Call Sign September 2015

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Uber, corruption and Mr Yew…

circuit in addition to Mountview that might ben-

I must tell you, I had a real shock last month. The

efit from an amalgamation. Whichever company

August Call Sign had just come out and I was

it is, we can’t hang around forever because out-

glancing through an Australian taxi mag where

side forces are gathering...

the name Uber was mentioned at least once on

every page, while our own Transport for

Scams

London was given several honorary mentions for

If you have been using the internet for some time,

licensing more private hire cars in a month than

you will recognise the scams and dodgy websites

there were sheep in New Zealand!

that seem to regularly arrive along with your

I was also glancing at Bloomberg’s excellent

emails. I have been online since 1988 when Dick

on-line facility where the story was of Uber

Kawadler, a friend in Las Vegas who edited their

Technologies facing a lawsuit from the GMB

Trip Sheet magazine, got me an email address.

union, who claimed the app service didn’t ensure

Even at my tender years with a young and fresh

minimum wages or paid holidays for its drivers.

brain, I could never remember it because it con-

The suit could include allegations of health and

sisted of nine numbers followed by

@com-

safety violations, according to law firm Leigh Day

puserve.com. Unfortunately, the only other peo-

who are scheduled to represent the GMB union.

ple I knew with email - still called electronic mail

I followed that by looking at some UK daily

27 years ago - were Dick Kawadler and Board

newspapers where the word ‘corruption’ was

Member of the time, Steve Sanders. After a while

sitting in the page one headlines. Those sto-

Seven of the eight cyclist fatalities this year

we ran out of things to say and a phone call

ries turned out to be UK Prime Minister David

have involved a lorry, which is probably dispro-

became quicker!

Cameron speaking at the Lee Kuan Yew

portionate in representing cycling accidents in

In 2004, I became callsign@compuserve.com

School of Public Policy in Singapore and giv-

London. The question is whether all London’s

when personalised addresses finally came along.

ing details of how he planned to address cor-

road users should be the ones who suffer or

A few more drivers had joined the revolution,

ruption in the UK.

should concerned cyclists go on a free course,

although not many. Soon after, AOL took over

He spoke of Singapore’s first PM, Lee Kuan

because there is no doubt that thousands of the

Compuserve but callsign@aol.com wasn’t avail-

Yew and how he had successfully tackled corrup-

two-wheel users do not have a clue about cycling

able, so ever since then we have been callsign-

tion over there and how it was important that the

proficiency, just as I have no doubt that at least

mag@aol.com.

UK made sure corruption over here did not

once a day - and probably many times more -

Now in 2015, a majority use email, Twitter,

become endemic. We apparently have some

taxis, lorries and buses have a cyclist trying to

Instagram et al but with the progress has come a

£48billion laundered each year - much of it via

pass them on the inside even though they have a

new danger - financial scams. We’ve all had emails

property deals. Mr Cameron said that most

left indicator flashing.

that you know don’t really come from the person

important elements of a rules-based world order

Had I not been away, I wouldn’t have bothered

they purport to be from because they just consist

were “...a commitment to transparency and to

going out that day, but not everyone has the

of a website and a signature that isn’t how the

tackling corruption.”

choice. As one of many drivers with similar stories,

‘sender’ would normally sign themselves. Some

So why did I have a shock? Well for one brief

told me:

“The RideLondon route was from

just take you to a site that sells drugs, while others

moment I had mixed the two up and for that sec-

Olympic Park to Surrey and back. Once they set off

tell you that your internet access has run out and

ond or three thought that TfL had been found to

from Stratford, you couldn’t cross the route. I was

that clicking the given link will help - it won’t but

have been involved in a corruption deal with

at the Gloucester Road junction with Cornwall

it will help the sender get details from you that

Uber! Perish the thought! The human mind eh?

Gardens and needed to get to Pimlico. The cycle

you wouldn’t want them to know. Some even tell

Who’d have one!

marshal told me my options were to go over

you about a large sum of money that could come

Hammersmith Bridge and come back around or to

your way... just tell them your bank details and

RideLondon

go to Stratford and come around the Olympic

they’ll put the money in for you! And some do tell

I was sunning myself away from London on the

Village! Although no bikes were in sight, he refused

them! Or you may have won a lottery that you

weekend of August 2/3 and so missed the rather

to let me quickly nip across Cromwell Road even

never actually went in for. A miracle no less!

inaptly named RideLondon. According to the

though there were few cars around either.”

But recently - and for the first time - a scammer

multitude of Dial-a-Cab drivers that phoned me

So that begs the question: Why are motorists

actually phoned my mobile to ask whether I had

during my break, riding around may have satisfied

treated as second class citizens compared to

received an email that informed me about a pur-

the 70,000 or so cyclists that took advantage of the

cyclists? Why do cyclists need lanes that are caus-

chase I had supposedly made to an online com-

‘no motor vehicles’ weekend, but for taxi and

ing so much disruption to motorists, who then in

puter gaming company. The email had all the

lorry drivers who needed to work - well sorry

turn increase air pollution, which motorists -

markings of a scam (click the link for details etc),

pals, but you couldn’t because TfL - in the shape

especially taxi drivers - are then blamed for? Only

but when a phone call follows claiming to come

of the soon-to-be ex-Mayor, Boris Johnson - once

TfL knows…

from a fraud detection company, for one brief sec-

again gave priority to cyclists. This follows onto

ond I thought my bank account had been com-

the four consecutive Sundays where all motorised

Mergers?

promised. I told the caller to call me back when I

vehicles were banned from Regent Street, there-

Although many drivers I speak to seem to assume

got home. I checked my bank account immedi-

by saying that while London’s taxis have to be

that I know what is happening re any mergers,

ately. Nothing had been taken and my scam sus-

wheelchair accessible, those actually in said

the answer is that I don’t, other than seeing the

picions were true.

wheelchairs can’t use their day off to visit one of

mag several days before anyone else does! So

The caller’s number had come up on my

London’s two main shopping streets in a taxi.

although I’ve read the article inside this issue

phone, so I put it into Google to see what type of

However, all isn’t lost because TfL and the

from Jon Tremlett and Brian Rice, that is all I

company it was, only to discover that it was

Met celebrated what they called a “road safe-

know. But that doesn’t mean I do not have my

indeed a scam with many others also having

ty milestone” as the 20,000th person took

own views.

received the call. I informed the real internet

part in the joint-funded Exchanging Places

When my son Reed died, I had amazing support

fraud squad

(Action Fraud) and blocked the

initiative. The milestone was reached during

from the drivers and Board Members of DaC. I also

caller’s number (0207 523 0121). Not long after,

the Prudential RideLondon cycling festival

had a lovely message from RTG CEO, Geoffrey

I received another call, this time it came up as a

where 1,200 were given tips for staying safe

Riesel, who without me asking offered the services

Freephone number, but there was no mistaking

on the road.

of Mountview’s terminals to pass along any mes-

the similarity (0800 072 5230). I blocked that

Exchanging Places is a road safety educational

sages etc. Mr Riesel was also one of the huge num-

number too and haven’t heard since.

event run by the MPS Roads and Transport

ber at Reed’s funeral. All that meant a lot to me and

Modern technology is incredible, but it brings

Policing Command’s Cycle Safety team that

is something I will always remember.

real risks with it. Just be careful and remember

allows members of the public to sit in the driver's

However, I have a sneaking suspicion that his

that very little in this world is for nothing and if

seat of a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) to gain a

organisation are playing for time for whatever

it’s offered to you, it’s probably a scam.

better understanding of what the driver can and

reason, so that personal view I mentioned earli-

can't see. Drivers are also invited to sit on a bike

er is that while I agree with Brian Rice in this

Alan Fisher

alongside an HGV to understand the cyclist’s view

issue that there are too many circuits, I think we

callsignmag@aol.com

of the road.

should bear in mind that there is also another

Call Sign September 2015

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

the Mayor, TfL or LTPH have the power to do

Consultations

anything else.

I have written in the past of the number of

However, there is a solution to the problem,

Consultation documents Transport for

one I have written of before. That is that TfL

London produce online and of course any-

should invoke the part of the 1998 Act which

one can participate in any particular

states that a Private Hire driver should undergo

Consultation, while stating their view of the

a topographical Knowledge. That clause was

proposal that is put before them. It can be an

not part of the original act, but some of us in

organisation or indeed an individual and of

this trade lobbied really hard to get the clause

course all views are taken into account.

inserted. We were successful and succeeded

Unfortunately, the taxi industry is sadly

with our proposal, however, TfL have never

notorious regarding apathy and we never

tested PH drivers on their KoL. We never envis-

seem to do too much - except moan amongst

aged that a PH driver should attain the same

ourselves! We tend to leave it to others to fight

standard as a London Taxi driver, but should be

our corner and just hope that those “others”

aware of some hospitals and stations etc.

will put their head above the parapet to save

The thinking behind it was to ensure the

us having to do it ourselves. Is it because we

Private Hire licences

applicant could read and write English, an

don’t care or that we just can’t be bothered?

I recently saw some figures for part of

ingredient which should be paramount when

I recently received an email from TfL

July/August regarding the number of Private

transporting members of the public and also

regarding a Consultation document they put

Hire licences that have been issued. The fig-

to stop PH licences being issued like confetti,

out earlier in the year; it referred to the pro-

ures are quite staggering and they just cannot

as indeed they are at the present time. Any

posed East/West Cycle Superhighway and

be allowed to continue or our trade will be

topographical knowledge requirement is cur-

concerned the route it will take through

swamped. Bear in mind there are 83,000 mini-

rently administered by the Operator, who the

Hyde Park.

cabs out there and TfL are issuing licences at

Private Hire driver takes his work from. We

I assumed that TfL had emailed me their

the rate of approximately 600 per week, yes

can but wonder how many do not reach the

findings because I responded to the original

600 per week! For the week ending 13 July,

required standard in the Operator’s eyes -

Consultation document, not just on behalf of

640 were issued, 20 July saw 596 issued, 27

not many... if any!

July another 607 issued, whilst 3 August saw

What is blatantly obvious is that LTPH cannot

Dial-a-Cab but also as an individual, a sce-

another 652 minicab licenses issued.

keep issuing 2,500 licences during the course

nario that is of course open to anyone.

Even the Mayor has admitted there are too

of a month; they must take steps to bring the

I found the results of the Consultation

many minicabs in London causing unaccept-

quite staggering, but not particularly surpris-

Topographical testing of Private Hire drivers in-

able congestion on the roads and of course,

house if they wish to retain the London Taxi

ing. By their own admission, TfL had contact-

extra pollution. He’s now said there should

trade as we know it - and they need to act now

ed 45,000 individuals and organisations

be a cap on licences issued. I think the

before it’s too late.

known to have an interest in the project, but

phrase is locking the stable door after the

We are being inundated with Private Hire

of course anyone can participate by just visit-

horse has bolted; however, I don’t believe the

and TfL need to stem the tide; they must

ing the TfL website.

Mayor has the power to actually achieve it

invoke the Topographical knowledge for

From the 45,000 contacted, our licens-

anyway. I believe that once a minicab driver

Private Hire now - not only will it stop us

ing authority received 670 responses - I’ll

possesses all the criteria required, then LTPH

being overrun, it will also produce a far bet-

repeat that just in case anyone thinks it’s

do not have any alternative other than to

ter Private Hire driver.

a typo. For this vitally important

issue a licence. There is a very similar situa-

Consultation that has, and will further

tion in our trade and that is when a KoL stu-

Brian Rice

affect this trade so greatly, just

670

dent reaches the required standard, a badge

Chairman

responded out of a total contacted by TfL

has to be issued. As I’ve said, I don’t believe

Dial-a-Cab

of around 45,000!

Can I also say that of those 670, my guess

is that the majority will have come from the

cycling fraternity because out of those 670

responses, 79% were either in favour or par-

PAUL’S TAXI SPECIALISTS LTD

tially in favour of the recommendations. TfL

did take into account suggestions made by

the respondents, one of which was that

Unit 10, Ford View Industrial Estate, 83 New Rd Rainham, RM13 8ET

cyclists will be provided with their own dedi-

cated signal phase to travel southbound out

Tel: 01708 553037

of Hyde Park through the junction of West

Carriage Drive and South Carriage Drive.

FREE AIR FILTER WITH EVERY SERVIC

WE ALSO HAVE CABS FOR RENT

You have to, of course, assume that sugges-

tion came from the cycling lobby.

TX1 servicing from £48

TX1s, TX2s, TX4s and Vitos

Whether you agree or not with the Cycle

TX2 servicing from £70

Rentals from £165 per week

Superhighway, I think you have to agree that

TX4 servicing from £90

670 responses from all parties is pretty deriso-

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ry when you consider there are 25,000 taxi dri-

vers alone. But I suppose we will now go back

Servicing - Running Repairs - Overhauls - Small Fleets Welcome - Discounts Available

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work on West Carriage Drive should have

Fax: 01708 551443

Web: www.PaulsTaxiSpecialists.co.uk

begun by the time you read this

Call Sign September 2015

Page 5

VJ Day and London taxi drivers

Saturday 15 August was a

strange day. It was the 70th

anniversary of VJ Day - the day

in 1945 when Emperor Hirohito

made a recorded radio address

announcing the surrender of

Japan to the Allies. This followed

the detonation of the two atom-

ic bombs by the Americans - the

first on Hiroshima with a second

three days later on Nagasaki. It

was estimated that around

250,000 people died in both

Japanese foreign minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signs the surrender document 70

years ago

blasts with many more over the

following years from sicknesses

describing the experience of picking up

came from Jim Thomas, known by many as

caused by radiation. As a result,

the Vets as “humbling.”

Thomas the Taxi. He wrote:

Passengers such as 90 year old Gordon

“Emotional day today watching the VJ

the day was more of commemo-

Spong and fellow Vet George Palmer were all

service. Thinking about Uncle Fred and

ration than celebration.

full of praise for the black cab drivers, some

his brother-in-law Ted whose war carried

Hundreds of taxi drivers made them-

adding that without them they wouldn’t have

on a long 4 months till August 1945, while

selves available at railway stations, taking

managed to get to the Parade ground.

brothers Ronnie, Lesley, George, Bobby

the Veterans and their families to

It made a change to see this trade given

and brother-in-law Ernie were safely get-

Horseguards free of any charge and for

some credit for something it does through-

ting on with their lives after their war fin-

once - although no drivers did it for pub-

out the year anyway with so very little pub-

ished in the May. But by the grace of God,

licity - both BBC and ITV made the driver’s

licity, and to those many drivers that took

all were returned to the bosom of their

efforts as their headlines. Drivers were

part and indeed to organisers the London

family.

interviewed, with one, David Hempstead -

Taxi Benevolent Association for War

I was so proud of my Taxi colleagues

vice Chairman of organisers The London

Disabled, well done.

who today stepped up to the mark. Many

Taxi Benevolent Association for War

Many drivers had their own personal memo-

drivers answered the call, gave up working

Disabled - hitting the mark exactly when

ries. One touching message regarding the day

and generously gave a free service, picking

up and taking home the Veterans of the

forgotten Army. God bless you all.”

David Lammy brings taxis

In the meantime, the Daily Mail on the

Monday following the commemoration lam-

basted South West Trains because on the day

into Mayoral debate

when so many Veterans wanted to travel to

The four leading contenders to be Labour's candidate

London to pay their respects, the train com-

for next May’s Mayoral election, when Boris Johnson

pany suspended their usual cheap ticket

will step down and concentrate on his other job as

option that offered £20 return trips to the

Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, took

capital and forced those going by train to pay

part in an LBC debate recently chaired by Iain Dale.

the full fare - which cost many substantially

The four were Tessa Jowell, Diane Abbott, Sadiq

more. The train company weakly claimed it

was for “safety reasons,” while the Chief

Khan and David Lammy.

