MountviewNews
Gett-ing Together
Summer 2016
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 4 Roger Sligo’s ‘Ed Lines’ Driverless cars, Tower Bridge & electric cabs etc... 6 Onwards & Upwards, a New Era for Taxis in London Geoffrey Riesel says the fightback begins here 8 A Welcome from Gett Gordon Brown on how “onboarding day” went 9 Remo Gerber MD of Gett UK & Western Europe says hello! 10 It’s a Funny Old Game Alan Franks looks at Spurs’ 2015/16 season 11 Taxi’ng Times Cartoon – Episode 10… May the force be with you black cabbies 11 A word of thanks to Peter Gibson Geoffrey Riesel laments about Peter’s retirement 12 Explore Wapping Roger Sligo & one of his favourite riverside haunts 15 Woburn Taxi Safari London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children 16 What to Expect from London’s New Mayor? Sadiq Khan & his new team for London’s future 18 Why we do need to accept fixed fares? Geoffrey Riesel explains it all in detail 20 The Aldwych Station Experience Roger Sligo checks out another old London station 23 Gett The Message Roy Hughes describes it and goes underground too 24 Curiosity Corner Roger Sligo & the mystery of the Limehouse Pyramid 26 Going for Gold Geoffrey Riesel on using Twitter to follow the Olympics 28 Day Trip to Worthing for the War Disabled Roger Sligo tagged along and reports back 32 Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Robert MacDonald Watson & this ‘Monarch Milestone’ 34 Our Regular “Where Am I?” Contest Roger Sligo has £50 to give away this time! 35 The Mountview Puzzler Page A crossword & a Sudoko puzzle here just for you
THE MOUNTVIEW NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM IS: Roger Sligo: Editor & photos • Penny Cuckston: Administration Geoffrey Riesel: Board production Doug Canning: Graphic design, page layout, printing & distribution Graphics & Print: ©2016 • DC- Graphics • 020 8440 1155 • dc-graphics.co.uk Content: ©2016 • Mountview House Group Ltd • North London Business Park Oakleigh Road South • London • N11 1GN • 020 7272 0272 • mvhg.co.uk
The information and images contained in this Newsletter are subject to copyright. Unauthorised use, disclosure or copying without prior written permission from Mountview House Group Ltd is strictly prohibited.
Hang around, what’s this?
Answer is on page 12
Driverless Cars... AT the state opening of Parliament this May, the Queen’s speech contained the introduction of the Modern Transport Bill. New legislation was announced by the Queen as she proclaimed; “My ministers will ensure the United Kingdom is at the forefront of technology for new forms of transport, including autonomous and electric vehicles.” NEW insurance options for passengers of autonomous vehicles are also proposed by the government, which claims driverless transportation could ease congestion, as well as boosting the UK’s economy through export of the technology. I have looked with great interest at some of the trials which seem to show how safe the cars could be. But these tests are all being carried out under controlled situations. I have watched crash dummies walking out in front of vehicles doing various speeds and the cars all seem to stop without hitting the dummy pedestrian. All good so far but in real life on London’s congested streets, one wonders what the situation could really be like? There’s also the recent incident in the US involving an automated Tesla which is currently under investigation. The Government also claims “driverless transportation could ease congestion, as well as boosting the UK’s economy through export of the technology.” I suppose time will tell. We are entering into lots of unknown territory and when you think the first cars accessible to the masses was the 1908 Model T – it’s a little over a hundred years ago since the world became motorised. If cars disappeared overnight and if in the distant future a history of world transportation was ever written, I doubt if the motor car would have more than a paragraph of space! Anyway those are my thoughts and my thoughts alone. Who knows what will happen over the next ten or twenty years, with amazing advances in technology.
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Roger Sligo’s
NEWS
TOWER BRIDGE TO CLOSE FOR THREE MONTHS FOR REPAIR WORK TOWER BRIDGE will close in both directions to vehicles but a crossing for pedestrians will be maintained by contractor Bam Nuttall. The pedestrian part will be closed for three weekends during the work when a free replacement ferry service will be provided. The City of London Corporation said it will be working closely with TfL and the London Boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets to minimise disruption with “comprehensive traffic management plans”. More than 40,000 people cross over Tower Bridge every day including 21,000 vehicles. This daily heavy use has had an effect on the timber decking of the bridge which was last refurbished in the 1970s. Significant operations in the schedule of work will include: ● Replacement of the decking on the bascules ● Corrosion prevention and repair operations ● Replacement of worn expansion joints ● Resurfacing of fixed roads and walkways ● Waterproofing of approach viaducts ● Overhaul/maintenance of key mechanical and lift components ● General cleaning/repairs to the towers, as well as replacement of river navigation and traffic signal lights Chris Hayward, Chairman of the Planning and Transport Committee said: “This decision to close Tower Bridge to vehicles has not been taken lightly, and this course of action has been taken after extensive consultation and planning in conjunction with numerous stakeholders.”We will use this time to repair, refurbish, and upgrade London’s most iconic bridge, which has gone without significant engineering works for more than thirty-five years.
We will work hard to minimise disruption to both pedestrians and motor vehicles, and the bridge’s viewing walkways and exhibitions will stay open for the entirety of the works.” Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: “We’ve been working closely with the City of London to minimise the impact of the vital refurbishment of Tower Bridge and to ensure that Londoners have the travel advice they need. Our advice to those travelling in the area is to check before they travel and to plan an alternative route or allow more time for their journeys as roads will be busier than usual.” This closure will have an enormous knock on effect on both Rotherhithe and Blackwall Tunnels, as Tower Bridge is usually used as the main diversion route on the edge of the Congestion Charge Zone, for those not wishing to pay. At the moment it takes ages to cross Tower, London, Southwark and Blackfriars Bridges heading north. Although these works are necessary it seems ill-conceived timing what with Tooley Street closed going east for two years.
have asked their spokesperson (2014 – 2015 – 2016) for an on the road date, I’m always told “by the end of this year or the beginning of next.” If you seek the price tag they are even more evasive. With the Vito taxis no longer in production and only the Geely TX4, is it any wonder we are fighting to survive? While it’s good for trials being carried out by working drivers, it makes me wonder what faults they might have uncovered after all this time.
DOUBLE DIAMOND
HEATHROW EXPRESS FARES RISE BY ALMOST 9 PERCENT A RAIL ticket from Paddington station to Heathrow has gone up from £22 to £24, with business class tickets rising from £30 to £32. This means that if you consider a taxi as business class transportation and if there is more than one person travelling to Heathrow, taking into account the cost to Paddington from the city being approximately £28, then going direct to the airport by taxi has got to be the better and more economic choice. Heathrow Express director Fraser Brown said: “Heathrow Express is the quickest way to get from central London to Heathrow and is well regarded by passengers who score it highly for customer satisfaction.” Last year, Heathrow Express was forced to drop its ‘every 15 minutes’ slogan when a customer rightly pointed out that the frequency falls to once every half hour later in the day. It might make sense for the taxi-trade to point out that a taxi direct to Heathrow from the centre of town takes about an hour, going to Paddington Station takes about half an hour – so if you just miss the train it could be another half an hour waiting before the next one leaves. A taxi direct to the flyers could be quicker and cheaper door to door!
THE NEW VINTAGE TAXIS WILL the Frazer Nash Metrocab ever be in full service in London? It was first new zero emission electric taxi during January 2014 introduced by Boris Johnson at the London Assembly. Two and a half years later and other than a couple of these cabs on trial we are still waiting production. Every time I
ONE of our drivers Jamie Barr, contacted me the day after our last issue was published. He was writing to me about my Curiosity Corner article “The Diamond of Deptford” – about Father Diamond and his parish church of St Paul’s, Deptford. He explained how the article brought back both happy and sad memories for him and his family with their Christenings, Weddings and Funerals all carried out by Father Diamond himself. It’s always so nice to hear from our readers when they can relate to a story I have written – thanks for the feedback Jamie – his email reads; Hi Roger, I’m writing to let you know I really enjoyed the Father Diamond article in the last MVN issue, Spring 2016. Father Diamond actually christened my sisters and me. Jamie sent a copy of the article to his Aunt who had been married by Father Diamond and here is her text reply; “Oh what a lovely article. I remember him with fondness as he married your Uncle Alan and me. He took us both out for a drink after the wedding rehearsal. He also supported your Mum with Dad’s funeral. Thanks for the reminder and for sharing this with me. It brought a tear to my eye and made me laugh both at the same time, thinking of my Mum – thank you for reminding us.” Jamie also told me that Father Diamond was known as Double Diamond because he did like a drink! Roger Sligo.
