Aubrey's Retirement
You will read tributes elsewhere in this issue of Call Sign to Aubrey Siteman who has decided to retire after twenty eight years as a Board member for ODRTS. Aubrey will officially retire at the next Board meeting on 22nd October after celebrating his birthday. At this point, I don't think it would be gentlemanly conduct to announce his age!
   Aubrey has held every Board position from Complaints Officer through to Chairman and he was the first Board member that I met when I joined ODRTS in 1974.
Aubrey has seen it all before, from voice to data and from Kings Cross to Shirland Road to Brunswick House. He was also Chairman of this organisation during it's most turbulent years when we were literally trading on a day to day basis, with everyone having to pull their belts in. Aubrey's guidance helped steer this company towards more profitable times.
   He is a man who is respected both in and outside of the trade and someone who has been extremely supportive of me ever since I have been Chairman. Not only was he a Board member - he is also my friend. Enjoy your retirement, Aubrey...

Code 77
Having introduced the 'going home' facility, it became very obvious that there would be certain anomalies within the system. Already we have had new software written in order to try and make the facility less open to abuse, just as there is no doubt that new software will again have to be added before the new method works in the best interest of the majority of members. The original concept was to help the driver gain a job that would help him on his way home, rather than drive past very busy zones because the work was being despatched 'as directed'. Drivers were previously afraid of taking an A/D job for fear of going in the wrong direction.
   The changes that we have made to the system in order to make

things more fair, have been brought about by telephone calls that we have received from members pointing out the anomalies. Also, members have pointed out the downside when  visiting Brunswick House or indeed, even when I or other Board members have travelled in member's cabs!
   The input that we receive as a BoM from you the drivers is invaluable in enabling us to collate all the information that we receive and then hopefully, to make the right decision to benefit the majority.

Forums
Because of all the information that we have received from DaC members in recent times, I have been thinking of reviving the member's forums to enable the BoM to hear your views on any topic you choose. It will be an excellent opportunity to put your views directly to Board members and also to get some answers. If the feedback we get is positive, then I will re-introduce the forums as soon as we can organise a venue, but remember, I am looking for feedback from all members and not just the minority.

Brian Rice