Executive of the Veterans Association UK,

The one-hour debate, led by listener’s ques-

Tony Hayes, called the decision “mean” and

tions, covered several topics and gave one of

pointed to London Taxi drivers who ferried

the four, David Lammy, the chance to bring up

the Vets free of charge...

the subject of London taxis, private hire, Uber

and TfL.

He began by saying that Sir Peter Hendy, who recently moved from TfL to the

Call Sign

railways, had a lot to answer for over the way he had treated black cabs and for the

September 2015

licensing of private hire, which he said had gone from 53,000 up to 77,000. He cited the

Editor: Alan Fisher

increased congestion and added that anyone could now go and become an Uber driver.

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

Mr Lammy then went on to criticise Uber for “not paying any taxes” and spoke of

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

“real issues” he had with the app over their poor safety record and “horrible issues

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

around homophobia.” He said that every major city licenses those that can run private

Website:cwww.22-callsign.co.uk

hire vehicles properly, but that London had failed in that.

Printers: Premier Print Group

He said that had he been London Mayor at the time, he would have called for a Judicial

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Design: Aldan Publications

Review to challenge Uber in the same way that the Mayor of Paris had done. He went on

Tel: 07958 300 428

to call it an outrage that we needed to protect “the institution that is the black cab.”

Email: debbiefresco@googlemail.com

Mr Lammy said that he had visited a Knowledge of London school and referred to

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

that as a fantastic experience, one that inspired him to want to bring back more night

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

schools to London so that people could get more skills, enabling them to earn a better

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

either manually or electronically without the express

income.

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign September 2015

Page 6

Jery’s World

“I don’t care what Boris says pal; his emissions policy doesn’t hold a candle to my gas masks idea!”

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

WCHCD AT ROYAL DOCKS

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Following their unveiling of a new orchard at the Royal Docks Community School in

Newham (July Call Sign), the WCHCD in the form of current Master Malcolm Paice along

with Past Master and school Governor Andrew Overton, attended the school’s Year 11

Achievement Awards ceremony. This marks the end of the Year 11 pupil’s time at the school

before they move onto sixth form colleges or into apprenticeships or work.

A range of awards marking academic achievements as well as scholarships and bursaries

were presented. A number of musical interludes in the ceremony showed off the remarkable

musical talent the school fosters.

Each year the WCHCD makes a financial contribution to the school and this year the

donation went towards a permanent trophy, which will be engraved each year with the

names of the winners of the outstanding academic achievement award. The school has a

growing collection of trophies and the WCHCD trophy will form part of this impressive tally

in the school’s main lobby. In addition, the five winners of the outstanding academic

achievement award each receive a smaller replica of the main trophy as well as their

achievement certificate.

The Royal Docks Community School is proud of its highly diverse student population and

the school has worked hard to create a facility that also teaches a large number of pupils

with physical and sensory impairments, some of whom have profound learning difficulties.

The WCHCD outstanding academic achievement award recognised this, with two of the

five recipients coming from a special educational needs and profound learning difficulties

background.

WCHCD Master, Malcolm Paice, gave an address at the ceremony and told the

assembled students, parents and tutors that the school was incredibly exciting and full of

confident, talented individuals.

“You should be proud of the talent being nurtured here and the opportunities created. The WCHCD is very proud to

support the school and this award for outstanding academic achievement marks our long term commitment to supporting

the school and those who study here.”

Call Sign September 2015

Page 7

Matthew Rye (B99) admitted to

Call Sign that he had never done

it himself, but quickly went on to

Keeping It Dry!

explain what he actually meant!

“In an attempt to reduce my taxi operat-

ing costs and the inevitable ‘down time’

involved when dealing with third parties, I

decided I would try to put my one year old

TX4 through its annual re-licencing proce-

dure myself. But I wasn’t really sure about

the wisdom of steam-cleaning the engine

bay given the electronics in close proximi-

ty, which is why I put out a fleet message

hoping to glean some advice. That advice

was that the electronics could be at risk of

damage due to water penetration, so

Matthew

The arrows show where water can get

although I was trying to reduce expenses, I

into an alternator - that could then cost

became concerned that I could end up with

you £350 to replace!

a hefty bill for electronic component

repairs. That would have been rather iron-

tronic components should be protected from

option was the method chosen by Matthew.

ic,” Matthew said with a grin.

the ingress of water by covering them with

“I wiped the engine bay with an old shirt

He recalled a previous cab where water had

plastic sheeting such as a carrier bag or other

and then washed the cab before taking it to

got into the electronic circuits, causing numer-

waterproof material, and any water / steam

NSL Crayford, where it passed first time. I

ous dash lights to flash on and off. He said it

jet spray should be used with caution, avoid-

was out in 90 minutes, plates on cab and

reminded him of a pin-ball machine but lucki-

ing directly aiming the water flow towards the

back at work. Total bill was £105 including

ly for him, it all dried out and worked ok. But

taxi’s components.

£7 for the cab wash, so I’m well pleased as

it gave him a scare, he admitted.

Proprietary chemicals such as Gunk or other

I’ve paid £1500.00 in past years! I’m not

“With this cab, I had the brakes checked

similar products can be applied to specific

sure about next year, as the cab will be that

out by my service agent a few days before

areas with the aid of a paintbrush or aerosol

much older of course! I accept that doing it

my NSL appointment and was looking to

can and then gently washed away, but the

yourself is not everyone’s cup of tea, but

clean the cab up myself and make it pre-

watchword is always to use it with extreme care.

I’m delighted that I did it,” a happy Matthew

sentable before actually presenting it in

Alternatively, you can use a piece of cloth

concluded...

person.”

soaked in your chosen product to wipe surfaces

As with anything involving electricity or

by hand, thereby avoiding the possibility of dam-

Alan Green (E53)

electronics, keeping moisture at bay is the key

aging delicate electronic components through

to success. Where vehicles are involved, elec-

water being splashed indiscriminately. That last

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2015

Page 8

Adam meets a hero...

Dial-a-Cab driver Adam McGann

you had the Burma Star or Pacific Star and

obviously he didn't have one of these as he

(J09) didn’t mince his words

had been in Germany. The staff organising the

when talking about his taxi pas-

ceremony were very good and explained to

senger, Tommy Coupe.

him that unfortunately he couldn't have a pass

“In Tommy, I met a true hero. I had been sit-

to get onto Horseguards, but he would be

ting on the rank at Euston when I was called

more than welcome to go and watch from St

over by the station staff to help a gentleman

James Park or Whitehall. Tommy then asked

who needed mobility assistance. His name

me to take him back to Euston as he had a

was Tommy Coupe, he had been a private in

meeting in Glasgow later that day before mak-

the East Lancashire Regiment and had

ing his way home that night to Blackpool!

taken part in the D Day landings in 1945

On getting back to Euston, I contacted the

when just 19 years of age. He had been told

station staff and arranged for them to collect

before the landing that he would have a life

him with their mobility buggy, but while wait-

expectancy of just 3 weeks and had only been

ing with Tommy we had a very enjoyable chat

in France for 30 minutes when he was pro-

until they station staff collected him from my

moted to corporal due to all the fatalities.

Taxi. Tommy tried to give me some money,

There had been 120 men in his platoon; just

but I politely refused and thanked him for

18 survived.

allowing me the honour of running him

Just four weeks after landing in

round London for an hour and for him shar-

Tommy Coupe

Normandy, he was captured and sent to

ing his stories with me. What a great, great

Belsen concentration camp in Germany,

ed VJ day pass for last month’s ceremony at

man...”

where he witnessed the most appalling

Horseguards, but on getting Tommy to

Adam McGann (J09)

atrocities imaginable.

Horseguards and checking with security, it

He had come to London to get an accredit-

turned out that you could only get a pass if

Call Sign Online

Taxi Driver Of The Year Dinner and Dance

‘ Remembering those less fortunate than ourselves’

The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund presents their Annual Dinner and Dance on Saturday 7th November 2015

It will be held at the: The Holiday Inn Regents Park, Carburton Street, London W1W 5EE

Reception 6.15pm for 6.45pm dinner. The cost of tickets has been held at last year’s prices: £65.00 per head. As

usual, tickets will include an excellent four course meal with half a bottle of wine per person and of course the

evening is complemented with dancing to an excellent live band.

With your support, The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund is able to make

substantial donations to the taxi trade charities that support them. Don’t be the

one to miss this great night out; come along to the Holiday Inn Regents Park

and enjoy the good food and great company

This event will prove to be an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all.

Please complete and return the form together with your cheque made out to TDYCF

to: Russell Poluck MBE (Hon Chairman)

5 St Brides Avenue, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6BT

RSVP by 12th October 2015. Please print and make cheque out to TDYCF

Brian and Brenda Rice at last year's event

Name:

Title:

Company (if applicable):

Address:

Tel:

Email:

Number of tickets:

Dietary requirements:

Veg

□ Fish

□ Meat

□

Dress smart

For further information, contact Russell Poluck: 07850 056 765 • Tel/fax 020 8952 1357

Email: brussella@talk21.com • Website: taxidriveroftheyearcharityfund.com

Registered with the Charities Commission No: 1000761

Call Sign September 2015

Page 9

Ronnie Welch (M42) has been on

Dial-a-Cab for eight years and

Moral support from a

appreciates the link it gives with

other drivers.

DaC driver…

“I suppose it’s a bit like a club,” he told Call

Sign when explaining to this magazine

the English language was less than fluent so I

about a rather unpleasant run-in with an

couldn’t really understand all he said. But I

Uber driver.

got the gist of it from his attitude and body

“I could write what I think of Uber drivers

language! He really looked threatening.

on the back of a postage stamp and still

“But just then, like the cavalry charging to

have room over, but perhaps not in a fami-

the rescue, another Dial-a-Cab driver who

ly magazine!” Ronnie smiled briefly, but

had been on the hotel rank came to my aid

that soon vanished as he thought back to the

with some welcome moral support. He had

day in question.

witnessed the scene, heard the Uber driver

“I was close by the Thistle Hotel in

shouting and remonstrated with this idiot

Bryanston Street, Marble Arch and trying

who was still blocking the road that he should

to get to Portman Street. The road is both

move his car to allow everyone to pass. By this

narrow and often busy with traffic, but this

time a crowd had gathered, yet it was only my

Uber driver was parked in the middle of the

DaC colleague who was prepared to offer

roadway and fiddling with his SatNav, self-

support and defuse the situation!”

ishly blocking the street completely. I asked

Ronnie ended by telling us that he didn’t

him politely to move so as to let me and other

really get a chance to say a proper ‘thank

traffic get past, but instead of moving he just

you’ at the time as it was all over in seconds,

hurled abuse at me. I asked him again to just

but he did ask for a fleet message to go out

move over because he was obstructing the

which offered his thanks.

traffic, but all I got in return was more abuse

“But hopefully that driver will see this in

and no movement of the car.

Call Sign and understand my gratitude

“Then he actually got out of the car and

during a fairly harassing moment,” Ronnie

came towards me; he was mumbling in an

Ronnie was grateful for the moral sup-

concluded.

aggressive manner although his command of

port of another DaC driver

Call Sign Says

Stories like the above are becoming

Barrie Segal’s Quick Guide to

more and more common. So is it not

about time that Transport for London

Fight Your Parking Ticket!

got off their high horse and stipulated

that all PH drivers must at least have a

mastery of the English language so that

Chartered Accountant, parking

when their SatNavs lose the signal, they

ticket expert, founder of parking

can at least ask someone where they are

rather than threaten violence. Mind you,

ticket websites Appealnow.com

this Uber driver sounds like a charmer

and ParkingTicketExpert.com,

compared to many others from an oper-

Barrie Segal has published a

ation that TfL is obviously happy to

licence ...Ed

new Kindle book: Barrie Segal’s

quick guide to fight your

parking ticket.

Immaculate White

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parking ticket, penalty charge notice or

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you will know how frustrating it is and how hard it is to fight back.

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Richard Hammond and Richard and Judy are just some of the people who have

praised Barrie's expertise.

This Kindle book shows you all the pitfalls to avoid and explains in easy to

understand language what to do at every stage of a parking appeal - from

what to do when you first get a parking ticket all the way through to the final

appeal stage - an appeal to the Parking Adjudicator. It also explains what to do

and how to appeal if your vehicle has been clamped or towed away.

The detailed index makes it easy to quickly find any subject you want with just one

click. Most importantly, the book contains detailed appeal templates based on review-

ing more than 60,000 parking tickets and 7,000 Parking Adjudicator cases. So if you

want to fight your parking ticket, this is the only e-book you will ever need. Don't wait

- buy this book and fight back now!

Female driver

Former Call Sign writer and DaC parking expert Barrie says: “The parking ticket

10% reduction for Dial-a-Cab drivers

appeal process is not only a minefield, but is weighted against the motorist. My book

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07956 317040

Call Sign September 2015

Page 10

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

KoL written exam (All London)

£200.00

Another nail in the

KoL - One-off Appearance £400.00

Knowledge

Issue of Licence fee £192.00

After Call Sign exclusively revealed that

DSA Hackney Carriage Test £100.00

proposals were being reviewed to make

Wheelchair test £50.00

motorbikes and scooters pay the conges-

These costs don’t take into account the

tion charge therefore increasing the cost

costs of buying a vehicle, fuel, etc or the

for Knowledge students, a further devel-

time and loss of potential earnings, mem-

opment has occurred and again Call

bership to a school, the costs of Bluebook

Sign can exclusively report that if you

runs, cross sections, apps, point sheets,

have a relative on, or even thinking of

pens and paper etc. We’ve all been there.

going on the Knowledge, tell them to act

To join a local dedicated school will cost

quickly as the cost of the Compulsory

circa £50 a month for probably around 18

Basic Training (CBT) test on a motor-

months, without any financial help from

bike is going up.

government agencies.

As of December this year the test will

The whole of Britain was up in arms

be made harder as well as more expen-

students or a subsidy at least from TfL, as

about student loans at universities, yet

sive. There will be mandatory theory tests

at the moment the costs is spiralling for

Knowledge students will pay more in

as well as practical tests, fewer learning

this group of people.

financial and family terms, but they are

sites able to do the test in as they will

a silent few. No wonder when we get

have to be approved by the DSA under

our Badge, we are rarely silent!

Knowledge costs

the new legislation. You will also have to

We’re all aware of the ease of other PHVs

demonstrate knowledge regarding road

and apps to get into our trade with very

And for those going

legislation and maintenance, in addition

few costs and even fewer standards, so

on the KoL...

to knowing about the upkeep of the bike

maybe it’s time to give an insight into pre-

or scooter. Prices are expected to be in

The Knowledge school I run is doing well.

sent day costs that Knowledge students

excess of £250.

We have good students, very good banter

are paying and therefore I expect and

The planning is to bring legislation into

and they are getting good averages on

hope to be supported and protected by

practice due to the number of 16 to 26

their Appearances. If any Dial-a-Cab dri-

legislation from TfL.

year olds having accidents whilst on ‘L’

ver knows someone looking at going on

This is a small breakdown of costs for

plates. The best advice I can give is to get

the KoL or for a KoL school and they are

students, just to keep you updated...

a CBT booked before December, even if

in the Chingford or local Essex area, feel

Initial application £80.00

it’s not due! Hopefully, that will then last

free to give me a call on 07984 444 590.

