DEUTSCHE
BANK
You will read on both the Chairman’s page and in the Sales report from
Allen Togwell that Dial-a-Cab have captured the Deutsche Bank from
Computer Cab. Other than congratulating those involved, it is not my job
nor my place to add to their comments. However, I would like to reproduce
a short piece from the April 1998 issue of Call Sign. Under the heading of
McKinsey and Co, I wrote the following - and was criticised by some of our
drivers for doing so. But I repeat it here:
“My
congratulations go to the hierarchy of Computer Cab for putting together a
Tender to beat ours and capture the account of McKinsey & Co.
Information suggests that it was some of their new, advanced technology
that won the Tender rather than service or cost. If that IS the case, then
make the most of it at Woodfield Road because I believe that by the
year’s end, that advantage will be well and truly nullified! But until
then, Com Cab deserve to be congratulated on a good, clean fight. I would
much rather they won the account that a minicab outfit.”
I would now hope that they would echo our sentiments and be glad that if
they
can’t have the account, then at least it has stayed within the licensed
realm. We are all competing against each other, but hopefully we can keep
that competition on a fair, honest and as friendly a basis as possible -
as both of us have done for the past few years.
NASH’S
BACK NUMBERS
Very rarely does a month go by when someone doesn’t contact me by
phone, letter, email or just waylay me in the street to ask if I could run
off a copy of one of Alan Nash’s page 2 articles.
The most requested ones were those following last years
increase when Alan’s computer wizardry produced the ultimate fare chart. Well, this
year Alan has improved even on that with the ultimate, ULTIMATE fare
chart! So as a warning, let me tell you that in order to get as many towns
in as possible, they have been stretched to cover this issue and the next
three.
Just to remind you, Alan’s chart will give you the town, the DaC post
code of it (ie Bexley - SE50) and the fare to that place from four
separate places - Heathrow, the City, Trafalgar Square and Cabot Square.
Keep them safe - they will make your job easier. And once again, a big
thank you to Alan…
HAPPY
ANNIVERSARY TO ME?
Where does the time fly to? The issue you are currently reading marks
the beginning of my third year as Editor of Call Sign! It just doesn’t
seem possible. Purely by coincidence, this issue is packed with give-aways.
The monthly logo draw (for this month only) has been boosted by a joint
co-operation between Dial-a-Cab and SkyDigital and the prizes are mind
blowing. As they are mentioned elsewhere, I won’t go into them but just
to say that one of you out there is going to win a huge package of prizes
- provided, of course, that you have the DaC logo on both doors. There is
also another logo competition just for those who fit the logo this month.
If that’s isn’t enough, you can find out later in this issue how to
win one of FIVE family passes to the Chessington World of Adventures - the
south of England’s best theme park. You want more? How about two pairs
of tickets to Vinopolis - the new celebration to the world of wine. You
can be among the first to visit this huge new £20 million complex set
over two acres that is aimed at the adult pallet!
Yes, happy anniversary to me…
PAUL
BISHOP
When I was given the news that Paul Bishop (R64) had succumbed to the terrible illness that had taken over his life so briefly yet with such finality, I felt absolutely stunned. In fact, the feeling of
utter shock hit me even before the sadness - which followed very quickly
behind.
A fairly healthy-looking Paul had told me just after the AGM that
medical opinion didn’t expect him to live more than another six months.
What do you say to someone in that situation? Someone who is used to
running in marathons to help a charity supply equipment that helps save
babies lives. The answer is very little other than to keep in touch and
not to be afraid to talk to the person if that is what they want. And Paul
wasn’t afraid to talk about the future. His only real concern was his
family and in truth, Paul continued to drive his cab far longer than he
should have because he wanted to support his wife and children.
I got to speak to Paul quite a lot during his last six months
and all I can say is that it was a privilege for me to have known him.
There is a tribute inside this issue from one of his running
companions.
GUILTY
UNTIL PROVED INNOCENT
One of the trade papers has been going on about Human Rights in
relationship to the Public Carriage Office. But the problem is apparently
much wider that that.
I recently appealed against a parking ticket issued to me by Hackney
Borough Council. My grounds for appeal were that there was no mention on
the ticket machine about any increase (it had gone from 30p per hour to
50p). Consequently, when I put the 30p in, nothing happened and I assumed
that the machinery was faulty. I put a note on the cab windscreen and went
to briefly see an elderly uncle. About ten minutes later I returned to
find a parking ticket.
After a two month wait, my appeal was accepted but a covering
letter was sent saying that although they were accepting my excuse, a
record of it was kept on file and this excuse would not be accepted again
in the future.
I have since replied asking them to clarify their statement
and if they were unable to withdraw it, I would consider taking legal
advice on the matter. If I hear, I’ll let you know.
AND
FINALLY
I’m sorry that this magazine has arrived so late. It was due - as they say in all the best places - to circumstances beyond my control!