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Onwards and Upwards, a New Era for Taxis in London... The fightback begins here NOW that the deal is done (after around six months of negotiations) we are finally part of the global family that is Gett. Before I talk about that I should first “fess up.” PROUD OF A GOOD DEAL
Mountview Chairman, Geoffrey Riesel explains our history and introduces Gett.
SHATTERED SHOULDER Once the announcement became public and the offer was out in the public domain and in front of the shareholders, I had planned a short break in the Algarve, Portugal, for a week. This was just to “chill” as they say before we started to get ready for the post-merger integration. However the break I actually got was not the one I expected; unfortunately I tripped at breakfast in the hotel on our first morning, falling very heavily, fracturing my shoulder in four places. I ended up in hospital and later that evening I was in surgery for three hours, the surgeon told me afterwards it was like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle enclosed by a metal casing held together with screws and bolts. (I’m now the $6m dollar bionic man?!) The surgery was successful however, but up until recently I’ve been one-handed and “helpless.” I’ve not been able to drive but more importantly I’ve even needed help washing and dressing. Now that I’m able to do that myself again, I have been forced to acknowledge the realisation of how indispensable our personal mobility and health is and how much we all take it for granted. So now you know why I have a sling on my arm in most of the pictures. (I’m a bit like the one armed man in the famous US drama “The Fugitive!” Or perhaps I’m just a one armed bandit, who knows?!
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The deal we’ve done with Gett, makes me very proud on so many levels. First, I’m gratified to have been able to realise shareholder value for those of you who were shareholders; that’s something I always promised would happen. Second I’m delighted to have found what I confidently believe to be, the right partners and who have now made this acquisition, thus providing significant resources, technical know-how and generally bringing on board a group of people who make absolutely the “right fit” with us as an organisation. I have to say that the Gett family of which we are now a part, seem to be made up of enthusiastic, smart and really nice people. They are very committed to the taxi industry – and with Gett’s global technical prowess alongside their financial muscle and global reach, it fits together really well with us at Mountview, who have spent the last sixty years or more cultivating relationships and expertise in the Corporate and Municipal markets, as well as being pioneers in terms of innovation. It really is a “marriage” made in heaven.
NEW CEO We have a new CEO, he is Remo Gerber, Gett MD Western Europe. I retain the position of Mountview House Group Chairman, within the Gett organisation. Elsewhere in this issue Remo will be introducing himself to you. Remo has been a real pleasure to work with thus far and we are both concentrating on developing the business, especially the taxi sector. I will be supporting Remo and the Gett team alongside our staff here at North London Business Park, in every way I can to ensure that this new joint venture succeeds, utilising the very best of both organisations.
Onboarding day
DUAL BRANDING By now many of you will have been in to driver services so as to acquire the new dual branding logos and to receive training on using the Gett app. You will be getting the best of both worlds, the corporate and municipal taxi work as well as work straight from Gett’s very successful and simple-to-use app. Our customers have been very positive about the acquisition, and many are already starting to use the Gett app. It seems that the additional function of a couple of taps to make a mobile booking, is a very welcome one among our clients. And our sales people – have reported that customers and potential clients are very interested in being able to use the app as well as being able to call us in the conventional way. So for now you will continue to need both systems, Pathfinder (Zeus or Pidion) and the Gett app.
say at rush hour, we may well charge normal metered rates. This is simple and sensible economics. This is the strategy that will mean that you as a driver earn more money over the course of your working day, because more clients become willing to return to using taxi services. There is no point in having expensive fares at times of the day when no-one will use you. If you’re empty and without a fare, it doesn’t matter how dear you are, it’s still a zero sum game! One of the things that clients like is predictability of price, they do not like significant variations in fares. It’s an important factor as to why they might choose to use a taxi or not. If we ignore this well accepted fact, we are merely burying our heads in the sand. Indeed in my view fixed fares are good for the trade in general. Our merger has been very well received by most of the trade organisations and to those in the trade who have sent congratulations, may I thank you most sincerely for your support in this. I have spoken about this topic in greater detail and at length elsewhere in this issue.
Ori Karev, Gett GM Enterprise & USA
MARKETING BOOST There is also no doubt that with Gett’s significant marketing resource, we will be able to fight back against the interlopers in our business who have managed to cut corners and undermine the market. Indeed – the news of the merger has already seen a boost to our joint position in the market place. There is no doubt that the several parts of Gett and Mountview, will create something where the whole is even greater than its constituent parts.
FIXED FARES This is something that a couple of drivers have asked about, in relation to the Gett pricing approach. Let me first say, however, that we have been offering fixed fares to clients for years. It’s nothing new, but it does work in attracting clients. In this very competitive market, we need to have what economists call Price Elasticity. Which means when we’re less busy fares are cheaper or at least they are consistent or predictable (fixed) and when it’s peak time,
Onboarding day
STRONG TRADE There is no doubt that the consolidation of our two companies will mean that we are stronger together. It is likely to mean that as drivers on the Radio Taxis/Xeta/Gett circuit you will receive the benefit of marketing from a global company with top notch technology and which has raised over $500M (US) in funding, to fight back in the market place. Help us to help you, to give this venture your full support and in return your daily working life should be revitalised to the kind of prosperity that it once enjoyed. Geoffrey Riesel.
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AWelcome from Gett By Gordon Brown
AFTER the shareholders accepted the Gett offer, in April, senior management of Gett held an “onboarding” day for most of the staff of Mountview at North London Business Park. The day started with coffee and Danish pastries and then Mountview Chairman Geoffrey Riesel introduced the Gett team. There were a number of fascinating presentations and speeches explaining Gett worldwide, also about the team. There were presentations by Ori Karev, Gett GM Enterprise & USA; by Dr Remo Gerber, CEO Western Europe, also by HR and by IT. What was very clear was the significant growth Gett as a start-up has achieved so far and also their desire to build further on this in the UK. Gett’s people explained that Mountview has a huge amount of expertise in the business to business market and working together with drivers – and why they feel that consolidating with us will be such a good marriage of new technology and of our long years of experience. After the presentations there was then an opportunity for all of us to mingle and to meet with each other. Everyone was pleasant, charming and very respectful. There is definitely an energy here which, let’s hope jointly, will help us to achieve success together. Gordon Brown.
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RemoGerber HELLO. I’m Remo, and I’m the Managing Director of Gett in the UK and Western Europe. And I’m delighted to say that this now includes the Mountview House Group! I’m pleased to be writing my first piece for this magazine – the first of many I hope! So this is just a short introduction to me, where I’ve come from and what I did in my life before I joined Gett. First of all, I want to say how delighted I am that Mountview House Group has joined the Gett family. MVHG is a wonderful company with a proud history; Radio Taxis is the best ‘circuit’ in London and traces its origins back to the 1950s. Gett is a baby in comparison, but together we’re going to be a powerful force – the best technology combined with amazing industry expertise. But what about me? Well I’m Swiss – I was born in Zurich. I actually have a PhD in biophysics – I always thought I was going to be a scientist. I spent many interesting years researching a cure for Mad Cow Disease. And no, I didn’t catch it, despite what you might have heard! Jokes at my expense about this are very welcome – maybe I’ll give a prize for the best one! I soon decided I wanted to work with people though, rather than spend all my life in a laboratory. I learned about running businesses through four years at business consultancy McKinsey, and then I went to Groupon as COO of Northern Europe. I’ve now been at Gett for two years and we’ve made amazing progress in the UK. Our journey is only just beginning though and whether you work in our offices in Swan Lane or at North London Business Park in New Southgate, or indeed if you’re one of our fantastic London taxi drivers, I’m delighted to be part of this team. We’re winning more and more corporate accounts, getting more of that work back into black cabs, as well as being the best app for hailing black cabs with on the streets of London. If I haven’t already done so, I’ll look forward to meeting you soon. Remo.