DBS application £56 .85

till the end of their Knowledge days.

Post Office Check/Send £7.15

Tom Quigley

My own opinion is that although we

Medical Payable to GP (variable) ????

Call Sign Online

obviously want fewer accidents for all

road users, the reality is that if something

becomes too expensive and harder to

pass, many will be tempted to not even

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

bother doing the test and start using

someone else’s bike! With a depleted

police force already under severe pres-

376 Strand, WC2

sure, it will be very difficult to recognise

a non-qualified rider with a helmet and

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

balaclava on as it’s the bike that will be

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

on Number Plate Recognition (NPR) and

not the rider. Also, the policy is not to

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

pursue riders on bikes due to fear of acci-

dents.

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

On another note for the powers-to-be

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

who hope to decrease congestion, have

they realised that if they do make the CBT

so expensive and difficult, the majority of

We are certain that you will be delighted

law abiding commuters who use motor-

bikes - and now Knowledge students -

will look for an alternative and opt to buy

a Smart car, fully licensed, congestion

charge free, safer and less expensive to

run. The only thing is that Smart Cars

take up more road space, increasing con-

gestion and delays and increasing emis-

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

sions.

It would seem once again that the hon-

Salieri Restaurant

est motorist and in particular this time

the Knowledge student and the future of

376 Strand, WC2

this trade, will be penalised the most. I’ve

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

been in touch with my trade organisation

to lobby for an amnesty for Knowledge

Call Sign September 2015

Page 12

B O O K R E V I E W

• B O O K R E V I E W

here was a time long ago when

just one book on the London taxi

trade saw the light of day; that was

Anthony Armstrong’s light heart-

ed look at our business with TAXI! But he

Where to Guv?

wrote that in

1929 with Hodder and

The complete history of the British Taxi service (Danny Roth)

Stoughton putting it out one year later.

Happily, there have been quite a num-

a taxi service! He doesn’t mention if they

ber of fascinating books added in later

went south of the Nile, before quickly

years thanks to authors such as Bill

moving on to the 1600s and the genuine

Monroe and the late Phil Warren who

beginnings of the London taxi trade. I

was on ODRTS for many years as A08.

have to take it that Danny’s facts are

Between the two of them, they have put

indeed factual, but they most certainly are

out a complete history and of course Bill

written in an easy to understand and

is still doing so.

indeed entertaining way rather than as a

But what we’ve only had once was a

set of figures.

book on taxis by a non-taxi driver. That

That’s the vein throughout the book as

was Nick Georgano who penned The

he covers the Victorian era, moving

History of the London Taxicab 43 years

through the early 1900s, two wars and

ago, before putting out a sort of follow-up

onto minicabs and the present day.

to the

1972 book in 2000 with The

Having said that, there are a number of

London Taxi before then returning to his

pages at the end of the book detailing

first love of motor cars.

everything from cab driver’s lingo to

So the time is probably ripe for

where our watering holes are!

another non-taxi driver to write a his-

But the bulk of Danny Roth’s book con-

tory of taxis - and you’d have to say

sists of interesting and often entertaining

that for something many still rather

father-in-law, Lawrence Grant, who died

text and technical details about taxis and

strangely consider to be a secret soci-

in 2005. He was almost universally known

taxi drivers and it is well worth a read...

ety, Danny Roth’s Where to Guv: The

in the trade as Pebbles. The book is dedi-

Where to Guv, The complete history

Complete History of the British Taxi

cated to his memory.

of the British Taxi service (The History

Service makes a pretty good job of it.

As for the book itself, unlike most others

Press)

Danny’s only real link to taxis - other

on the subject, Danny briefly goes back to

Kindle Edition £18.99

than being a passenger - was his late

ancient Egypt when boats were providing

Hardcover £19.99

Save Our Black Taxis

Peaceful Demo

I would be

grateful if you

would please

publicise the

details of our

next demo

for cabbies, their

families and

trade supporters

to attend on

Saturday 5

September

opposite

Downing Street.

Artemis Mercer

#SaveTaxi

Call Sign September 2015

Page 13

Joe Brazil asks a

simple question.

BRAZIL CALLING…

Plying for hire; when

did it all begin?

Court to Prosecutor: “Are you sure that is

the man that you delivered to the watch-

There seems to be an inordinate amount of con-

man?”

fusion regarding the term plying for hire; this

“I am and I can positively swear that every

confusion seems to begin and end in the law

word the coachman has uttered is false; he says he

courts, but as any cab driver will tell you it’s not

stopped and called to the post chaise boy, when I

a confusing concept, but one that seems to have

jumped out of the post chaise; when I ran back, I

defeated the brilliant minds that guide our

met the coach a dozen yards or more behind my

industry! I was always curious as to why this

post chaise and the coachman had never uttered

term defied legal definition - as we are told it

a word; I ran for the space of a dozen yards

now does. So with various sources stating when

rather than where the coach was at the time; the

it began and its later amendments, I decided to

coach was going on at the same time; I ran back

look a little closer at early references relating to

and opened the coach door; at the same time my

the law and to cab drivers in particular…

chaise was a hundred yards off side the china

The RMT in a document used the oft

shop on the corner of Watling Street, which was as

reported text below…

near as I can guess directly opposite to where the

Legislation containing the term 'Plying for

things in the indictment; I have had the trunk

fire was at Mr Brown's; his coach was behind me,

Hire' was first introduced in the London Hackney

three or four years; I can swear it to be mine. I

I fancy, a dozen or fifteen yards; it was not near

Carriage Act 1831 under section 4: Definition of a

first examined the property the next morning at

Watling Street in the manner he describes by fif-

Hackney Carriage: “And be it enacted that every

my own house; I had a list of the articles that were

teen yards; it was four or five yards behind my

carriage with two or more wheels which shall be

in it and they exactly corresponded; there were

chaise at the time; I opened the coach door and

used for the purpose of standing or plying for hire

one hundred and twenty two guineas in gold and

after I had opened the coach door and ran to the

in any public street or road at any place within

bills of exchange and a deal of linen; I saw the

horses heads, the coachman stopped and not till

the distance of 5 miles of the General Post Office

prisoner afterwards at the watch house and

then; the coachman further says he delivered him

in the City of London.”

swore to him.”

to the watchman; I positively swear I had him in

Elsewhere in England and Wales, the term ply-

Robert Moore sworn: “I am a coachman; I

my arms for the space of a minute or two before

ing for hire can be found in The Town and Police

was in Oxford Road at past eleven o'clock on 20th

anybody came near me; and it was with difficul-

Clauses Act 1847. This is the usual terminology

of August last, plying for hire. Two gentlemen

ty that I could get anybody to come near me. At

(with later amendments) taken as a starting

called me; I put them into the coach and they

first I had him by the collar with one hand, bring-

point. But when you use sources such as Old

ordered me to go to the Templegate opposite

ing my trunk, begging somebody to help me; then

Bailey Online, earlier references appear to be

Chancery Lane; one gentleman ordered me to go

I called out for help and Mr Hoppy threw up the

in force already. I show the piece below merely

to Tower Street and as I was going round St. Paul's

window at the time; then the watchman came

as an example…

Churchyard, it was half past eleven and a man

after that, hearing the rattle.”

(NB: Chaise and Post Chaise were forms

about twenty yards from the end of Watling Street

Newell: “I can swear I received the prison-

of horse-drawn carriages while a Post boy

meets me and says stop coachman, damn you,

er out of Mr Spode's hands and not the

was supposed to ride on the left horse

why do you not stop coachman? he said so two or

coachman's.”

pulling the carriage...)

three times; at last I pulled my horses in; the man

Prisoner's Defence: “I have my master here,

ROBERT JONES: Theft > grand larceny, 9th

came from Watling Street way; he chucks the

John Patchell; going round St Paul's Churchyard I

September 1789.

trunk up before me on the top of a shutdown boot

saw this man going along and a post chaise

616: Robert Jones alias Samuel Say, indicted

and jumped on the box himself; I went on and

before it; and this man was saying post boy, post

for feloniously stealing on 20th of August

there stood the chaise; and I called halloo post

boy, what have you lost; here is a trunk; and the

last, one wooden trunk covered with skin,

chaise boy, here is your trunk and the man that

gentleman ran up and caught hold of me; and

value 10s, six linen shirts, value 3 l, proper-

has it. When he stopped me, I saw no post chaise;

the trunk was pulled out of the coachman's boot;

ty of Josiah Spode.

the post chaise was just at the turning at the end

I know nothing of it; I think other people lies more

Josiah Spode sworn: “I live in Fore Street; I

of Watling Street going into Cheapside when I

liable to be answerable for the box than I was.”

lost the things in the indictment on Thursday

came up; I was going along Watling Street; the

Verdict: Guilty. Sentence: Transported for

evening, 20th of August, near eleven, near St.

chaise was in the churchyard and I stopped my

seven years. Tried by the London Jury before

Paul's Churchyard; there was this trunk and

horses as soon as I came up to him; I told him

Mr Recorder.

another strapped on before the chaise; I was in

there was his trunk, and the man that had it.”

Now I don't suggest that anyone who finds

the chaise at the time and while I was coming to

“Is the prisoner the man that was on the

himself in possession of theft derived property

town, there had been a fire at Mr Brown's, which

box with you?”

should end up in New South Wales, although I

took my attention; I saw it about twenty yards

“I cannot tell; it was a dark night and the hors-

would imagine the chances of anything being

before; I jumped out of the window; I could not

es would not stand still; I delivered the man to the

returned from any form of transport would

open the door; I ran and met a hackney coach

watchman when he came up; I had no opportu-

decrease markedly if it meant your penance

following my chaise with a gentleman in it, half

nity to take any notice of the man; I believe the

would be paid for in Australia! I could be wrong,

asleep; when I came up to the horses heads, the

gentleman himself came up and took the trunk.”

but just to round the circle, “plying for hire” was

coachman called out, this is your thief! Your pris-

Joseph Newell sworn: “I am a watchman of

understood well before the 1841 act and we may

oner! he has just thrown in this trunk and

Castle Baynard ward; I did not see the trunk

have to dig a little deeper to find its definition. It

jumped up to the seat with me; the prisoner was

taken but I took the man in charge from Mr

surely exists, and maybe this time we’ll keep the

in hearing, but made no answer; after that I saw

Spode, who had taken the trunk; the prisoner was

miscreants in the northern hemisphere, although

the portmanteau and I seized the prisoner by the

the man that was charged with taking the trunk;

I think there would be rarely a shortage of cabs

collar and dragged him down to the pavement;

I can swear to him; I lodged him safe in the

plying for hire that wouldn’t run them to the

we had a violent struggle; after many attempts I

watchhouse and conducted him to the Compter

nearest airport or docks so they could join our

held him fast; no watchman came. At last, Mr

(prison) afterwards.”

antipodean friends for a short while.

Hoppy, who keeps a shoe warehouse, threw up the

James Stevens sworn: “I heard a rattle and

sash and let off a rattle; then the watchmen came

ran after it; when I came to it, this brother watch-

Case quotes are provided courtesy of

and I delivered him up into their hands; there

man had the prisoner fast by the collar; that was

www.oldbaileyonline.org

was property in the trunk to the amount of six or

the gentleman at the bar and the gentleman was

TTFN…

seven pounds; I saw it carried to a neighbour's

bringing the portmanteau (large suitcase)

house for security; I sent for it next morning by

away from the coach to the house; we took the

Joe Brazil

one of my servants; it was all safe including the

prisoner to the watchhouse.”

DaC Board Member

Call Sign September 2015

Page 14

It was a tube strike day and Dial-a-Cab dri-

ver Roy Davis (D99) was hoping for a good

one. It had certainly started out well; he had

ROY AND HIS

been booked into the Ascott Cab Co’s

Blackhorse Road garage for a cab check at

8.30am, not realising at the time of booking

that there would be a tube strike that day. But

STRIKE DAY JOB!

he was delighted when just 30 minutes later,

But not all that glitters turns to gold...!

the Ascott mechanics gave his cab the thumbs

up and he went out to see what fortunes Lady

Luck would bring his way on what was bound

to be a very busy day.

Roy told Call Sign what happened next...

“Sure enough I trapped a job from the

Hilton Hotel in Tooley Street going to the

ExCel Centre. The journey wasn’t too bad

going as all the traffic was going into town

from the opposite direction. I do remember

that the fare was £15 and thinking that Canary

Wharf would probably be busy, so I made for

there and put on at one of the ranks behind a

few other drivers, all obviously hoping to get

back into the City. But it looked like a ghost

town there with the whole place taking on a

really desolate feel and after quite a long dwell

on the rank, I decided that enough was

enough and left.

Did they all walk???

“By that time, the traffic going west was even

“Eventually, I decided that I’d had more

start with the £15 I got for the ExCel job, then

heavier than when I saw it as I was heading

than enough traffic for one day and that home

take off the £2.50 Dartford toll and the cost of

eastwards to Excel, so I decided to try an alter-

near Croydon was becoming an ever enticing

the diesel used, it’s fair to say that the next

native route. But everywhere was just solid

sight. So I turned around and made for the

time there is a tube strike, I’ll be at home

and my attempts to get into town had the

QE2 Bridge at Dartford, took the M20 and

watching This Morning!!!”

reverse effect, with me ending up further and

made my way towards home in Shirley!”

further away from the City! I tried every route

Alan Green (E52)

Looking back, Roy summed it all up: “If we

I knew, but all to no avail.

Call Sign Online

An occasional review from a struggling 14

handicapper at some of the marque golf courses

I've had the privilege to play in my golf days

away from the taxi…

SIMON’S GOLF COURSES

Summer’s here and what could be more enjoyable than a short

golfing break to some not-too-distant places along with some

golfing pals. So over the next three issues of Call Sign I will be

recommending a trip that I've done on numerous occasions.

With the drive-on, drive-off Eurotunnel shuttle service, this trip

is a very easy drive…

The short par 3 on the front 9. Make a 3 here and smile!

Day 1: Hardelot Les Pins:

Hardelot is just 35 minutes from the Tunnel and there is a course that could quite easily match many of the top courses along the Surrey sand

belt. Ranked as one of the top 100 golf courses in Europe, its fairways are lined with magnificent pines that were once part of the ancient forest

in which France and England signed the famous peace treaty 450 years ago. The course consists of strategically placed bunkers and well-guarded

greens which require accurate stroke play.

Those pines, the springy turf and large undu-

lating greens all make this course to be a

great first day opener to your 3-day golfing

trip. The last few holes in particular are very

good; the 17th par 3 with a huge fall away to

the left and the long par 4 downhill 18th with

the green in front of the quaint clubhouse, all

help make it a superb course to play.

I recommend you stay in Le Touquet as your

base. The Bristol Hotel or Le Nouveau

Caddy Motel are right in the centre. A good

high class meal at Le Paris is a must and not

extortionate - although you should book early

as it is often full.

Day 2 next month.

Happy golfing…

Simon Wallis (M11)

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2015

Page 15

Call Sign’s Richard Potter looks at a subject that has probably

affected every Dial-a-Cab taxi driver at some time or another...

