TCO4 FOR WEB by Chris North

EE Y

C O A

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VIEW OF A BUTTER BOY Life as a cabbie

LIFE AS A KNOWLEDGE STUDENT

IN THE CHAIR

Advice for your all important Appearances

WHERE IT’S AT

Further listings to help you when you’re out and about

An interesting insight into everyday struggles

We h-v ar you is v r est to

hig

News from TfL on page 29

WI £10N 0

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So it’s that time again and so much has happened... Boris is back and I don’t mean Becker the German (at least not until Wimbledon in the summer), having secured further tenure as Mayor of London albeit with quite a small margin. As my grandfather often reminds me, I’m in a gentleman’s trade and etiquette is important so in a gentlemanly way, CallOver congratulates both the winner and the runner up. On the subject of etiquette, Chris Ackrill provides some very useful tips on this subject relative to how you present yourself to the examiners. His article is on page 14 and of course he’s well placed to provide such advice, having spent time on the “opposite” side of the table. We continue to develop our already good relationship with TfL and recently attended a Badge & Bill Ceremony at Palestra. We were also given a unique opportunity to interview John Mason, Director of Taxi and Private Hire. Brief details are on page 29 but the full report of the day inside Palestra is in the next issue.The excellent cooperation and support for CallOver from TfL is much appreciated. I remember being so out of touch with what’s happening in the world when I was learning the knowledge because I lived and breathed London and wanted to find out everything I could about this great city. I therefore felt it would be appropriate to share thoughts on some recent headlines of interest with you. The glorious FA Cup will now take up residence at Stamford Bridge West London; Charlton won an automatic promotion whilst The Hammers chose the long route to possibly elevate themselves whilst also elevating the blood pressure of their loyal fans with the play offs! It will be a busy day east of Wembley on 19th May. Good luck to the Hammers! Meanwhile The O’s avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth and Brentford nearly made the play off ’s. And what about Roy, the new England Manager? There we all were, thinking good old `Arry was a nailed on certainty when the FA reveal Roy Hodgson! I’d like to say we at CallOver rub shoulders with the FA like we do at Palestra but I’m afraid not. Good luck to you Roy and we wish you every success in unifying our national team so we have a chance in the Euro’s. London will soon move into top gear with the Olympic preparations including road closures and heightened security. Lots of different opinions about all that! You’ll find details of the new rank arrangements in Stratford on page 29; very useful if you’re getting your badge before the torch arrives in London.. It’s been the wettest April for a very long time. Rain and more rain but with the usual hosepipe ban of course. As a cabbie I so love the rain but remember loathing it when I used to be out and about on the moped trying to safely navigate treacherous wet, greasy, slippery road surfaces. Let’s hope we’ve now seen the back of the rain and summer is just around the corner. You never know with London, that’s another thing that makes life in the Capital so interesting. Once again our regular contributors Chris, Tom and Moggy have produced cracking articles and they are joined this month by Lance with his perspective as a rec’y! Welcome on board on two counts! Subscriptions and CallOver Club membership continues to soar but do please keep telling your fellow students all about us and get those Hi-Vis vests on to make sure you’re in with the chance of winning £100 cash. Enjoy reading this issue and get tweeting as we love hearing from you. Stay positive it’s worth it and above all stay safe!

Frankie Peet

Our Team Editor Frankie Peet Sub Editor Kathleen Tucker Advertising and Sales Holly Croot, Andrea Dunning Contributors Kelly Clark, Chris Ackrill,Tom Whitbread Moggy, Lance Membership Secretary Stacey Robins Design and Production Grant Poole-Adams 01245 850949 www.thecallover.co.uk info@thecallover.co.uk

GR O U P

5 Bolding Hatch Business Centre Bishops Stortford Road Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 4LF Tel : 01245 850949

No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without prior permission from the publishers. Whilst every care is taken at the time of print to ensure that details are correct, the publisher is not liable for any errors or omissions to articles, listings or advertisements or for the contents of advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers.

THE ONLY MAGAZINE

CALLOVER FOR THOSE ON THE KNOWLEDGE

In this Issue Pg 6 | Where it’s at

Pg 25 | Moggy’s Mentions

Some new listings to help you on your way

Moggy’s back with the best cup of tea in town

Pg 12 | Diary of a Knowledge Boy

Pg 27 | A Right Royal Experience

Pg 14 | In the Chair

Pg 29 | News

Pg 17 | The Myth and Meth Column

Put your feet up with a cuppa and enjoy these puzzles

Pg 20 | View of a Butter Boy

Find out what gems we have on offer this month

Life after the Knowledge

Pg 42 | Subscribe to CallOver for Free

Check out our latest 56 Appearance

Tom Whitbread gives the inside scoop

Chris Ackrill gives us another interesting insight into life in an examination room

The latest from TfL

Pg 30 | Knowledge College

New contributor Lance offers some knowledgeable advice

Pg 36 | CallOver Club

WIN £100! 777 - 9311 - 0001

PLEASE PAY:

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Yet again we are giving one lucky subscriber £100. To win all you have to do is wear a hi-vis vest while you are out and about. If you haven’t picked up a vest yet just pop down to A&N Taxi Repairs at 2a Three Colts Lane, Bethnal Green, E2 6JL. (While stocks last) Our spotters will be out looking for you. If yours is the bike registration they spot, we will be in touch to let you know how you can collect your prize. Good luck!

Where it’s at! Why not cut out and keep these pages, test yourself and let us know how you get on. Don’t forget to check future issues for more listings of need to know hot spots. Any ideas? Tell us what you think would be helpful for future listings. Email us with your suggestions: info@thecallover.co.uk

THEATRE LISTINGS

13 The Musical Apollo Theatre 31 Shaftesbury Avenue W1D 7EZ American Idiot Hammersmith Apollo 45 Queen Caroline Street W6 9QH Billy Elliot Victoria Palace Theatre Victoria Street SW1E 5EA Blood Brothers Phoenix Theatre Charing Cross Road WC2H 0JP Chicago Garrick Theatre Charing Cross Road WC2H 0HH Crazy For You Novello Theatre Aldwych WC2B 4LD Dreamboats & Petticoats Playhouse Theatre Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5DE Ghost Piccadilly Theatre Denman Street W1D 7DY Jersey Boys Prince Edward Theatre Old Compton Street W1D 4HS Les Miserables Queen’s Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue W1D 6BA Mamma Mia & Let It Be Novello Theatre Aldwych WC2B 4LD Matilda Cambridge Theatre Seven Dials WC2 9HU The Phantom of the Opera Her Majesty’s Theatre Haymarket SW1Y 4QL Ragtime Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park Regents Park NW1 4NR Rock of Ages Shaftesbury Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8DP Shrek Drury Lane, Theatre Royal Catherine Street WC2B 5JF Singin’ in the Rain Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue W1D 8AY Stomp Ambassadors Theatre West Street WC2H 9ND Sweeney Todd & The Bodyguard Adelphi Theatre The Strand WC2E 7NA The Suit Young Vic Theatre (Main House) The Cut, Southwark SE1 8LZ Lion King Lyceum Theatre Wellington Street WC2E 7DA Thriller Live Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue W1D 7ES Top Hat Aldwych Theatre 49 Aldwych WC2B 4DF We Will Rock You (Queen Musical) Dominion Theatre Tottenham Court Road W1T 7AQ Wicked Apollo Victoria Theatre Wilton Road SW1V 1LG The Wizard of Oz London Palladium Theatre Argyll Street W1F 7TF

