The voice of the taxi trade’s only independent organisation Issue 215 Dec. 2013/Jan. 2014 WHERE DO WE INSIDE
TFL’S CYCLING UTOPIA GO FROM HERE? PAGES 4&5 NEWS LCDC writes to Commissioner
Sir Peter Hendy WALKER ON THE MARCH over concerns PAGE 9
for the cab NEWS trade’s future
LCDC VISITS LONDON Full story TAXI COMPANY on page 3 PAGE 17 2 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 Editorial
Grant Davis engage in a more positive and meaningful collaboration.
Published by Since the last edition of The By working together we can The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. Badge there seems to be a lot secure the long term future of Unit A 303.2, more willingness from TFL to the world’s finest taxi service. Tower Bridge Business Complex Tower Point, 100 Clements Road consult properly with the cab Southwark, London SE16 4DG trade. LCDC visits LTC factory However, at the end of the day Last week myself and Club sec Telephone: 020 7232 0676 and despite another meeting on Darryl Cox visited the LTC E-mail for membership enquiries: the 3rd December, nothing has factory in Coventry to see just E-mail: [email protected] changed. how things were developing and Web: lcdcorg.wordpress.com The LCDC again raised its to bring us up to speed with LTC Editor: Grant Davis concerns at the meeting with plans for the future. Garrett Emerson and Steve Whilst there we also took the The Badge is distributed free to the Licensed London Cab Trade. Burton that the changes that have opportunity to raise our concerns For advertising enquiries please contact the office on been implemented will not work with them regarding the new 020 7394 5553 or E-mail: [email protected] and will have dire long term changes implemented by TfL. We be working hard in 2014 to bring All advertising in The Badge is accepted under our terms and conditions. These are available consequences for the future of put to them that for the trade to all these parties together for the at the LCDC office. our industry if left unchallenged. go forward there needs to be a benefit of the licensed trade. Before entering into any commitment, financial much broader coalition working or otherwise, always remember to seek Therefore we have written professional advice. (page 3) to TFL Commissioner Sir together - manufacturers, trade Christmas again The views expressed in this publication are not Peter Hendy requesting that TFL orgs, taxi app providers, all those It is that time of the year again necessarity those fo the Editor or of the Management Committee of the reconsider their actions and take who work exclusively with the and I would like to wish every London Cab Driver’s Club. on board the club’s licensed taxi trade in London. licensed taxi driver and their Contributions for publication are welcomed and should be sent to the Editor at the recommendations that we feel will Their response to us was very families a very happy Christmas above address. enable our trade and TFL to positive indeed and the Club will and a prosperous New Year. The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd. Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 3 LCDC outlines the Club’s vision for cab trade’s future
CLUB’S RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of discussion points regarding the organisation of the London licensed cab trade within Transport for London
The LCDC has four key negotiating aims. These are to:
maintain the distinct historical identity of the London licensed cab trade consisting of both its drivers and vehicles
establish clear channels of communication between the licensed trade and operational personnel at TfL
establish unambiguous lines of accountability for the licensed trade function within TfL
identify and safeguard the self- financing nature of licensed cab regulation
We believe these aims can be achieved by:
creating a separate directorate within TfL to deal exclusively with the licensed taxi trade staffed with dedicated and trained personnel
emphasising the role of compliance and enforcement
guaranteeing the primacy of the Knowledge as a necessary and unique element of the licensed taxi trade and in London’s overall transport policy
continuing the policy of the self- financing nature of the licensed taxi trade by identifying and safeguarding its contributions
maintaining quarterly meetings between TfL management and those bodies which exclusively represent the licensed taxi trade
[email protected] 4 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 TFL’S VISION OF A
Andrew Gilligan - TFL cycle czar Battle for space, can we co-exist?
By Alan McGrady a lot of funding that will be coming and bus bays that are situated on with solutions tailored to take into out of the fare payer’s funds over Victoria Embankment into account the particular Last month the LCDC was the next three years. Next year will Westminster’s already packed side characteristics, opportunities and invited to hear how the Mayor of see two roads change to streets” he had no answer, so I constraints on a street. On some London’s vision for Cycling in accommodate new cycle paths was still left wondering where they stretches of road no intervention London that was launched in that will link up with cycle highway were going to place the tourist (other than signage) will be March 2013 was faring and also schemes; one will be Blackfriars coaches that visit London required. For example, if it is for future schemes that we will Road which will become two lanes throughout the year? Throughout already two-way and the street is be seeing soon. After an only going north and south from the morning two words kept considered to be sufficiently quiet opening speech from Andrew Blackfriars Bridge to St Georges coming up, these were The Grid and safe for novice cyclists. Gilligan (TFL’s bike Czar for Circus. This will create a boulevard and Quietways - these will all link However, there are many parts of London), who spoke at length feel that (they hope) will give up with the super cycle highways. Westminster’s proposed grid on how he feels TFL are moving cyclists the freedom they crave ‘Quietways’ are less busy but network that are currently one way in the right / wrong direction in and will also aid those who don’t reasonably direct routes linked to for traffic. promoting cycle safety in feel confident cycling in London’s Superhighways and are aimed at A key goal in the delivery of the London for the next few years traffic. the novice, less confident cyclists Grid programme is to improve and the upcoming schemes and The other major scheme will be who are not comfortable cycling in permeability for cyclists, which budget. to make Victoria Embankment busy traffic and don’t mind cycling means making existing streets join With an eye-watering budget of more accessible by creating a at a more relaxed pace. Each route up better. A number of options will, over £400 million pound in the next raised cycle path near the river will be designed as a whole, rather therefore, be considered for three years, cycle schemes are side which will be separated by a than on a piecemeal basis, with making existing one way streets going to change the face of kerbside area; this will also cut us problematic areas tackled from the two-way for cyclists, whilst London’s main roads and side down to only two lanes going east outset, even if it is delivered in minimising the impact on other streets as we know them in the and west. When I asked Martin phases to complement other road users. Careful consideration next few years in some 33 Low, who is Westminster Council's proposals. A variety of physical must be given to servicing and boroughs. They will all be holding Director of Transportation... “if TFL measures will be delivered as part delivery needs and to pedestrians their hands out for funding - that’s are proposing to put all the coach of the Cycle Grid in Westminster, who may not be expecting cycle LCDC LEADERS
www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 5 CYCLING UTOPIA…
Proposed cycle lane for Victoria Embankment Proposed cycle lane for Blackfriars road
