!”

for a clean-up. Questions were raised by the

pared to give the drippings of their noses

smell, so I relayed what happened and the

away, whereas Starbucks keep their drip-

Now I speak fluent American,

suggestions were to report it to the police.

pings for a rainy day.

so in my best Southern drag

Bless them...

I explained that all these were licensed

Arriving at Penton police station, a family of

people were explaining to the sergeant on duty

Stephen Berndes

and they must take the first cab...

what they had witnessed on Euston Road. I quick-

Call Sign Online

By now I was on the point

and loaded up some cases,

they noticed there was no front seat...

I saw doubt upon their faces!

Hungry?

“It's made this way... we’re special

only the driver sits in here.

Nellie’s waiting!

You can still see where you're going...

through the windows all so clear.”

20% off the bill when you show your badge

Their hotel was in the City

Great pastas, chicken, steaks, fish and roasts!

so I told them of the past,

a little of the history

Nellie's Restaurant

of our square mile, now so vast.

12-13 Greville Street, EC1N 8SB

As I drove I explained the KoL,

I could see they were impressed.

Show your badge and it’s 20% o

I said goodbye and wished them well...

'cos that's what I do best.

Open 9.30 am to 12 pm

Kopyright Kupkake 2013

Free parking from 6.30 pm

Call Sign September 2013

Page 25

Quick or Quick!!

By now, the first few hundred

new terminals will be in use by

Dial-a-Cab drivers, but the origi-

nal testing was carried out by a

group of just eight - one of

whom took this photo during

the test period to show how

quick the terminal was respond-

ing to a bid trip.

The unnamed driver had bid for the trip

but was unsuccessful, so he bid again but

this time he was too quick - by a matter of

0.630464100000001 of a second!

The driver told Call Sign:

“I know we are being controlled more

and more by computers, but do they have

to be quite so fussy!”

This new terminal has banned bidding for 0.6304641 of a second!

Magical Taxi Tour Disney Trip

In just under three weeks, around 100

licensed taxi drivers will be taking over tw

hundred children with life threatening ill-

nesses on their trip of a lifetime, as the

20th annual Magical Taxi Tour sets off

from Canary Wharf and makes its way

down the A2 to Dover.

Once there, the excitement will mount

as the taxis and their special passengers

board a generously donated P&O ferry

that will take them across La Manche,

where the taxis and their passengers will

disembark and drive the rest of the way

with Le Gendarme and our own con-

stabulary from the Met escorting them

to make sure all goes well. Their desti-

nation is the magical kingdom of

Disneyland Paris.

However, prior to departing from the

Wharf, the children will plough

through the traditional “Big Breakfast” be

clapping eyes on Lord Mayor Locum Tenens Alderman Sir David

Howard, who will officially cut the ribbon to set the convoy on

You can learn more about the Magical Taxi Tour at

its way.

www.magicaltaxitour.com where you will find details of

The convoy will be joined by medical back up teams, ambu-

previous trips and also how you can help by making a

lances, a tuck wagon and breakdown services as they head

donation to help fund next year’s outing...

down to the ferry port. All the taxis for the trip are sponsored by

generous businesses and individuals.

The children, together with their carers and cabbies will then

enjoy that visit to the Magical Kingdom, as well as a Gala Dinner

Keith Reading

- attended by a certain well known mouse and many of his

Professional Toastmaster

friends - during their stay. The taxis will enjoy a well-earned rest,

Master of Ceremonies

filling the car park at the Disney hotel, an unusual sight in La

France to say the least!

Tele: 01279 465 938

The Magical Taxi Tour is organised by The Worshipful

Mobile: 07774 860 374

Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers and every aspect is

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

arranged by unpaid volunteers. Over the course of the 20 years,

2000 taxis have taken around 4,000 children to Disneyland Paris.

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

Amazingly, when the convoy is in motion on the motorway, it is

said to stretch back for around seven miles!

Fellow of the Guild of

As usual, there will be quite a number of Dial-a-Cab drivers

Professional Toastmasters

on the trip and there will be a report in the next issue.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 26

Call Sign could fill up pages

From a Boy Scout story to a WW2 pension to Dial-a-Cab...

with instances of Dial-a-Cab dri-

vers telling us about amazing

coincidences and what a small

It’s a small world

world it is. The story that Jon

Trevor (W94) told us isn’t the

Jason's father and

most amazing we’ve heard, but

former DaC Board

member, Colin

nevertheless makes a nice story.