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“It’s a Funny Old Game” Alan Franks looks at Spurs’ 2015/16 season. FIRST I must make it clear that I am a lifelong Spurs fan, so if this article seems a bit biased, it’s because it is; yet I’ve tried to approach this in a matter of fact fashion – in other words by being factually correct. The astonishing reality is that Leicester City are currently the champions of the Premier League, despite the statistic that the usual top four spent vast millions on players, Leicester still finished above them all. Amazing, but why, or how? Was it a pure fluke? I doubt it, no in my opinion, it was probably because the others fell below their usual standards albeit that’s not the reason in its entirety. Leicester City won the Premiership by defending well and attacking at speed and when they got to the top of the league, they stayed there, despite everyone else feeling that they couldn’t possible sustain that position. In the previous season they were rooted to the foot of the table for most of the year and only just stayed up only because of a remarkable turnaround in the last seven games. The specific reasons, I believe, which won them the league must be put down to sheer desire and application mixed in with some very skilful players, Mahrez, Vardy etc.
They were chased almost to the wire, for the title by Spurs for most of the season. Spurs also had a terrific season with a remarkable group of young players, such as Dele Alli emerging as a great young talent, winning young player of the year and Harry Kane proving he was more than a one season wonder by winning the golden boot as the Premier League’s top goal scorer. Add to that the great work done by Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Ryan Mason and Kyle Walker to name but a few who really lit up the Premiership. Spurs had some great results against the so-called top teams and were in genuine contention in second spot, right up until they secured their target of Champions’ league football and after which they failed to catch Leicester. They scored the most goals and conceding the least in the league. Tottenham lost their way in the last five games failing to win any of them and allowing Arsenal to go above them in the last game by one point; this event sent Arsenal supporters delirious as though they had just won the Champions league. Arsenal did their usual trick of passing teams to death and forgetting to shoot at goal. Alexis Sanchez saved their blushes on numerous occasions (I told you I was biased!) Chelsea had a poor season and sacked their manager. For the first time in years, they were never in contention for any European Competition and finished 10th Manchester United and Liverpool also failed to deliver and finished 5th and 8th respectively. West Ham with maybe their best team in years looked to have a chance of European football and even champions league at one stage but as usual they fell off at the business end of the football season. So has the power shifted from the usual teams or was it a one off, did Leicester’s style of play confuse the big boys or were they simply too good? I think I will let you decide. Alan Franks Head of Operations.
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A word of thanks to Peter Gibson PETER GIBSON doesn’t like a fuss, or “the Limelight.” Indeed in all the years that he has worked alongside me, (as well as Alan Franks and many others) Peter has shied away from the spotlight. Indeed he will hate these brief words of thanks. After twenty three years (on and off) he finally slipped quietly out of the building with a “see you,” off into his retirement, or was it off into his dotage? Peter has been indomitable and a stalwart of Radio Taxis. He is a man of extraordinarily high standards of decency and integrity and over the years he has held us all to those standards of morality. Which I’m pleased to say has been a wonderful thing and something that I’m really proud of in our organisation. Peter always pushed for us to do the “right thing,” he was the good conscience that “sat on our shoulders.” He has not only been a valued colleague, but also a dear friend. I know there are many inside our company who will miss him. I am one of those. Thank you Peter, thanks also to your dear wife Rita, who now has you all to herself. Keep in touch old friend.
Geo ffrey
Geoffrey Riesel & Peter Gibson at last year’s Company Cricket Event
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ExploreWapping
Wapping Pierhead
NOW that summer has arrived and the days are much longer, I think the time is right for revisiting one of my favourite London riverside haunts, Wapping. Parking at Wapping couldn’t be easier as the parking meters finish at 5.30pm weekdays and are free throughout the weekends, so there’s no excuse for not taking time out for some good exercise. If you started your day near the St Katherine’s end of the High Street, you could look in at the Tower of London and St Katherine’s Dock, but then you will be sharing your day with lots of tourists which is not what I’m looking for on my day out. My treat is to wander off in the opposite direction, perhaps taking in the Blitz Memorial in the Hermitage Memorial Gardens where you can have good views of Tower Bridge without the crowds. After all you want plenty of tourists when you’re working not on your time g but in g n a ‘H s off. The memorial u notorio e th t a th e . r 8 e 8 sculpture, the symbol 6 “It’s h s caught in 1 a w s y e r the dove, is ff Je e mpting ofdesigned e tt Judge’ Judg a s a w e by Wendy h sailor, n o tr a p Dressed as a is Taylor CBE, it is h follow to ip h s a h tc ” . suggested to mean e to ca xile in Europ e to in , I I hope and is in s e Jam memory of the East London civilians who were killed or injured in the blitz of 1939 – 45; Blitz, from the German word “Blitzkrieg” meaning lightening war. Almost opposite the memorial gardens, on the corner with Wapping High Street and Thomas More Street is a large stone wall decorated with icicle like drips of cement, the
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“Explor Dr Sam
large red bricked building wears the emblem of the “Port of London Authority.” This is the old dock house on the side of Hermitage Basin, one of the few parts of the docks not to have been redeveloped during the 1970s. The modern complex housing “Smith’s” Brassiere which is an upmarket fish restaurant with fantastic views of the Thames and Tower Bridge is the place to visit for a special occasion, but this time I’m saving myself for one of the three pubs I will pass further along. Wapping Pierhead, a Georgian square which was originally built for the Dock Masters and which is now part of a private place for residents only, but you can still admire from the High Street some of the early summer flowers growing from window boxes and the Aerie railings. As you look along Wapping High Street, you can see converted warehouses and industrial walkways which allow passageway high above the cobbled streets. The first of the three riverside pubs, the Town of Ramsgate, described as “a notable specimen of a waterman’s tavern” was built in 1785. The pub was once known as the “Red Cow,” a reference to the colour of a barmaid’s hair. The pubs fight for space is all too clear from its outside front view; inside it has a narrow rectangular shape with a riverside balcony. The narrow passage of Wapping Old Stairs running at the side of the pub leading down to
Town of Ramsgate Pub
e Wapping to see the wonderful extent and variety of London.” muel Johnson speaking to his biographer James Boswell in the 1870s.
The Port of London Authority Building
the river is worth a look. For it is here that the notorious ‘Hanging Judge’ Judge Jeffreys was caught in 1688, he was dressed as a sailor and was attempting to catch a ship from these stairs so as to follow his patron James II, into exile in Europe. The judge died a year later in the Tower. You can enter the foreshore from these steps when the tide is out (do be careful here as the steps are coated in a slippery green slime). If you’re on a family day out with the kids and fancy going down onto the beach you will be surprised what you can find; Victorian china and Tudor clay pipes are the most common. The latter are plentiful and date back hundreds of years to when tobacco was first brought to London. The Sailors and Dockers would throw their pipes into the river as they were considered disposal, much in the same way that cigarette butts are chucked away today. Some people have even been lucky enough to see seals and dolphins from Wapping, although this is rare, recently however, in 2006, a juvenile female Northern bottlenose whale (Diana) made her way past here and ended up at Albert Bridge. There were several attempts to rescue Diana, before she died after suffering from convulsions. Almost opposite the Town of Ramsgate pub is Scandrett Street and St John’s Old School, founded 1695 and built 1760, by public subscription. The school entrance has twin alcoves each has statues, one of a girl and the other of a boy, the building now houses apartments. Just a few yards back along the High Street is the historic Marine Unit of the Metropolitan Police, with the River Police Museum. I was fortunate to have had a guided tour of this which was featured in Mountview News a couple of years ago. A guided tour of the museum takes about one and a half hours and has to be pre-booked by prior arrangement only. It is free to visit, although they appreciate
Captain Kidd Pub
a small donation! The second pub on this stretch of our journey is the Captain Kidd, named after the Scottish pirate William Kidd. Although the Captain Kidd pub is located in a 17thcentury building, the pub itself only dates back to the 1980s, but don’t let that put you off, its cobbled stoned entrance and gallery having the charms of a much older
Old School, Wapping
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establishment. They also do a good Sunday roast for less than ten pounds – I am tempted but I’m hanging out! Captain Kidd himself perished at Execution Dock, used for more than 400 years in London to execute pirates, smugglers and mutineers who had been sentenced to death by Admiralty courts. The “dock”, which consisted of a scaffold for hanging, was located on the river shore opposite Bridewell Place, near to King Henry’s Stairs according to John Rocque’s map of 1746. The last executions were in 1830.