THEATRE LISTINGS

RESTAURANTS WITHIN HOTELS IN SE1

The Loft Three O Two Brasserie Joel Ichi Sushi Chino Latino Gregg’s Table Londinium Restaurant Elements Gillray’s Steak House

Mercure Hotel, 71-79 Southwark Street SE1 0JA H10 London Waterloo, 284 Waterloo Road SE1 8RQ Park Plaza Westminster, 200 Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7UT Park Plaza Westminster, 200 Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7UT Park Plaza Riverbank, 18 Albert Embankment SE1 7TJ The Bermondsey Square Hotel, Tower Bridge Road SE1 3UN London Bridge Hotel, 8-18 London Bridge Street SE1 9SG Hotel Novotel London City South, 53-61 Southwark Bridge Road SE1 9HH London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Riverside Building County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB

4H AND 5H HOTELS IN EC1 TO EC4

Andaz 5H 196 Bishopsgate 4H The Hoxton Hotel 4H Grange City Hotel 4H Thistle City Barbican 4H Zetter Hotel 4H Montcalm at the Brewery Hotel 4H Club Quarters 4H Grange St Pauls Hotel 4H Crowne Plaza, London City Hotel 4H

40 Liverpool Street EC2M 7QN 196 Bishopsgate EC2M 4NR 81 Great Eastern Street EC2A 3HU 8-14 Coopers Row EC3N 2BQ Central Street, Clerkenwell EC1V 8DS St Johns Square, 86-88 Clerkenwell Road EC1M 5RJ 52 Chiswell Street EC1Y 4SB 24 Ludgate Hill EC4M 7DR 10 Godliman Street EC4V 5AJ Kingscote Street EC4V 6DB

Check our future listings for hotels in Knightsbridge, Kensington, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Holborn and more.

POLICE STATIONS Kentish Town 12A Holmes Road NW5 Kilburn 38 Salusbury Road NW6 King’s Cross Road 76 King’s Cross Road WC1 Lavender Hill 176 Lavender Hill SW11 Limehouse 29 West India Dock Road E14 Marylebone 1-9 Seymour Street W1H Muswell Hill 115 Fortis Green, Finchley N2 Notting Hill 101 Ladbroke Road W11 Paddington 4 Harrow Road W2 Paddington Green 2-4 Harrow Road W2 Peckham 177 Peckham High Street SE15 Plaistow 444 Barking Road E13 Putney 215 Upper Richmond Road SW15 Rotherhithe 99 Lower Road SE16 Shepherds Bush 252-258 Uxbridge Road W12 Shoreditch 4-6 Shepherdess Walk N1 Snow Hill 5 Snow Hill EC1A 2DP Southwark 323 Borough High Street SE1 St. Ann’s Road 289 St. Ann’s Road N15 St. John’s Wood 20 Newcourt Street NW8 Stoke Newington 33 High Street N16 Stratford 18 West Ham Lane E15 Streatham 101 Streatham High Road SW16 Sydenham 179 Dartmouth Road SE26 Tooting 251 Mitcham Road SW17 Tottenham 398 High Road, Tottenham N17 Tottenham Court Road 56 Tottenham Court Road W1P Tower Bridge 209 Tooley Street SE1 Trinity Road 76 Trinity Road SW17 Vauxhall 49-51 Kennington Road SE1 7QA Walworth 12-18 Manor Place SE17 Wandsworth 146 High Street SW18 4 West End Central 27 Savile Row W1X West Hampstead 21 Fortune Green Road NW6 Willesden Green 96 High Road NW10 Wimbledon 15 Queen’s Road SW19 Wood Street 37 Wood Street EC2P 2NQ

Acton 250 High Street W3 9BH Barnes 371 Lonsdale Road, Barnes SW13 Battersea 112-118 Battersea Bridge Road SW11 Belgravia 202-206 Buckingham Palace Road SW1V Bethnal Green 12 Victoria Park Square E2 Bishopsgate 182 Bishopsgate EC2M 4NP Bow 111 Bow Road E3 Brick Lane 25 Brick Lane E1 Brixton 367 Brixton Road SW9 Brockley 4 Howson Road SE4 Chelsea 2 Lucan Place SW3 Caledonian Road 470 Caledonian Road N7 Camberwell 22a Camberwell Church Street SE5 Canning Town 23 Tarling Road E16 Catford Bromley Road, Catford SE6 Cavendish Road 47 Cavendish Road SW12 Charing Cross Agar Street WC2N Chiswick 205-211 Chiswick High Road W4 Clapham 51 Union Grove SW8 Deptford 116 Amersham Vale SE14 Earlsfield 522 Garratt Lane SW17 East Dulwich 173-183 Lordship Lane SE22 Fulham Heckfield Place SW6 Gipsy Hill 66 Central Hill SE19 Golders Green 1,069 Finchley Road NW11 Greenwich Burney Street SE10 Hackney 2 Lower Clapton Road E5 Haggerston 228 Haggerston Road E8 Hammersmith 226 Shepherds Bush Road W6 Hampstead 26 Rosslyn Hill NW3 Harlesden 76 Craven Park NW10 Harrow Road 325 Harrow Road W9 Highbury Vale 211 Blackstock Road N5 Highgate 407-409 Archway Road, Highgate N6 Holborn 70 Theobalds Road WC1X Holloway 284 Hornsey Road N7 Hornsey 98 Tottenham Lane, Hornsey N8 Isle of Dogs 160/174 Manchester Road E14 Islington 2 Tolpuddle Street N1 Kennington 49 Kennington Road SE1 Kensington 72-74 Earls Court Road W8

RIVER POLICE STATION Wapping

98 Wapping High Street E1

L IA ER IC V FF R O LOSO ALSPON

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WHERE TO GET YOUR COPY Transport for London

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Bacons Motorcycles

Unit 1, 42 Watts Grove E3 3RE

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Computer Cab Knowledge School

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Belmay Knowledge School

113 Kennington Road SE11 6SF

Chas Bikes

137 Ormside street SE15 1TF

Johns of Romford

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46-52 London Road Romford, Essex, RM7 9QX

Unit F17, Birch House, Birch Walk, Off Fraser Road Erith, Kent, DA8 1QX

Steads Bikes 181 -183 South Street Romford, Essex, RM1 1PS

The London Knowledge Lawrence Trading Estate, Askew Farm Road Grays, Essex, RM17 5XE

West London Knowledge School (formerly Paddington Knowledge School) 177 Kensal Road W10 5BJ

Rankins Knowledge School Karibu Education Centre 7 Gresham Road SW9 7PH

Knowledge 4 U 97 Dunbridge Street E2 6JG

Fever Cab Spares 28 Liverpool Street EC2M 7PD

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V I E W O F A B U T T E R B O Y

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ON THE KN OWLEDGE

I N T H E C H

A I R A d v i c e f o r y o u r a l l i m p o r t a n t A p p e a r a n c e s

i e

L I F E A S A K N O W L E D G E S T U D E N T

W H E R E I T

’ S A T F u r t h e r l i s t i n g s t o h e l p y o u w h e n y o u ’ r e o u t a n d a b o u t

A n i n t e r e s t i n g i n s i g h t i n t o e v e r y d a y s t r u g g l e s

T r a n s p o r t f o r L o n d

o n

MAGAZINE

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h i g W e a h - v r y i s v o u r e s t t o

W £ 1 I N 0 0

DIARY OF A

DAYS

KNOWLEDGE BOY Would you have done the same? Tell us how you would have run it or get in touch and let us know about your latest appearance.