A ROAD RAGE CLASH

WITH A CYCLIST!

to the passenger wiper and arm. Still not s

isfied, he climbed the steps of the passeng

door, leant out and grabbed the nearside m

hen I passed out on The

ror before then jumping off the step and ta

Knowledge and was given my

ing the mirror with him - leaving it dangli

badge, myself and the other

by two wires.

nine drivers that day were given

Well, I didn't know whether to clap or s

a word of advice from Mr Chilcott.

bravo! But I was really speechless. I don

“You have worked hard for your badges,

think I have ever seen anything like tha

so don't give me any reason to take them

before or since. And the lorry driver? He jus

back from you. And remember that when

drove on…!

Major Jones is prodding you in the back

There is also an article in the

with his walking stick and complaining

November 2013 issue of Call Sign that

about your route and what’s on the meter,

demonstrates how taxis and bikes can

he will be getting out shortly and you will

fall out big time! It was called ‘He’s

probably never see him again.”

Looking For You’ and featured Dial-a-

That was good advice and something I

Cab driver Melvyn Harvey (E87) and a

have often thought about when dealing with

cyclist

who called

himself

that overly difficult passenger. But that was

‘sonofthewind’ and whose speciality is

it… no other training, no PowerPoint presen-

putting clips of vehicles that he con-

tation and considering that we have to hit the

siders drive to close to him on

ground running, I hope LTPH do more for

YouTube. His ridiculous cameras are

the new drivers.

worth showing again…

Road rage is always an issue and espe-

Richard Potter (T51)

cially with cyclists, but being a driver and

a cyclist I tend to have a neutral point of

Call Sign Online

view. However, I was a shown a YouTube

clip of a confrontation between a driver

and a cyclist. I really deplore cyclists who

have a front and rear camera and who in

Bill Monroe retires

my opinion seek out confrontation.

Go to YouTube and watch this video.

Bill Monroe has never been

Please be aware that there is swearing

on Dial-a-Cab, but was a

involved. It’s at: www.youtube.com/

staunch radio man with

watch?v=2PFRdEUN240. If LTPH wanted a

ComCab. However, as one

training video called ‘How not to let yourself

of the most knowledgeable

get provoked by a cyclist’ then this should be

members of this trade, Call

it. The clip starts out with a close shave and a

Sign had to give him the

bit of blue banter, but the end could have

send-off that we usually

been much more serious had the man hit his

reserve for members of

head or even had a heart attack. I am not con-

this Society after hearing

doning the actions of the driver, but my point

that Tuesday 1

is that you sometimes never know where

September would be the

these arguments will end up and you should

first day of his retirement

never get out of your vehicle over a dis-

as a taxi driver.

agreement.

Bill is a third generation taxi driver, following his father who did the Knowledge in

After watching this incident, it remind-

1933 and grandfather, who actually drove a horse cab in Brighton before moving

ed me of how regular exercise helps keep

down south and driving a motorised cab in London.

stress levels down. When I go out cycling,

Now Bill has completed 42 years in the trade and says that is enough. However, he

the next day nothing bothers me at all.

is also a prolific writer for various motoring magazines and is the author of several

But I saw a taxi driver one afternoon, who

important reference books on this trade; books such as London Taxis: A Full History

really needed a bike ride…

to Carbodies: The Complete Story to Taxi Jubilee: Fifty Years of the Austin FX4

I was headed west along Knightsbridge

London Taxi and probably some others that we haven’t got in Call Sign’s library. But

from Hyde Park Corner; in my mirror I saw

with Bill’s retirement and having his own publishing company in Earlswood Press,

a lorry and a taxi getting a bit too close. When

that number will surely be added to.

the taxi pulled up behind me in the bus lane,

for some reason the lorry came past in the

Already in line for later his year is a second edition of London Taxis in Camera,

middle lane and before stopping next to

which is a full colour history of our trade plus a change of direction - literally - when

me, took the taxi driver’s mirror clean off.

Earlswood publish a book on the American icon, The Checker Cab.

The taxi driver jumped out and to my amaze-

Happy taxi retirement Bill - that, of course, is in the loosest sense as his name will

ment stood on the bumper of the lorry and

still be very much involved with taxis!

Alan Fisher

ripped the driver’s windscreen wiper and

arm clean off! Not happy with that, he then

Call Sign Online

stood on the bumper again and did the same

Call Sign September 2015

Page 16

Laura “Trotts” off in a DaC taxi!

he Prudential’s RideLondon may not

have been too popular with those dri-

ving around London trying to provide

a taxi service - not to mention their

valiant attempts at trying to earn a living - but

for the estimated 70,000 cyclists that took to

London’s streets, it was like an early

Christmas present with streets totally devoid

of anything containing a motor and doors!

One of those taking part was Team GB’s

double Olympic champion, Laura Trott,

who was in both the Saturday

RideLondon event where she finished in

eighth place behind Italian super-cyclist

Barbara Guarischi, and also the 100 mile

Sportive to Surrey and back the following

day.

Laura, now 23 years o

and Prudential’s RideLondo

Ambassador, is currently i

training to defend he

Omnium and Team Pursu

track titles at next year’s Ri

de Janeiro Olympi

aura saving her strength for Rio! Inset: Laura and her two

Games where we’ll all be

ondon 2012 Gold medals

cheering her on.

eekend may have

decided to take a Dial-a-Cab home rather

But it looks as though the

roved too much and

than cycle! We’re always pleased to help...

heat on the RideLondon

the end of it, Laura

TfL Press Release

Break in... to steal a

CHANGES TO PAPER

DaC terminal!

APPLICATIONS

“I didn’t hear a sound,” was how Alan Hall

(B48) described his cab being broken-in to

On Line Application Forms…

when telling Call Sign about the crime.

As part of the ongoing modernisation of

“Having had the cab attacked by

Transport for London's taxi licensing ser-

thieves on several occasions previously, I

vice, taxi drivers and applicants can now

tend to leave it unlocked while parked

apply online, using our new online web

and unattended,” he told this magazine.

portal at tfl.gov.uk/tph.

“On this particular occasion, I arrived

The new online process makes its quicker and easier to

home at around 2am on the Thursday

apply for both new and renewal driver licences. The system

night / Friday morning and went

has been tested with a small number of customers in recent

straight to bed. When I came back to

months and so far 50 applications have been received by

the cab the following afternoon to go

this method.

Customers who would like help in any aspect of the

to work, I instinctively reached out to

online process can also book an appointment to visit

‘sign-on’ to the Dial-a-Cab terminal

our counter service at Chancel Street. Appointments

and lo and behold, it wasn’t there!”

can be made by ringing our contact centre on 0343

Continuing his story, Alan said that

222 4444.

there had been no finesse about the

Applications can still be submitted using the Post Office

terminal’s removal as it had just been

Check and Send service or directly by post.

ripped off the supporting pedestal.

The thieves had used so much force

Taxi drivers’ application forms

that it actually broke the retaining

Since October 2013, new pre-printed application forms

bracket from the adjusting knuckle, so it must have severely damaged

have been issued to applicants and licensees which contain

the back of the MDT as well - probably causing internal damage to the delicate

personalised information relevant to the new or renewal

electronics inside too.

applicant. This allows us to speed up the application

“Anyway, I would not have thought the unit would be of use to a third party,

process, as we scan the forms to our system and automati-

even though to the un-initiated eye it looks a bit like an iPad or mini laptop.”

cally upload the content to the correct record.

Alan smiled at the suggestion.

However, a number of paper forms printed prior to the

“Some time before, my cab was again broken into and personal items were

introduction of the new forms remain in circulation. From 1

September 2015 all new and renewal driver and PH opera-

stolen, including my PCO Green Badge, which, no doubt like many other drivers

tor application forms received will need to be in the new,

meant a lot to me with the personal memories it brings back. But I was lucky on

pre-printed format. Any old style applications received from

that occasion because I found the Badge in my neighbour’s front garden, it having

that date will be returned to the applicant and they will be

been callously discarded by the thieves. So nowadays, I save myself the grief of bro-

asked to request a new pack.

ken glassware and damaged bodywork by leaving the cab unlocked deliberately.

To request a new form, please visit our website at

“Sadly, like many others before me, I learned that there are some nasty people

tfl.gov.uk/tph or call us on 0343 222 4444.

out there and one needs to take care not to leave anything of value in the taxi...”

Helen Chapman

General Manager

Call Sign August 2015

Page 17

As Save Taxi exceeded 10,000

signatures for their online peti-

tion, they called for a friendly,

family day demo outside

The “Happy” Demo!

Transport for London’s Victoria

Street HQ at Windsor House.

Held during the school holidays

on July 31, the demonstrators

included taxi drivers, their fami-

lies, friends and children.

To a cacophony of noise consisting of taxis,

cars and even bus drivers hooting, with

demonstrators - both young and old - shout-

ing out anti-TfL slogans, this demo led by

Save Taxi’s Artemis Mercer undoubtedly

struck a chord with those passing by. TV and

radio companies were out in force - even the

UK Russian service RT gave a favourable

report. Everyone interviewed criticised TfL

rather than Uber, who Artemis referred to as

a symptom rather than the cause of taxi dri-

ver’s current problems.

Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s COO of Surface

Transport, answered in a statement: “As the

regulator of London’s taxi and private

hire trades, we apply legislation fairly and

equally. We have not and do not treat

Perhaps to rub some salt into the face of Sir

chair was Adam’s Aunty Wendy with his

Uber any differently to any other London

Peter Hendy, former TfL taxi supremo and the

Godson Ethan on her lap and his wife

operator and we are satisfied that Uber

man known as Mr Bus who left to move to the

Samantha with her Godson Michael hold-

currently complies with private hire

railways a few months back, the demonstrators

ing the flag poles.

licensing requirements.”

used a London bus to provide snacks and

This was probably the trade’s best demo,

Sadly, few on this side of the trade believe

refreshments to supporters - of whom there

gaining an incredible amount of public sympa-

that. With literally thousands upon thousands

were many! It does seem that the Save Taxi

thy without causing the frustration of horren-

of minicab drivers coming onto the scene and

ladies have taken over so far as demos are con-

dous traffic jams. There is another on

all paying a licence fee, TfL has become

cerned!

September at Downing Street.

almost a financial giant who seem to care lit-

While the Editor was away on holiday,

Dennis Latchett

tle about the taxi side, with many believing

Dial-a-Cab driver Adam McGann (J09) -

that it is unloved by TfL and branded as trou-

one of a number of DaC drivers there -

Call Sign Online

blemakers!

took photos for us. The lady in the wheel-

David Kupler’s

Funeral

It was back in November 2013 that a small shadow was dis-

covered on David Kupler’s lung that within just three short

months had grown so quickly, there was no treatment avail-

able that could help him.

For many years, the long-serving Dial-a-Cab driver had written

poetry for Call Sign - very often loaded with controversy and con-

taining criticism of something or more often, someone. If I ever

told him that he would get me into trouble, he’d just laugh and

ask if I wanted the truth put out there!

Bravely, just before he died, David signed a form that would

donate his body to medical science. He told us at the time: “How

Keith Reading

do we eradicate these types of illnesses if they have no bodies to

look at? What good do a grave and headstone do for the world?

Professional Toastmaster

Those who want to remember me need just look into their hearts

Master of Ceremonies

and I’ll be there, not to visit a cold cemetery to read nice words on

a piece of stone.” He then asked Call Sign to post it.

Tele: 01279 465 938

A memorial service was held at Southwark Cathedral in

Mobile: 07774 860 374

May to celebrate the lives of David and several others that

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

had also donated their bodies in order to help doctors find

more cures. But the time has now come to lay David to rest

and his funeral will take place at 9.15 on Wednesday 23rd

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

September 2015 at Streatham Vale Cemetery.

Fellow of the Guild of

Alan Fisher

Professional Toastmasters

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2015

Page 18

Looking back to May 2008…

Boris: How has he done?

well as during the day. He asked if that was

hose Dial-a-Cab drivers that have

something Boris would look at if elected.

been around since before

Alexander Boris de Pfeffel

Boris responded that roadworks were

something they had to sort out and

Johnson - who we all call Boris for

asked how many times we drove past a

short - became London Mayor on 2nd May

giant hole in the road that had been left

2008, may remember how he courted the

taxi trade’s vote by paying visits to our

unattended? He added that they did

roadworks at night in other major cities

watering holes, drinking tea out of old mugs

and that if elected he would certainly

and constantly referring to us as the best taxi

look at that suggestion.

service in the world. We now know that he

Please let this magazine know if you think

was elected.

So, with his second and final term in

he kept his word on that…

office now coming to an end, Call Sign

And in answering a question from Bernie

thought it would look back to that year of 2008 to see how what he said

Silver (G08) about traffic congestion, the soon-to-be Mayor responded

at the time matched up to what he actually achieved.

in the 2008 article by claiming that TfL had deliberately installed more

It was early 2008 when Call Sign asked Dial-a-Cab drivers if

traffic light schemes, which they had admitted was reducing road space

they would like to ask Boris any questions and in an exclusive

and slowing down traffic. He said that if elected he would focus on get-

interview, these were his answers at the time…

ting London moving and would also re-phase the traffic lights.

Three months after Boris Johnson answered Bernie’s question,

Poppy was a regular Call Sign writer at the time and she asked Boris

he was installed as Mayor. Then five months into his term of

about the possibility of increasing the number of public toilets on the

office he contacted Call Sign and told us he was going ahead

streets and the transport system. She described the numbers as “woe-

with his re-phasing of the traffic lights plan to get the City mov-

fully inadequate.”

ing again, had ordered TfL to look at the light sequences and to

The-then Mayoral candidate responded by saying the one thing

improve the traffic flow that at some junctions such as The Mall

that lets London down was not only the lack of provision for pub-

/ Trafalgar Square, Strand westbound by Charing Cross Station

lic toilets, but also the grotty state of most of them! He said we

and Gloucester Place where it crosses Marylebone Road. These

needed to work with local councils to upgrade them and provide

traffic signals often caused traffic to come to a standstill.

more of them where they were needed, adding that was particu-

Please let this magazine know if you think he kept his word on that…

larly important for people like cab drivers who spent long hours

out on the road.

Alan Fisher

Please let this magazine know if you think he kept his word on that…

Call Sign Online

John Dixon (B67) asked Boris whether, if elected, he would give pri-

ority entry to the Olympic Village for London Taxi drivers for picking

up and setting down passengers during the 2012 London Olympics.

Boris said that he hadn’t been aware of any plans to exclude

black cabs from the Olympic Village and supported our right to

HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES

have access.

Please let this magazine know if you think he kept his word on that…

FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE

Former DaC driver Divyesh Ruparelia asked Mr Johnson if it was

too many buses that caused much of London’s traffic problems, adding

that although a good transport system was important, previous Mayor

• Austones for the TX

Ken’s bus policy seemed to have been a case of overkill.

In his answer, Boris said that Oxford Street was a good example

• Barums for the Vito

of that with 40% of all London bus routes going down there, turn-

ing London’s premier shopping street into “a giant bus park and

that it was certainly quicker to walk.” He said we needed to keep

• Michelin and Continental

a balance but to take a fresh approach.

also supplied

Please let this magazine know if you think he kept his word on that…

Then there was John Riley who asked whether Boris, as Mayor,

would be happy to see pedicabs working the streets of London as they

•

4-wheel laser tracking

were currently doing (in 2008).

for the Mercedes Vito

Boris replied that Pedicabs should be subject to the same rules

as everyone else and that it was important to make sure they were

safe and the fares to be honest. He added that he didn’t have a

• Puncture repairs

serious problem with them, so long as they were confined to a

small area.

• Also free tyre checks

Please let this magazine know if you think he kept his word on that…

David Marks (R22) asked the Mayoral candidate if he would allow

PH to ply for hire on London’s streets.