O'Brien

It began for Jon on August 1st this year

when his copy of Call Sign dropped

through the letterbox. Looking through

it, Jon came to an article called Scout

About, which was written by Jason

O’Brien from DaC’s IT department.

Jason, who has been with the Society for

23 years, has been on DaC’s first floor

It took some time,

for the past 12 of them and currently

but Colin not only got

looks after our telephone systems, cus-

Cyril’s pension rein-

tomer and executive reporting, invoicing

stated for the rest of

and driver’s statements. However, Jason

his life, but also got

wasn’t writing about DaC but about his

him a large lump sum

tenure with the

5th Dartford Scout

to make up for the

Troop from his position as Scout Leader

years he had missed

for the Earley Scout Troop in addition to

out!

looking after British Scouting’s most

“It made such a

comprehensive website.

difference to my

But what Jon Trevor noticed more

dad,” Jon told Call

than anything else was when Jason

Sign,

“suddenly he

mentioned his father, Colin O’Brien,

had a few bob and

who had been on DaC for many years

while it wasn’t a for-

including spending some time as a

tune, it gave him the

Board Member. Sadly Colin passed

opportunity to pass

away many years ago, but the name

some of it round and

immediately struck a chord with Jon

whereas he used to

because Colin had been instrumental

struggle to pay the

in helping his father, Cyril, many

bills, life suddenly

years previous.

became much easi-

Cyril had been a taxi driver, but suffered

er. And that was all

constant pain through a severe wound he

down to Colin

help.

The

organisation

offered

some

picked up fighting in World War 2. Soon

O’Brien. I was so pleased to see his

monetary assistance, but it wasn’t any-

after the cessation of hostilities, he was

name in the last issue because it

where near enough to make a difference.

told to report to Hackney Town Hall

brought back some lovely memories

But Cyril looked forward to the

where it was agreed that he should

of a truly wonderful man and I just

LTDA rep just coming round and chat-

receive a regular war disability pension.

wanted Jason to know.”

ting because he spoke to him as

While Jon doesn’t remember the actual

Cyril Trevor died in 1997 but thanks to

though he was still a valuable mem-

amount, he remembers it wasn’t much.

Colin, his last years were spent in com-

ber of society and not a sick child.

And, to rub salt into the wound, Cyril had

parative luxury compared to those earli-

That rep was Colin O’Brien.

to go back to Hackney Town Hall each

er years. As Jon said after reading the

One day during a visit, Colin asked

year to have the wound inspected to

magazine, it certainly is a small world...

Cyril about his time in the war; Cyril told

make sure it was still there! He consid-

him the story about the pension and

ered it to be undignified and eventually

Jamie Corum

instead of just agreeing with the ex-cab

told the Ministry of Works and

driver, Colin took the case up.

Call Sign Online

Pensions to stuff it where the sun didn’t

shine! It just wasn’t enough to waste his

time collecting and checking the wound

THE CALL SIGN INTERNET LIBRARY

was just an insult.

It was around 1990 and the pain had

Want to look up something in

just become too much for Cyril and he

an old issue of Call Sign?

had to stop driving altogether. Whilst he

Don’t want to spend hours looking through old issues?

hadn’t given up hope of driving a cab

There is a simple answer - the Call Sign Internet Library!

again, he knew it was unlikely especially

Log on to www.dac-callsign.co.uk or on to www.dac-callsi

as he was now over 70. But what made

Then either browse through every issue of Call Sign since

him even sadder was the feeling of being

1998 by using the Search facility or type in a clue and let

left out of everything with the only con-

our search engine do the rest…

versation anyone had with him, accord-

If you want to read each complete issue with ads et al, you can now do that as

ing to Jon as his memory went back, was

well. Since May 2006, Call Sign has also gone online in a PDF version. Just click

to ask if he was ok or if he wanted a

the PDF logo. No search facility for that though!

cuppa and almost treating him like a

child! Everyone, that is, except a repre-

There are also issues from 1967, 1977 and 1987 as a reminder of the old days!

Happy searching!

sentative from the LTDA who used to

come round regularly to chat and see if

THE CALL SIGN INTERNET LIBRARY

there was anything they could do to

Call Sign September 2013

Page 27

ho said romance was dead!

