Thought for the day:""You are so sweet" Tom said splendidly"
As I wander through the web and social media - a number of items come to light, that do not really fit in with any specific theme so I tend to keep them ion the side until I find a reason to use them - but do not wish to forget them. For that reason this blog has a varied and often random feel to it - and it is only when I look at the statistics behind the dashboard that I see that there are some people who actually pop in and have a look at what is written.
So to you, the unknown few who have a glimpse into the mind of an aging bard - welcome and thank you for taking time to pop in and have a look.
Today's little gem relates to a story that came out around remembrance day - and possibly I shall remember it myself when we come to November next year - but on the basis that I shall probably forget, I thought I would post it here anyway. It relates to Black Cabs in London. The vehicle known to be built with the smallest turning circle to manoeuvre the streets of London. I was explaining to my brother in law from USA about the "Knowledge", the learning of all streets and routes in London before you are able run a Black Cab - something apparently is unknown in the USA. I suppose in these days of Satellite Navigation the need for the "Knowledge" is lessened. Certainly that woudl be where the Uber drivers came in with their private hire cabs.
However - a more little known item relates to the selfless actions that the Black Cabs take regarding Veterans at Remembrance Day..
Apparently known as Poppy Cabs - each year all fares are waived as they take the veterans to the Cenotaph.
Looking further I find that the capital’s cabbies have a history of waiving fares to transport veterans. The Taxi Charity runs annual trips to Worthing for retired war heroes, and earlier this year (2017) took a group to the Netherlands to commemorate the Liberation of Arnhem.
The site
taxicharity.org lists details....
Funded entirely by the drivers themselves, this is seen as a highlight of the taxi trade year when taxi drivers make a special effort to pay back part of the debt owed to the veterans old and young.
Taxis are provided on a ‘turn up and go’ service between 08:00 and 10:00 from all London’s mainline stations plus Victoria Coach Station, Victory Services Club and Union Jack Club.
Subject to availability there will be vintage taxis also taking part in the event. Visitors may be able to sit inside the vintage taxis for photographs and may even be allowed to ride in them - we would ask for a donation to the British Legion funds.
A number of dedicated taxis will be taking Chelsea Pensioners, resplendent in their scarlet uniforms, to Westminster Bridge to enable them to mark the eleventh hour – something that those who are not fully ambulant would not otherwise be able to do.
All London taxis are wheelchair accessible, a feature much appreciated by many of those attending the service and parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Drivers wishing to help can do so by turning up at any mainline station, Victoria Coach Station, Victory Services Club and Union Jack Club.
Sadly this year it seems that security issues also take a part as we can read :
Mindful of the terrorist attacks over the past year, and depending on security considerations on the day, it is intended that return journeys start from Westminster Bridge and Admiralty Arch where there are dedicated pick up areas. Marshals will be fully briefed on the day and will advise passengers accordingly if there are any changes.
Subject to availability there will be vintage taxis also taking part in the event. Visitors may be able to sit inside the vintage taxis for photographs and may even be allowed to ride in them - we would ask for a donation to the British Legion funds.
A number of dedicated taxis will be taking Chelsea Pensioners resplendent in their scarlet uniforms to Westminster Bridge to enable them to mark the eleventh hour – something that those who are not fully ambulant would not otherwise be able to do.
I salute them and lift a Glass..
Cheers
and in other thoughts