Find us downstairs the

Boris said that he thought London’s cab trade has taken a bit of

a bruising under Ken Livingstone and that if elected he would re-

DaC Credit Union at

energise it; adding that black cabs had to retain their right to sole-

The Peterley Business Centre,

ly ply for hire.

Please let this magazine know if you think he kept his word on that…

472 Hackney Road, E2

Bill Kibble (K86) asked the man who would become known as Bojo

after being elected about road works and the congestion that was all

0207 729 5237

over town with the renewal of water mains. Bill thought they could be

completed in a third of the time if the work was carried out at night as

Call Sign September 2015

Page 19

With drivers constantly asking Call Sign about the possibility - or

not - of mergers, we’re publishing this letter from Jon Tremlett

(Y32) and its reply from Brian Rice...

Mergers and Cynics!

The cynics (there are a few), think that

Chairman... but then again I might work

any money return will wait until a certain

until I’m as old as you!

influential Board member decides to

Whatever happens, I believe that

retire himself... Really, some drivers have

London cannot now support three radio

no faith!

circuits together with the Apps and of

Since most of the Board do not drive

course the rogue Apps. Something will

cabs or even have to own a cab, are they

have to ‘give’ in the not too distant future

fully aware of the problems caused by the

as there is not one organisation within the

15-year rule and its implications to

London Taxi industry that is actually mak-

Members of a certain age who, having

ing money at this present time. However,

been on the circuit for years now, face hav-

if two of the three circuits were to merge

ing their cabs taken off the road

then I believe you would have a viable

and becoming journeymen on Dial-a-

profitable business. What you can’t do,

From Jon Tremlett (Y32)

Cab, which then bars them from a share of

Jon, is to accuse me of having a vested

Dear Editor

the monies they have contributed to for

interest or endeavouring to create a posi-

I love an old joke; did you hear the one

many years. They and the rest of us with a

tion purely for the reason I have alluded

about the man who went to the Board of

few more years of life left in our cabs

to earlier.

Directors and told them that everybody in

deserve an answer that would help for-

Regarding the 15-year rule, you know

the company says they don't know what's

ward planning.

the rules as well as I do and you would be

going on and they answered: “Really, we

Yours truly in the sense of constructive crit-

one of the first people to reprimand the

hadn't heard that!”

icism...

Board should they not follow the Rule

So here are some collected thoughts

Jon Tremlett (Y32)

Book, unless of course it suited you, then

Board Members might not have heard

who knows?

because having signed a non-disclosure

But I can sympathise with your view

letter, it follows that not being able or will-

regarding the

15-year rule and the

ing to talk to the 'troops', they cannot get

answer is that in order to accommo-

any feedback from them.

date your wishes, we need a rule

Hardly anyone actually driving a cab

change. I’m afraid it cannot be done

thinks that a merger is going through,

any other way.

most of the drivers I have spoken to do

It’s always nice to hear from you Jon and

not want it or can see a direct benefit for

I’m sure you know that my remark about

them. Many others have concerns that the

your age was just tongue in cheek

makeup of a combined Board of

although we do only seem to meet at

Management must include people from

funerals these days, which probably says

their BoM - one that we haven't voted for

something about both of us!

or probably not able to get rid of democ-

Brian Rice, DaC Chairman

ratically.

Other reasoning is that if the other side

are willing at this stage to spend serious

Brian Rice replies:

money on a new office etc, then they are

not serious about a merger into our much

Hi Jon

better placed building. That the protract-

And there was me thinking that ‘Jon the

ed delays are due to holidays etc also

Mush’ had mellowed in his old age!

doesn't ring true or show any real intent.

The Board are aware of everything you

Add to this the fact that any new Board

allude to Jon, and with regard to showing

would have to be quite small and that

‘any real intent’, as I have explained previ-

some current members would have to go,

ously the ball is in Mountview’s court and

well, do turkeys look forward to

we are still waiting for them to get back to

Christmas? So the major thoughts of the

us, although they are in the process of

moving having sold their building and

'Troops' are that a merger is not a good

idea and has no direct benefits for anyone.

renting new premises in Southgate, with

The other part of the merger proposal

August 22nd as the probable date.

As you probably know, the only way

that does interest us very much - name-

we can distribute funds to Members is

ly demutualisation which entails giving

to demutualise; whether we then

back to drivers some of the excessive

'dead' money sitting in our bank account -

merge is another matter, but if we were

to demutualise it is fair to say that

is very much on our minds. Since this can-

Members would have little influence as

not be part of the non-disclosure deal or

they would trade their voice for

have anything at all to do with whether a

money.

merger takes place or not, we are all won-

Knowing you as I do, Jon, when you

dering what actually have the Board done

refer to the cynics that believe any money

about this whilst playing for time, and

return to Members will have to wait until

what is the time scale for this return. The

a certain influential Board Member retires,

collective thoughts are that having pro-

posed this, there is no going back to the

I assume that can only be directed to

status quo.

me! This will probably be my last term as

Call Sign September 2015

Page 20

ONE DIRECTION

TICKETS WINNERS

Call Sign’s ‘One Direction’ com-

TAXI

petition had by far the large

number of entries that an

BOARD

trade paper has ever had for

competition! We offered tw

lucky winners one pair each of

GAME

the prized ground floor VIP

seats for the O2 concert on

WINNERS

September 29th featuring the

biggest band on the planet

If you didn’t win, here is

and received a huge

603

a special reader’s offer!

entries. These boys must be

quite popular!

The two winners of the London TAXI!

Some of the accompanying letters

board game competition in the

to those entries from what appeared

August Call Sign were DaC driver Paul

to be driver’s young daughters and wiv

Churchill (A04) and Curls Villiers, who

virtually begging for the seats almost bought tears to our eyes! Some had

is the senior night shift controller in

queued for hours only to be told there were none left, whilst others sat by their laptops for the

the Call Centre.

9am window to open only to find that everything at eye level had gone! And anyone who has sat

The answer to the question from the

upstairs at the O2 knows how far up that is!

‘Guess who I had in my cab’ section of

Although every letter was read, including a heart wrenching one from the Editor’s granddaughter

the game: Who was the World Dart’s

Shelby who desperately ‘needed’ the tickets, another from a young lady who had apparently dedi-

Champion known as the crafty cockney,

cated her life to the group and would love them forever, to one lady - a driver’s wife no less - who

was Eric Bristow.

offered to clean the Editor’s office for a year in exchange for just one ticket! Several claimed they

The London TAXI! board game is

wanted to marry Harry although none actually said if Mr Styles actually knew. But in the end it had

based on the life of a London taxi dri-

to be just the actual entries that went into the bag. The draw was made by Chairman Brian Rice.

ver. There are over 600 questions on

There was nothing to stop members of the same family entering and many did, but the Editor’s

London and it will be available to buy

rules were that whilst that was allowed, if by some chance both winning names came from the

from local retailers shortly, well in

same family, then one would go back in the bag and another ticket would be drawn - although

time for Christmas. It is currently

that didn’t happen anyway.

available to buy directly from

Amazon. Just link on to:

The other rule is that whilst the winners can do what they want with the tickets - val-

ued at over £100 each - under no circumstances must they be sold.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010V4

POGY.

The winners were Paul Pavlou (W11) and Dave Ballard (N28). While Paul was delighted, Dave

told us that his wife and daughter had already claimed them! We hope they all have a great

Ideal present

evening...

With Christmas getting closer, this could

be a good time to get some of those hard

to find gifts out of the way with a special

Call Sign reader’s offer. You can buy

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

TAXI! board game on Amazon where it

normally costs you the correct price of

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

£29.95 plus £4.73 postage/packing, mak-

ing a total of £34.68.

variable bank interest rates?

But you can save £7 with this Call

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

Sign readers offer!

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

At Call Sign we have arranged a special

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

deal for our readers and if you would like

at your address also qualifies for membership!

to buy the game, then we have arranged

a special £7 reader discount. Simply buy

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

the game online via Amazon at

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

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010V4

up to 3 times your total savings…

POGY and when you get to the CON-

The cost?

FIRM PURCHASE stage of the process,

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

simply input the code CCYF7K4P. This

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

will secure you the £7 additional discount.

Thus you will get the game delivered to

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

your home, for an all-inclusive cost of

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

£27.68.

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

This Call Sign reader’s discount is only

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

available up to and including 30th

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

September 2015.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Registration number 213263

Call Sign September 2015

Page 21

Hi Ladies & Gents

Taking back the work...

From Garry White...

With corporate work at an all-time low, app

users are trying the alternative option - the U

Windsor House demo! The carnival atmos-

co' - to see what they offer! As a night driver, it

phere created by all who attended was great!

has been challenging; however there is still a

You can follow these guys on Facebook (Save

demand for our services but it has meant

our Black

Taxis)

and Twitter

changing the way I and other night drivers

@Supportblktaxis. You can also see a piece

work. We have started taking back work from

on the demo inside this issue.

venues previously lost to touts ie Novikov in

Berkeley Street and Hakkasan in Bruton

World Taxi protest

Street where we have a rank situated right

There has been a call for a world taxi protest

outside the front entrances which are very

on the 16th September 2015 against the digi-

busy. There is also Forge at Cornhill in the

tal disrupter that's affecting the licensed trade

City; messages get sent out to drivers via

worldwide. It will be interesting to see how

Twitter

@UCGup to inform drivers when

this goes...

there are spaces on these ranks or there is

work coming out.

Rugby World Cup

The tournament starts on the 18th September

TfL

andrew.hamshare.taxi@gmail.co.uk.

and runs to 31st October 2015. There will be

I've recently met licensed taxi drivers that live

We have had a good response from our MP,

road closures in the Twickenham area; how-

in the constituency of Thurrock in Essex to

Jackie Doyle-Price and are in the process of

ever, I'm hoping the home nations do well

form a lobby group on how we see Transport

arranging a meeting with her in the very near

with one or even two making it to the final,

for London failing our trade. If you live in

future.

bringing some added trade our way.

Thurrock or know of any licensed taxi drivers

Be lucky...

that reside in the area and would like to add

Family day protest at Windsor House

yours or their names to our group or perhaps

It was good to see the media give the friends

Garry White

join our meetings, please forward your details

and families of the taxi trade some good press

to me at garryw@dialacab.co.uk or

on how they see TfL failing the trade at the

DaC Board Member

PATSY McARTHUR: OTHERWORLD

At the Coningsby Gallery, 5-10 October 2015

Floating in oceans, lakes and pools - escapist underwater images by Patsy McArthur

Not to be confused with Dial-a-Cab driver Patsy McCarthy (C01), Otherworld is

a new exhibition by an artist whose work attempts to capture the weightlessness

of being underwater. Otherworld is devoted to a new collection of paintings by

Scottish figurative artist Patsy McArthur, the result of time spent in the deep and

shallow waters of Australia earlier this year. It runs from 5-10 October at The

Coningsby Gallery in Holborn.

Patsy McArthur’s work explores the graceful and powerful movement of peo-

ple. Following periods of painting freerunners, acrobats and trampolinists, she

has progressed underwater to swimming pools, lakes and the open sea to cap-

ture ways in which people move when submerged and the effects caused by the

relationship between light, colour and water.

While the works may transmit a feeling of immersion, serenity and grace, the

process of making each painting is labour intensive and scrupulously planned.

The new work, from very small ink studies to large oil paintings, is based on

images shot in ten locations around Sydney, from algae-filled filthy private

swimming pools to the ocean waters of Balmoral Beach on the North Shore.

Once Patsy has selected the models for her work, crucially, all strong swimmers, she will consider the particular conditions of each body of

water, including the translucency or opacity of the water and various effects caused by such elements as coloured swimming pool tiles, float-

ing algae or coral.

Unsurprisingly, conditions found in man-made pools and deep oceans differ wildly. In a clean pool, light is able to bounce off the walls,

revealing vivid colour, intense detail and a clear sense of the size and shape of the figure at the centre of the image. In the ocean, horizontal

light can be travelling for miles before it meets the subject of the painting, leading to blurred figures and dampened colours. Weather condi-

tions have a great effect too, with storms churning up sand in the water, hampering visibility but creating interesting effects.

While there is no overt fashion element to the work, most of the models are fully clothed, with dresses and shirts chosen for the weight and

colour of the fabric, the ways in which it reacts with light and how it moves with the powerful push and pull of the water. Once these choices

are made, Patsy will descend with her models, as well as pieces of furniture and other props, spending up to two hours at a time taking hun-

dreds of photographs and shooting video. Back in her Brighton studio, she uses these reference shots to make drawings and studies before

moving on to the paintings. The resulting work conveys a palpable sense of strength, freedom and suspension.

Patsy told Call Sign: “I like my work to have an emotional element and I think my underwater imagery has a kind of escapism about it; the

viewer can feel the temperature of the water, the sensory experience that comes with being in water, that otherworldliness. When it comes to

painting the figure underwater, I'm dealing with differing transparencies of water and their effects on the figure, which is challenging and

keeps it interesting for me. For that reason, it's not a subject I feel I will tire of any time soon!”

The Coningsby Gallery is at 30 Tottenham Street, London W1. The exhibition runs from 5 to 10 October and is open from 9am to

6pm; there is a private viewing by appointment only together with a talk from Patsy on Tuesday 6 October

More info: www.coningsbygallery.com re info: www.coningsbygallery.com www.patsymcarthur.com, info@con

Call Sign September 2015

Page 22

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

Brethren of the Whip

As an example; in

1845, John

had badge number 1366 and passed

Sistren of

Hopkins, described as a squalid look-

the knowledge

“at her eighth

ing cabman, was charged with theft

attempt.” The problem these women

the Whip!

following elopement with his land-

had was finding a garage that would

In last month’s edi-

lord’s wife. It was not the fact that he

allow them to take a cab out without

tion of Call Sign,

“stole” a wife, but the fact that she

raising the ire of the other drivers!

there was an arti-

took all her clothes and a sideboard

Miss Ryder summed it up by stating

cle entitled The

to put them into that prompted the

she was willing to put up with a bit of

Marie

White

charges! Hopkins was sentenced to

animosity but it would be worth it if a

Mystery, which

twelve months hard labour.

“man was released for war work.”

was provoked by

There was nothing to stop any of these

The Shell Book of Firsts lists Shirley

our man in the

women from driving a coach; in fact a

Preston as the first female to drive a

colonies, Norman Beattie. Norman had

proprietor could allow anyone to drive a

London Taxi in 1967, although it was

supplied our erstwhile editor, Alan

cab for

24 hours in an emergency,

more than likely she was licensed by the

Fisher, with a couple of articles from the

whether or not they were licensed as a

local council and when Greater London

American press dated 1887 and which

driver and presumably whether or not

was created, her licence was converted

proclaimed the demise of Mary

they were female.

to a yellow badge.

Hanniwell - the “first female Jehu.”