The Peace Dove Sculpture
There is another pub which is not on the main High Street but it is worth a small diversion. If you take Wapping Lane on the way you will see Gulliver’s Wharf, an old tea warehouse, one of the first Wapping warehouses to be converted into living accommodation and a reminder of the fictional character of Jonathan Swift’s classic novel “Gulliver’s Travels” – which in the 1960 film; “The Three Worlds of Gulliver” begins in Wapping in 1699. Dr Lemuel Gulliver (Kerwin Mathews) is an impoverished surgeon who seeks riches and adventure as a ship’s doctor on a voyage around the world. Turner’s Old Star at 14 Watts Street, which was once owned by the artist Joseph Turner (1775 – 1851). In 1831 Turner met Sofia Booth, a widowed landlady from Margate, who was to become his mistress until his death in 1851. When Turner inherited two cottages in Wapping, he turned them into a tavern and installed Mrs Booth as proprietor. He named the tavern “The Old Star.” Turner’s “Old Star” remains on the same site to this day. Retracing back to Wapping High Street and passing Wapping Station it’s worth noting that the Thames Tunnel beneath connecting Rotherhithe and Wapping, was the first tunnel known to have been constructed successfully underneath a navigable river, built between 1825 and 1843 using Marc Isambard Brunel’s and Thomas Cochrane’s newly invented tunnelling shield technology, by Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Walking around the S bend into Wapping Wall, by now I’m getting a trifle hungry and I have saved the best pub to last, the Prospect of Whitby. This pub was named after the then famous collier which regularly moored at Wapping. There has been a pub on this site since Henry VIII and justifiably the Prospect of Whitby claims to be London’s oldest riverside inn. It certainly has the longest pewter
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Inside the Captain Kidd Pub
Prospect Hangman’s Noose
topped bar in the world. You can either dine downstairs, but I always prefer the cosy rooms upstairs, where I normally visit after tramping around the area. The food here is good and reasonably priced. Views from the Prospect were sketched by both Turner and Whistler. The writers Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys are known to have paused to sup here. It’s time after a very small Guinness and a roast dinner that I headed back to my taxi after a warm summer’s day in Wapping. Roger Sligo.
Woburn Taxi Safari ON TUESDAY 17th May 2016, 100 taxi drivers gave up a day’s work to drive 200 ‘special needs’ children on the London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children’s famous Woburn Taxi Safari. The excited children were collected from three different schools in North West London, Woodfield, JCOSS and Northway and they were then treated to a wonderful entertainment packed day filled with non-stop fun and laughter. A buzz of excitement filled the air on arrival at Woburn, as for many children it was their first ride in a black taxi, let alone the treat of going On Safari. As soon as the three separate convoys arrived, half of the convoy headed straight for the Road Safari, whilst the others went straight into the Safari Lodge Restaurant to enjoy a hearty lunch. At 1pm it was then the turn of the Road Safari group to go for lunch, while the children who had eaten were taken on the Road Safari, which worked very well. On the Road Safari the children were able to see many of their favourite big animals, such as such as Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Bears, Rhinos, Giraffes, Monkeys, Zebras and Bison, but it proved to be the Monkeys that stole the show jumping onto taxis, very much to the children’s delight, but with the drivers looking worried at the thought of any possible damage! The rest of the afternoon was left for everyone to sample what was on offer, the great Foot Safari, where the children get closer to the smaller animals, the Swan pedal boats, the Great Woburn Railway, the Avery and the Mammoth Play Ark for indoor fun. Some chose to go back round the Road Safari again, as it was possible to go round as many times as you wanted. At 4pm the weary children, drivers and helpers returned to the Restaurant for tea and great excitable
discussions could be heard about the animals the children had just seen. The Fund’s Hon. Chairman, Sim Yiannikaris, was pleased to be presented at Woburn with a cheque for £3,000 from Inland Homes and we are deeply grateful to them for their kindness in part sponsoring the outing. We also thank Ink Recruitment for their generous donation of £2,000 which went towards the drivers’ fuel. And we would also like to give grateful thanks to the following: The management and staff at Woburn, His Grace The Duke of Bedford for his hospitality, ITV Anglia for their coverage, the Metropolitan Police for ensuring we got on the motorway safely, the Bedfordshire Constabulary for getting us on and off the motorway, the Hertfordshire Constabulary for keeping an eye on us on the motorway, Brent Borough Police, Kavanah Motor Group, Welsh Harp Safer Neighbourhood Team, Ears Radio for providing the two way radios, the Red Cross, Costco for supplying the water, Sainsbury’s (Sue, Shirley and Trudie) for the tea, coffee, biscuits and cake and for helping with the children. Last, but not least our grateful thanks go to the wonderful drivers for giving up a day’s work in these difficult times ensuring that the children had an amazing and unforgettable day, as without the drivers these outings would not be possible. We also thank their helpers and anyone else who contributed towards the day. The children had a brilliant time and the smiles on their faces said it all. Roll on our next legendary outing to Southend-on-Sea on 13th July! Raymond Levy (Press Officer) London Taxi Drivers Fund for Underprivileged Children.
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What to Expect from L New Mayor Sadiq Kha LONDON has a new Mayor. The recent elections saw Sadiq Khan comfortably elected and become the third incumbent of this office since it was established in 2000. Khan follows Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson who both served two terms as the City’s Mayor. THE Mayor of London, along with the London Assembly of 25 members, is accountable for the strategic government of Greater London. The main functions that London’s tier of Government performs are: ● Strategic planning, including housing, waste management, the environment and production of the London Plan ● Refuse or permit planning permission on strategic grounds ● Transport policy, delivered by Transport for London ● Fire and emergency planning, delivered by London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority ● Policing and crime policy Sadiq Khan has already announced the appointment of five senior advisors who he says will drive forward his pledges to make the capital a safer city, with a world-class transport network and affordable housing leading to shared prosperity for all Londoners.
BREXIT And since the Brexit vote he has also called for London to have greater control or independence over the taxes which it already raises and over borrowing for special projects. He has additionally called for London to have a special “Visa” system allowing people to come to the UK who have skills which are needed by companies. In this he has been backed by the London Chamber of Commerce.
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Mountview News takes a closer look at his team:
Transport: Sadiq Khan has nominated Val Shawcross as Deputy Mayor for Transport and Deputy Chair of Transport for London. Val Shawcross has extensive experience of all issues relating to London’s transport, having served as a London Assembly member for 16 years, including eight years as chair and deputy chair of the London Assembly transport committee. In addition, the Mayor has announced his intention to secure London’s future transport needs by proposing the appointment of Lord Andrew Adonis as Chair of the Crossrail 2 Board. Andrew Adonis brings a wealth of experience delivering major London and national transport projects. Lord Adonis will continue his role as chair of the Government’s National Infrastructure Commission. Sadiq Khan’s team from left to right: Val Shawcross, Lord Andrew Adonis, Sophie Linden, Lord David Blunkett, Fiona Twycross and James Murray.
London’s an?
AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR LONDON’S TRANSPORT POLICY? In his Election Manifesto, Sadiq Khan promised support for what he described as London’s ‘iconic taxi service’. Set out in the box below is the wording from that Manifesto:
AN ICONIC TAXI SERVICE As the world’s greatest city it is absolutely right that we have, and continue to have, the best and most qualified cabbies in the world. London’s black taxi drivers are highly trained and properly checked to a high safety standard, driving wheelchair accessible vehicles, with the incredible geographical recall and sense of direction that only those with The Knowledge have. With people like this at the wheel, it’s understandable that the London black cab is an icon known around the world and a source of pride for Londoners. I will:
Policing and Fire: The Mayor intends to appoint Sophie Linden as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime. Sophie Linden is former government special adviser to Lord David Blunkett at the Home Office. She is currently Deputy Mayor of Hackney Council with lead responsibility for crime and community safety, neighbourhood and civic engagement. Sadiq Khan is also set to appoint Fiona Twycross as Chair, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA). Fiona Twycross, an Assembly Member since 2012, has first-hand knowledge of this brief having served as Vice Chair of LFEPA since July 2013.
Housing: Sadiq Khan is appointing James Murray to spearhead his ambitious housing programmes as Deputy Mayor for Housing. James Murray is currently the lead councillor for housing and development at Islington council, a role he has held since 2010, having first been elected in 2006.
■ Ensure that the markets for licensed taxi drivers and for private hire drivers are fair – with special privileges built in, as they always have been, for those who become a licensed London taxi driver ■ Ensure that driver safety standards are rigorously enforced across the black cab and private hire industries. ■ Retain the exclusive right of licensed black taxi drivers to use bus lanes and ply for hire Geoffrey Riesel of Radio Taxis Group said: “I send my congratulations to Sadiq Khan on his election. He has the privilege and honour to be in charge of the greatest city in the World. It is a vitally important role and one in which he will face many challenges.” “As Sadiq himself said, London is famous across the world for its iconic taxi service. He now has to step up to the challenge, and his pre-election promises of ensuring fair regulation for the taxi sector. This might mean a need for new legislation to replace outdated arrangements that have been overtaken by modern technology and I urge him not to shy away from this where needed.” “London also desperately needs a new airport and it needs a focused effort to reduce chronic road congestion and to get the City moving again. “Radio Taxis (now part of the Gett family) will look to work closely with the new Mayor and his colleagues to ensure that during his period in office he reinvigorates our trade and ensures that it continues to have a bright future offering the very best in personal transport services to both Londoners and visitors from cities across the world”.
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Question Time Eview Editor asks Mountview Chairman Geoffrey Riesel
The Ground Transport Group
Now part of the Gett family
Why we do need to accept fixed fares? ARE YOU IN THIS FIGHT OR NOT? IT will come as no surprise to anyone that the taxi trade is in the fight of its life. And while there is no doubt, that we as an industry have to be fighting on the regulatory front, so as to effect a more level playing field, we cannot take for granted success in that regard will be assured, at least not in the short term or even in the foreseeable future. So does that mean that the battle is lost? No it does not. It means that while we are fighting for changes in regulation, we must work in parallel, to beat the “enemy interloper” by being much more ingenious commercially. In other words by beating them at their own game.
PRICE Their most powerful weapon to date is something called price elasticity. At this point I’m not discounting that their App works well, but now that we are part of Gett, so does ours. The Gett App and technology is as good as it gets. So as a consequence we’ve taken steps to level the playing field in terms of customer experience which is, a couple of taps on an App, good coverage and the punter doesn’t even need to take out their credit card as the receipt beeps onto their Smartphone, and that’s just as they put the kettle on at home for tea.
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Don’t underestimate how important user experience is. Where was I? Oh yes, price elasticity. How does Uber do it? Well, prices are cheap at non peak hours. And the moment it gets busy surge pricing appears. But generally passengers see Uber as lowpriced and those that are prepared to pay the inflated surge pricing to ensure coverage also think the service is good. So what has that got to do with us working at fixed rates? Passengers do not like price uncertainty. They expect a cheap price when they use Uber and in the traffic they sit when they take a taxi and they see our meter tripping up unremittingly. So that when we fix a price for a journey in a black cab, they (the customers) like it and it encourages them to come back to using black cabs. While we don’t necessarily have to have to be as rock bottom basement
price as Uber, we should honestly ask ourselves, how much more are customers, in truth, prepared to pay for the benefit of a professional driver, fully insured and one who knows where he is going? Is it 10% more? Is it 15% more? Maybe they might pay 20% more. But if it’s 30% or even 50% more – it means that our natural customers will almost certainly leave us high and dry for an admittedly inferior option.
Having spoken to most of the senior management in Gett, they acknowledge, they’ve not absolutely got the technical system which calculates the fixed fares completely right yet. But they are working on some really clever algorithms, which will automatically work out fixed fares that give you a trip when it’s off peak but you don’t lose out significantly especially when it’s busier in peak times and when there’s a lot of traffic. It is a balancing act and we need your support. We will get it right. I understand this new system is being tested as we speak.
TOO DEAR AND WE LOSE THE TRADE, MAYBE EVEN PERMANENTLY? The reality is that what matters overall as a driver is how much you earn in terms of time, how much per hour. In many cases the meter can be a hindrance except when its rush hour. No point in having high prices if the amount of time you spend empty is increasing. You need a backside on your back seat, rather than burning the hire sign candle at both ends. We need to improve things so far that we reduce your running empty percentage and increase your overall running hired ratio and fixed fares are just one of the ways (and a really important one) that can make it happen.
GRUMPY DRIVERS So Gett have been seeking to square that circle, logically, by trying to attract back those punters. Trouble is if our drivers moan to the passengers about the fixed fares, it defeats the object. Again ask yourself, why would you take a taxi again when you’d spent the previous journey listening to a driver “moaning” about how he’s “losing money?”
Every driver is in business for himself and when you have the kind of competition that we have Price Elasticity becomes a really key factor. Geoffrey Riesel Chairman, Mountview House Group.
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Following on from my first recent experience in the hidden underworld of Down Street Station, which was used by Churchill as a secret bunker during World War Two – this time I’m underground where masses of ordinary people took wartime shelter.
The Aldwych Station Exp
THE STRAND Station was built to the same basic Leslie Green design as were many other stations including Down Street, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Camden Town, Hampstead, Elephant and Castle and Oxford Circus to but a few. design name e u iq n u s Originally opened in it f “Because o sed for filming! 1907, as the Strand it’s been u lso Prodigy Station, before a Kinks and a eos here! change of name to e h T , s s e n d Ma “Aldwych” during music vid have all shot rogrammes were May 1915, to avoid TV p Some recent also filmed here like; any confusion (the Line at Selfridge.” Northern r M d n a s Charing Cross e lm Sherlock Ho was also called “Strand” before being renamed Charing Cross). Both Surrey Street and the Strand entrances had “Piccadilly Tube” on their facades when the station first opened. Not long afterwards, these were changed to “Piccadilly RLY” as the Underground Electric Railway Company of London
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(UERL) and they disliked the word “Tube.” You could say that Aldwych has been a tube curiosity since opening. Fearing that the station would be little used, economy of build was sought during the construction. Only one set of stairs and passages to the platforms were completed and only about half the platform area (at the south end where the short trains would stop) had tiles. The remaining passages were left incomplete and never opened, all passengers using what would have been the exit passages to access platforms or lifts. Our volunteer tour guides, Steve, Audrey and John were delighted to show us around, explaining that Aldwych Station is 110 feet deep and coincidently almost one-hundred and ten years old. The side of the station has a small underground stream which flows from the well at St Clements Danes, (underneath what is now Strand Passage) down to the river Thames. This area of the city, before building began, was mainly rundown slums or rookeries which were
erience close to the plush theatres, along the Strand and Covent Garden. Most of the slums were cleared away and a new wide modern roadway was built from Holborn to the Aldwych, which was later to become known as Kingsway. It was suggested in the late 1890’s a train line should be cut beneath the Kingsway to meet-up with the busy Kings Cross trains going to Holborn. The Piccadilly line was created by the merger of two separate Tube projects. They were linked at Holborn to create the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway (GNP&BR) which was opened between Hammersmith and Finsbury Park in 1906. The Holborn – Strand line was to become selfcontained with two platforms at Holborn instead of one as originally planned. A single trailing junction would link the branch to the eastbound main line just north of the station to facilitate stock movements. The second platform would be a shorter platform, which would allow two simultaneous services to run between Holborn and the Strand. Finance was hard to come by for this project and eventually the scheme was taken over by an American sponsor, Charles Tyson Yerks, who had made a fortune building and electrifying urban rail and tram lines in Chicago. His business methods were dubious, but he was already heavily involved in financing other underground works in London, Yerks it is said, succeeded where others had failed, giving London a modern rapid transit system. Although the branch always had two tunnels and twin platforms at either end, it was normally operated with a single two-car train as a shuttle service using the western tunnel only. The trains only ever ran from Aldwych to Holborn, although there were plans originally to tunnel under the Thames to Waterloo, but this was never instigated. Probably the most historically important and unique features in Aldwych Station are the original Otis lifts, they are the oldest set of lifts on the entire underground network. Three other lift shafts were built, just in case passenger numbers increased; they are 33 metres deep and were dug entirely by hand like all the rest of this station. That’s like the equivalent of digging seven stories underground!