traffic from both directions. A cycle lanes will not always be This came about after cyclists Only for me to butt in and ask: number of boroughs have already feasible or expected, particularly took it upon themselves to break “Boris said last Christmas that he trialled such exemptions for where there is significant pressure the law and cycle the wrong way up wants them gone but there cyclists. on footway, carriageway and a one way street, so instead of numbers are still growing.” Only for On some busier stretches of kerbside space from competing enforcing the law they changed the Andrew Gilligan to come back with road, fully segregated cycle lanes demands. It is acknowledged that road layout. a reply that left me dumbfounded: and/or improved junctions may be delivering the Mayor’s Vision to the One of the upshots of the Grid “We hassle the rickshaws and required. Again, consideration will desired levels of service is coming in will be the stopping of rat they go away.” Oh, that really need to be given to what kerbside nonetheless likely to be a significant runs that we have been trained to works. I wonder what Martin Low access is required on a street (e.g. challenge for both TfL and the use over the years, thus forcing us thought, aas Westminster’s streets for buses or servicing), what the council. The council will, therefore, out onto already congested main are full of them. traffic impact will be and whether seek to replicate, where practical, roads. So what did I learn? Well I’ve this can be accommodated. It some of the types of improvements Then it came round to questions certainly learnt some new words, should be noted that TfL has not implemented in recent years to help from the floor and me nervously The Grid, Quietways and mini asked boroughs to close routes to improve permeability and safety for putting my hand up like a school kid Hollands are but a few new terms traffic or to remove parking unless cyclists. These include the asking to go to the toilet and then we will be hearing a lot more in there is a desire and strong implementation of contra-flows on having the mike thrust into my the future. Cyclists have also got justification for doing so. Given Hanover Street in Mayfair, Long hand. their way with gyratory systems - that Westminster will be at the Acre in Covent Garden and ‘point Question for Andrew Gilligan: they will be going, starting with heart of the proposed Cycle Grid, no entry’ facilities such as the one “When does a cycle become a Aldgate and the Elephant and the council’s participation will be at Green Street, Mayfair, (whereby rickshaw and what are TFL’s plans Castle. There is no doubt that the key to the success of the Mayor’s cyclists are permitted to make a regarding them and are you going political tide is definitely turning to Vision. turn that is banned to other traffic). to incorporate them into The Grid giving priority towards cyclists in For Westminster, an important What’s worrying is that Westminster and allow them full access.” the capital, but I really wonder element of this vision is the won a award for cycle safety when Andrew Gilligan replied: “We see no what will be the commercial recognition that physical they turned Holland St in W8 into a future for them and we don’t want implications for this great city. segregation or the provision of two way street for cycles. them to use the Grid or cycle paths” One dreads to think!! NOT FOLLOWERS
Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 7 Airport Matters BY PETER “THE CANNON” L.C.D.C AIRPORT REP
Transport for London (TfL) has Heathrow is either £9 or £18 depending on confirmed that not a single business the amount of luggage to be handled. entity has approached TfL with Passengers who’ve had to pay a porter £18 proposals to replace the fixed fare for his services fully expect to load scheme that collapsed following the themselves along with their suitcases, departure of HALTS from Heathrow. holdalls, boxes and buggies into a taxi and This important information from TfL quells be taken to a local hotel for a subsidised the rumour that former associates of HALTS fare that often barely meters £10. Any are in negotiations with TfL and BAA about unavoidable debate initiated by TfL on fixed making a comeback. Although it seems to fares should begin with TfL explaining why be clear that HALTS is not going to rise from TfL allowed HALTS’ passengers to pay the ashes in 2014, TfL nevertheless states nearly £30 to go to local hotels situated the favour of supplying them with forty-five worry about fixing fares. that fixed fares should not be ruled out at within a mile of the terminals. Did TfL ever unpaid uninsured taxi marshals to assist in The only exception to the simple rule on Heathrow. form the view that HALTS was doing chasing criminal minicab touts ? Perhaps it’s setting meters is when a driver has agreed Behind the-scenes, TfL has gone so far as something wrong ? Or was TfL’s priority not time to inform Heathrow Police that unless at the outset of a hiring to cap the metered to suggest that the cost of providing a new to upset BAA by stating that their desk they are willing to stop minicabs from waiting fare at a certain maximum amount. There is scheme could be kept to a minimum by contractor HALTS should be banned from all over the forecourts, the marshals’ anti- a crucial difference between capped and allowing NSL rank attendants to give out doing business with the travelling public? tout services will be withdrawn from inside fixed fares. information on fixed prices. Quite probably, HALTS in the form of Colin Evans & Co. the terminals , leaving the Police on their The busy taxi rank at Paddington Station is TfL is raising the issue of costs because it’s always believed that their rip-off fixed fares own to cope with the touts. organised by rail company employees who fully aware that the now defunct fixed fare scheme would eventually provide BAA with refer all passenger requirements and scheme run by HALTS had to be subsidised a revenue stream and thus guarantee POST CODE DESTINATIONS queries to drivers. That is how NSL rank with hundreds of thousands of pounds paid HALTS’ survival at Heathrow. But HALTS attendants should perform at Heathrow. as part of the gate money by Heathrow directors got their dreams mixed up with Heathrow drivers are often asked to There isn’t a single private sector entity drivers. Before TfL’s latest ideas gather their capabilities and in the end everybody go to addresses that consists of either in or outside the UK transport industry momentum in the corridors of power, the taxi wanted HALTS to cease trading. nothing more than a scribbled that has a statutory function to perform as trade organisations need to drive home postcode. an arbiter of what a London taxi fares should several important points about how the Taxi TAXI MARSHALS AND It’s absolutely essential that NSL rank or shouldn’t be. Taxi passengers at System works at Heathrow. First of all, NSL HEATHROW POLICE attendants give drivers adequate time to Heathrow are classified as consumers Ltd. is a contractor to airport operator check a postcode and to match it with a irrespective of whether they hire a taxi in Heathrow Ltd. (BAA) and Heathrow drivers The relationship between Heathrow street and relevant district. If a passenger is either a business or private capacity. Any don’t allow NSL rank attendants to talk to Police and the taxi marshals seems unable to give a driver a correctly spelt fares issues that BAA wishes to take up on passengers about fares. The attendants are to be very one-sided and unhealthy. street name and postal district, then a behalf of passengers are subject not only to not a party to the hiring contact made Thanks to the lack of concern shown by the driver’s decision not to accept the hiring the scrutiny of TfL, but to all the other between a passenger and driver and they police, all the no waiting areas outside should be final and his decision should not statutory authorities that act as watchdogs have to keep out of it. Secondly, it’s Heathrow’s passenger terminals are being be criticised or overturned by NSL rank over taxi fares. absolutely certain that a fixed fares scheme illegally used by private hire drivers to offer attendants. Attendants have no right to take on the ranks would mean having rank passengers a meet and greet service. a passenger’s side in any legitimate dispute FINALLY attendants processing data on hand-held Taking the Terminal 3 forecourts as an either about a dubious address or a ‘computers’. example, every taxi driver who makes his passenger’s means to pay the fare. Above Any bona fide business that It’s been explained time and time again in way to T3 rank from the feeder park can see all, rank attendants need to understand that approaches TfL seeking approval for The Badge that under the Airports Act 1986, that police and traffic wardens are doing until London Hackney Carriage law states a fixed fare scheme at Heathrow BAA is permitted to make taxi byelaws to nothing effective to stop minicab drivers otherwise, rank attendants can’t order a would be wise not to underestimate control where drivers may assemble and ply from waiting wherever it suits them. driver to leave a rank in situations where the what drivers are prepared to do to for hire. But BAA certainly doesn’t have any It’s quite obvious to Heathrow taxi drivers, driver has reasonable grounds to refuse a crush any attempt to do away with powers to act as an arbiter of what a that Police officers and traffic wardens are hiring. metered fares. Heathrow taxi fare should or shouldn’t be set not interested in stopping the illegal parking Heathrow drivers very rarely show any signs at. As a rhetorical question, does BAA sit on the terminals. The lack of action results in MORE ON FIXED of being to driven to the brink, even when down at the negotiating table with airlines heavy damage to the licensed taxi industry FARE PROPOSALS proposals for new rules are suddenly thrust and other forms of transport at Heathrow at Heathrow and a massive bonus for upon them out of the blue; but their apparent and tell these big companies what their private hire operations. Given that the Police Drivers who operate from Heathrow docility, shouldn’t be mistaken for passengers ought to be paying ? aren’t forcing minicabs to use the car parks, ranks are entitled to be protected by indifference or lack of knowledge about The price of hiring a luggage porter at why does the taxi trade do Heathrow police Hackney Carriage law from having to fundamental rights.
Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 9 Walker on the March.... MORE COW DUNG FROM TFL Seems to me that TFL and LTPH give and the customer gets a cab more quickly fares above the the PH lobby pretty much anything than otherwise would have done. Most meter. Mr Crowson they want, short of plying for hire and fares are not even affected by the says this was access to bus lanes. What they don’t minimum as they go above it anyway. covered by the cab allow PH to do, they just seem to turn Of course, there will always be those sharing legislation a blind eye to. Yet, when we come up that object to any price increase and but how could it with an idea that gives almost all HailO has been no exception. Who are when many fares concerned a better business and a the moaners though? Well, they were were single better service, they threaten to jump either people who were using private hire passengers? on us from a great height. vehicles (PHVs) before or hailing off the Second, the taxi On this occasion, I refer to HailO’s new street. If using PHVs, they will be well circuits have been breaking this rule with R1 or R2 pays £10. If they ordered a taxi increased minimum fare scheme. That’s aware that HailO’s minimum fares are still regard to the meter maximum for at least from a radio circuit (with charges that not a new scheme but simply an cheaper than the large PH operators. If 30 years plus, to my own personal HailO could apply legally) and the driver increase in the minimum. HailO have they previously hailed off the street, better knowledge. They do this, or did this, by arrived with a full run-in and then waited been operating for around two years now they go back there and not have the having a minimum fare and also fixed five minutes for the customer that would and have always had a £5 minimum fare. driver putting in extra time and paying price fares that do/did not reach the have been free of charge on HailO, the More recently, they increased that on HailO for a re-cycled street job. metered fare. Third, HailO have had their customer would find £11 on the meter at weekends to £10. Not a murmur from the So, immediately the complaints started, minimum fares since their first day’s R2 as soon as they stepped into the cab authorities. In fact, Helen Chapman, the TFL and LTPH got themselves involved. A trading and not only have TFL/LTPH and without actually taking the journey. boss of LTPH and her predecessor John warning was issued on the MayorWatch ignored this but the current and former Who does that help? It doesn’t help Mason both sang the praises of HailO website that the meter already carries a head of LTPH have given it tacit HailO, the drivers or the customers. Oh, and had personal accounts with them. minimum fare of £2.40 and that drivers endorsement by holding personal wait a minute – it does help the minicab HailO made the increase around 6 – 8 may not charge above the metered fare accounts with HailO. app operators that are being out- weeks ago, to £10 minimum on rates 1 and that H. Chapman was investigating Another thing is the ridiculousness of competed at the moment by taxi drivers and 2 and £15 on rate 3. They had to do the situation. To add insult to injury, the this situation. This minimum fare affects a and HailO. something. There were some customers public was advised they could order a taxi tiny proportion of Hailo’s customers, while One last thing for TFL to consider is that using HailO for rides of £5 and less. or minicab on the TFL “Cabwise” app. providing a better service for the majority if H. Chapman is correct and ordering a Bearing in mind that drivers are obliged to However, Cabwise is a minicab ordering of their customers without any increased taxi by app is an “electronic hail” and not run to the pick-up address and wait up to app. Taxis are separate. On the TFL cost. If TFL pursue this, there are other a pre-booked fare, would they please five minutes before setting the meter, website re Cabwise, the prominent ways HailO can go but all would be more shut down all the minicab apps drivers were switching off HailO feature is the minicab app and you have detrimental to all concerned. immediately as they are not allowed to altogether, rather than chance one of to scroll down to the bottom of the blurb in It’s a grey area as to whether they can accept a hail; only pre-bookings. these loss-making fares. Almost certainly, order to find a link to taxi circuits and apply the “telephone booking charge” of Pull your finger out TFL! If these HailO these were shrewd cookies that realised apps. £2.40 and depends whether a Hailo fare minimums are legal, say so. If they are they could “tap” for a cab while finishing Soon after, Daniel Crowson of TFL is a “booking” or “electronic hail”. This not then say so instead of getting their morning coffee, rather than stand in repeated this warning about charging would apply to all customers and so splinters in your jacksy. Then, sort out the street and hail a taxi at the driver’s above the meter. H. Chapman did the increase fares across the board. Are TFL the level playing field you are always expense. same on twitter and in answer to a claim not supposed to be serving the travelling telling us you have to apply when we The general opinion is that most drivers that these bookings were private hirings, public? How would this serve them? complain and start sorting out the minicab and customers love these new minimum she opined that the HailO app was an HailO could apply a run-in like the radio apps, along with satellite offices that book fares because the driver doesn’t have to “electronic hailing” system. circuits or even a run-in and a booking rides illegally, have illegal ranks of PHVs worry about rides that sometimes involve Here’s some things that TFL/LTPH charge. How would that help the and make their booking properly pre- more time/distance spent collecting the should consider. First, the Golden Fare customer? As things stand, a customer booked instead of the nonsense you customer than the fare for doing the job scheme at Leicester Square charged that takes a £5 metered ride on HailO on currently allow to be called pre-booked.
UBER YEAR END
While we are on the subject of TFL, base charge (£3) followed by a charge Here’s hoping we all what about Uber then? Have any of per mile travelled unless the vehicle is have a very lucrative you bothered to look at this Private travelling at less than 11mph, and untroubled run-in Hire operation? whereupon charges are on time to Christmas. My best The Private Hire (London) Act, 1998, elapsed. wishes to all for the section 11 refers to taximeters. It Exactly the same format as our meter holiday and a very states that no PH vehicle shall have a in fact, i.e. a hiring charge followed by happy, healthy and taximeter. It describes a taximeter as a combination of time elapsed and prosperous New Year any device that calculates a fare distance travelled. The full fare is not to all (except maybe based on time elapsed, distance calculated until the journey has ended one or two at travelled or a combination of both. and this is done by the link between TFL/LTPH). Only Is a mobile phone not a “device”? the car and the Uber system. joking – even them as What is it then, a loaf of bread? THE PHONE IN THE CAR IS BEING on the HailO taxi app. How about well! Uber make a big thing about how USED AS A TAXIMETER. How could being as observant about the law and they calculate their fares and they are this be described otherwise? putting a stop to the way Uber are as follows; the fare is made up of a TFL have been quick enough to jump operating illegally.
Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 11
Alan’s Angle Smith’s rank saga continues
Last month saw the ranks in are on the side of The City of London, Charterhouse St reinstated after however we have asked NSL, council on Crossrail took them away; we at the street enforcement contractor, to step up LCDC working alongside the ranks patrols on the Islington side of the road. committee have been campaigning for Now Islington don’t even know what side of its return for many years. Night after the road at Charterhouse Street is theirs! night we have had to watch as Private What chance have we got? Hire park illegally outside Smiths and Our committee member Danny Sullivan Private Hire vehicle parked on the pavement outside Smith’s Fabrics and tout all the work out of was threatened by the CBJ there asking these venues. Now we have got a rank him to get out of his vehicle and I’ll show last week compliance paid a visit to Smiths survive as a trade, enforcement needs to right outside Smiths and guess what, you what a big man I am. Now how can an and seemed happy with the set up and be at the forefront of our survival as they the Private Hire operator is fuming that operator be deemed a fit and proper then came out with a statement that left me have been underfunded and way under- we can start offering the customers of person if he goes round threatening drivers wondering if we’re we now the second staffed, and they have no chance of Smiths a first class service. who are only trying to earn a living of a taxi class driving outfit in London. The unknown stopping the illegal minicab trade from The rank is being worked but the Private rank which we can do legally. The whole compliance officer said “that Satellite ranking up and plying for hire of a night Hire Drivers are not playing ball and are running of the operation raises serious Offices are allowed to have a certain' time. trying to make life as uncomfortable as they questions. You have an operator that asks number of vehicles waiting outside, just as Finally the driver of a silver TX who parks can for us there. We have complained to every customer that leaves Smiths if they if it was a 'minicab office'. This has been nightly on the new taxi rank and sods off to Islington Council regarding the illegally require a cab, that’s touting in my eyes and confirmed by TfL legal apparently. Once get at tea and a sandwich please don’t. parked vehicles in Charter House Street when I asked Steve Burton who is the new private hire get an operator’s licence they The operator at Smiths is taking pictures of and received this really confused reply from head of compliance if he thought it was seem to get carte blanche to do as they taxis that are left and will use the pictures to Jimi Ogunyanwo, Senior Technical Officer, touting, he agreed with me. please - it doesn’t matter if legislation and try and get it revoked, saying that no one who stated: Please note that the taxi ranks Now this is where I’m getting confused as guidelines state they can’t. Now for us to works it. PAYTON’S SOLICITORS 9 – 13 CURSITOR STREET LONDON, EC4A 1LL
We at the LCDC don’t often bang our own drum when it comes to helping our members with their legal troubles. A lot of the cases which come our way with members are quite sensitive and we respect their wishes to keep things in house and out of the paper which I can fully appreciate.
However, not only do Payton’s Solicitors offer our members a 24 Hour Duty Solicitor 365 days a year, but since getting involved with the Club, our solicitor Keima Payton has the distinction of having a 100% success rate in all her cases which she has handled on behalf of the Club’s members.
Keima Payton has a fearsome reputation in court and should ever the need arise you will find no one better able to fight your corner and save your Badge than Keima. - Grant Davis, LCDC Chairman
Tel: 0207 405 1999 / FAX: 0207 405 1991
[email protected] 12 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 Barclays pull the plug on bike scheme
The Mayor today starts the development at Transport for search for a new sponsor London, as part of a wider bid to for the Boris bike rental boost non-fare revenues. He is scheme after Barclays looking to sign up a sponsor pulled out. from August 2015. The bank, whose name has Sources said Barclays’ decision been emblazoned on thousands was taken well before the latest of bikes since the scheme’s July spate of fatalities on London’s 2010 launch, will end its roads, taking the death toll to association in 2015, delivering 14, which included French only half the £50 million student Philippine De Gerin- originally envisaged. Ricard, the first person to be Barclays took the decision killed on a Boris bike. several months ago not to renew But questions will remain about the deal - agreed when Bob Barclays’ decision to pull out Diamond was chief executive - after the mayor announced in as part of a global review of its 2011 that the bank would extend sponsorship strategy. until 2018. the sponsorship agreement continue the sponsorship.” The cycle rental scheme did Mr Craig said: “Barclays has not signed in 2010, but the bank and On Friday TfL will unveil the first not fit into its three funding pulled out of the cycle hire TfL have decided not to take up major expansion of the rental priorities of Premier League sponsorship deal. After the current the option to extend it. scheme in south-west London football, arts and culture and sponsorship deal with Barclays “Several months ago Barclays with 150 new stations and 2,000 “thought leadership”. ends — in two years’ time — the began the process of a strategic new bikes in Wandsworth, The hunt for a new backer will cycle sponsorship portfolio will review of its sponsorship Hammersmith & Fulham, be led by Graeme Craig, the fundamentally change. programmes and has now made Lambeth and Kensington & director of commercial “Barclays remains committed to a commercial decision not to Chelsea.