Last Appearance

First run asked Hospital for Women & Children to Metropolitan Tabernacle

Second run asked John Orwell Sports Centre to Institute of Francais

Leave on Right....Great Portland Street Right..................... Riding House Street Left..................................Langham Place Forward........................... Regent Street Forward..........................Oxford Circus Forward........................... Regent Street Comply........................Piccadilly Circus Leave By............................... Haymarket Left.....................................Pall Mall East Right & Left.... Trafalgar Square Eastside Comply.................. King Charles Island Leave By................................. Whitehall Forward.................... Parliament Street Left.................................... Bridge Street Forward............... Westminster Bridge Forward.....Westminster Bridge Road

Right...........................Kennington Road Left..................................... Brook Drive Right.................................... Dante Road Left............................. Newington Butts Comply.................Elephant and Castle Set Down on Left

Leave on Right................. Tench Street Forward......................Scondrett Street Right....................Wapping High Street Right..............................Sampson Street Left.................................... Vaughan Way Left.................................... The Highway Forward......................... East Smithfield Bear Left................................ Tower Hill Forward.......................... Byward Street Forward.............Lower Thames Street Forward............. Upper Thames Street Left.........................Queen Street Place Forward................... Southwark Bridge Forward.........Southwark Bridge Road Right.......................... Southwark Street Forward....................... Stamford Street Comply.............................. Tenison Way Leave By................................ York Road Left.............................Addington Street

Right...........Westminster Bridge Road Forward............... Westminster Bridge Forward............................ Bridge Street Comply.................... Parliament Square Leave By..................... Broad Sanctuary Forward......................... Victoria Street Forward & Bear Left....Grosvenor Gardens Left.................................... Hobart Place Forward............................ Eaton Square Right................................ Belgrave Place Left.................................Chesham Place Forward............................... Pont Street Forward.....................Beauchamp Place Left...............................Brompton Road Forward...........................Thurloe Place Forward................. Cromwell Gardens Forward....................... Cromwell Road Left...........................Queensbury Place Set Down On Left

Last Appearance

Third run asked Putney Leisure Centre to Queensway

Fourth run asked London Business School to Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art

Leave on Left...............Dryburgh Road Right............................ Erpingham Road Right................Lower Richmond Road Left...................................Putney Bridge Forward........Putney Bridge Approach Forward.................Fulham High Street Comply...............................Roundabout Leave By........................... Fulham Road Left ................................. Munster Road Right.................................... Filmer Road Bear Right................ Sherbrooke Road Left..................................Rhylston Road Right....................................... Lillie Road Forward...............................Lillie Bridge Forward.............. Old Brompton Road Left.............................Eardley Crescent

Leave By............................ Sussex Place Right...................................Outer Circle Left.......................................York Bridge Right.................................... Inner Circle Leave By..........................Chester Road Left.....................................Outer Circle Right............................Gloucester Gate Forward..................................... Parkway Forward.....................Brittania Junction Forward.......................... Camden Road Forward...........................Murrey Street Left.......................................Agar Grove Forward..........................Brewery Road Right...........................Caledonian Road Left........................... Wheelright Street Right.................................... Roman Way

Left.................................Warwick Road Right.................. West Cromwell Road Left........................Cromwell Crescent Right.............................Pembrook Road Left............................ Earls Court Road Right...............................Abingdon Villas Left...................................... Allen Street Right................Kensington High Street Left............ Kensington Church Street Right.......................... Notting Hill Gate Forward.......................Bayswater Road Queensway on Left

Left..................................... Offord Road Right...............................Thornhill Road Left.................................Bewdley Street Forward...............Islington Park Street Forward......................Canonbury Lane Comply...................Canonbury Square Leave By....................Canonbury Road Set Down On Left

Tips

Dropped Points

Run 1

No comment from examiner

Run 2

No comment from examiner

Run 3

No comment from examiner

Run 4

Run 1

I thought I went a bit high on this run but the examiner said it was good, lucky for me.

No drop points

Run 2

Gainsborough Hotel

Run 3

Ramada London Hyde Park Hotel

Run 4

No drop points

ghts and After Thou s Appearance Targets on

nd rd as possible a ha as d ke or w e ! I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;v though I scored an appearance n to ve in E g ! in do go n e ca or I Bef uch more nlike there is so m el fe I t id to be more co ou e sa m he co , ds ar when I rw te advice af what you ve me some good ga er in am ared. Show them ex sc he so T t no nd a ance, g for an appear fident when goin aking so much about m eed to ry or w t nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; do e knowledge. N th g in can do and ss pa to Y is KE sa id Blue Book working hard!! on y rr ca st errors. He also ju nd weak on a s in areas I am ur ho e or m d en sp SURNAME: HO NDA125 Date

6-9-11 6-12-11 28-2-12 1-5-12

* Date and time not exact

Time

8.00am 9.45am 1.00pm 1.00pm

Grade

D C D C

Examiner

Date

Time

Grade

Examiner

IN THE

CHAIR

Look pear ls out for som e of w the Ba isdom from d g e and pre inter vie sentation and Bill ws wit our h of Lon don Ta the Directo xi a r Hire in the ne nd Private xt few issues see pa g e 29 fo informa r more tion.

So you’ve left home in good time, negotiated Palestra’s screening process, and have been deemed a fit and proper person in order to receive your laminated Visitor’s badge. Well done!

examiners are not addressed as “Mate”, and females are not addressed as “Darling.” It happens more often than you’d think. Please remember that “Darling” starts with a “D”. A big fat one.

Once you’ve been whisked up to the fourth floor, you need to spend a minute making sure you have no nasty stains on your clothes – particularly important if you’ve used the TfL coffee machine. Make sure your jacket collar and tie are straight before you go in. I assume you’re wearing a tie, right? I never felt strongly about it, but anything other than a suit and tie may alienate the more conservative examiner.

Examiners have their own individual philosophies and attitudes: what might irritate one, might not bother another. For example, some of us would have our day spoiled if someone moved the chair six inches away from the wall. Petty? Perhaps, but examiners are precious about their space – what little there is of it. When you are sat in a tiny office for several hours a day, any changes to your environment are amplified. Whatever you do, don’t upset the coloured pens on a certain examiner’s desk, particularly if Chelsea have just had a bad result.

There’s no definitive rule, but avoid earrings, nose rings, and funny coloured shoes. Even if you see people walking around in Led Zeppelin T-shirts on Dress Down Friday, please be assured that your examiner sticks to traditional values. When I threatened to do likewise, a more experienced examiner told me I’d be ostracised if I did. My loud ties were considered rebellious enough so I knew he wasn’t joking. And if you see me on the Pancras rank in shorts, there’s no need at all to inform any examiners. An examiner calls your name, and you follow him or her into their room. Have your appointment card ready to hand to the examiner. Leave the chair where it is, and don’t sit down until you are invited to. Handshakes aren’t encouraged, and are traditionally left until you get your Req. You may ask to loosen your tie or remove your jacket. A Knowledge Appearance is essentially a job interview. Not just one, but one of a series. The difference is there’s a guaranteed job offer at the end of it. Please behave accordingly. This extends to how you address the examiner: it’s “Sir” and “Ma’am”. Male

The examiner’s workload is heavy: sixteen Appearances a day. There isn’t much time for chit chat, so please don’t be offended by occasional brusqueness if the last candidate has put the examiner behind schedule. If you manage to discuss football or last night’s Coronation Street, feel privileged.