Old advertisements
WAR STATIONS AND MARBLES This station was never very crowded, not even in the rush hours. The eastern platform at Aldwych was not used at all for train services from about 1914. Soon afterwards, when German bombing raids on London began during the First World War, this disused platform was converted into an emergency store for 300 paintings from the National Gallery. Tube stations were not official civilian air-raid shelters, but thousands of people did take shelter at Aldwych when raids were at their heaviest in 1917. By the late 1930’s another war looked likely as Hitler’s Nazi regime adopted an aggressive foreign policy. By the time war broke out in 1939, tube sheltering was still officially discouraged, but working class Londoners bombed out of their homes took matters into their own hands. They effectively invaded the tubes and forced a change in the Government policy. Aldwych was a good station for sheltering, because it could be closed for service without affecting the rest of the underground network. On the 21st September 1940, the Tube service on the Aldwych branch was suspended and by 22nd October wardens from Westminster City Council managed the shelter. The late George Formby even gave a live BBC performance in front of an audience of hundreds sheltering there. The disused platform and tunnel were
The Otis Lift
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allocated for storage for both the V&A and British Museum. Both museums moved thousands of valuable items into storage, one of the most significant artefacts being the Elgin Marbles, which were so heavy that a special hoist had to be installed – some of the hoist remnants and markings still remain to this day. The Elgin Marbles were returned to the British Museum in 1948, but were not put back on public display until 1962.
THE END OF THE LINE One of the reasons why this station closed was because of all the wonderful historic features. The Otis lifts for example, by 1990 they had been in constant use for nearly ninety years and in need of desperate replacement, which would have cost about £3m and with a complete upgrade of the station would have cost about £4m more – £7m cost could not be justified with
Original tiles spell out its original name of “Strand Station”
so few travellers (450 per week day) using it. So in 1994 Aldwych closed to the public and although now closed for twenty-years or so it has found other uses. There is a fully working track which TfL (Transport for London) have been able to use to test new materials and new equipment. In 2012 it was part of operation “Forward Defence” which was the largest simulated terrorist attack in London, designed to train TfL staff and also emergency services in what to do if there was a terrorist attack during the Olympics. Because of its unique design it has also been used for filming; Madness, The Kinks and also Prodigy have all shot music videos here. Films like; Sliding Doors, Atonement, Constant Gardener, Die Another Day, V for Vendetta, Creep, Superman 4, 28 Weeks Later, The Deep Blue Sea, The Imitation Game – the list is never ending. Also some recent television programmes were filmed here like; Sherlock Holmes and Mr Selfridge. The last train to carrying the general public left the Aldwych on the evening of 30th September 1994, almost 87 years since first opening. Next Issue: My subterranean adventures continues with a look at the tunnels beneath Euston Station. Roger Sligo.
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Gett The Message By Roy Hughes SO FAR the trickiest part of the Gett/Mountview House Group deal has been negotiating all the potential usages of ‘Gett’ in everyday conversation without it being some sort of inadvertent pun; “How are you Gett-ing on?” etc. It can be disconcerting when and where this pops up. The communication with our customers started once the bid to acquire the Group was made. The key factor was to assure our clients that, at least in the shortterm, nothing would change and in the long-term any changes would only bring benefits to the customer experience – in particular access to a combined total of 11,500 black cabs in London, representing half of all the licensed taxis in the city and of course Gett’s cutting edge technology. Overall the response from MVHG’s customers has been positive, with most aware that there are significant changes in the ground transport market and that this deal positions the amalgamated business at the forefront of these changes as a market leader. The combination of Gett’s global reach, financial and technical resources with MVHG’s business experience in a variety of market sectors and well-recognised, account management and relationship building skills and knowledge, is being seen as an authentic benefit. The recent announcement of VW’s investment in the Gett global businesses only reinforces the message to our customers that Gett/MVHG is a significant player in the market, prepared to meet the challenge set down by Uber, but with a much stronger commitment to quality and corporate service requirements. In addition, customers of the other legacy taxi circuits must be disconcerted to see these developments and
wonder if its time to change supplier or risk being left with an inferior and poorer quality service.
GOING UNDERGROUND After a very long process and under intense competitive pressure, it is a major achievement for Mountview House Group to have been reawarded the London Underground supply contract for another five years. There is no doubt, over the years Radio Taxis has built up an excellent working relationship with LUL (London Underground Limited), delivering a consistently superb and high quality of service. However, LUL have their own internal pressures with key factors in the tender and award process being the confidence of LUL in the ability of the chosen supplier to understand and be able to consistently deliver the service to meet the critical needs of their business, at a competitive price. This is particularly the case with a high profile public service such as LUL, which is relied upon daily by millions of Londoners to get unhindered from A to B, while being constantly scrutinised for cost and ‘value for money’. Our new owners are absolutely delighted with this contract renewal and LUL will be an excellent example where MVHG experience and Gett resources will combine to deliver continuous improvement in service delivery and value over the course of the contract. Roy Hughes.
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Curiosity Corner Roger Sligo on the mysteries of hidden London
The Mystery of the Limehouse Pyramid ST ANNE’S Church Limehouse (grade1 listed) was built by Nicholas Hawksmoor, between 1712 and 1730; one of his three churches in the East End which alone makes it a worth-while pilgrimage (the other two are St Georges in the East and Christ Church, Spitalfields).
The eighteenth-century pyramid
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It certainly has a few unique features which makes it more than worthy as a London curiosity. St Anne’s Church has a long-standing connection to the Royal Navy. Its clock is the highest church clock in London, and was designed as a special maritime clock for shipping on the Thames. The exact time was transmitted by the Greenwich Observatory by dropping a large red ball on the top of the tower at exactly 1pm every day. This would have been visible from the top of the tower of St Anne’s and the tower clock would be set accordingly. The clock of St Anne’s was also the first illuminated clock face in the country, and its elevation enabled it to be seen by the thousands of ships which moored every day in the
St Anne’s Church
surrounding docks. The clock used to chime four times every hour for the benefit of shipping. On top of the church tower flag pole is the golden ball which was the Trinity House sea mark for ships navigating the Thames. It also has four points of the compass to indicate the direction of the wind. The battle ensign of the decommissioned HMS Ark Royal is on display inside the church. As good as some of these facts about the church are; my main excitement is in the graveyard mystery – the pyramid. Standing on the west side of the churchyard is this dramatic eighteenth-century four sided pyramid, similar to the smaller ones on top of the tower. The pyramid on the ground also has an inscription ‘The Wisdom of Solomon Chapter…’ the rest being obliterated by time and weather, beneath this worn-out inscription there is also a decayed coat of arms.
The tower with pyramids
The pyramid, made of Portland Stone, is grade II listed and described as a churchyard monument. It is believed that the monument has never been used as a tomb and some say the pyramid was originally intended to be erected on top of one of the short eastern towers of the church and that an early drawing shows the towers capped with pyramidal or even domed tops. Could it have been simply that someone mixed up the measurements, and when it arrived it was found to be too large and that it would not to fit in anywhere and was thus duly abandoned? Whatever the reason, the true story has been lost in time, but it’s one of these quirky things that make London’s curiosities so very appealing. Roger Sligo.