Heart Tests For London Taxi Drivers Heart tests – Treadmill exercise (Bruce Protocol) testing and Echocardiography including Functional WOOD STREET testing at Wood Street Clinic For members of CLINIC The London Cab Drivers’ Club
The Heart Centre For London Taxi Drivers Who I am My name is Dr Robert Greenbaum. I am a Senior Consultant Cardiologist Have You Had Heart Problems? working in London both for the NHS and in private practice. I see and assess patients with all forms of heart disease. I am Past President of the Cardiology Do you need an Exercise Test and / or Echocardiogram Section of The Royal Society of Medicine. My private practice is based at (to measure LVEF) for LtpH? The Wood Street Clinic in Barnet, North London. In my practice I have a modern treadmill and echocardiography equipment. Other than through my We can help with our fast, efficient service and special practice I am connected with the cab trade. My late uncle was, and my low rates for London’s taxi drivers nephew is a black cab driver. I have seen and treated many cab drivers with We are now providing stress Echocardiography heart disease over many years in practice. (functional testing) when required. Heart disease and taxi drivers We understand that your living can depend on these tests I understand the importance of testing to black cab drivers. I have treated many and realise that their livelihood depends on the results of these tests. I Contact us now on have developed a high quality, accessible and economic service aimed at taxi The Wood Street Clinic drivers in London. We are able to offer 133 Wood Street Barnet, Herts EN5 4BX 1. Treadmill exercise testing using the full Bruce Protocol Telephone : 0208 449 7656 2. Echocardiography to assess left ventricular www.woodstreetclinic.com or ejection fraction (LVEF) [email protected] 3. Functional testing by stress Echocardiography These tests are carried out several times per week @WoodStClinic Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. - Robert Greenbaum £10 off For allMembers LCDC www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 13 Views of Butterboy Graham did that day was St London cab to an all-time low. Not Cab Drivers Club. If you are not John’s Wood High only do I disapprove of coloured already a member, please Street to Victoria cabs, (and how anyone feels the consider joining. Apart from the Coach Station. On need to drive a pink one is benefits which are set out in this arrival at Victoria I beyond me), this latest illuminated newspaper, please realise that the couldn’t even feel my Christmas tree style advertising is LCDC instigated the introduction hands, and it started a disgrace to our trade. What are of identifiers, have pressured TfL snowing! It is this time cabbies gaining by driving one of into introducing new cab ranks, of year that sorts these hideous vehicles? An extra and continually challenge TfL and Knowledge students, few bob a seek or a fiver off their the mayor over various issues and a lot give up. Just weekly cab rental? There is an affecting our fantastic trade. Well keep going, it’s worth excellent living to be earned by done to Grant Davis and his it. those who work hard, and the fantastic team. It appears that I may benefits of being a London cabbie As I write this article, I am be late in extending are numerous, as I have said celebrating my cabbie birthday. Christmas wishes to before. Come on, TfL, do us a On 6 December 2011, Knowledge Christmas Greetings to all some cab drivers, as favour and ban this form of of London examiners Mr Morgan fellow London cab drivers, some seem to have started advertising. These cabs are a and Mr Wilkin presented me with green and yellow badge alike, decorating their cabs with disgrace. my green badge. I can honestly and to all Knowledge boys and Christmas lights some months Sadly we end the year with the say, hand on heart, that these two girls. I know from my past ago. I am of course referring to same old ongoing problems. years have been the happiest of experience that these next these dreadful, tacky, blinged up Cabbies with one or no identifiers, my working career. three months or so present the illuminated roof adverts. What is touting minicabs, rickshaws which toughest challenge for riding a all that about? This really is the seem to be multiplying faster than moped. final straw. These cabs with their rabbits in Watership Down, and Merry Christmas and a I remember setting off one roof advertising look absolutely continual unfulfilled promises from prosperous New Year to all! morning when the temperature dreadful. They are taking the TfL and Boris Johnson. Please was minus 3, and the first run I presentability of the famous give your support to the London Be lucky, Graham LCDC Exclusive Travel Insurance COVER SAMPLE Cancellation: £5,000 SAMPLE RATES Medical: £10,000,000 Baggage: £2000 EUROPE 17 days single trip - £20.85 Once again the Club Airline failure Travel CHANNEL ISLES have pulled it off. & Accommodation failure 17 days single trip - £12.56 Delayed baggage EUROPE FAMILY ANNUAL - £66.24 A travel insurance WOLDWIDE FAMILY ANNUAL - £74.88 PLUS PLUS optional: scheme for members Winter sports Optional cover attracts additional premium Golf cover and non members alike Wedding cover at a price to snap up! Cruises cover For more information call: 0203 327 0555 or Email: [email protected] for full details of rates and cover. Arranged through ASUA LTD.
www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com 14 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014
AS AN L.C.D.C COMPLAINTS RANKS The Chairman is a regular AND APPEALS AND HIGHWAYS contributor on LBC, Radio MEMBER YOU As a member of the LCDC, The LCDC attend the Joint London, and the BBC. WILL RECEIVE: we will deal with any Ranks committee, working We at the Club also complaint that has been hard for more ranks and represent the trade at made against you by more access for the taxi meetings with the Mayor’s 24 HOUR DUTY Office, TFL, LTPH, SOLICITOR members of the public. trade in London. Also we will attend the Corporation Of London, EXCLUSIVE TO THE LTPH with you on any CAB TRADE ADVICE BAA, and all Local Authorities in the Capital. CAB TRADE personal appeals that All members can call the Your 24 Hr duty solicitor would affect your licence. office for any information hotline membership card. or up to the date news on Peace of mind 24 hrs of any trade related subject. JUST the day. HEATHROW AIRPORT REPRESENTATION MEDIA AND £3 per FULL LEGAL COVER AUTHORITIES Our fantastic team of City With our reps at the airport The LCDC is always the Of London based solicitors working hard on the month first to be called when the and barristers, experts in trade’s behalf for a fairer, media want the “Cab * £12 per month is tax Hackney Carriage and and more safer future Trade’s“ reaction. deductible road traffic law. at Heathrow.
Please complete this form and send it with your application form Application Form (LCDC) Ltd UNIT 303.2 Please complete this form in BLOCK CAPITALS TOWER BRIDGE BUSINESS COMPLEX, TOWER POINT, 100 CLEMENT’S ROAD, SOUTHWARK The subscription rate is £170 per annum. If you are unable to pay in a LONDON, SE16 4DG single payment please make one cheque payable to “The London Cab 0207 394 5553 Drivers’ Club Ltd,” with today’s date, for £56.67, and two post-dated cheques one month apart for £56.67. Standing Order Form Send the completed form to: THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, The London Cab Drivers’ Club Ltd, UNIT A 303.2 Your Bank: ...... Tower Bridge Business Complex, Tower Point, Your Bank Address:...... 100 Clements Road, Southwark, London SE16 4DG Post Code:...... Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:...... Surname: ...... Please pay the sum of £15 NOW and monthly therafter until further notice. First Names:......
