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COUNTDOWN TO THE AGM

 A brief look at the past year

DECEMBER 1976.  At the A.G.M Martin Gellman handed over the Chair to Peter Fennymore amid a tumultuous ovation.  It was the member’s way of saying thank you to a truly worthy Chairman.  Needless to say, Martin received a very high vote for a place on the board.  The womble from Wimbledon, Peter Fennymore edged nervously into his new post, but still won the right to his nomination of the chair by answering member question with growing confidence.  Len Harbour L90 was elected on to the B.O.M Micky Gee, for the third time, just missed out.  A pleasing A.G.M, which gave the B.O.M a morale boaster to carry on for another year.

 JANUARY 1977.   For the new year the new chairman introduces facts and figures in news & views the saga of finsbury square rank ends with approval Trackers track another animal- dinner & ball another great day.   Never have I seen so many hip-swinging hand waving bell bouncing cab drivers enjoying themselves bouquet goes to Jack Taylor Treasurer gloats over increase in credit work. -S.E.X man jack Taylor getting credit work no problem can you cover it.  Phil Messias, Compliant Officer is elated over mailing another animal. - The control room supervisors write to news & views on behalf of the staff thanking the drivers for a generous Christmas gift.

 FEBRUARY 1977. The B.O.M refuse joint trade committee, (J.T.C) offer of limited membership. - Our joint radio committee (J.R.C) Representative martin Gellman becomes chairman of J.R.C – Complaints on increase.  – West London Air Terminal in trade dispute over Britannia Cars.  O.D.R.T.S. Put out statement in news & views. Decision proves correct pyes alter wiring on cabs to stop battery shorting –Treasurer to improve Admin working –late night shopping on Thursday at Shirland Road.

 MARCH 1977 Chairman says “ what else can happen” boycott called on northern railways radio sets stolen signals causing concern W.L.A still discontent enough Bayswater ranks incorporated for better coverage.  Treasurers predicts a good half year must not relax efforts – drivers put on stop if arrears in subs.-front ship hours changed S.E.X –45 accounts opened, worried about existing ones. - Complaints will be called up by post, to save air space. - Driver expelled for excessive ‘blow in’ readings. - News & views gets national health saga, Editor told ‘cut it out!.- News & views is biggest ever, and read by more.

 APRIL 1977. Another animal is tracked down.  Take over of G.L.C. car park a fantastic success. – Radiomen praised for their support.  “ Surely we have proved to the J.T.C. our worth”. - Extra staff to combat extra work. – Treasurer clarifies our load scheme. ‘ Not loan club’ – last of bad pan stories ‘too large a pill to swallow’. – Phil Messias inherits night shift, wish him luck. – After a decade, Liz evening shift supervisor leaves.

 MAY 1977 Chairman settling in nicely. – V.I tests a slow process. - £1.50 deliveries for cash.  Nearly spoiled by ‘clever Dicky’ driver. – At last the J.C.R. have been accepted onto the J.T.C “ They will not regret it”.  – Desperate demand for despatchers. - Phil Messias on sick parade with blood disorder.  “ Get well soon, Phil”. – Yours truly takes over complaints. – Treasurers get tough with knockers. Drivers beware! S.E.X introduces star accounts. – 27 accounts opened.  Wearing my complaints hat, my first complaints meeting takes place. – Phil Messias in hospital.  A get-well box of fruit delivered. - O.D.R.T.S. sponsor cab for the disabled. – Poetry flows in news & views. – John Saunders opens surgery to help now drivers. – 2,000 share issued, “welcome to the circuit”. – Get ready for the royal silver jubilee.

 JUNE 1977 Run. -in up to 50p plus 10 pence .- change of venue for A.G. M now at Hammersmith Town Hall.  Nest year the Womble, Peter Fennymore, will go for Wimbledon Town Hall. - Secretary, John Benardout apologises for being too busy to write in news & views keep out control room, it’s bursting. – V.A.T tariff reform is banded out. – Shop changes its times. – V.I. “ the cost will have to come from the subscribers” say Aub. – S.E.X. opens record 75 accounts.  “ Cover them”? – New mikes, teething troubles sorted out. - Phil Kirby joins news & views staff in a bumper silver jubilee. Circulation (not blood) up.