After many years of content-

edly living together, former

Dial-a-Cab Board Member,

At last! Toggers

Allen Togwell, has made an honest

woman of long-time partner Sue, when

the pair finally tied the knot at a registry

office service at the Bexley Manor House

on Tuesday 20th August and replaced

ties the knot...

the word partner with that of wife!

Forever gallant, Allen told Call Sign:

“£49 for 7 minutes! Whatever hap-

pened to value! But I don’t think

there’s much point of a honeymoon

at my age, so I might go for a game of

golf. But now that we’re married, I

suppose I’ll have to carry my own

clubs!”

The low key affair saw Sue and Allen

accompanied by Allen’s son and daugh-

ter, Jason and Sarah, who acted as wit-

nesses. Unfortunately the chef at the

restaurant selected for a celebration

afterwards had to close due to a family

emergency, so they went for lunch at

Blackheath Village and walked home!

“It was very pleasant,” said Allen,

“and probably made the day even

nicer with the lack of formality.”

Congratulations to the happy couple

from all at Call Sign and DaC..

Sue and Allen with witnesses Sarah and Jason at the wedding

“Homophobic...?”

A gay couple have been kicked

“Thanks to everyone for your messages of support,” he wrote,

out of an Addison Lee minicab

“they mean a lot. We’re home now after a very nice black taxi jour-

after allegedly being accused by

ney.”

the driver of acting “dirty.”

He later spoke to Gay Star News, who called Addison Lee. A spokesper-

The driver from London’s

son there said the company was investigating the incident and added that the

largest private hire company is

driver had been suspended from duty, but said they did not know how long

under fire from the gay communi-

the investigation would take.

ty for his alleged actions on 21

“We are also in contact with the customer to understand more

August. According to one of the

about what happened. Addison Lee does not tolerate any form of dis-

two men on Twitter, he and his

crimination. We pride ourselves in delivering the highest possible

boyfriend were doing nothing

level of professional service, and we take matters like this very seri-

worse than just holding hands.

ously.”

The incident took place after

the couple had left Soho’s late-

night G-A-Y club/bar. They then

got into the Addison Lee car that

THE ALPHA POWER PILL

we assume had been pre-ordered.

Soon after, the driver ejected the

Now even better!

couple after calling them dirty.

Helps cut the cost of diesel - and reduce Emissions!

One of the two men then went

onto Twitter, where he wrote:

OnlyCabs.co.uk are pleased to supply

“Just been ejected from an

Dial-a-Cab drivers with the amazing Alpha Pill

@AddisonLeeCabs for being

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

gay. Thanks for the homopho-

bic treatment!”

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

He also put a photo of the AL

on the ad code

driver’s license plate and soon

after posting the tweet, he was

Or telephone your order to:

inundated with hundreds of

Stephen Vale at Only Cabs 020 3239 6101

tweets giving their support.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 28

LTI FIRE CLAIMS SETTLED?

n 2008, a small number of 56

registration TX4s caught fire

with the result that all the

56s were recalled for a safety

check. However, until that check

and any modifications were car-

ried out, the TX4s involved were

not allowed to work.

A number of drivers made claims for loss of

use etc and Call Sign has now been told that

the claims are on the verge of being settled.

However, due to drivers being asked to sign

confidentiality contracts, we are unable to

confirm anything over that. However, if cor-

rect, it will not be before time and we are

pleased that at last the matter looks to be

behind us...

Claims settled

Grosvenor

TOBACCO DOCK FUNCTION

4th September 2013

Gardens

On Wednesday 4 September a large corporate event is taking place at

Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk E1. Approximately 3,000 people will be

shelter

attending and there is expected to be a high demand for taxis.

A temporary taxi rank has been set up for the event and this will be

in the Tobacco Dock car park on level 6, access is via Pennington

Street.

changes

The event finishes at 23:00 but people are expected to start leaving

For those that don’t know, the

before this and the rank will be marshalled by professional taxi

Grosvenor Gardens shelter has a spe-

marshals from 20:00.

cial significance to Dial-a-Cab when on

Sunday 29 March 1953 on that rank, a

meeting was held in the back of a taxi

belonging to Bonnie Martyn to discuss

the possibility of forming an owner dri-

vers radio taxi circuit. Bonnie would later

SAVINGS!

become our Founder-chairman.