Please pay the sum of £42.50 NOW and then quarterly thereafter Address: ...... until further notice...... Post Code: ...... Quoting Reference No ( ) Badge No: ...... Shift: ...... Telephone No: (with full STC code):...... To the account of THE LONDON CAB DRIVERS’ CLUB LTD, Barclays Bank Bloomsbury & Tottenham Court Road branch, I agree to abide by the rules of the Club. I also agree that the above PO BOX 1134, London W128GG information will be kipt by the LCDC in a computer system under the Sort Code 20-10-53. Account No- 40450421. terms of the Data Protection Act. Your Name: ...... Account No: ...... I understand that I will not be eligible for legal representation for Sort Code: ...... matters arising prior to the date of this application. Thereby declare that Signature: ...... I have no outstanding PCO or police matters pending. Date: ...... Signed: ...... Date: ...... Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 15
LCDC launch accident and sickness scheme for members As Chairman of the members. LCDC, after many The deal we have negotiated is placed with certain conversations with our LCDC underwriters at Lloyd’s, giving membership I am proud Associate to finally announce the you the member access to the Member introduction of the first excellent security and stability David of the world’s leading ever LCDC Accident & Fitzgerald - insurance market. We believe Sickness Scheme. “Even being that the new scheme on offer on The This has not happened over is more than competitive with Knowledge for night and has taken many anything currently on the £2.50 /week, months of negotiations to market and will be available it’s great provide what we feel is an to all drivers aged up to 60. peace of excellent scheme for all our - Grant Davis Chairman mind.” Introducing LCDC’s CLUBPROTECTA
TAXI DRIVERS SCHEME £35.50 /month KNOWLEDGE STUDENTSCHEME £9.81 /month
BENEFIT BENEFIT
Maximum age which members can join Up to 60 years Age which members can join 18 to 60 years
Death by accident £60,000 Death by accident £30,000 Death of Spouse by accident £50,000 Permanent Total Disablement by accident £50,000 £25,000 Temporary Total Disablement, £300 per week Permanent Total Disablement by accident (for Accident and/or Illness other than for stress/mental illness and/or back related £150 per week injury up to 50 weeks after an elimination Temporary Total Disablement, period of 2 weeks) (for Accident up to 50 weeks after an elimination period of 2 weeks) Temporary Total Disablement, £90 per week for Accident and/or Illness for stress/mental illness and/or back related injury after an Hospitalisation, per week for up to 2 weeks £200 per week elimination period of 2 weeks Hospitalisation, per week for up to 2 weeks £400 per week Hospitalisation, per week for weeks 3 and 4 £100 per week Hospitalisation, per week for weeks 3 and 4 £200 per week
HOW DO I JOIN? Simply email Susan at the LCDC on [email protected] or call 0207 394 5553
www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com 16 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 Tony Forsythe: Top quality bodywork guaranteed
Tony Forsythe of Long Lane Long Lane’s new fleet of bodywork loan cabs Long Lane taxi centre offers full body shop repairs
When it comes to giving the cab every cab driver’s bodywork the waiting room, have a cup of tea, and as lights, belts, etc, as well as a full trade a first class service at a first demands. watch the news whilst we put their taxi up valet.” class price then Long Lane is Long Lane can accommodate both TX on the ramp and see what they need. We Being situated just 2 minutes away streets ahead. and Mercedes Vito’s. offer an M.O.T test with a no failure fee from Waterloo Stn, Long Lane garage is “We are very proud of our Tony, who runs one of the biggest TX4 and if the test flags up a faulty item then fast becoming the Cabbie’s favourite bodywork division” says Tony. fleets in the capital, was keen to point out we can repair it straightaway and put it garage south of the water. With our state of the art ovens and the advantages of using Long Lane for back on the ramp and get a pass. We are Tony, Simon and all the team at Long team of first class sprayers we your new testing requirements. also offering drivers a fixed top end check Lane wish everyone a very merry Xmas really have a top team to satisfy “Drivers can come into us and relax in for just £100, which checks things such and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Southwark Bridge Testing Station M.O.T SERVICE BRAKES EXHAUSTS SUSPENSIONS AIR-CON DIAGNOSTICS ELECTRICAL WATER/OIL ALL REPAIRS Southwark Bridge Testing Station is a family run business and is located in Southwark SE1. It offers a full range of garage services for all makes and models of cars and light vans, including MOTs, brakes, suspensions, exhausts, air-conditioning, electrical and diagnostics, as well as a wide range of servicing. So if your vehicle needs an MOT, servicing or repairs, please contact us or just call in to make an appointment. Also, while you wait for your MOT, you can take advantage and use our free wifi, so you can carry on working and not miss those important emails or deadlines.
Southwark Bridge Testing Station tel: 0207 620 0201 164 Southwark Bridge Road, e-mail: [email protected] Southwark, SE1 0DG web: www.sbmots.co.uk
www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 17 LCDC Visits London Taxi Company
Last week, myself and Club They, like us, feel that the speed with looking good, with the resumption of full are very keen on being a leading light in Secretary Mr Darryl Cox attended which the SIP changes were introduced to scale production starting on the 11th green technologies for both taxis and cars. the LTC factory in Coventry to see the trade raise grave doubts about the September this year. Geeley have also committed to spend for ourselves just how things were benefits TFL claim to bring to the trade. It seems that customers are flocking back £150m in investment over the next 5 years getting along and to meet up with They also agreed that there should be into Brewery Road with orders in August up to ensure that the TX4 can go from both Rob Laider and Julian Francis. greater liaison between the manufacturers by a staggering 51% on the previous year. strength to strength. Presently LTC are Both Julian and Rob made us feel and the trade to combat the threats we are Rob also explained to us that the lead times working with specialist automotive and very welcome indeed and we also now facing. on new TX4s were approx 4-6 weeks from engine consultancies on leading edge used the meeting to discuss with After the meeting and several cups of tea order to handover. The demand was so development work to deliver further them our concerns regarding the we were taken on a tour of the factory and strong that LTC built 75 vehicles in 2013. improvements. implementation of the new Surface were shown all aspects of how they put Rob and Julian also explained that they We at the LCDC would like to thank both Integration Programme. together the new TX4. The signs at LTC are receive fantastic support from Geeley, who Rob and Julian for their time.
[email protected] 18 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 My main man Mandela 91 heads of state both past and managed to also set his captives can coexist. present will attend his funeral in free and was a shining light to all South Africa on December 15th, mankind. Right, now all the serious stuff including 4 from Britain. Which May his soul Rest In Peace is out of the way. Who is gonna other passing would see David win the Premiership this Cameron share a stage with November saw the deaths of 6 season? My wife says that I say Robert Mugabe? cyclists on the streets of this every year but this truly is What made him so great? Well if London, bringing the number the greatest title race ever. of fatalities in 2013 to 14. In London, Tottenham, Chelsea Eddie Nestor It has been interesting to see the and table topping Arsenal must BBC London 94.9 Mayor Of London, Boris Johnson surely be confident. Whilst at the Drivetime: Weekdays 5-7pm and his cycling advisor Andrew bottom West Ham have Andy Call: 0207 224 2000 Gilligan argue that riding in the Carroll's return to look forward to. capital is safe whilst the survey Fulham have got their fighting Weekly Podcasts conducted by BBC London spirit back after the departure of UK Black concluded 1 in 5 had been put off Martin Jol and Crystal Palace Manchester United Redcast riding as a direct consequence. have been revitalised under Tony There has been such a huge Pulis. With QPR going great guns The death of Nelson Mandela and rapid increase that it is under 'Arry' in the Championship has focused minds on truth, difficult to get away from the idea next year could also be a bumper justice and forgiveness unlike that road infrastructure is playing year. I hate to say it but with catch up and is the real challenge everybody beating everybody any other. He is simply the Nelson Mandela greatest human being of my faced by City Hall and TFL. else Arsenal’s head start just tips lifetime. A man who ranks with you or I had been put in jail for 27 Cabbies have a huge part to the balance in their favour... I Ghandi and Martin Luther king, years, I cannot imagine we would play. You are the knights of the think. (The 50th anniversary of whose come out preaching love, road. You influence and in this Enjoy your crimbo, don't eat too historic "I have a dream" togetherness and respect. He case can change thinking. It is much and l wish you health, speech was earlier this year). was special in that somehow he not a war. If we take our time we strength and cabby gold in 2014.