Nerves and Sickness Knowledge candidates are the sickest individuals known to man. Rarely a day goes by without seeing someone on crutches in the waiting area. While examiners are sympathetic to the plight of the vulnerable two-wheeled road user, they don’t want to hear about your illnesses, your family’s illnesses, your pets illnesses, or the recent operation on your posteria that prevented you from searching out real ale pubs at the weekend (I never actually had a pet’s illness cited as an excuse, though I admit I may have been swayed by the thought

of little Tiddles waiting at home with a bad cough). If you are sick, postpone. Examiners don’t want you coughing and spluttering all over the place and bringing your flu bug into their space. The most common question I was asked by candidates was how do you combat nerves? There is no definitive answer, as different people cope with stress in different ways. I am a cab driver, not a psychologist. I urge you to seek out self help books on the subject. I used to have a coffee mug on my desk bearing the legend: Keep Calm and Carry On. Along with getting out there and learning, this is really the best piece of advice I can give on the subject.Going back twenty five years to my own Appearances, confidence came from knowing I’d studied hard and stood a fair chance of being able to answer the questions. Many people think they are the most nervous person the examiner has seen this week/month/ever; but almost everyone displays nerves and the examiners are sympathetic. If you weren’t at least a bit nervous it wouldn’t be normal. But please don’t try to get sympathy by theatrical puffing and panting. Examiners know when you have been working hard, and have a pretty good idea whether your performance has been affected by nerves or laziness.

The Right Room for an Argument? While copping an attitude will count against you, politely questioning the examiner’s decision is acceptable if you think a mistake has been made. But do it before you leave. The examiner won’t remember the intricacies of every run asked on a particular day, and there’s little point in phoning up a week later to argue the toss. Mistakes are made, and they will be put right if they come to light while they’re fresh in the memory. My worst mistake was telling a candidate he couldn’t turn right from Prince of Wales Road into Kentish Town Road. Of course you can only turn right. I knew that because I had done it myself that morning! A few minutes after the candidate left the office I realised my mistake. I phoned and left a message on his mobile apologising; not just for the illegal turn mistake, but also for adding his score up wrong and failing to give him a drop! I made sure I saw him next Appearance and I made sure I gave him a run involving Prince of Wales Road.

Occasionally a candidate can pull the wool over an examiner’s eyes, but I’d say it was rare. I used to ask the Western Eye Hospital to Hanway Street. Leaving on the left you’d use Seymour Place to turn it around (or Sussex Gardens, docked one point). One chap thought outside the box and went north off Marylebone Road. I quite liked the cut of his jib, and when he swore blind you could turn right into Cosway Street I let him continue. It was easier to give him the benefit of the doubt than spend ten minutes looking it up on the computer. Even if I knew how to look it up on a computer. He called confidently and he ended up turning over his poor old examiner. Enjoy your victory. It’s something to tell your grandchildren. Of course, had I been a vindictive type I might have checked it afterwards, then marked his file for attention next time. All examiners drive cabs when they’re not examining, and they are usually suffering from Knowledge Fever like you are – why do you think I’m writing this in my spare time? There’s nothing an examiner likes more than going out at the weekend to search out Knowledge Porn. One examiner spends his Sundays drawing intricate diagrams of one way systems. Way to go, dude.The Knowledge attracts those who like attention to detail. Come to think of it, there are a lot of IT specialists on the Knowledge. Continuing the anorakism next time, I think it’ll be useful to look at what the examiners are looking for with their questions. Good luck and good learning.

Chris Ackrill

taxidrivertraining.org.uk

SOUTHERN TAXI DRIVER TRAINING

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0208 309 7550

Open on Sundays for immediate repairs to knowledge bikes

www.chasbikes.co.uk

taxitraining1@btconnect.com

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£85

Lance-a-lot of Knowledge!

The MYTH & METH Column A big hello to all CALLOVER readers, whether you’re a Knowledge bod, a Cabbie or a London enthusiast. Welcome to ‘Myth & Meth’ - my spin on all things related to the London Knowledge. I have recently acquired my REQ (for people oblivious to Knowledge jargon, this means I’ve nearly finished!) after three and a half years of humble service and constant learning. Like many of you I’m sure, my journey was a roller-coaster with too many ups and downs to remember. The main purpose of my spiel is shedding some much needed light on the many ‘grey areas’ within the labyrinth that is the London Taxi Knowledge, i.e. whether a particular method is better than another or what you do/don’t need to know throughout different stages etc. I hope to unravel some of the many ‘MYTHs’ and offer you some ‘METH’ (Method) wherever possible in order to make sense of this amazing, yet contradictory subject. I’ll make no secrets that with hindsight I could have definitely done things quicker and less chaotically and maybe I can help to prevent you doing likewise. I encourage open debate regarding topical queries and problems, please feel free to contact me through the editorial team using the email address below. It goes without saying that 50% of learning the ‘Knowledge’ is opinion based and therefore do take my thoughts with a pinch of salt. Having studied BOTH the main different creeds, my views have a unique blend. There is NO ‘right way’, just the way that works for you. For the cynics out there I will offer my humble scores, in no order; Map Test 90%, 1 A, 7 B’s, 3 C’s & 2 D’s. To make things more interesting on my final stretch of 28/21’s I started to read a lot into general London history, legends and facts. I found this not only illuminated my Knowledge but made the

process more interesting and, dare I say...FUN?! So I’ll throw in a random fact or two each time I write just to keep things light. I feel passionately that Cabbies and Knowledge bods alike should take a genuine interest in this great City. With all the prestige built up over so many years this trade is as much a vocation as a job. We are ambassadors of London, a living, moving ICON.

FACTS The name ‘Cab’ comes from ‘Cabriolet’, which was the 19th Century name for the newer, lighter horse-drawn coaches that became popular. The name ‘Hackney’ comes from the Arabic word ‘Jaca’, pronounced ‘Haca’ meaning ‘a horse with a steady pace’. The English corruption came to be ‘Hackney’ which refers to a horse that pulled a carriage. Lastly the 25ft turning circle is one of the original restrictions still in place today. ~ T.Paddington. The London Pocket Bible (2011) POCKET BIBLES. Any Knowledge queries/heckles please contact me at info@thecallover.co.uk REMEMBER - YOU CAN’T KNOW EVERYTHING, SO KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW & KNOW IT WELL! GOOD LUCK.

Mr. Lance, Knowledge Enthusiast

DIARY OF A

DAYS

KNOWLEDGE BOY Would you have done the same? Tell us how you would have run it or get in touch and let us know about your latest appearance.

Last Appearance

First run asked Lady Margaret Rd to Central Office of Information

Second run asked London Electronics College to Carlyle Square

Leave on Right �� Leighton Road Left ��Kentish Town Road Left �� Royal College Street Left �� St Pancras Way Left ��Crowndale Forward �� Pancras Road Forward ��Midland Road Forward ��Judd Street Forward �� Hunter Street Forward and Comply ��Brunswick Square Leave By ��Grenville Street Right ��Guildford Street Left ��Russell Square Forward ��Southampton Row Forward �� Kingsway Left �� Aldwych

Right �� Strand Left ��Lancaster Place Forward ��Waterloo Bridge Forward �� Waterloo Road Comply �� Tenison Way Leave by �� Waterloo Road Right �� Baylis Road Bear Left �� Kennington Road Right ��Hercules Road Right �� Newnham Terrace Set down on Left

Leave on Right.......................................................................................Penywern Road Right.......................................................................................................... Warwick Road Right and Right....................................................................................... Nevern Square Left............................................................................................................. Trebovir Road Right..................................................................................................... Earls Court Road Left..................................................................................................Old Brompton Road Right Redcliffe Gardens (Examiner corrected me and said Redcliffe Gardens is ahead of Earls Court Road) Forward............................................................................................... Redcliffe Gardens Forward.................................................................................................. Redcliffe Square Forward............................................................................................... Redcliffe Gardens Left................................................................................................................Fulham Road Right................................................................................................... Old Church Street Set Down on Left for Carlyle Square

3 Last Appearance Third run asked Sports Casino to La Caprice Restaurant Leave on Right ��Old Quebec Street Right ��Seymour Street Forward ��Portman Square Right �� Orchard Street Forward ��North Audley Street Left and Right....................................................................................Grosvenor Square Forward.........................................................................................................Carlos Place Left............................................................................................................... Mount Street Right............................................................................................................. Davies Street Comply................................................................................................... Berkeley Square Forward................................................................................................... Berkeley Street Left....................................................................................................................... Piccadilly Right..........................................................................................................St James Street Right............................................................................................................ Bennet Street Left..........................................................................................................Arlington Street Set Down on Right

Tips Run 1

Dropped Points

No comment from examiner

Run 1 I dropped points at the beginning like The Pineapple PH on Leverson Street and other nearby points. I also dropped The Pineapple PH on Hercules Road.

