(2)

Chairman’s Report (continued)

I attended the cocktail party at the Les Ambassadors, organised by the Sports Aid Foundation to which the cab trade has pledged its support, the idea being to raise funds for our 1980 Olympic team. I personally think it is a good idea and have agreed to make available through the Front Shop, any literature or raffle tickets they care to send.

When you see the job figures, spare a little thought for the staff who made them possible. We have a good team, the day shift telephonists mothered by Hazel, the evening shift being nursed along by Marie and the night shift Gee’d up by Micky E51! Show your appreciation of them by contributing to the Christmas list now on display in the Front Shop. If you want to donate a credit ride to them, tell the dispatcher when you clear it over the air.

One final reminder about the AGM, Hammersmith Town Hall, Sunday 27^th November, 14.00hrs prompt.  I must remind you that only shareholders will be allowed to speak due to the many things that have to be discussed.

See you at the A.G.M;               Bye for now, be lucky.

TREASURERS REPORT                AUBREY SITEMAN C7

Once again we are in the month when we have an upsurge of activity within the society.  The annual dinner & Ball and the A.G.M ( I can’t say which one I enjoy the most).  The former, where we, the board, meet some of our customers, suppliers and perhaps the representatives from the Trade and also a proportion of our drivers.  Or perhaps maybe the latter, where we face you our members and discuss the business of the society and matters that affect all of us.

I believe that some members feel that the D&B. is one glorified booze-up and is un-important so far as the society is concerned.  They could not be more wrong! If they could see the good will that is engendered by the function which done on behalf of all the members of this society, I am sure they would change their minds.  As for Board members and their wives, on this day they all work extremely hard and I know they do our society proud.

The AGM is another thing; I must say it is extremely nice to meet the majority of our drivers on that day.  It has always been a source of pride to me to see how our society has grown over the years into the force that it is today.  The issues that arise from discussion do not change all that much over the years.  I think that the most emotive issue has always appeared to be putting more cabs on the circuit.  I remember when we had 450 cabs and we wanted to add to the fleet, it took an EGM to get it through amid forecasts of doom.  Recently we had the same predictions of doom.  Since then the society has gone from strength to strength and in the last financial year, invoiced our credit customers well over £1million and we are still scrubbing work.  So who was right and who was wrong?  The important thing is to maintain a balance between work and cabs, so that both sides are given a good service.

This year obviously there are other things to discuss and I am looking forward to a good meeting.  Let me remind you, all shareholders are required to attend the meeting unless you have an acceptable excuse, which you have to submit to us before 27^th November. Judging by last years letters and those I have received to date, I am amazed how many barmitzvah’s, christenings, weddings, funerals, stone consecrations, birthday parties, visits to old age pensioners, holidays, pregnancies (intended or not) and other functions that are taking place on that day.  Perhaps in future, anyone that is coming can let me know, it might be an easier way of doing things.  Joking aside there is a £10.00 fine for non-attendance without an acceptable excuse.  So be warned!

A reminder to all drivers paying by Bankers Order, do not forget to alter them to £20.00 and £21.00 respectively from 1^st December 1997, and also remember your annual G.P.O and insurance monies are due from that date, which is £7.60.

Lastly as this is the last Newsletter before the AGM, may I thank all of you for your help and encouragement over the past year.  I can say that it has been a pleasure to serve the society and with you permission I will try to continue to do so.

FACTS & FIGURES

Cash received                                                Credits received                                 Scrubs

44,162                                                   25,609                                                   11,307