www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 19 Hogan Howe: “London’s cabbies are the best in the world” Crimestoppers, the Crimestoppers’ CEO and the “London’s taxi driving Commissioner of the CEO of Radio Taxis will be community is the eyes and ears Metropolitan Police, Sir present and sharing information of the city so they can Bernard Hogan Howe, the about the scheme. invaluably help fight crime by Mayor’s Office for Policing Radio Taxis’ CEO, Geoffrey contacting the charity Riesel, became involved in the anonymously and play a part in And Crime (MOPAC) and effort through his participation in making London safer.” Radio Taxis Group have the international Taxicab, The Commissioner of the worked together to launch Limousine & Paratransit Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard London Taxi Watch; a new Association, which has helped Hogan Howe said: “This is a initiative to encourage taxi to launch similar programmes in shining example of how the drivers to give information dozens of cities around the Metropolitan Police, about crime anonymously. world. Crimestoppers and London's The scheme has been devised Taxi drivers across the city taxi community can work to utilise the benefit of having have been briefed about the together to fight crime. London's thousands of taxi drivers who initiative and will be playing their cabbies are the best in the part in reducing crime in the world. With police officers they drive through the streets of Sir Bernard Hogan Howe London daily, who can give capital. are there all hours, all weathers information on suspicious Crimestoppers’ London and all places. They can be our behaviour. Drivers who believe Campaigns Manager, Regan eyes and ears and help victims a crime may have taken place Hook, said; “We are truly of crime.” Editor’s Note: and have information can pass delighted to make this scheme a Deputy Mayor for policing and it on to Crimestoppers reality and allow taxi drivers Crime Stephen Greenhalgh anonymously. across London to become said: “We need ordinary This is all well and good, but night after A launch will take place outside everyday heroes by combatting Londoners to look out for each night, LCDC members report illegal City Hall in London at 10am on crime positively. other and with London taxis touting taking place on the streets of Thursday 28 November where “Cab drivers may be aware of travelling all over the capital London and nothing whatsoever is being crime perpetrators including each day, I hope the brilliant the Commissioner of the done about it. London Metropolitan Police, Sir those involved in vehicle related Taxi Watch scheme will Bernard Hogan Howe, the crime or may have information encourage more cabbies to Deputy Mayor for Policing And and intelligence about other pass on information that helps Perhaps this is a good place to start? Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, serious crimes. the police fight crime.” Absalom & Tribe Ltd
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[email protected] 20 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014
www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 21
RED – Stop, don’t bother Film 2013 wasting your money AMBER – It’s alright, go if you want. Or wait for the by Norman Barry DVD GREEN – Put your foot down, go and see it. Nebraska (15)
Another strong awards contender arrives this month. Writer / Director Alexander Payne returns with another wonderful road-trip comedy / drama, cast from precisely the same mould as "About Schmidt" and "Sideways." The film follows a father and son on the trail of a dubious fortune - and in search of an understanding of each other that once seemed impossible. Stubborn Woody (Bruce Dern in a role that won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival) believes he's got one last shot at mattering: a notice that he's the lucky winner of a million-dollar sweepstakes. To claim his fortune, Woody insists he must quickly get to the sweepstakes company's office in Nebraska - a 750-mile journey that seems unlikely given that he can barely shuffle down the road a few blocks, at least not without stopping for a drink. Worried for his father's state of mind, it falls to Woody's reluctant, baffled son David (Will Forte) to accompany him on a trip that seems hilariously futile on the surface. When Woody and David make a pit-stop in their hometown of Hawthorne, word of Woody's fortune makes him a returning hero, while also opening a view into the unseen lives of David's parents and a past more alive than he ever imagined. Featuring a wonderful cast of supporting players, including the grand old Stacey Keach and Bob Odenkirk (otherwise known as Saul Goodman from TV's Breaking Bad) they all shine to bring the film to life. Whilst it's slower pace might not be for everyone's tastes, it's an ultimately rewarding viewing experience. Filmed in glorious black and white and with it's central message being about family, how important family is, no matter how crazy GREEN LIGHT they can drive you, it shows it's never too late to learn and love. A treat for this festive season! Gravity (12A) A late review, but this reviewer little oxygen is left. But the only way home thought this was certainly worth a may be to go further out into the terrifying mention. Director Alfonso Cuarón expanse of space. had been working on bringing a Top of the box office, this is also a big hit with the critics. Technically, the film is a realistic and frightening vision of visual masterpiece. Yes there is a lot of CGI space for many years. It seems it of course (basically everything you see on was worth the wait. screen is fake) but it never felt like it. The 3D Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant definitely adds something to the experience. medical engineer on her first shuttle You get the depth of field you need to truly mission, with veteran astronaut Matt experience the movie and feel as through Kowalsky (Clooney) in command of his last you're right up there with Sandra and flight before retiring. But on a seemingly George. Even if your not a fan of 3D, this is routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The the film to see in this format. Catch it at the shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and IMAX while it has an extended run. It's a Kowalsky completely alone - tethered to visually striking 90 minutes that has to be nothing but each other and spiraling out into seen to be believed. the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth...and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what GREEN LIGHT
[email protected] 22 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 One of London’s finest
nickname is from a time when only the best spies out in force once Stracey landed. “My had a ring moniker. Napoles had been born guy was loved, the people loved him and it and started fighting in Cuba but left in 1961 was my job to make sure that they kept on when professional boxing was about to be loving him. Sure, I had to keep an eye on outlawed. By 1975 he was one of the world’s John,” Dundee told me years later. Steve Bunce top fighters and arguably the best “They tried a few strokes and had one fella welterweight in history. Napoles was also a try and break my hand when he shook it, -BOXNATION few years older than the 35 years he claimed posing as a fan,” Stracey adds. “But it was in and after 87 fights he was old in boxing years. the gym when I sparred for the last time that However, good young fighters had been they tried to take a proper liberty. I was trying for years to make Napoles age under sparring with a good fighter and every time he the ring lights, a forum where the master caught me with a right hand he followed seemed capable of stopping sport’s ticking though with his nut. clock. “He cut me and Terry called ‘stop’, he took Stracey had travelled to Mexico City three my headguard off, hid the cut from prying weeks before his fight with Napoles, knowing eyes, put some vaseline and a plaster on it after boxing at the 1968 Olympics, where he and told me to get out there and knock him lost on points to the eventual champion, that out. That wasn’t exactly how he put it! John H Stracey from Bethnal Green stood he would need time to adjust to the altitude. “I “I went out and smashed the fella and John H Stracey