The 1881 Census turns up six women

Three years later Mrs Sheila Anker, a

The story of Mary Hanniwell was cov-

who were classed as cab drivers. Most of

mother of four, passed the Knowledge -

ered by this column back in July 2013.

these, including the delightfully named

a local one at least - and despite news-

According to newspaper reports of the

Fanny Virgin of Elnathan Mews W9 can

papers proclaiming her as the first

time, one Billy Seymour, a cabman in

be dismissed like the others as an error

London cabby, her badge was definitely

Liverpool was arrested for stealing 30lbs

of the enumerator. But more problemat-

yellow.

of meat. He was taken to Walton Gaol

ic is Jessie Burrows of Waterford Road

That brings us up to Dial-a-Cab’s

and there, prompted by a medical exami-

SW6. Her husband is listed as a cab pro-

Marie White; she was not the first

nation, it was found that Billy Seymour

prietor but she is listed as a “cabman and

woman to drive a cab, nor was she the

was actually a woman! Mary Hanniwell

china dealer.”

first woman to do the Knowledge of

had been masquerading as a male cab dri-

Last month in this column, I

London examinations. She was, how-

ver for at least 6 years in Liverpool and

touched upon the clamour of allow-

ever, the first woman to have complet-

previous to that had been driving a cab

ing women to drive a cab during the

ed the Knowledge in the green badge

round London for 3 years!

Great War. According to Phil Warren,

era - and that’s not a bad record!

This would place Mary as driving a cab

four women actually passed the

in London during the mid-1860s, some-

examinations and were given badges.

Sean Farrell (B39)

thing she could not have done legally.

The Daily Express names Miss Ryder

Cabmen were questioned on their topo-

as the first female London cabby; she

Call Sign Online

graphical knowledge of London from

about 1864 and even with her implied

speech defect, it’s doubtful if she could

have fooled the police given that her face

ABDUL AND SUFIA

was “unmistakably feminine.”

If she did ply for hire on the streets of

London, then it was as an unlicensed dri-

t was so nice to be invite

ver

- possibly using another driver’s

to attend the wedding o

licence. Whilst there is little doubt she

Dial-a-Cab Call Centre

worked as a cabman undetected in

Team Leader Abdul

Liverpool for several years, there is actual-

ly no evidence that she ever worked as a

Wadud and his lovely wife

cabman in London.

Sufia. I attended the

There have, however, always been

wedding with my wife Gill

women associated with the trade; in the

and a number of work

list of the 400 Master Hackney Coachmen

colleagues.

(proprietors) in

1662, 20 of them are

It was a really joyous and

women. These women are the widows of

colourful occasion and on

proprietors that had held a licence and

thanks to one of the few concessions

behalf of everyone at

given at the time - and still enforced

DaC, I would like to wish

today - the widow of a proprietor, or an

them both every

owner driver, could take over the propri-

happiness and the very

etor’s licence. Even at a time when a

best for the future...

woman’s possessions automatically

became the property of her husband, if a

Allan Evans

widowed proprietress remarried, she

DaC Operations /

could retain the proprietorship of the

Call Centre Manager

cabs under her control and they would

not become her new husband’s property.

Call Sign September 2015

Page 23

fter seeing Brian Rice’s shock fig-

Call Sign Says…

ures on page

4 concerning

Transport for London’s licensing

policy, we took a closer look and

here they are in black and white. According to

TFL, TAXIS AND

our licensing authority, they have no choice

other than to licence anyone who fulfils the

necessary requirements - which apparently

can include just a reference from anyone that

knew the person requiring a PH licence in

PRIVATE HIRE

their home country, rather than the

Disclosure and Barring Service that taxi

drivers and hopefully most of the legitimate

private hire drivers need (not to mention up

to four years of doing the Knowledge as well

for taxi drivers)!

Last month’s Call Sign contained a Tweet

from an Uber passenger who complained

that her driver had his five-year old son in the

front of the car with him to both translate and

work the satnav. Judging by complaints on

the internet, that seems to be the general

standard of many PH drivers - especially on

Uber where there is no such thing as a ceiling

on numbers.

According to the figures shown; for the

three weeks between 22 June and 6 July

the number of PHV licensed active drivers

went up from 82,390 to 83,300 - an

increase of 910 drivers. The number of

newly licensed PH drivers in just those

licence cost. But he committed the cardinal

was a joke! But some jokes are more perti-

three weeks came to a staggering 1864

sin of forgetting about it and some months

nent than others and you have to wonder

with the number of newly licensed vehi-

later was pulled up at Canary Wharf. He

whether any of the newly licensed 1864 PH

cles coming to the no-less astonishing

couldn’t show his licence as he hadn’t had it

drivers in that three week period will ever

number of 2176. Active PH vehicle licence

back yet. He showed the police officer his

have the same problem? If they did, then no

numbers went up from 66,255 to 67,041 -

receipt from the PO and they allowed him to

doubt a letter from a friend saying how nice

an increase of 786.

go on his way. A few weeks later and this time

they are would probably suffice without

Then there are the figures for taxis during

several gun-toting officers from the constabu-

incurring the driver any loss of income. The

that same three week period…

lary actually arrested him for not having the

family of the taxi driver are obviously irrele-

The number of active taxi drivers (com-

licence. This group refused to accept his PO

vant and can go to a food bank.

pared to the PH 910 increase) showed a

confirmation and he was locked in a cell and

After 350 years, this trade is ironically fac-

decrease of 29, down from 25,096 to

charged with fraud.

ing far more problems from its own licensing

25,067. The number of newly licensed

Someone later decided that he didn’t look

authority than it ever has from private hire.

taxi drivers went up by 62, meaning that

or sound like a criminal and as he had gen-

As Artemis Mercer said at the Save Taxi

91 drivers had either retired, passed away

uinely paid for his 3 year licence, he wasn’t

demo outside TfL HQ in Victoria Street on

or had their licenses stopped. Active taxi

really defrauding anyone and that no reason-

July 31, Uber was a symptom rather than the

vehicle numbers licensed by TfL in the

ably-minded judge would find him guilty of

cause of this trade’s problems. If only we

period went down by 8, which increased

any offence other than stupidity for not

could bring back Oliver Cromwell…!!!

the differential between PHV and taxi

remembering about his licence non-arrival.

numbers by a further 794 vehicles.

When he asked Call Sign for advice as to

Alan Fisher

We don’t actually know how many PHV fail

what he should do, we suggested he go to

due to incorrect paperwork being presented

Call Sign Editor

Uber - although we did quickly add that it

because we often hear of that happening to

taxis. Neither do we know whether that Uber

driver had to take his 5 year old son with to

translate the obvious words of: “Yes, your

ROY MANIX

vehicle has passed its inspection. See if you

can find some spare road space out there to

In the early hours of 30th July, long time Dial-a-Cab

drive on. Incidentally, we drive on the left!

driver Roy Manix (ex-K98) passed away after a short

Have a nice day.”

battle with cancer.

In the meantime, Call Sign has heard

He joined DaC in July 1992 and left the circuit in

from a driver whose licence was taken

March 2009 due to failing health. He continued writ-

away by TfL. At the time of writing he’d

ing to Call Sign regularly until just a few months

had no source of income for almost a

before his death. Even after leaving the trade, he was

month and had been threatened by the

constantly concerned as to how things were going

police - who arrested him at with guns at

and always signed his emails as Roy the Boy.

the ready - with a charge of intent to

Roy died at home with his wife and children at his

defraud.

side. His funeral was on 12th August at Hendon

This apparently terrible excuse for a

Crematorium.

licensed taxi driver had asked the Post Office

Our sincere condolences to Roy’s family.

to renew his three year licence and was

And to Roy the Boy…Rest in peace mate.

happy to pay their reasonable charge for

doing so in addition to the actual 3-year

Call Sign September 2015

Page 24

DaC, WE WANT A RED WEDDING!

…and it has to be an Arsenal one!

The ‘Special Events’ department within Dial-a-Cab is used to

handling rather unusual requests from clients who have partic-

ular needs as to their taxi requirements, but every so often the

really unusual turns up at the other end of the telephone line!

Such was the case recently when what started out as a

standard ‘wedding’ transportation request, was raised

another level at the last minute.

A spokesperson for DaC explained: “W

are frequently asked for a tradition

London taxi to take the Bride to the cer

mony or sometimes both the Bride an

Groom to the reception. This particula

event started out that way and, as always

we were happy to oblige.

“At the hirers’ request, we can supply

taxis decorated with white ribbons at th

front, with bows attached to the door mirrors as an added spec-

tacle. However, on this occasion and literally just an hour or so

before the actual event was to take place, we were made aware

Outside were red and white ribbons, while these cushions were inside!

that both the Groom and his Father were ardent Arsenal foot-

Inset: Ivan Sobell

ball fans and that they suddenly requested the cab should be

Events’ department was maintained!”

decked out with red ribbons in addition to the regular white ones.

When Call Sign spoke to Ivan, he explained that his son was also an

“Our first thought was W-H-A-T!” said the spokesperson, “but we soon

Arsenal fan and that he had ‘borrowed’ two cushions from him to deco-

got down to turning the request into reality. We immediately called Ivan

rate the inside of the cab as an additional feature.

Sobell (P69), who was covering the event for us and he was able to pro-

“Yes, I do believe the clients were surprised and amused,” Ivan said.

vide not only the said red ribbons via a relative, who was also kind enough

“They expressed their thanks for the ‘extra mile’ we went to, making their

to make up a large white-ribbon bow that adorned the radiator grille of the

day even more special than usual.”

taxi. By all accounts the clients were delighted; our specially decorated cab

In a statement, Call Sign Editor Alan Fisher pointed out that the

attracted a great deal of attention and the reputation of the DaC ‘Special

reason most people want plain white ribbons is probably because

they are obviously Spurs fans!!!

Alan Green (E52)

Call Sign Online

DaC Appeal Result

A Complaints meeting was held on 21 July 2015

with an Appeals meeting on 31 July. The result

is below. Non-appealed results were published

last month…

Name/call sign:

Michael Appleby (L73)

Nature of complaint:

Driver regularly accepted ODRTS staff trip from Woodford

(E50N) to East Road N1 when not physically in the zone.

Then clears trip before arrival at East Road and accepts

another staff trip from the DaC office, therefore gaining

an advantage over his fellow drivers. Warnings have been

given in Call Sign regarding the correct booking-in proce-

dures.

Original result:

Rule 2: 2 week suspension

Rule 3: 2 week suspension

Rule 11: expelled

Appeal meeting result:

Rule 2: 1 week suspension

Rule 3: 1 week suspension

Rule 11: 2 weeks suspension

Sentenced reduced on appeal by BoM from expulsion to 4

weeks suspension

Call Sign September 2015

Page 25

In this series, Cab Guide, City of London Guide and City of

Westminster Guide Bob Woodford looks at infamous peace

time London explosions…

Blast!

Scotland Yard following the 1883 Fenian bombing

Most Call Sign readers will either have vivid memories, or least will

the Carlton Club and Scotland Yard where the Rising Sun pub

be aware of the many IRA bombings carried out in London during

was severely damaged. It was one of the first modern terror cam-

our more recent history. It started on 8th March 1973 with the plant-

paigns in mainland Britain; it resulted in the establishment in 1883 of

ing of 4 car bombs in London, 2 of which exploded. One was near

the first Police unit set up to combat terrorism - the Metropolitan

the Old Bailey and the other outside the Minister of Agriculture in

Police Special Irish Branch - which was trained in counter-terrorism

Whitehall. It was a day that fortunately saw the 2 other bombs

techniques to combat the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

defused - one outside the Post Office in Broadway SW1 and anoth-

On my Study Walk, I mention the bomb which exploded in

er at the BBC's Armed Forces Radio Studio in Dean Stanley Street.

Westminster Bridge tube station on a fateful night of 30th October

The wave of sporadic attacks continued for many years, even after

1883 when a coordinated attack also saw an explosion at Praed

the Good Friday Agreement of 10th April 1994, with the final

Street tube station (now Paddington) just 3 minutes later.

outrage coming on 3rd August 2001 when a car bomb containing

45 kilos of explosives went off in Ealing Broadway, injuring 7

Fortunately, no deaths occurred in either Blast! But over 60 passen-

bystanders and ruptured a water main that flooded the shopping

gers received appalling injuries as a result of being cut by flying glass

centre.

and 6 train carriages were severely damaged as a result of the attack.

In this series of Blast! I have previously featured others of those

Many readers will be aware of the existence of the Black

many bombings caused by the IRA - the December 1975 explosion at

Museum, a macabre collection of artefacts from London’s crimi-

Scott’s Restaurant in Mayfair (see February 2015 Call Sign), which led

nal history, which includes a box of shrapnel from an unex-

ultimately to the Balcombe Street Siege (March 2015 issue).

ploded Fenian bomb found in Paddington in 1884. The

But there have been other bombings by Irish Republicans well

Museum has always been closed to the general public because

before the 1970’s (the period often referred to as ‘The Troubles’ and

it is a real chamber of horrors, representing London’s bleakest

when the mainland was attacked by the Provisional Irish Republican

moments of times past - but the renamed ‘Crime Museum

Army) and in this series I wrote about the Clerkenwell Prison explo-

Uncovered’ runs from this October to April 2016 and is curated

sion (Call Sign April 2015), which was caused by the Fenian

by the Museum of London in the City. It has to be worth a

Brotherhood in December 1867.

visit.

When Alan Fisher reminded me that it was time to prepare my

Next month it’s back to the East End for a Blast! This one hap-

next Blast! I was preparing the Sunday Study Walks for new stu-

dents on the forthcoming *Cab Guide Course - and I always include

pened during World War One - but was not a result of enemy action.

Whitehall, the street that shaped our nation and the various explo-

*Any Call Sign readers interested in going on the Cab Guide

sions that have taken place in this world famous locality.

Course should ring WCHCD Clerk, Mary Whitworth, on 01494

One of the topics that inevitably crops up is the Fenian Dynamite

765922. The next course begins on 7 September...

Campaign of the 1880’s when Victorian London was rocked by a

series of Blasts! Between the years 1881 to 1885, some of the many

Bob Woodford

explosions included venues as prestigious as the Mansion House,

Call Sign Online

A Simple Journey…

“It looked to be a simple enough ride when it flashed up on my Dial-a-Cab terminal,”

Alan Drew (L33) told Call Sign.

“Pick up from Claridges Hotel going to Baker Street on account, were the details.

They wanted Waitrose on Baker Street and then to whizz them back to Claridges.

“So off we went. After a few minutes waiting at Waitrose, the passengers came out of

the store looking a little glum and with a curt “they’ve not got what we want,” then

asking me to take them on to the Waitrose on Motcomb Street in Belgravia; so that’s

what I did!”

Alan was starting to smile at a recollection of the trip.

“I waited there several minutes for them before they came out… looking even more

despondent than before and asking me to take them back to Claridges.

“During that return journey, they were making numerous phone calls while sounding

ever more exasperated with each succeeding call. En-route to dropping them off, they

requested I pick up a colleague who was still in the hotel and take him down to ASDA

in the Old Kent Road, wait for him and then return him back to Claridges!

I never found out just what it was that ASDA stocked that Waitrose didn’t, but what-

ever it was took around three hours to purchase and gave me my best job in ages!”

With that, Alan smiled and headed of in the direction of Claridges.

“Well you never know,” he called out…!

Alan Green (E52), Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2015

Page 26

he publicity has gone before it - a

At the London Taxi Company’s new home to build ultra-low

new UK built ultra-low emission vehi-

emissions taxis…

cle. Now the London Taxi Company

and its main contractor, Winvic, have

started the construction process at the

Coventry suburb of Ansty Park which makes

Construction begins!

the project the first greenfield car produc-

tion facility built in the UK for almost 15

years. It will be LTC parent company Geely’s

UK base for the ultra-low emission vehicle

research and development.

Winvic is a multidisciplinary main contractor

that excels in the delivery of construction pro-

jects on a national platform. Formed in 2001,

they are privately owned and this year will turn

over in excess of £300 million for a growing list

of blue chip clients.