Run 2 The examiner corrected me and said Redcliffe Gardens is ahead of Earls Court Road. Run 3

No comment from examiner

Run 2 I dropped Rich Lane and Earls Court Square at the beginning and also a couple of other small points at the other end. Run 3

Again I dropped a couple of points at the beginning.

ghts and After Thou s Appearance n o s t e g r a T

nd made o many points a to ed pp ro D . te to nce to da all agreed I need y worse Appeara m e w as w nd a is rs th ne ve rt Can’t belie ol Callover pa eek, go to a scho er with my other w ov a it s ht ed ig lk n Ta 4 s. ll over stupid mistake me. I don’t know; I ca ow H .. e. in ts in my spare ti ut in ro po y k m e oo B ng a e lu ch B drastically s, and do utine over the weekend trying a new ro w ng ti no in po I’m e. go m ti g, wledge full on one evenin and k to do the Kno or w up e needs to change iv g ng le hi et op pe om S hy . le w re I can see me schedu nt on where you’ lling on a tight ti de ca nfi ts in co o re P u’ to yo ts ed to know to do my Poin ow the Examiners ne e is al re rther tra ining I kn I fu . se ith lo w t to t bu t go I ye t what have tely I’m no road. Unfortuna e th on fe sa e going and henc I will be. SURNAME: C9

Date

Time

8-6-11 9.00am 10-8-11 8.45a m 14-10-11 12.00pm 9-12-11 1.15p m

28’s 13-1-12 10.45 am 17-2-12 9.00a m

* Date and time not exact

Grade

C C C C

Examiner

Date

Time

16-3-12 1.15p m 25-4-12 11.00 am

D C

Grade

D D

Examiner

VIEW OF A BUTTER BOY On the Knowledge

I picked up a copy of CallOver magazine the other day from my old knowledge school and was pleased to see that other cabbies had written in on the butter boy page. So now I feel that it’s my turn. When I studied the knowledge, I did it in a van in between other jobs. It was harder dealing with the traffic in the week but a lot easier than riding a scooter in the rain. I struggled at first and got red lined on my first set of 56s which was a bit gutting but when I got a good call over partner I was well on my way. I didn’t attend a school until I was on 28s; maybe this is why I struggled on 56s. Once you get your req don’t make the mistake of thinking its all over. The suburbs are still a challenge, although nothing like appearances. It is a great feeling once it is all over.

Starting Out

I knew it was going to be quiet the first month I got out as it was January but as I was only getting the hang of things at that point, it was a good time to start. The only negative is, if like me, you don’t live in town you have to put in the hours because there is a few out going costs such as the cab and diesel. The first few days out in the cab were a bit scary but nothing like sitting in that chair wondering what the examiner is going to throw at you (not literally!). My first job was from Fenchurch Street to Paddington. Nice big point and nice free job to give away! I went through the city and down Oxford Street at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, seemed like it took ages. When I spoke to a few fellow cabbies I realised that going down the embankment, through the park and up Park Lane was quicker, unless it’s 2am. I wouldn’t recommend calling it that way.

have heard that the people can be a bit harder to work with. Even though I’ve only had my badge five months I feel I’m getting the hang of the cab game and really enjoy it. I like to chat and am surprised about some of the people we pick up, no famous ones yet. I picked up the same guy twice the other week and he was shocked that I knew where he wanted to go.

The Black Cab

I ended up buying a new LTI. It’s nice to drive but in this day and age I don’t see why my long wheel base van does more MPG than my cab. I did look into renting and see why most people do but as I have another job I didn’t want the cab sitting there all week and not being used. A lot of cabbies are on the radio circuits but I find it hard enough remembering to put the metre on without sorting all that out as well.

Top Tips

Here are a few little tips that I didn’t know when I was on the knowledge. When dropping at Waterloo Station sometimes the customer wants the steps on York Road instead of driving round to the main entrance. Victoria can be outside the Shakespeare Playhouse on Buckingham Palace Road and with Paddington you can drop off on Praed Street as it can cost an extra £4 to go into the new entrance. Last but not least, if your dinner is going to be ready for 7pm don’t think you can do that extra job because it always goes the wrong way. I mean you can’t say that the boss made me work late.

Juggling Jobs

Lee

Good luck boys and girls.

I still have my original job and find it works really well doing both. They say being a cabbie is the best part time job. I can see why so many fire fighters do the knowledge. I haven’t worked on rate three yet as I have to get up at 5am but looking forward to it, although I

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DIARY OF A

DAYS

KNOWLEDGE BOY Would you have done the same? Tell us how you would have run it or get in touch and let us know about your latest appearance.

Last Appearance

First run asked Neuro Disabilities Hospital to Royal Free Hospital

Second run asked LDN Business School to ICA

Leave By Right........................ West Hill Forward......Wandsworth High Street Left........................ Putney Bridge Road Bear Right...................... Armoury Way Left...................................Swandon Way Comply...............................Roundabout Leave By.....................Bridge End Road Forward............... Wandsworth Bridge Right............................Townmean Road Forward......................Harbour Avenue Forward......... Chelsea Harbour Drive Forward..................................Lots Road Right......................................Kings Road Left............................... Hortensia Road Right.................................. Fulham Road Left............................. Cranley Gardens Forward..................... Gloucester Road Right................................ Elvaston Place Left...................................... Queensgate Right...........................Kensington Gore Left............................... Alexandra Gate Forward..............West Carriage Drive

Forward....................Serpentine Bridge Forward..............West Carriage Drive Left....................................Victoria Gate Left...............................Bayswater Road Right.......................... Lancaster Terrace Left & Right................. Sussex Gardens Left................................... Norfolk Place Right................................... Praed Street Left..................................Edgware Road Right............................Frampton Street Left................................ Lisson Gardens Forward & Right.......Grove End Road Left...................................Finchley Road Bear Right................ College Crescent Forward......................Fitzjohns Avenue Right....................................Belsize Lane Forward..............................Ornan Road Left................................Haverstock Hill Forward...............................Rosslyn Hill Right.....................................Pond Street Set Down on Right into Hospital Forecourt

Leave By............................ Sussex Place Right...................................Outer Circle Right................................Clarence Gate Forward............................. Baker Street Forward.......................Portman Square Forward........................ Orchard Street Forward...............North Audley Street Comply....................Grosvenor Square Leave By............................ Carlos Place Left....................................Mount Street Right..................................Davies Street Comply........................Berkeley Square Leave By....................... Berkeley Street Left............................................Piccadilly Right...............................St James Street Left............................................. Pall Mall