But back in the present day; some

changes to the rank have been made

★ KITCHENS

with the new rank being in three

& APPLIANCES

portions...

★ BEDROOMS

The first portion is in Grosvenor

Gardens for 6 taxis that should face

★ WORKTOPS

north west.

★ DOOR & DRAW REPLACMENTS

The second portion is outside number

★ PLANTATION SHUTTERS

• Roadside repair

2 Grosvenor Gardens and is for 2 taxis

★ ALL TYPES OF BLINDS

• Roadside assistance

also facing

north west.

The third

portion is in Hobart Place on

★ AWNINGS

• Running repair recovery

the northern side of Lower Grosvenor

• Accident recovery

You are welcome to visit

Gardens (opposite the Noura restau-

• Pay as you go to membership

our showroom at:

rant). Taxis should rank facing east.

• Credit card taken at roadside

Please don’t forget the rules

Unit 8 Tripes Farm,

regarding refreshment shelter ranks:

Chelsfield Lane,

* Only drivers using the refreshment

Orpington, Kent BR6 7RS

shelter can park their taxi on the refresh-

0845 094 5307

Instant Kitchen and

ment rank.

Bedroom & Blinds UK

We make wheels turn

* Drivers can park their taxis on the

rank for a maximum of 45 minutes.

Call Ian (R50) on 01689 897111…

so you can earn.

Call Sign September 2013

Page 29

NO LONGER MISSING!

Last month’s Call Sign ran a story on a former Dial-a-Cab Chairman, but one we had

few records on. Eli “Trixie” Solomons was undoubtedly the Chairman of ODRTS

between the years of 1959 and 1962 and while we had records of all the previous

Chairman - Bonnie Martyn, Frank Duncan, Jack Russell, Jack Taylor, Martin

Gellman, Peter Fennymore, Ken Burns, Phil Messias, Aubrey Siteman and cur-

rent incumbent Brian Rice - we had nothing on Trixie, including any photos.

Then in July we received an email from Janet Baine. She had been looking at the

online Call Sign and decided to write in to see if anyone remembered her uncle,

Harry Croft. So far no one has responded, but Janet also mentioned that Harry and

Trixie Solomons had been close friends and kindly provided some information on the

man we had described as a missing DaC Chairman. Janet provided details about him

in the August issue...

Janet, who lives in Shirley, Croydon wrote: “Trixie Solomons was a good

and kind man who was a great friend and support to my uncle, as was his

wife Minnie. They were both much loved by our family. He was a tall,

Jewish man with a long face that often looked sad and thoughtful, but it

would crack into laughter very easily. He was so lovely to us. Trixie kept

encouraging Harry - who had been a bus driver during the war - to do the

Knowledge. Eventually he did and Harry's daughter, Bettina, used to walk

through London with her father so she could help him memorise streets

and landmarks! If it hadn’t been for Trixie's kindness and help, Harry

wouldn’t have had his business, which meant the family had a much love-

lier way of life than if he had stayed in his job as a bus driver.”

Janet also provided a photo of Trixie together with his wife Minnie and Harry

with his daughter Bettina. Whilst it was nice to see our missing Chairman at last, he was partially

hidden behind the two women!

But now a former driver from our Pentonville Road days, Harry Glover, has sent in a photo of Eli. Harry told Call Sign:

“Trixie was very popular but he wasn’t someone who would shout from the rooftops and some mistook that

quietness for weakness. But he was far from weak. Although I didn’t speak to him that often and when I did, it was

about taxis and ODRTS at the office, you could tell that he was a nice man.”

We don’t know when the photo was taken and we know it isn’t the best quality, but it does mean that there are no longer

any missing Chairmen!

VITO: Rear steering

problem fixed?

all Sign has been told

that the problems

which beset Euro V

Mercedes Vito owners,

has now been isolated and that

a ‘fix’ is available from most

Mercedes commercial dealers.

There will be no cost to drivers

for replacing the dogtooth -

which has caused all the prob-

lems.

More info at 008009 777 7777

or email the customer services

team on

atvitotaxi@daimler.com.

Steering problems are now hopefully solved for the Vito

Call Sign September 2013

Page 30

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

And another!