The milestone comes soon after the compa-

ny’s £250 million investment project announce-

ment in the presence of the Prime Minister

David Cameron and London Mayor Boris

Johnson earlier this year.

A breaking ground ceremony attended by

Rugby MP Mark Pawsey, Coventry North West

MP Geoffrey Robinson and Coventry South

MP Jim Cunningham, took place on 3 August

well across all its brands. The London Taxi

London Taxi Company to build their new

at Ansty Park. The company also welcomed

Company and its new products are central to

home here at Ansty. By applying the very

officials from the local authorities, press and

that approach and our investment here

highest sustainability and construction stan-

London Taxi Company board members to

demonstrates continued commitment to the

dards, the building will be befitting to the

officially commence the building work.

UK automotive sector and helps to underpin

products that will be produced here. This is a

The new facility is the first greenfield develop-

the world class engineering capabilities

really exciting time for the London Taxi

ment of any Chinese automotive manufacturer in

which can be accessed in this country.”

Company and for manufacturing in the

the UK, demonstrating parent company Geely’s

LTC Chief Executive, Peter Johansen, added:

region and we’re pleased to be playing a part

ongoing commitment to the country and West

“Today marks another important step for-

in its development.”

Midlands region. The investment will create up

ward for the company and our employees as

The London Taxi Company’s investment rein-

to 1000 direct jobs and support a further 500

we prepare to produce the next generation of

forces the strength of the UK automotive sector

roles in the local supply chain.

ultra-low emission vehicles here in Ansty. We

and the importance of the West Midlands as an

The 37,000m2 building will be constructed by

would like to thank the local authorities for

engine for that growth. More than a quarter of

main contractors Winvic and comprises a

their hard work and support during the plan-

the UK’s 30 largest automotive manufacturing

31,000m2 production facility, which will make

ning process and everyone who has been

sites are based in the West Midlands, with glob-

the next generation of the iconic London Taxi

associated with the building project to get us

al vehicle makers announcing

£850 million

from 2017 and other forthcoming models, as

to this point today. We'd also like to thank

investment in the area so far this year. The auto-

well as 6000m2 office space. Ansty will be Geely’s

our main contractor, Winvic, whose work so

motive industry supports around 770,000 jobs

UK base for ultra-low emission vehicle R&D and

far has been impeccable.”

in the UK and added £12.4 billion to the coun-

the London Taxi Company’s global headquarters.

Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, said:

try’s economy.

Reflecting the London Taxi Company’s values

“Investment of this nature in advanced man-

Call Sign hopes to organise another trip

of sustainability, the Ansty site will have an

ufacturing and ultra-low emission vehicle

for drivers once building work is further

‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating and be ‘A’ rated for

technology is exactly the type of activity we

developed…

energy performance. The building will include

need to encourage and support. This is a fan-

Photo: LTC Chairman Carl Peter Forster,

850m2photovoltaic solar panels and 20 electric

tastic addition to our already booming auto-

Deputy Lord Mayor of Coventry Lindsley

vehicle charging points. It will also harvest waste

motive industry and further demonstrates

Harvard, Coventry City Council leader Ann

heat from compressed air systems to warm the

the London Taxi Company’s ongoing contri-

Lucas, LTC CEO Peter Johansen, Coventry NW

air and provide hot water, while rainwater will be

bution to the local economy, which will only

MP Geoffrey Robinson, Rugby MP Mark Pawsey,

collected for use in all of the facility’s toilets.

grow with the creation of many hundreds of

Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham and

LTC Chairman, Carl-Peter Forster, told Call

high quality jobs for local people.”

Winvic Business Director Danny Nelson at the

Sign: “The Geely group strategy to invest in

Winvic’s MD, David Ward, said: “We are

official launch…

ultra-low emission technology is progressing

thrilled to have been appointed by the

O2: Shouldn’t they remember who their clients are???

A recent O2 advert was brought to the attention of Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian Rice by John Woodgates (T43). The ad said that anyone

signing up to Uber could not only travel in style, but also claim £20 off their first journey. This offer, it added, came exclusively with O2 Priority.

John told Call Sign that he found it difficult to believe the ad was actually genuine and that was why he forwarded it on to Brian.

As all three licensed radio taxi organisations operate their data transmissions via the O2 network, the ad appeared to be something of a kick in

the teeth for ComCab, RTG and DaC.

So Brian Rice wrote to a contact he had at O2...

“My members are in revolt due to the fact that O2 are promoting Uber with a £20 voucher off the first ride the O2 customer takes with Uber.

As you are aware, all three licensed taxi circuits use the O2 network, together with many of the 25,000 licensed taxi drivers in

London, so I can only assume your Marketing Department has been a little naïve or even worse, negligent by alienating the

London Taxi Trade!

Whilst I understand this has not been your personal decision, I would urge you to take this matter up with the relevant department, because at

the moment O2 are doing themselves irreparable damage within the Licensed Taxi Trade.”

Kind regards, Brian Rice

Responding to the DaC Chairman, an O2 spokesperson thanked Brian for making them aware of the Uber promotion and said it

wasn’t something they were aware of at O2 Enterprise business. However, they passed Brian’s message on in order to highlight

the dissatisfaction it was creating. He ended by saying that although Uber were aggressively marketing themselves through any

number of channels, they would rather that promotion in particular had not been run due to the importance of the Licensed Taxi

Trade to O2’s business.

Call Sign September 2015

Page 27

Another true story from Geoff Levene...

BEGGAR OR

CAB RIDER?

“There, that wasn't too difficult was it,” he

I could have called her bluff and suggested

said with a smirk on his face.

taking her there myself, but instead I merely

I was starting to boil. “Why don’t you go

said no! The point to remember is that if you're

away and leave me alone?”

going to claim that you're coughing up blood,

“It would be a pleasure,” he replied as he

it’s best not to wear the cleanest whitest track-

stalked off.

suit in the world!

Just Who is Who

But not Cricklewood!

And Regents Park!

Years ago there was a knock on my mum’s

Nowadays!

So on a Bank Holiday, the good lady wife and

front door in Cricklewood. There stood an

It must have been around 1960 when my late

I are spending a pleasant day in Regents Park.

Irish chap wearing a beret, an old pin-striped

brother David and I were strolling along

As we sat enjoying some lunch, a man accom-

suit and pushing a bike.

Brighton prom. As a middle-aged man rushed

panied by a young girl thrusted a hand-written

“G'mornin’ Missus. Would you like me to

past us, a woman's voice cried out: “Stop him,

note at me. It was all in capitals and read as

prune that tree over there?”

he's got my bag.”

follows: PLISS MISTER. WE NEED FOOD AND

“Well, I suppose it needs doing,” said Mum.

David chased him, ordered him to stop and

HOME. MY GIRL SICK. HELP US. I looked at

“How much?”

demanded the bag. The pathetic thief did as he

the wife. She shook her head. I looked at the

“A fiver,” said the Irishman, “I can do it in the

was told - no violent mugger obviously - and

man. His eyes were pleading. I looked at the

morning.”

stood awaiting his fate. A crowd gathered and

girl. Her lip trembled. I gave him £1.The wife

Mum said she was going out in the morning,

someone shouted to get the police! Then

sighed. The man’s eyes lit up. The girl's lips

so the Irishman suggested she pay him and he

David’s allegiance switched from the victim to

formed a brave smile. Half an hour later I saw

wouldn’t let her down. But the next day there

the perpetrator, saying that we had the bag

them again. They were in a crowd of about a

back and perhaps we should just let him go?

was no sign of the ‘tree feller’ and mum was

dozen men and girls - all laughing and joking.

convinced she'd been stitched up. But as she

He wasn't a mug; he just wanted to help some-

It was one giant scam of course.

one in trouble. I don't know what he'd do these

walked up the road there he was up next

You're not even safe in your own home.

days. There are so many beggars, con artists,

door’s tree merrily sawing away!

These days we live on the second floor with a

scammers and genuinely needy on the streets,

“Are you coming to me next,” she asked him?

video entryphone so that we don't get both-

that it's difficult to work out just who is who...

He looked at her, at the house and at the tree.

ered by nuisance callers. But when we had a

At the traffic lights in Goods Way a little old

“This isn't your place then,” he said before

house it was different. Take that time I opened

lady approached the cab. A job? No such luck!

almost falling out of the tree! He slammed a

the door to a pretty young girl in a dazzling

She just asked if I could spare some change so

fiver into mum’s hand and pedalled away as

white tracksuit.

she could get a hot breakfast. But I wonder

fast as he could.

“Oh hello,” she said nodding vaguely down

why they always target cab drivers? I coughed

As for the bloke who wanted to go to

the road. “You don't know me but you proba-

up 50p but she didn't seem too impressed.

Archway... I should have taken him. It took me

bly know my sister. The thing is I'm coughing

Perhaps she was hoping for the full English...

an hour to find another job!

up blood. Could you let me have a pound so I

Two minutes later and I was stopped at

Geoff Levene (W32)

can get to Northwick Park Hospital.”

Crowndale Road. Up came a man - suntanned,

Call Sign Online

wearing a tracksuit and carrying a sports bag

with his hand held out. In a cultured English

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

accent he asked if I could spare any change!

“Sorry mate,” I replied, “you're two minutes

late. I already gave.”

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

“Can I get to Archway for £10 then,” he asked.

“Look sir,” I said to him, “you're either a beg-

gar or a cab rider. You can't be both.”

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

He said he just happened to have a £10 note!

I just happened to drive on...

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

Transponders / chipped keys

A hot day in Pimlico

On site key cutting services including taxis

It was a steaming hot day in Pimlico and I

decided to take refuge in the air-conditioning

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

of Starbucks. I got a sandwich, a drink and

Burglary repairs / boarding up

began reading my paper as I began cooling off.

Additional security / security upgrades

I became aware of a man murmuring if I could

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

buy him some food or let him have some

money. Not again! He was quite well-dressed,

Grilles and security gates

nice haircut, clean shaven and wearing brand

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

new trainers. I said nothing and went back to

Free estimates / no call out charge

my paper. He persisted and asked if I could at

24hr service

least acknowledge his presence? I put the

paper down.

You can find us at:

“The answer to your first question is no,” I

said and went back to my newspaper. But I

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

was starting to lose the benefit of the air-con-

Tel: 01708 371115

ditioning. He wouldn't go away.

Call Sign September 2015

Page 28

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 harks back to the March 1997 Call Sign and looks at the mag’s gossip columnist

of the time...

Señor Al: The snitches pal

Sorry, who are you?

We've all picked up passengers whose face we couldn't quite place. I did it recently.

“Odeon, Leicester Square, please driver,” the beautifully dressed lady asked sweetly. Before I

could explain that there was a premiere on and that meant that I'd have to drop her as close as

I could, she said that she had a pass to go through the police cordons.

As we arrived at the gates to Panton Street, cars and cabs were setting down their dinner-

suited passengers. A policewoman pointed at me and with a wave tried to get me to park on

the side as all the big Rollers and Bentleys were going through. I flashed my pass. Mine was the

only one that she double-checked, whereas all the swanky cars were waved through and given

a little salute.

“Ok, go through,” she said gruffly.

We drove through and pulled up by the red carpet where a huge crowd were waiting for

celebrities. I was careful not drive onto it as I’d recently had an oil change and some had

dripped onto the tyres!

“God, this is so embarrassing,” my passenger remarked as she opened the cab door to flash a wide smile at the hordes as though she had

swallowed a banana! I wasn't sure who she was, but as the cab door opened, the press flashbulbs went off. I was momentarily dazzled.

“Aren't you going to take some of my passenger as well as me,” I jokingly shouted to the masses. It brought a polite smile and my

passenger made her way along the red carpet towards the entrance.

“Excuse me,” I shouted to her as she walked away. A huge cheer went up. She didn't hear but a uniformed police officer tapped her

on the shoulder and pointed at me.

“Haven't you forgotten something,” I called out, pointing at my money bag and shaking it violently. “Like the fare for example!”

She walked back slowly, her face colour now a perfect match to the carpet.

“I'm sorry, driver,” she said in that same sweet voice, “I don't know what to say.”

The spectators were in convulsions laughing at my passenger’s misfortune. After all, there isn't much to smile at when you’re gawping

at celebrities who don't say anything in case anyone should think they are associating with the lower classes!

“Don't worry,” sez I, “just look on the bright side. Now at least you have something worth getting embarrassed about! You've also

livened up their evening.”

Meanwhile the hecklers were having a field day at her expense.

“Don't forget his tip,” several shouted in unison. Everyone else laughed!

Meanwhile, the photographers were snapping away like mad at this poor misfortunate woman who was doing her best to maintain a

smile. She paid and gave me my biggest tip of the night. As she walked off towards the theatre to a huge cheer, I gave her a wink and

she gave me and the spectators a lovely smile as she managed to smile at her own misfortune. In fact she received a standing ovation...

even though they were all standing anyway! As she left, I called one of photographers over.

“Who was she,” I shouted above the noise. “I couldn't quite recognise her.”

“Ain't got a clue,” he laughed. “Never seen her before in my life! My job's to take pictures of everyone...!”

A METER OR

NOT A METER

That is the question...

Monday 5th October has been set

aside for the declaratory relief hear-

ing to be held at the High Court in

London.

The LTDA claim, along with most of

the trade except our licensing authority

Transport for London, that Uber’s use

of a smart phone type of device that they

use to calculate their fares is in breach of

the 1998 PH Act. The minicab company,

along with TfL, maintain that it isn’t.

Even the LTDA admit that the result

could go either way, but the trade’s

largest organisation has engaged the

services of a top QC to put forward

our case.

Call Sign September 2015

Page 29

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

Dial-a-Cab House

or email us at

callsignmag@aol.com

ers were being interrogated as he spoke flu-

The curious case of

PHV insurance and

ent German.

the cab in the night-

There are also stories of his dealings with

TfL

German Blaupunkt (Blue Spot) radios where

Hi Alan

time!

he often flew to Germany to their headquar-

I was reading issue 231 of The Badge news-

Well Mr Editor…

ters and was collected from the tarmac by

paper on pages 8 and 9 about the contents

I think the time has come for someone to

one of their cars or his days of owning Radio

of a meeting re PHV/Uber. When the topic

say it as it is… Regarding your Curious

Electronics Ltd and his run ins with Alan

of PHV/Uber having hire and reward insur-

Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, I

Sugar! Of course there were then his won-

ance was raised, a person named Gary

think the time has come to say it as it must

derful days as a taxi driver on ODRTS and

Emerson said - and I had to read this twice

be said. We may well ask ourselves just

Dial-a-Cab and his many amazing stories. He

because I could not believe what I was

where DaC goes from here. I think the

really was an amazing man and a true gentle-

actually reading. He said that TfL were

words of the famous Andalusian bullfight-

man with a heart bigger than himself. My

looking at ways to instantly check insur-

er, Manuel Benitez, springs to mind; I will

Mum used to scream at him when he got

ance validity but then made the ridiculous

buy you a house or dress you in mourning.

home from working on the cab asking how

claim that the task was made harder by the

In plain language, the members must

come he was the ONLY cab driver to come

fact that PHV's were also used as private

decide to accept each job going As Directed

home covered in dirt and oil because he

vehicles and so would have to turn the hire

and if we have to run a long way, we must

would spend so much time helping to fix

and reward insurance on and off at differ-

pay ourselves out of reserve profits made to

other cabbie’s broken down taxis! She’d

ent times!

cover it.

point out that they then carried on working

Hands up anybody who knows of any

One thing in the last few years that has

but Dad just went home filthy, but to no

insurance company that would do such a

been lacking at DaC is loyalty. Have you ever

avail!

thing? Making such a statement, how did

thought why so few talented drivers stand

He never charged nurses the fare when

that man get the job? I know in these days

for the Board? So who's got the balls at the

picking one up and if they were from Bart's,

of Political Correctness with ethnic origins,

next AGM to propose that no drivers be

he’d ask them if they knew me as I was train-

sex, sexuality, transgender and disabilities

allowed to wear T-shirts without collars on.

ing there and then tell them to let me know

etc, but I didn’t know that there was a cat-

If anyone is interested in knowing why I

he had been their cab driver!

egory of being as ignorant as dog excre-

would not stand for the BoM, the dog in

There are so many stories, Alan. He really

ment! This is a new one to me. Gary

the night is just not curious enough to look

was a one off…

Emerson should resign. If not, somebody

over the wall, let alone trust anyone else to

Larry Gold

in TfL with any balls should give him his

look over the wall for them. I will leave you

Kissimmee, Florida

P45. Alas, in the civil service, the way they

with the words of Senor Benitez… we

Don’t forgot the time he was held up at

get rid of a Wally is give them promotion!

decided to hold the fight in an open field!

gunpoint at the age of eighty something

God help us…

Gary Cox (O46)

when he refused to hand over his wallet!