Right........................ Marlborough Gate Forward..................Marlborough Road Left............................................ The Mall Set Down on Left

Last Appearance

Third run asked City Grange Hotel to Lincoln’s Inn Field

Fourth run asked Haringey Station to Imperial Wharf Station

Leave By Right...............Cooper’s Row Left..................................... Pepy’s Street Right................................. Seething Lane Right............................. Crutched Friars Forward..............................Jewry Street Left.............................................. Aldgate Bear Right.................Leadenhall Street Forward..................................... Cornhill Forward........................... Bank Junction Forward........... Mansion House Street Bear Left........... Queen Victoria Street Right..................................Canon Street Forward...............St Paul’s Churchyard Forward.............................. Ludgate Hill Forward..........................Ludgate Circle Forward...............................Fleet Street

Leave By.................. Quernmore Road Left........................Stapleton Hall Road Left..................................Oakfield Road Right & Left...... Upper Tollington Park Forward.........................Tollington Park Left..................................Hornsey Road Right............................... Tollington Way Left................................ Holloway Road Right................................ Camden Road Left..................................Bayham Street Right.....................................Pratt Street Forward......................... Delancy Street Left............................................. Parkway Forward......................Gloucester Gate Left & Right.......................Outer Circle Leave By.........................Clarence Gate Forward............................. Baker Street Right..........................Marylebone Road Bear Left.......... Old Marylebone Road Forward....................... Sussex Gardens Left..................................... Sussex Place

Right...............................Chancery Lane Left.....................................Carey Street Right.....................................Serle Street Set Down on Right (New Square, Lincoln’s Inn inside)

Right...........................Stanhope Terrace Left.................................Brooker Street Forward............................Victoria Gate Forward..............West Carriage Drive Forward....................Serpentine Bridge Forward..............West Carriage Drive Forward....................... Alexandra Gate Forward....................... Exhibition Road Right................... Prince Consort Road Left...................................... Queensgate Right................................ Elvaston Place Left............................. Gloucester Road Forward..................... Cranley Gardens Right.................................. Fulham Road Left............................... Hortensia Road Right......................................Kings Road Left..........................................Lots Road Forward......... Chelsea Harbour Drive Bear Right..................Harbour Avenue Set Down On Right

Tips Run 1

No comment from examiner

Run 2

No comment from examiner

Run 3

No comment from examiner

Dropped Points

Run 1

Run 4 No comment from examiner

No drop points

Run 2

Accidently giving ICA as Pall Mall, corrected myself immediately to the mall

Run 3

No drop points

Run 4

No drop points

ghts and After Thou pearances p A n o s t e g Tar

ts or a ‘C’. ly needed 2 poin on so ,C ,B C d y ha ’, my 7th. I alread a few. I got another ‘B it’s pretty . Just re named ts in po al re 1 question. Still ny on a g p’ in ro us ‘d pa ly ly al erall, on n I didn’t actu called smooth ov it was more tha I’d at ’. th ‘B t lid ou d so a ke , or 4 on’. But it w I got another 3 duct for ‘hesitati de to s er in am me ex a standard for so ing that he was on ti en m . & Q E ol R ho y ting my sc enough to get m ulations, embered him visi m re t bu , told me Congrat er e in H e. am yl ex st is in th d sh ’ and fini de I’d never ha to get another ‘B ise to actually ri w d fe as uf w ch it id as w sa I ing. He also ‘C’ examiner. So g to actual cabb in rr fe re , ts ar st ork’ g so now. now the ‘hard w do and am doin to ed nd te in s ch I alway the suburbs, whi SURNAME: YA

MAHA

Date

Time

9-12-10 9.00a m 16-2-11 8.45a m 14-4-11 12.00 am 10-6-11 1.15p m 16-8-11 1.00p m

28’s

12-9-11 10.45 am 14-10-11 9.00a m

* Date and time not exact

Grade

C D C C C C C

Examiner

Date

Time

ade 18-11-11 11.00 am C 16-12-11 10.00 am C 21’s 23-1-12 9.15am C 16-2-12 9.45am D 1-3-12 9.00am D 30-3-12 11.00a m C 9-5-12 10.00a m B

Examiner

After Thoughts

SUBURBS

Finally after 4 years and 2 months it’s all over and what a feeling. I didn’t feel like I had done it when I got my req because I knew I had to do my suburbs. They where harder than I thought. It was like doing the blue book all over again. Once I got going on them it did get easier. Some people just learn them parrot fashion but I have to see the roads. If I get a job out there it will be nice to know where I am going. I was calling them twice a day at the end and advise you to mix them up so you don’t call them in order. I was going out in the evenings learning them and calling over in the day as there is only six weeks to learn all 140. The Appearance was not like a normal one and I wasn’t as nervous. As long as you know all of the runs you can’t go wrong. I was done within ten minutes and then I got the golden hand shake. He gave me a bit of good advice and off I went home, not knowing what to do with myself. No calling over, no blue book and no going through my points. Need to get my suit sorted for the very last time, I pick my green badge up tomorrow.

Runs Asked Number 1:

East Finchley to Hadley Wood Station Number 2:

Hackney Wick to High Road Woodford Green Number 3:

Deptford Bridge to Crayford High Street Number 4:

West Norwood to Shirley Number 5:

Hammersmith to Terminal 5

The nine suburban sectors are: Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham Bromley Croydon Merton and Sutton Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames and Richmond upon Thames Ealing and Hillingdon Barnet, Brent and Harrow

Number 6:

Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 to Richmond Station

Moggy’s Mentions I was going to try not to mention the weather this month, but alas, with the wettest April in a hundred years it has to be worth a Moggy’s Mention! I expect I’m not the only one that has been held back by the fear of drowning – there were some dangerous looking puddles in Stratford this week! But other than fording puddles and dodging potholes there are lots of apparent dangers on the Knowledge. I once visited a college and the man that ran it began giving me a comprehensive list of places I should be wary of – it was all useful – some runs start in lovely areas like Kensington or Highgate and the next thing you know some snotty child is throwing Pizza and swearing at you in Dalston.

I turned around as asked him if he was lost. He politely explained in a thick German accent that he liked very much looking at girls on bikes and wished for me to share a biscuit with him. I politely declined, shot off and circled the block of Campden Hill Road until I was sure he had gone. I did a couple of laps of Holland Park Circus just to be sure before heading home – he wasn’t threatening, just unwelcome. Another scrape was entirely my own fault I have a terrible habit of talking aloud to myself in my lid, forgetting that I am neither silent nor invisible. I was waiting at lights in New Cross when an extremely portly lady wobbled across in front of me, enjoying a huge Pattie fresh from Big T’s Jamaican Cookhouse. (When I say enjoying – I mean devouring with slobbery relish.) As she was licking each of her fingers (I swear I could hear her lips smacking over the traffic) she said, spraying crumbs, “I really needed that.” Now I know it’s rude, but I thought to myself “are you sure?!” The only trouble was - I thought it rather loudly. The look on her face as she began stomping towards me initiated a hasty prayer to the God of the Traffic Light, and a burning clutch start worthy of Santa Pod. Oops!

Call Over Awards – Best Cup O’Tea in London

After those scary thoughts everyone will need a hot cuppa to calm down! It’s always something I look forward to, especially in this weather! Here are this months nominations:

I don’t know if men feel intimidated in some places too, or maybe I can feel justified in admitting it because I am female. But there are some places in London where I imagine no one would like to be stuck – I can think of nothing worse than a three hour wait for an AA tow from High Road, South Tottenham in the dark as Mr Moggy once endured. I admit I have baulked at going into some South London estates early in the morning when everything is eerily quiet and everyone looks dubious – even old ladies seem to have hoodies up at five in the morning in Mostyn Road!