Dial-a-Cab House

Dear Alan

You made a slight error when you said that

or email us at

Alan Lewis (A44) was the only subscriber

callsignmag@aol.com

left from our Trixie Solomons

Pentonville Road era (August Call Sign

History lesson

article; The Missing DaC Chairman). I actu-

Hi Alan

ally dispatched from Pentonville Road, hav-

Just read the latest Call Sign. It's great to

As regular readers will know, I rarely

ing joined the Society in December 1960.

see Dial-a-Cab reaching the 60-year mark,

publish letters that do not have a name.

Ivor Belkin (C97)

but I must point out a glaring inaccuracy in

However, this would appear to be one of

Astonishingly, Ivor not only dispatched

the caption accompanying the picture on

the exceptions and the driver has made

from our Pentonville Road office, but

page 8 (Dial-a-Cab: The Timeline). One of

his identity known to me. Call Sign does

also from Shirland Road, Brunswick

the men in the cab was, as you correctly say,

not endorse either of the writer’s sug-

Place and now still dispatches here at

named George Turnbull (he is the one

gestions - even if they do sound sensi-

wearing glasses), but this man was never at

East Road on Saturdays. He must be

ble! ...Ed

older than he looks! ...Ed

the PCO. In 1953, Turnbull was employed

by diesel engine maker Petters, but he

A gentleman editor!!!

returned to where he started work, the

Hi Alan

Long life taxi batteries

Standard Motor Company. By the late

Hi Alan

Loved your ‘fracking’ front cover of the

1960s, Turnbull was the MD of the compa-

August Call Sign Online - what on earth

Re the July Call Sign editorial item on your

ny, being responsible for such great cars as

would Boris hope to achieve other than to

TX4 battery lasting close to five years, I’ve

the Triumph 2000, Herald and TR6. In

be the Mayor of London who causes the

beaten that record having just had to

1968 he moved to the new Austin-Morris

second fire of London?

replace my original TX4 battery after six

division of British Leyland.

Re your editorial section on rudeness to

years and two months and 149,000 miles!

The man he was talking to was not

passengers, I would say that the brat and

Can anyone better that?

Bonnie Martyn but Bill Lucas, then direc-

his carer deserved more than they got... but

David S. Lessman (D19)

tor and General Manager of Carbodies.

then again, you are obviously a gentleman.

Sounds unbeatable to me... unless YOU

During that conversation, held at the 1970

Daphne Sherman

know better??? ...Ed

Commercial Motor Show, Turnbull was

London NW6

offering Lucas the manufacturing plant of

Thanks Daphne, I’ve been called many

the FX4 chassis because Turnbull wanted to

Receipt sir... and

things, but rarely a gentleman! ...Ed

close the Adderley Park factory where it

something for the

was then housed. Lucas bought it, making

Going part time

Carbodies the complete manufacturer of

weekend...!

Dear Alan

the FX4.

Dear Alan

After some twenty years on Dial-a-Cab and

Turnbull left British Leyland in 1974 and

I was interested in your recent receipt

having reached the age of 65, I decided to

went to Korea, where he set up the

problem

(August Call Sign Editorial).

go part-time with the result that it was no

Hyundai car factory. There may have been

Spending a large amount of my driving

longer financially viable to remain on the

a George Turnbull at the PCO, but it wasn't

hours between 10pm and the early morn-

circuit. But what I will miss is my copy of

the man in the picture!

ing, I occasionally pick up male passengers

Call Sign coming through the letter box

Bill Munro

who are looking for female company. Not

each month. I know I can access it via the

Bill Munroe has been involved with the

wanting to just turn work down (particu-

internet but it just isn’t the same as being

London taxi trade as both a driver for

larly during our current quiet period), I

able to turn real pages! In my opinion it is

over forty years and a writer for over 20,

usually hand over a sheet of scanned and

the best of all the taxi publications. Your

having written and published many fas-

printed off A4 paper complete with four

views on many subjects are close to my own

cinating books on the history of our

“calling cards” taken from a West End

and the stance you have taken re gambling

trade. So if he says we were wrong then

phone box. These give phone numbers etc

and lap dancing ads that do not befit a qual-

we probably were! The information was

of women offering services that the cus-

ity magazine are to be admired. Have you

given to me during an interview with

tomers apparently want. Then I tell them to

considered becoming the first taxi broad-

DaC’s Founder-Chairman Bonnie

phone one of the numbers, get an address

sheet?