Brian Marcantonio (R73)

Gary is referring to the trouble Linda

…Ed

The article in The Badge Brian is refer-

and I had in getting an account cab

ring to was about the 8 July meeting at

from Shaftesbury Avenue back to Dial-a-

City Hall. In an excellent report, it

Cab at 10.30pm after we had watched

Sid Gold

Hi Alan,

showed the TfL side - in the shape of

the Curious Incident of the Dog in the

Leon Daniels and Garrett Emerson (I

Night-time. It wasn’t a case of no cabs

I've just seen the August 2015 Call Sign and

was happy to see the article about my dad. As

don’t know him as Gary) failing to

available because the trip had 27 rejects

answer questions put to them by the

and in the end we caught a passing cab

people have said - he was a legend and they

don't make them like him anymore. Our

GLA and in the specific case of PHV

…Ed

insurance, by Victoria Borwick. The

house is very quiet without him. We miss him

very much.

article was headlined:

‘Flabby and

Sid Gold book…

cosy’... TfL mauled by GLA over Uber

I want to thank you for coming to my dad's

Dear Alan

funeral - he thought a lot of you and often

relationship!

Thank you again for your touching article

Ms Borwick had claimed that links

spoke about you. His stone setting will be on

on my dad, Sid Gold. For some time now I

17 July next year and I will remind you near-

between PH drivers and specific PHVs

have been thinking of writing a book about

and vehicle insurance were nowhere

er the time. Perhaps you would put a notice

Dad's life... from his upbringing in the East

in your magazine.

near as strong as in the taxi trade,

End to his days in the war and how his

whereupon Mr Emerson said that TfL

Roberta Gold

Mum died when he came home on leave

were looking at immediately getting

unexpectedly. She then went to queue for

access to check PHV insurance validity.

extra rations to feed him, but suddenly

Mapping upgrades

He then made the statement that Brian

fainted in the queue and hit her head. She

Hi Alan

is referring to about PHV switching

died on the way to hospital.

When do our terminal maps get updated?

from one policy to the other - one that

Then there’s the story of how he was one

John Gilbert (W72)

The Badge’s reporter called

“ridicu-

of the first to enter one of the death camps

Every time cabs are called in for an

lous,” when explaining what we all

after they were liberated, or after the war

upgrade, the latest mapping is added

know ie that taxis are also fully insured

when he became a Translator while prison-

…Ed

for both hire and reward and domestic

Call Sign September 2015

Page 30

Mailshot

use and that there was surely no need to

We should also drop a line to our MPs with

look at every one of those trips and con-

switch one off and the other on for PH

your concerns regarding the licencing

sult with our GPS system to see where

either. So far as Call Sign knows, there

of Uber; don’t sit back and let the parasites

the Member actually did their POB. In

is no such policy as the on/off described

go untroubled.

many cases it is when the passenger has

by Garrett Emerson …Ed

Gary Tyler (L79)

been on board for a few minutes and

Brian Rice replies: I know Gary, it’s a dan-

departed from the pickup point. With

In the Twilight Zone

gerous state of affairs that has evolved due

every FP, the Member is shown pickup

Dear Ed

to the incompetence of TfL, both to the

and destination and price, he can then

TfL have licensed

82,000 of uninsured

public and the taxi trade. Uber should

reject the trip if he so desires. However,

“taxis.” Apparently it is not illegal to charge

never have been licensed back in 2012,

what we are now doing on the longer FP

£200 per mile in a rickshaw while our

because so far as I'm concerned they are

trips is to give the customer 5 minutes

Mayor believes it is legal to transport his

available for immediate hire and on that

free waiting time, but when the five

Mrs to work on his saddle! The Oompa

premise alone, their licence application

minutes has expired we will not take

Loompas have taken over TfL. I must have

should have been declined. If the manage-

the FP out and revert to the metered

been asleep and woken up in the twilight

ment at TfL were unsure of the legislation

fare, but will add on 45p per minute or

zone!

- as their past employment record involved

£27 per hour to the FP.

David Hughes (A73)

buses only - they should have consulted

So basically Gary, I agree with every-

You said it Dave! …Ed

with the taxi trade as there are several peo-

thing you say; but there is just one last

ple that could have advised them. But it

point I’ve thought of. When the original

appears TfL only sought internal advice,

legislation regarding Private Hire was

TfL, Uber… and Dial-

introduced in

1998, we fought very

which I believe was incorrect.

The licence application should have

hard to have a clause inserted that

a-Cab!

been refused, then Uber would have

required the minicab driver to have a

Hi Alan

taken TfL to court. But in the meantime

topographical knowledge (not to our

Uber… useless! I was driving westbound

they would not have been able to oper-

standard); we hired Lobbyists, consult-

down John Islip Street early one morning

ate. However, when the case does eventu-

ed with MPs and were successful in hav-

when a Toyota Prius travelling east decided

ally get to court I'm really not convinced

ing the clause inserted. There is no

to u-turn in front of me. Now it was west-

the Judge will advise in our favour regard-

doubt in my mind that by having a topo-

bound and at the lights at Vauxhall Bridge

ing 'immediate' hiring; even I could put a

graphical knowledge, the applicant

Road. It turned left and stopped half inside

convincing case for Uber and I can assure

would have to speak and write English

the yellow box. Then the door opened and

you they will hire people a lot brighter

and have a reasonable idea as to where

a young lady got out, opened the boot, got

than me to support their case. Uber have

he was going and all three should be an

her suitcase out and walked to my cab. She

had some absolutely terrible press, yet

essential requirement. But that clause

asked me to take her to Heathrow and got

they continue to thrive and the public

has been totally ignored by TfL! The

in. She said she had tried Uber for the

first… and last time!

continue to use them. If our highly regu-

Mayor states he is going to 'cap' PH

lated industry is not supported by TfL,

licences, but unless there is a change in

“He didn’t know which direction to

take,” she complained! I informed her that

then we will have a real problem. A high-

legislation he does not have the power

he possibly had no experience of driving in

ly regulated industry with all the costs

to do that, the same as with a taxi

London. “Unbelievable,” she exclaimed.

involved, will never be able to compete

licence; if you meet all the criteria

Anyway, she was thankful when I dropped

with a Rag, Tag and Bobtail outfit!

required then a licence must be issued.

her at Terminal 5. How much was he going

I must admit I’m not a fan of Fixed

If the Mayor wants to cap numbers,

to charge her you may ask? Well it’s irrele-

Prices in town, as we might as well be

the solution is easy - introduce the

vant as she would have undoubtedly

a minicab outfit. Also, very often the

Topographical Knowledge part of the

missed her flight!

metered fare is more expensive on Tariff

legislation that is already in place for

TfL are responsible for licencing these

1 than it is on Tariff 3 due to traffic con-

any new applicants seeking a PH

jokers and I don’t think we should try to

ditions. Consequently, submitting a fair

licence, that will reduce numbers

compete on price, but as Dial-a-Cab is now

FP for all parties can prove to be diffi-

overnight… and that advice to the hier-

putting fixed priced jobs out for longer

cult. However, on longer journeys I agree

archy at TfL and the Mayor comes free

trips, I think we can compete with other

with you Gary, we can compete with the

of charge!

PHV circuits. I think the meter for postcode

opposition. On Tariff 4 (yes, there is one)

jobs is right, but for jobs going out into the

the meter registers at £3.64 per mile, so if

Uber and sexual

‘sticks’ it can be fixed at a sensible rate

you travel at 70mph on a motorway your

below the meter, which can be worthwhile

meter will register £254.80p per hour! I

harassment towards

for the driver. If it means getting longer

know you have to come back, but you

jobs back in our cabs, then I am for it.

must decide if that is a little on the expen-

staff?

Having the right to reject must apply of

sive side!

Hi Alan

course.

Consequently, we are offering a FP for

Bloke in my cab this morning told me his

People will always try elsewhere, but I

these longer journeys; unfortunately

company had closed their Uber account

think our service is excellent. However, in

some Members are delaying their POB

because of two cases of sexual harassment

these times price seems to dictate… so let’s

until the

10 minute threshold has

towards female employees! It had been

give it a go.

elapsed, so the FP comes out. We now

reported via email to TfL but as of yet there

Call Sign September 2015

Page 31

Mailshot

had been no reply! They have now started

way to gently point out to DaC drivers (even

As for renting out the building; yes,

using Gett but I told him that we were

the non-smokers) that inhaling toxic fumes

the Board did take note of your sugges-

more accommodating for longer trips and

for hours on end could possibly damage

tion and have offered parts of the build-

more professional. I have passed their con-

their health.

ing out for rent and would still consider

tact details over to Keith Cain…

Please consider the above and wear a mask…

offers. In fact when I showed him your

Jon Robinson (E88)

Jan Kupler

letter, the Chairman told me that we

You have to wonder why people still use

Chigwell, Essex

actually offered part of the building to

Uber with all the negative publicity they

David Kupler died in April 2014 at the age

Mountview instead of them renting

receive from around the world. If my

of 66. In addition to being on DaC for

premises in Southgate. Also, the

daughter or two granddaughters ever

many years, he was also Call Sign’s resi-

builders next door were offered the

called an Uber cab, I’d go mad and

dent poet …Ed

opportunity to put a raised floor in our

physically try to stop them. But if either

car park and to erect portacabins to

of my two grandsons did it, I’d call

Looking backwards?

house their project team. However,

them mad. Does that tell you anything

Dear Alan

both were to no avail ...Ed

about Uber? Perhaps TfL could elucidate

First, may I start on a positive note! There is

as to what it is about Uber that they like

a feeling that business is at last improving. In

Fixed prices and subs

as compared to the awful publicity they

the last 2 weeks I have been offered five

Dear Alan,

accumulate …Ed

account jobs! It is regrettable that so much of

I have been fortunate to cover a couple of

the taxi trade press - and even the wonderful

fixed price account rides recently and

No such cab!

Call Sign - spends such a long time moaning

whilst I bemoan the fact that some have

Alan

about the competition and recalling our glo-

been considerably under-priced, on a time

Just read the July Call Sign Online and par-

rious history. With habitual looking back,

basis they represent reasonable value.

ticularly enjoyed the article on page 26 about

emphasis on tradition, tales of drivers who

However, I regard it as most unfair that not

Alan Lewis (DaC A44) and his FX3 - despite

were "characters" and anecdotes from others

only do I then lose 7.5%, I have to pay VAT

the typo in your photo caption that named

who keep remembering better times, togeth-

on top, making a 9 percent deduction.

the vehicle as a TX3! My own taxi is a 1955

er with gripes about how minicabs have

Would the BoM consider removing the vari-

Austin, so I am sensitive to these matters!

taken "our" work, it is not surprising that we

able subscription on fixed price rides?

John Freeston

have been overtaken by business people who

David S. Lessman (D19)

Vice Chairman, London Vintage Taxi

look forward and make quick use of technol-

Company Sec Howard Pears will bring

Association

ogy as it becomes available. In any other area,

your suggestion up at the next Board

Windham, New Hampshire, USA

it is impossible to imagine such a blinkered

meeting ...Ed

Bet you’d like a TX3 though John! For

approach by an industry faced with new

those unaware of why there was a TX1,

rivals. When Pepsi-Cola first arrived, Coca-

Cola did not spend ages whining "not fair"

One fine day...

TX2 and then TX4 - but no TX3 - it was

because at the time the engine was Euro

but tried harder, modified, diversified and

One fine winter afternoon, I was working

advertised effectively. When manufacturer of

happily and at around 3.30pm, home beck-

4 compliant and TX3 gave out the

wrong image. It was also said that the

typewriters, Olivetti, saw new technology

oned as usual. It was dry and very cold, but

arriving, they did not dwell on past process-

no snow was forecast. Suddenly the voice

company (LTI at that time) “wanted a

connection with its world famous FX4.”

es but moved into computers, tablets, smart-

radio burst into life: First call Manchester

phones and printers.

Square going to N20 delivery... 2nd call and

…Ed

After the severe downturn in 2008 and

it was mine! Great job to within 200 yards

large reduction in our staffing levels, I made

of home, how lucky was that! Off I went

Air quality and taxi

the suggestion at our AGM in 2013 (possibly

and immediately it started to snow very

drivers

2012) that one or even 2 floors of our offices

heavily. I slipped and slided to Swiss

Hi Alan

in East Road be sublet. This would have

Cottage, slid down to the Golders Green

It's only my opinion - I’ve not checked any

raised substantial rental income. However,

lights before deciding that I just couldn’t

figures - but my husband David Kupler’s

Brian Rice said that there were security issues

get any further. So I parked on the rank,

lung cancer was very aggressive. I believe

involved in sharing premises so this idea was

took the tube to Totteridge and walked to

that years of smoking JPS cigarettes AND

not acted on. Perhaps the time has come to

deliver the parcel at about 5.30pm before

driving round a heavily polluted city every

reconsider?

then walking home... job done! I went back

day caused the cancer. So I really think that

Laurence Kelvin (W88)

to the rank the following day to collect my

Dial-a-Cab drivers should consider wearing

Nice to hear from you Laurence. Sorry

cab as by then the roads had been gritted.

those white face masks. When David was

you don’t like parts of the magazine that

Oh and while I think of it, what about

forced to give up his air conditioning sys-

look back but it is, after all, a magazine

those amazing BBC jobs such as picking up

tem in order to make space for the catalyt-

and with the greatest will in the world

an order from Television Centre to go to

ic converter, he naturally had to keep his

there just isn’t enough news to fill it up

Crystal Palace, pick up a tin of paint and

windows open to keep cool. As a result, he

with just that - unless you want me to

then return back to TVC! Happy days!

was breathing in a huge amount of toxins

turn it into something similar to papers

Retirement is great down here in Bognor

day in, day out. So it’s really not that sur-

that fill their pages with press releases

Regis; we even see DaC cabs down here as

prising that he should die of lung cancer.

and end up all looking the same. Actually,

some other drivers also live here. Best

Don't worry Al, I'm not about to start a riot

some of Coca-Cola’s most popular ads

wishes to all...

or anything, but I wondered if there was a

were those that looked back!

Martin Freeborn Ex (C67)