From Tim in Southgate: The Honest Sausage in Regent’s Park – cardboard cup but great tea Russell from Clapham: The Star Express, Chapel Market in Marylebone – good strong builder’s tea From Steve in Hatch End: A brew from any Green Cab Shelter - reminds you what you’re out there for! And the winner is...

I do think common sense needs to be applied by all on the Knowledge. I try to think about the time of day before I plan my routes – empty roads can sometimes mean isolation, although some places are busy at night and points such as clubs are far easier to find. I do have my alarm key ring which is genuinely deafening – I’m sure it scares me more than a would-be attacker! But if you start worrying too much about joyriding kids or an oik running off with your keys you’d never go anywhere. I’m far more concerned with road safety – on that note don’t forget your CallOver Hi Vis! It’s not all doom and gloom – although I am sometimes foolhardy about my personal safety I rarely run into trouble – the worst I have had was in Pimlico (see – anything can happen anywhere!), when I noticed a man in the brightest, newest hi vis following me, staring at me at every red light. Finally, in Notting Hill, where I had still not shaken him,

The Regency Café in Victoria does a beautiful cuppa in a beautiful café but no toilets – there’s always the Iron Lung nearby but sadly not for girls.

Ta ta for now, may your scores be high and your D’s be rare! Moggy

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IS THAT A

CORGI

IN THE BACK SEAT? Reflections on some truly Royal experiences… The evening sun shone brightly on the immaculate coats of the grey stallions, making their highly polished leather and brass reins and bridles sparkle. Tonight they were drawing the magnificent traditional carriage of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as she left Clarence House accompanied by Prince Charles. She was escorted by the Household Cavalry from Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge. Following on were the Royal protection police car and the Queen Mother’s gleaming Rolls-Royce conveying her ladies in waiting. Bringing up the rear was the black Daimler limousine carrying her loyal and long serving page, Billy Tallon (known to all as Backstairs Billy) who, as usual, had been entrusted with her beloved corgis. As this Royal procession entered The Mall the crowds waved, cheered and shouted their approval and good wishes - even louder than usual because the enduring and ever popular Queen Mother had reached a very special milestone, her 100th birthday. In fact she was on her way to a special pageant depicting her life over the century and an evening of entertainment arranged in her honour.

quickly realised I was not a good passenger. In fact I didn’t like flying at all so they invited me “up front” and fixed a temporary seat between the pilot and co-pilot so I could get a good view and see exactly how they flew the plane. This worked a treat and after doing it a few times the crew felt I’d gained enough confidence to no longer be worried about flying. They were right about that but sadly I then got relegated to the passenger seats which was not nearly us much fun. I was one of the first to fly as a passenger in the new BAe 146 cc2 jet when they were purchased for the Royal Flight. The passengers who immediately preceded me on that brand new aircraft were Prince Andrew and Fergie going on their honeymoon. I was also very honoured to be flown back from Newcastle with the Princess Royal who was one of the nicest people I have spoken to, despite being known for her quick temper. The three permanent chauffeurs were very nice gentlemen; John the Head Chauffeur, Arthur and Shaun. If the Queen Mother was going to Scotland or Europe two chauffeurs would go ahead with the cars and I would then back up the remaining chauffeur who stayed in London. The day before the Queen Mother’s departure for her Scottish holiday, August 4th, was her birthday and in the evening she would usually go to the theatre, ballet or opera. The Royal “convoy” through the West End included police motor cycle outriders, the Royal protection squad car and a car for the Equerry and guests, as well as Her Majesty’s car. I would often drive the Equerries who were always selected from the armed forces and would hold the position for two years. Over my 17 years as a Royal chauffeur I got to know many of them well.

Once the Queen Mother and Prince Charles had passed the crowd fell silent but suddenly as the Daimler approached cheers and roars of laughter rang out and everyone started waving enthusiastically at “Billy’s car”. Police officers, ever vigilant, turned around quickly to see what was happening and even the cavalry couldn’t contain their curiosity and sneaked a peek over their shoulders as this sudden applause and laughter was so unexpected. Even the driver of the Daimler was unaware of what was going on behind him as there are no rear view mirrors in the Royal cars, so curiosity getting the better of him he broke with protocol and turned round to see what was amusing the crowd so much. The spectacle unfolding in the back seat was Billy with one of the corgis sitting on his lap holding its paw in his hand and waving it at the crowd. Photos of the “waving corgi” appeared in most of the next day’s newspapers as it was very funny and captured the good humoured mood of the occasion so well. On the return journey after the celebrations, the ladies in waiting returned in the Daimler and one bore a striking resemblance to The Princess Royal. As the car again drove up The Mall the crowds were cheering and calling out to who they thought was Princess Anne. It made them very happy to think they had seen another member of the Royal family. How do I know all this? Simple, I was actually driving the Daimler at the time. I had worked as a relief Royal chauffeur alongside the Queen Mother’s three full-time chauffeurs for 17 years, up until Her Majesty passed away in fact. After I’d been a London cabbie for about 10 years I was looking for something other than driving a taxi to keep me interested and amused. I got talking to a man who had an office/workshop opposite where I live in Dalston. I hadn’t a clue what type of business he ran other than it was connected to transportation. He asked if I fancied doing a bit of chauffeuring, which I did, but it was not until I received my first “assignment” that I discovered the cars I would be driving were rather special and the passengers even more so. My first job was taking staff from Clarence House with luggage to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire so they could be flown up to Scotland for the Queen Mother’s summer holiday. During the time I was privileged to work for Her Majesty I visited most of the Royal residences throughout England and Scotland and experienced first hand what it’s like to travel as a passenger on Royal flights to and from Scotland. My first trip was in an RAF Andover of the Queen’s flight and the crew

I was with the Queen Mother when she unveiled the statue of Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris outside the RAF church in the Strand. It was here that a group of idiots decided to try and throw cans of red paint over Her Majesty and the statue. I call them idiots because so many police had been drafted in they were arrested before they could even open the lids of their paint cans. On another birthday occasion I was in Trafalgar Square, in the days when you could drive all the way round, being escorted by police outriders blowing their whistles. I’d got almost as far as Duncannon Street with the police Rover following when a group of Italian tourists noticed the Queen Mother waving to the crowds of well wishers. One of them suddenly spun around, entangling her feet at same time, and came flying straight into the road right in front of my bonnet. I immediately threw the car towards the Square ending up on the kerb and just missing this lady by inches. She was very fortunate to escape injury. It was at this moment I heard a sudden sharp intake of breath from my passengers, Viscount Linley and the Queen Mother’s Equerry. I had to make a quick visit to Marks and Spencer’s underwear department after that particular experience! I wonder how many other London Taxi Drivers have “moonlighted” as a Royal chauffeur. Amongst the vast collection of memorabilia I accumulated over many years as a cabbie is one of my proudest possessions; the Royal Warrant I earned for services provided as a “conveyer of motor vehicles” to our much loved and missed Queen Mother. Unfortunately I didn’t get to keep any of the cars …or any of the corgis! Keep learning and keep safe.