Martyn on his 90th birthday (June 1999)

and that I’d then be happy to take them.

Finally, can I send my best wishes to

and knowing how clear Bonnie’s memo-

There is then no risk of curb crawling etc.

yourself and everyone at Dial-a-Cab. I am

ry always was, it was probably me that

As for the rude passenger demanding a

convinced that once the country is out of

got it wrong! Bonnie died in August

receipt and your scribbled message written

this financial crisis that DaC will come

2002.

on it, the result of my scanning and print-

through stronger than ever, thanks to a

As for Bill Munroe, he has an amazing

ing the cards sometimes means I have the

strong Board led by a more than capable

collection of taxi-orientated books avail-

original cards as it seems to make sense to

Chairman, Brian Rice, and backed by its dri-

able at his Earlswood Press website,

reprint every few months. If I get a cus-

vers.

amongst which are Taxi Jubilee, which

tomer similar in manner to the one you

Mike Lyons (Ex-Y52)

details the 50+ year history of the FX4

had, I apologise that the printer is not

Hi Mike, I wish you the best of luck in

and London Taxis: A Full History, which

does exactly what it says on the tin and

working but I offer to write one out, which

your semi-retirement. For your informa-

details this trade’s history since 1897.

I do on the back of a folded over telephone

tion, there have been several broad-

Both are excellent reads if you take

box “calling card,” timing the handover so

sheets published in the taxi press and

more than a passing interest in our

that I can make a quick exit as they read the

they all have one thing in common.

trade.

receipt before turning over to discover the

There has been Taxi Times, London

More details of Bill’s many books can

nature of the calling card. I doubt if they

Cabbie News, National Cab and a few

be found at www.earlswoodpress.co.uk.

then present the receipt to their accounts

others - and that one thing they all had

My thanks again to Bill for clearing up

department!

in common was that none of them still

our inaccuracy ...Ed

Name and call sign withheld

exist! …Ed

Call Sign September 2013

Page 31

Mailshot

Continued from page 30

ners/taxisandprivatehire/26929.aspx.

Our Customer Support team will then

make sure all our records are updated. I

IT Flashback

suggest that Steve waits until he has the

Blimey Alan!

Spanish licence and then sends a

The August Call Sign’s Flashback (my clo-

scanned copy of it (or if he can’t do, that

sure of the DISCUSS internet taxi list) did

just lets us know the number).

bring back memories - I can’t believe that

out following a strange incident at

was 13 years ago! But speaking of the

Morrison’s filling station in Stanmore. To

Internet, I went out for a drink with The

A bike ride with

cut a long story short, I was filling up and

Brethren of the Whip’s Sean Farrell (B39)

had locked the cab with my phone inside

Jenny...

recently and told him the story of when I

when ‘white van man’ at the adjacent pump

Hi Alan

went to Radio Taxis in around 1996 to see

stole my filler cap and ignition key from

I thought you might be interested in this.

their IT guy. I explained the Internet to him

between the pumps. He looked like one of

Jenny Jones, the Green member on the

and how it - and I - could help the cab

those guys with the pixelated faces on My

London Assembly, attended a recent RMT

trade to keep us ahead of minicabs. His

Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. In fact that might

branch meeting to be questioned about (in

reply was that the Internet was a waste of

have been an improvement! Yeah, I know a

the main) cycling policy at TfL. The meet-

time and would not last. How wrong he

spare key would have helped, but I didn't

ing let her know that RMT’s taxi branch

was!

have one. Then while I was wondering

thought it was a dereliction of TfL’s respon-

I then went to Dial-a-Cab and although

what to do, Alasdair Kay (C47) drove in.

sibility to ensure the safety of all by not

Brian Rice also said they didn’t need me, it

Using his phone I was able to contact the

making the wearing of safety helmets a

was because they already had plans and he

cab owner Terry Vale (J29) who came from

legal requirement when hiring out Boris

said they were looking into the best ways of

the other side of London with a spare key.

bikes. She refused point blank to even con-

using the Internet. I now hear that around

Whilst waiting for him, a Mountview driver,

sider it and you could not help but notice

half of all DaC trips are entered into your

Stanley Silverman, arrived. He had a

that as she left the meeting, she sailed away

system by customers via the ‘net.

selection of keys on him - one of which

on her cycle - helmetless!