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Going for Gold by @radiotaxis_boss
TIME REALLY DOES FLY! It is amazing to think that four years have passed since London staged the Olympic and Paralympic Games. What a time that was. One that produced many challenges for the taxi industry in delivering our services across London but also one that holds wonderful memories for the performances of our athletes across many different sports. The next Olympic Games will start in Rio de Janeiro on Friday 5 August 2016. Team GB will be looking to build on their performance in London when they secured a record medal haul of 29 Golds, 17 Silvers and 19 Bronze medals, finishing third in the medal table behind China and the United States. Our Paralympians did even better winning 34
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Golds, 43 Silvers and 43 Bronze medals to also finish third in their medal table. Most importantly it was a month that made us proud of our City, the amazing spectators who packed every event and all those athletes who represented us. A time never to be forgotten. But it starts all over again soon and new memories will be forged. I am sure we will once again soon be hooked and following the performance of Team GB as well as outstanding athletes like Usain Bolt. So in this edition of Mountview News I have used our regular Twitter feature to set out some accounts that you might like to follow so you don’t miss any of the action when out and about during the Games which coming from South America will be at less convenient time zones. Geoffrey Riesel.
Twitter Name
Twitter Account
Description
Olympics
@Olympics
The Olympic Games, Lausanne, Switzerland
Team GB
@TeamGB
Team GB is the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Olympic Team run by the British Olympic Association
ParalympicsGB
@ParalympicsGB
Paralympics GB is the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team that competes at the Paralympic Games. Instagram: paralympicsgb_official #Supercharge
BBC Sport
@BBCSport
Official account: www.bbc.co.uk/sport
IOC MEDIA
@iocmedia
Keep updated with all the latest news from the IOC.
Rio 2016
@Rio2016_en
Official Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee profile in English.
Seb Coe
@sebcoe
Double Olympic Gold Medalist; IAAF President; Chairman CSM Sport & Entertainment, British Olympic Association; Former LOCOG & London 2012 Bid Chair.
Tanni Grey-Thompson
@Tanni_GT
11x Paralympic Gold Medallist, now Lady GT (no longer a Dame), sits in House of Lords as Independent Crossbench Peer, Welsh.
Clare Balding
@clarebalding
Author of My Animals and Other Family + Walking Home. Views are mainly my own but sometimes Archie (the dog) insists on having a say.
Chris Hoy
@chrishoy
Sir Chris Hoy, 6xOlympic Champion, 11xWorld Champion track cyclist. I now design bikes @HOYbikes, clothing @HOYVulpine, write kids books #FlyingFergus & race cars.
Brasil
@VisitBrasil
Visit Brazil and find out about a country rich in natural beauties, rhythm and colours, with a unique lifestyle, ready to receive you.
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Day Trip to Worthin By Roger Sligo
ON THE 21st June, nearly one-hundred London taxis took more than two hundred and fifty war disabled veterans on their 68th annual outing to Worthing. IT WAS a glorious summer’s morning as we all congregated at the little hamlet that is South Holmwood in Surrey, where the villagers, as usual, provided copious amounts of refreshments to be had while we searched out for friends both old and new. Mountview Chairman Geoffrey Riesel and his wife Jacquie were there representing Radio Taxis. Geoffrey has ensured that Radio Taxis has been long term sponsor of this very worthy charity, as I may have previously mentioned Jacquie’s dad the late Freddie Franks was a former secretary of this worthy association. There were quite a number of Radio Taxi drivers with the new dual Gett/Radio Taxis logos as well as a considerable number of Gett drivers taking part. We have always said those who give up their day for this heart-warming event are amongst the best in our trade. This year I was accompanied by Radio Taxis Drivers’ Service Manager Tracey Fuller, who helped to look after our veterans, Ken Watts, who we had also taken on this outing in the previous year (he married a couple of days after the last trip and has just celebrated his first wedding anniversary) and John Wynne, another of our regulars. Tracey had sponsored our cab again this year in memory of her dear late mother, Jean Fuller. Not only did I chat to some old friends, I also discovered a new first timer veteran (or what Tracey laughingly describes as ‘virgins’ – this can apply to new driver too!) John Riley (83) a retired Royal Engineer from Bolton Lancashire. John has only been a Chelsea Pensioner for the last three months. He explained to me that after his wife of 58 years marriage died two years ago, he had been living off M&S
were at s r e ik b n io g e L “The British ort the c s e to s y a lw a s hand a ds and a o r e th h g u o r taxi convoy th rthing.” o W to y a w e th all
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g for the War Disabled
microwave ready-meals and looking at the same four walls all day. His son, who had also done military service, suggested John applied to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, to see if he could become one of the residences, and to his complete surprise his application was accepted. He told me it was the happiest he has been in ages; and by the way he laughed and joked, sitting on a motorcycle, even turning is hat backwards and looking like a “ton-up boy” you could see the enjoyment which he now has. If that wasn’t enough I also managed to photograph Gillian McDonald, a lady Chelsea Pensioner who was also game for a laugh. The owner of that particular bike, Steve Knight, also has police bikes for hire for film and promotional work. The British Legion bikers were at hand as always to escort the taxi convoy through the roads and all the way to Worthing. This time, as last year, we were hosted for our dinner and entertainment at Worthing Pavilion, at the head of the pier. Mr Melvyn Zeff, (Radio Taxis V146) Master of Ceremonies, announced the special guests including the Mayor of Worthing Cllr Sean McDonald who welcomed the veterans saying “God shines on the righteous” as the day before the weather had been wet
and windy, however on the day of the outing we were indeed blessed with lovely sunshine. The special guest speaker was Phil Campion (Former SAS & Mercenary and whose book “Born Fearless” is a best seller) and who praised the veterans for paving the way for future generations. Mr Campion has written several books and has appeared in documentaries including Sky Atlantic TV where he would have to go on the front line up against ISIS which he did and was fairly
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successful. He praised the taxi drivers on the outing for keeping up the good work. He ended his speech by saying to the taxi trade; “Your support could be precipitated when I actively target UBER drivers” and this was received with much laughter and applause. Honorary Chairman Gary Belsey thanked the guest speakers and supporters, including; Worthing Council, Millwall FC and Audrey Sherry (who continues with her late husband Doug’s wishes, giving the charity financial support.) He also went on to thank the British Legion out-riders and South Holmwood Village for their refreshments. Appreciation was expressed as well to some of the many sponsors including; Camberfield Taxis, LTDA, Hailo, Gett, Radio Taxis, Dial-a-Cab, The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers – to name just a few. Ken Flemwell (Radio Taxis driver) and Dave otherwise known as “Spanners” – were also thanked for providing mechanical breakdown backup. Gary also mentioned the charity’s recent bid for lottery funding, which we have made into the final six of the 600 applications. He then handed over to Mickey Goodwin, who asked if we could all vote to get us to number one and then we will get National Lottery funding. I sat opposite a virgin (Tracey’s words again) taxi driver volunteer Tony Mcardle, on his first Worthing run after gaining his green badge last August. He had an interesting story for me. The war veteran passenger he brought to Worthing with him was ex taxi driver Roy Knight, who lives a couple of doors away from Tony. Tony explained that his Knowledge moped was parked-up outside his house one day when Roy knocked, Tony was out but wife Jill took the message – it was an offer from Roy to help Tony learn the Knowledge. Tony took the next couple of years with Roy doing weekly a call-over; and what a teacher Roy
proved to be! He is also a green badge guide, taught by Mr Malcolm Linskey, owner of the Knowledge Point School. It just seems like a natural payback for the two neighbours enjoying a day out together. This is why I find it so important to chat to both drivers and veterans; there are so many great stories to hear and record, which might otherwise never see the light of day. Mountview Chairman Geoffrey Riesel came and chatted with our veteran Ken who had worked at Levy’s in York Way (York Way Motors) since the 1930’s. He ultimately ran the taxi spares shop right until the property was sold. Geoffrey told him he remembered buying spares from him back in the 1970’s and also he recalled going into their canteen which was open at night, for dinner with other Mountview drivers. York Way Motors was a large and well known player in London’s taxi industry, indeed I believe they even, at one time, started their own radio circuit. Ken told us that the Levy’s had all passed away. The entertainment on the outing was also first class with Mark Walsh – a hugely talented and likeable young man. Mark’s idol since childhood has been the one and only George Formby, so no surprise that Mark, banjo in hand, gave us so many of the great man’s hits along with some funny jokes. Linda Watts, soprano singer got the feet tapping as she sang in a rousing, flag waving finale of patriotic songs such as; Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory – to name but a few. She also did a duet with Radio Taxis own Dennis, singing a Frank Sinatra song; don’t give up the day job Dennis! Before we knew it the show was over and it was back to South Holmwood for tea and our long drive home. Roger Sligo.