Tom Whitbread

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TAXI PRIVATE HIRE

News Following months of planning, reviews and debates TfL and the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) recently announced details of new arrangements for taxi ranks in and around the Olympic Park. This will be of particular interest if you’re receiving your badge within the next couple of months: The main rank will be in Station Street, with a pick up point and feeder lane further along the road, holding up to 20 cabs. This will be fed from the Southern Spectator Transport Mall in Rick Roberts Way, which will also operate as a rank in its own right. The rank in Meridian Square will remain open. It is primarily for passengers arriving in Stratford but not going to the Olympic Park. Cab areas in the Westfield complex will be closed because it’s within the Olympic Park security zone. The Northern Transport Mall will be closed to taxis but an area in Hackney Marshes will be available instead. There will be ranks at the Olympic Media centre and the athletes’ village. Both are within the security zone but a system will be in place to allow taxis to pass through the checkpoints. The TfL “Olympics manual” will be issued to all taxi licence holders to assist in understanding the various rules, regulations, traffic restrictions and other changes during the Olympics. This will also be available to view online.

On 15th May CallOver attended a Badge and Bill Presentation at the kind invitation of TfL. We were able to talk to some of the proud, successful candidates about their journey through the knowledge process and picked up some pearls of wisdom from the senior examiner which we’ll be passing on to readers in due course. We also interviewed John Mason, Director of London Taxi & Private Hire and have lots to report on these very interesting discussions. Don’t miss our reports in the next few issues.

Picked up a foreign couple in Chelsea who wished to go to the West End, as I looked to my left there he was talking to me through the gap where you put the change. “Sex shop” he said, I replied “Sorry sir?” ‘Sex shop”. ‘You want Ann Summers?” “No a real sex shop”. So I took them to Charing Cross Road. They scared me a bit so I just got there as quick as I could. Tom

Picked up a man in the city, who wanted to go to Temple Place (Tobacco House). When we got there he said he had left his cash in the office so off he went to get it, 20 minutes later there was no sign of him, in 15 years I am thinking “is this my first runner?” I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t even ask him to leave anything in the cab. The following week I was reading the taxi paper when I see an article about a guy who forgot to pay a cab driver on Temple place. The advert said to call the number to collect the money. It was him and he gave me a good tip. Happy Days. John

I was having a great night out when my cab broke down so I called the RAC, waited an hour but no joy, so on the back of the truck it went with me in the front. As we turned onto Victoria Embankment I heard a loud crash. I turned to look and saw the cab was back on the road bouncing along the embankment. Couldn’t believe it, we were lucky it never took another vehicle out. Only good thing was they fixed it for me for free. Bad thing was when I went to sell it every one knew it fell out the back of a lorry. Sam

TRUE OR FALSE? 1. T he London Eye can carry 800 passengers per revolution - equivalent to 11 London red doubled-decker buses.

4. T here are over four miles of passages in the Houses of Parliament.

2. The first football match played under Football Association rules was played in Battersea Park on the 9th of January 1867.

8. L ondon hosted the Olympic Games in 1908 and 1968.

5. T he Guildhall is the only secular stone building to have survived the Great Fire of London.

3. O ver the centuries the Tower of London has been used as a royal residence, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a records office and to house the Crown Jewels.

6. T he Egyptian sculpture above the door of Sotheby’s in Mayfair is the oldest man-made object in London dating from 1600 BC.

7. L ondon’s tube stations sheltered Londoners from the Blitz during WWII, one night a record 17,500 were counted sleeping in the underground transport system.

9. W hen the London Symphony Orchestra toured to the US in 1912, they narrowly avoided travelling on the ill-fated Titanic, leaving some days earlier on the MSS Baltic.

10. T he Temple area of London is named so because it was the home of the Knights Templar in the middle ages.

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WORDSEARCH WEST END SHOWS ONES TO LOOK OUT FOR BILLY ELLIOT BLOOD BROTHERS CHICAGO LES MISERABLES LET IT BE LION KING MAMMA MIA MATILDA MOUSETRAP ROCK OF AGES SHREK SINGIN IN THE RAIN SWEENEY TODD WE WILL ROCK YOU WICKED

WHERE ARE YOU? 1

Please check page 34 for the answers.

CROSSWORD 2

5 7

9 10

13 14 15 16 17

CLUES ACROSS

DOWN

1. O n the 4th run on the 21 Appearance in the last issue, was it set down on right or left? 4. N ame the road Novotel London is situated on? 5. What can be found at 150 Moorgate? 10. I f I was to enter Frederick Close, what place would I use/see before entering it? 11. Where is Rocka Gallery? 12. Which house is located at 84, Theobolds Road? 13. F ill the gap - 80,000 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (9) are lost annually on the London Underground. 15. O n the 56 Appearance in the last issue, what was the dropped point on run 4? 19. What is the hotel at The Shard going to be called? 21. The restaurant “Koffmann’s” is in which hotel? 22. What embassy is at 101 Piccadilly, W1? 23. At 82, St Martins Lane, what restaurant would you find?

1. N ame the first legal turn after leaving 88 Wood Street, EC2? 2. H ow many UNESCO world heritage sites does London have? 3. What square is Kenya Restaurant on? 6. Where would you locate Yoga Studio? 7. The Norwegian embassy is on what square? 8. What West End show is now in its 60th year? 9. O n what street would you locate Portobello Medical Centre, W11? 11. What underground station has the shortest escalator? 14. There is a public house is on the corner of Westbourne Road and Queens Way. What is it called? 16. What restaurant would you find at 33 Dover Street? 17. N ame the public house you would find on Sandland Street? 18. Which theatre is the Lion King showing at? 20. What restaurant is in the Lanesborough Hotel SW1?

Please check page 34 for the answers.

TRUE OR FALSE?

TOP TIP

LONDON BRIDGES

The total weight of the London Eye (the wheel and capsules) is 2,100 tonnes or as much as 1,272 London black cabs!

List all the bridges in order to help with your direction

THE KNOWLEDGE COLLEGE ANSWERS CROSSWORD (ACROSS) 1. LEFT 4. LAMBETH 5. MOORGATE HALL 10. STANHOPE PLACE 11. CHELSEA HARBOUR 12. LACON HOUSE 13. UMBRELLAS 15. ST LUKES GARDENS 19. SHANGRI-LA 21. THE BERKELEY 22. JAPAN 23. BROWNS (DOWN) 1. LONDON WALL 2. FOUR 3. DEVONSHIRE SQUARE 6. HAYS PLACE

7. BELGRAVE 8. THE MOUSETRAP 9. CODRINGTON MEWS 11. CHANCERY LANE 14. THE RESIN 16. AUTOMAT 17. OLD NICK 18. LYCEUM 20. ASPLEYS WHERE ARE YOU? 1. LLOYDS BUILDING, LEADENHALL STREET 2. WORKERS MEMORIAL STATUE, TOWER HILL 3. ROYAL BEASTS, TOWER OF LONDON 4. IMAX LONDON, WATERLOO

TRUE OR FALSE ANSWERS 1. True 2. False, it was 1864 3. True 4. False, there are actually two miles 5. True 6. True - The little black artefact is carved from igneous rock. Some believe it to be even older – perhaps dating back 5000 years. 7. False, the number was actually more like 177,500 8. False, it was 1908 and 1948 9. True – They heard the news of the disaster when they reached Chicago. 10. True

TRUE OR FALSE ANSWER: TRUE

£100!

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AND THE WINNER IS...

Alfie from A&N presents Ayer Hassan with his £100 cash prize. Here is what he had to say about winning: “I couldn’t believe it when I received the email to say that I had been spotted and won the £100. Here are a few things about me, I live in Sidcup, I work full time for British Telecom and I’m also a Yellow Badge in the Lewisham, Greenwich & Bexley Sector. I have finished my runs and I’m currently waiting for a date for my Map Test and I attend the Double K Knowledge School. Thanks to CallOver magazine, it was a nice surprise to win.”

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