Changing tack, I’ve known Sean since we

opened the front and enabled me to get my

While

not

being

one

were both 12 years old. It was Sean and a

phone and keep my wife informed of the

encourage the making of laws that will then

guy called Chris George that instigated the

situation!

just be ignored by enforcement agencies, I

resurgence of the WCHCD - then called

Thank you guys one and all. The garage

would like to see one brought in that

The Fellowship. They were the two people

CCTV clearly showed the theft. More wor-

makes it an offence punishable by the use

who went around the trade drumming up

ryingly, it also showed my bald spot is get-

of spot fines for cyclists who fail to use ded-

interest. Just look where the WCHCD is

ting bigger...!

icated cycle lanes when there is one avail-

now!

Geoff Levene (W32)

able. I'm sure I am not the only one who

Vince Chin

You can joke all you like Geoff, but this

gets very irritated when stuck in a long line

Call Sign Online

really is a serious problem that is hap-

of vehicles that are crawling along roads

Vince has looked after the Call Sign

pening more and more and the police

such as Tavistock Place because a cyclist

Online website - which he designed in

can’t help. How do we stop those bald

chooses to ignore the cycleway constructed

late 1997 - for 16 years. This was at a

spots getting bigger! ...Ed

at vast expense.

time when many hadn’t even heard of

Eddie Lambert (V37)

the Internet and years in front of any

Corinthia Hotel

Jenny Jones attitude is truly a sad indict-

other taxi mag going online. He has vir-

ment of TfL policy when five cyclists

Dear Al

tually turned CSO into an online library

My wife Joy and I have just returned from a

have already died so far this year ...Ed

facility. Although Vince is a Green Badge

free taxi driver breakfast at the Corinthia

holder, most of his time is spent in IT

Hotel, SW1 courtesy of a special offer in

...Ed

Boris the Bike and

‘Taxi’ mag. It was just magic to be made so

the IRA!!!

welcome and to have such a great meal and

Spanish licence...

Dear Editor

time. The hotel is truly superb in style. They

Hi Alan

My views on the recent cycling fiasco and a

do a pre-theatre meal at around £30 includ-

I wonder if you can help me. I have been to

message to Mayor Boris: You have succeed-

ing a glass of champers and 3 courses.

the TfL website but cannot find an email

ed where a twenty year bombing campaign

There is also a Sunday lunch carvery.

address to suit my query. It appears that the

by the terrorists of the IRA failed! You have

I do hope that some others from Dial-a-

Spanish authorities now require all resi-

created more disruption in London than

Cab took the opportunity as I understand

dents to exchange their driving licences for

they ever did. The commanders in the IRA

many drivers in the trade have. I also hope

Spanish ones. I would like some confirma-

must be laughing to themselves and won-

that our tee shirt/vest, unshaven lot did not

tion that I could drive a taxi on a Spanish

dering why they didn’t buy bicycles instead

go in and let us down. So guys and girls,

licence. Who's the man to write (or email)

of Semtex!

when around there take a look and give the

to?

PS. Who is Andrew Gilligan??

hotel a good service.

Steve Shaller (Ex-F34J)

David Hughes (A73)

Martin Freeborn (C67)

Espagne

Pedicabs might have been even better -

Are they paying you Martin!!! ...Ed

Simon Buggey, Driver and Operator

the bikes, a carrying compartment and

Policy Manager at LTPH, replies:

the ability to do whatever you liked

Privatisation

This is an interesting development as

without anyone in authority caring!

Hi Alan

one can normally drive anywhere in the

Andrew Gilligan? Isn’t he the cycling

Is TfL going for privatisation and going to

EU on an EU licence for an unlimited

commissioner for London who doesn’t

either Northampton or Coventry???

period, but there will be no problem

seem to commish anything! ...Ed

Roy ‘the boy’ Manix (Ex K98)

with Steve continuing to drive a taxi

Am I missing something here, Roy? I heard

with a Spanish driving licence and an

Thanks for helping...

the Mayor say they were keeping London's

address in Spain. The e-mail link is at:

Dear Al

traffic moving, but I didn't realise he meant

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpart-

Can I thank three drivers who helped me

they were following it ...Ed