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Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday By Robert MacDonald Watson, Company Secretary, Mountview House Group AMONG the amazing series of milestones being reached in my lifetime, it seems that the Queen has had a huge share. She was born in London on 21st April 1926 to the then Duke and Duchess of York. Her father became King George VI on 12 May 1937, after the abdication of his brother from his short reign as Edward VIII. Like others at the time, the Queen had to grow up fast as the War developed. By 1943 she was joining the war effort, often seen in Khaki and quite often under the bonnet of a truck. On 20 November 1947, she married Phillip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. Prince Phillip was then a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and they moved to Malta where he was based with the Mediterranean Fleet. I too lived in Malta in the fifties when my father was based there with the Navy, we would regularly hear of their stay in the locale and that the Royal couple very much enjoyed life on the island. The happy couple started their own family with the birth of Prince Charles in 1948, followed shortly by Princess Anne, now the Princess Royal. Later of course came Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Sadness interrupted married bliss with the death of her father at Sandringham in 1952, while the royal couple were visiting Kenya. She was finally crowned Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953, having acceded to the throne on her father’s death. It was in April of that year that she launched the Royal Yacht Britannia which was to become a faithful carrier on many subsequent trips. In 1973 Princess Anne married for the first time and in 1977, the Silver Jubilee celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Queen’s Accession. In 1981, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer and in 1982 Prince William was born, followed later by Prince Harry. However, both those marriages subsequently ended in Divorce and then Prince Andrew separated from his wife. There was a series of moments of anguish, including the bad fire at Windsor castle in 1992, Charles and Diana’s divorce in 1996 and Diana’s tragic death in Paris in 1997. All this on the mind of a grandmother who happened
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to be the Queen. For her the sense of duty exhibited in her message to the Commonwealth on her 21st Birthday prevails over all. Her sister Princess Margaret died in 2002 at the age of 71 and in the same year the Queen Mother died albeit aged a magnificent 101. This was the year of the Golden Jubilee, celebrating fifty years of her reign. In 2005 Prince Charles re-married and in 2011 Prince William married Catherine Middleton. Previously the Princess Royal had also re-married and Prince Edward married as well, now nephews and nieces
and grandchildren were widening the family still further. The one constant was the Queen herself with Prince Philip by her side. The next year, 2012 saw the Diamond Jubilee to mark 60 years of her reign. Now we have had the celebrations for her 90th Birthday. In May there was a huge event at the Home Park on Windsor, involving 900 horses and 1500 participants. They came from, Oman, Chile, Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, Azerbaijan and of course the UK. It was to celebrate the Queen’s life, her love of horses, her dedication to the Commonwealth and to International affairs and her deep involvement with the Armed Forces. Sadly, the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show had to be cancelled for the first time in its 66 year history, the rain respecting nobody. Just before her actual birthday on 21 April, the Queen had a private lunch with Queen Sofia of Spain. Then the winner of the TV Great British Bake off, Nadiya Hussain presented the Queen with a splendid birthday cake (three tiered orange drizzle delight with butter cream and marmalade filling). The Queen lit the first of a series of 1000 beacons. Many towns laid on garden parties and other celebratory events.
On Friday 10th June, a televised Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Paul’s Cathedral, on the same day as the Duke of Edinburgh’s 95th birthday. The Queen does of course have an Official Birthday as well. This arises because since 1748, the ceremony of Trooping the Colour was held to celebrate the sovereign’s birthday. When it came to Edward VII’s turn, his birthday being in November, he moved the Trooping of the Colour to May or June when the weather would be kinder. Hence, on 11th June, the Queen attended this year’s parade in Horse Guards. The weekend ended with a Patron’s lunch, a picnic style lunch for 10,000 people with tables all along the Mall. This was to celebrate the Queen’s patronage of over 600 organisations in the Commonwealth and the UK. To end on a tale, literally, there is a new Winnie the Pooh adventure published, where the Queen and Prince George meet Pooh. Having just taken our grandchildren to see the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Place we feel very envious, the Queen was not at home, most probably visiting somewhere else. Long Live the Queen.
I Shall Rise Again... IF YOU ARE in the vicinity of St Paul’s, the Phoenix over the south portico of the Cathedral is well worth some attention. When Sir Christopher Wren needed a brick to serve as a marker for the centre of the dome, he directed a Stonemason to bring him a stone. The ground being still littered with rubble from the old cathedral’s charred remains and indeed some were used for the new cathedral foundations. The very first stone handed to Wren was from a broken tombstone with the single Latin word RESURGAM which translates as “I shall rise again” written on it. Wren thought this a very fitting omen for his masterpiece, which was rising from the ashes of the old St Paul’s. So next time you are passing have a good look for this old marker, another of London’s little gems!
The RESURGAM stone
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Roger Sligo asks: WIN £50 “Where am I?” *
“Where am I?” THE spring “Where am I?” contest had you all completely stumped. Therefore, this issue is a rollover with the prize doubling to £50 worth of M&S vouchers. Our picture clue in the last issue was of one of a three part frieze, sculptured on a building in the City of London. The centre section is shown this time in the picture clue. In this picture we have two Cherubs about to crown a young looking Queen Victoria. The coronation of Queen Victoria took place on 28 June 1838, just over a year after she succeeded to the throne at the age of 18. The building where I am standing is on a busy “T” junction with a continual flow of taxicabs, some working others are not! On some important occasions this junction can be returned to the crossroads it once was. Get your thoughts together and keep looking up, it should be a piece of cake – finding where I am. If you think you know the answer, send an email to: mvn.editor@eviewmagazine.com or send by snail mail to:
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Where Am I Contest, Mountview News Editor, Mountview House Group Ltd., Suite 100 (Building 3), North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, LONDON N11 1GN. The winner who correctly names the location will receive £50 worth of M&S Gift Vouchers!* Good luck! Roger Sligo.
? The Mountview Puzzler Page
CLUES ACROSS 3. Academic world (8) 9. Narrow street (5) 10. Acquire (3) 11. New Zealand parrot (3) 12. Defraud (5,6) 14. Meat (5) 16. Drama (4) 17. Summed (5) 19. God-like (6) 20. Drinking vessel (3) 22. Opera by Bizet (6) 23. Former Russian rulers (5)
25. 26. 28. 30. 31. 32. 33.
Wind instrument (4) Raw hides (5) At once (11) Storage container (3) Ingot (3) Eccentric (5) Engrossed (8)
CLUES DOWN 1. 24 hour periods (4) 2. Body of peers (7) 4. Universal in extent (8) 5. Of delicate beauty (6)
6. Temporary expedient (9) 7. Wide open (5) 8. Pile (5) 13. Made by hand (8) 15. Not normal (8) 18. Bandages (9) 21. Heaven (8) 24. Stopping place (7) 25. Tool used for driving nails (6) 26. Common people (5) 27. Seventh sign of the zodiac (5) 29. Spool-like toy (2-2)
MOUNTVIEW SUDOKU
Get your thinking cap on! HAVE A GO AT THIS ISSUE’S SUDOKU PUZZLE! The object is to write in the missing numbers in the empty boxes below. But to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain the digits 1 through to 9 exactly once. What could be simpler? Hooked? Well you can find many more Sudoko puzzles online FREE by going to: www.sudoku.cc
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