for 10 minutes on his own in the ring, in had to let them know I was serious about eventually dropped him and then I put my foot front of over 40,000 people who had paid beating their idol and getting there early got on him and raised my hands. It was a bit after Stracey connected with his own left their pesos to watch his massacre inside their attention.” Stracey also knew Napoles strong, but he had taken a liberty and the cut hook. Three rounds later it was over and the world’s largest bullring in Mexico City having sparred four rounds with him in 1972 could have cost me the fight. After that, the Napoles was led off to a predictably sad on 6 December 1975. when the champion came to London to stop fight got serious and was moved to the retirement, his title gone, his face swollen and “What could I do?” recalls Stracey. “Their Ralph Charles in a world-title fight. “In the bullfighting arena.” bruised from Stracey’s steady beating. It was champion was keeping them waiting, so I fourth I used my jab and it worked.” In the car The bout went wrong soon after the first bell and remains one of the biggest shocks in shrugged my shoulders and made a joke of it. after the sparring, on the way home to the when Napoles sent Stracey to the canvas British boxing. They got it and laughed. It took him a long Whitechapel Road, Terry Lawless, who was with an effortless left hook. The crowd Stracey successfully defended his title just time to get there, when he did I led the Stracey’s manager and trainer, told the kid to responded to increase the hostility and the once, at Wembley, and is now a fixture on the applause. What was I gonna do? He was a remember that the jab worked against Briton did well to survive the round. However, after-dinner circuit in Britain, a natural with a legend.” Napoles. Stracey never forgot. in the third round the ring filled with cushions, microphone and is as honest and humble Jose Napoles was known as “Mantequilla” Angelo Dundee, who was in Napoles’ team, the ones that are usually placed on the now as he was 38 years ago when he pulled because he was smooth as butter and his was cautious about the fight and had his concrete seats, when Napoles touched down off the ultimate boxing heist in Mexico City. Amateur updates It’s always a bad day to company rules), rejected any of Caborn’ and when the bully wins, Sport England’s EGM proposals, AIBA would, that’s what happened on immediately, suspend ABAE and all of Sunday, 24th November, England’s amateur boxers and boxing clubs at the Amateur Boxing from all international boxing. Interesting in itself Association of England in that AIBA had suspended ABAE, earlier in the Ltd’s, [ABAE], extra year, for allowing Sport England to interfere with ordinary general meeting, the running of ABAE, now AIBA have reversed (EGM). The Boddyman their position in less than 3 months? Regular readers of this Once the message of, immediate suspension, column will remember, 9 - BOXNATION reached England’s amateur boxing clubs, panic of the 12 autonomous and short termism set in, as many of the clubs regions, that run and had international commitments, either where James Branch make up ABAE, had they were about to box overseas, or had foreign voted, at a previous EGM, clubs visiting them. Clubs therefore instructed flyweights, unless they box internationally they Rio 2016 could come from AIBA’s, World Series 9 to 1, to remove from their Association representatives to back down will have to wait until they are 19 to box in Boxing, where professional boxers will qualify office the ABAE Chairman, and accept every proposition presented by championships? 16 year old open class boxers for a 3 x 3 minute round Olympic competition via ex Sports Minister, Richard Caborn. Only 1 Caborn’s new ABAE Ltd and that’s what to box 3 x 3 minute rounds; boxers have to be a 5 x 3 minute round format. region had voted for Caborn. This earlier EGM happened, all proposals went through 14 years old to compete in championships, the I guess the above is a long enough shopping was an attempt by the ABAE regions and the unopposed. schools national championships have been list for one article, this saga has a long way to go amateur boxing clubs to wrest back control of Most clubs do not realise what they have staged for roughly twice as many years as AIBA and if not handled carefully could see boxing their sport from non-boxing people, people signed up to. The fallout and realization of has existed, boxers compete from 12 years of thrown out of the Olympics and amateur boxing whose main interest is in staying in power, or where AIBA is going will only begin to dawn on age; will boxers hang around for 3 years before as it has existed from 1880 put to death. That is being in power the clubs when Association meetings are held in they compete in a championship contest? an extreme position, but amateur boxing has to Despite this clear expression of what the January and AIBA’s dictates and how they affect “Amateur” to be dropped from the name of be on the alert, as it is easy to progress from amateur boxing clubs wanted, the powers that amateur boxing in England become a little boxing, because AIBA believe they can take- healthy to in the dodo and from there the fate of be, Caborn, in cohorts with his old pals at Sport clearer. over all boxing, amateur and professional, tell the Dodo awaits. England, ignored the vote of the regions and Matters such as no headguards for open class, that to Graeme Richardson of Birtley ABC, or One to watch, fluid moving, southpaw, 91kg stated all lottery funding would be withdrawn senior, boxers, so this seasons ABA Steve Newland of Hooks Boxing (Park Royal, heavyweight, James Branch, (Repton, Bethnal from amateur boxing, unless the associations championships will be contested without London), they had boxers in Clubs for Young Green), the 18 year old son of Jamie Branch, accepted all of their proposals at the EGM. headguards; England took part is 13 contests, in People, (CYP/Ambition),national finals and in who won a slew of national titles and who is the Furthermore, Caborn and Sport England sort Moldova, 3 weeks ago, 5 of our boxers were the women’s national semi-finals, so, in 4 days, nephew of my old pal, cab driver and top fighter, and gained amateur boxing’s world governing stopped because of cut eyes. 17 year olds are Durham on Thursday, Mansfield on Friday, Johnny Branch, (Fitzroy Lodge ABC, North body, AIBA’s, backing to the extent that AIBA not allowed to box 19 year olds, so no more Portsmouth on Saturday and Oxford all day Lambeth), is keeping it in the family, as he has stated that if the ABAE, as Chaired by Caborn Amir Khans at the Olympics and a 2014 David Sunday, they are unpaid volunteers. Will just won his 3rd CYP/Ambition, national and the new, hastily assembled, board of Haye would have no one to box? What coaches like this stay in “amateur” boxing when championship. directors, (who had been put in place, contrary happens to 17 year old light flyweights and as many as 50% of the boxers who qualify for Drive carefully, cheerfully, safely and profitably. www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com
24 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014
Adam D. Elliott Vincent House, 99a Station Road, London, E4 7BU SPECIALIST ACCOUNTANT TO THE LICENSED TAXI TRADE
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www.lcdcorg.wordpress.com
26 Issue 215 - December 2013/January 2014 Tasty Café For the best in homemade Italian cooking
Pasta, chicken, meatballs, lamb, pork escalopes, sirloin steaks a speciality MEALS £7.00 INCLUDING TEAS AND COFFEES £8.00 SIRLOIN STEAK DINNERS PLASMA TV FOR ALL FOOTBALL 72 St John St, EC1 Tel: 020 7253 1907 MORRIS TYRE SERVICES Unbelievable Prices TX / VITO REMOULDS £38.50+VAT TEL: 0207 231 5857 72 ENID STREET, BERMONDSEY, LONDON, SE16 3RA K.W. TAXI Blue Anchor SERVICES Garage LCDC wishes all UNIT 10 BRYANT AVENUE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ROMFORD Testing our advertisers a ESSEX RM3 0BY All taxis welcome! Merry Christmas 01708 373 786 46 Raymouth Road, London FAIRWAY, TXI, TXII, TX4 SE16 2DB & Happy New Year Tel: 020 7237 3696 Overhauls, Servicing, Repairs Fitting only LTI Factory Parts cab rental, best rates, 24hr RAC cover, Fairway, TXI KEEPING LONDON’S TAXIS MOVING
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