On 12th March 2009, The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers held their Spring Court Dinner. Joined by Masters and their Clerks from many different City Livery Companies, the evening was a great success. The guest speaker was Paul Clark MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport. Just before the champagne reception began, new Freemen were admitted to the WCHCD. The Master, Andrew Overton and his Court of Assistants welcomed Spencer Davis, Alan Garner, Mario Alain Goinden and Edward John Relph. It is always gratifying to welcome new Freemen into the Company. Once these new members had had their photographs taken with the Master to mark the occasion, the reception began and soon The Saddlers Hall was filled with Liverymen, Freemen and their guests. It is always a good opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues both old and new at these receptions and this was no exception.
The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers is held in high regard throughout the City and Masters of other livery Companies attending this dinner brought a great diversity to the proceedings. It is always interesting to meet these Masters and this time visiting Masters included those from the Tax Advisers, The Firefighters, The Carmen and The Saddlers. For many one of the more prominent events in the annual diary of WCHCD is the annual Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris and many of the Livery Companies are pleased to help sponsor this event and make it possible. Andrew Overton said in his speech: “I take the opportunity to thank those Livery Companies who support our now famous annual trip to Disney. This year will be our 16th trip and to date we have taken over 3000 terminally and chronically sick children to Disneyland Paris.”
Paul Clark spoke of his admiration for London ’s taxi trade and the work it does. He referred to the less mobile passengers and how they have come to rely on the trade. He also told diners about the consultation that is being carried out at the moment to look into the provision of taxi services across the country. Not every town and city in the UK has the same requirements for taxis as London and so the government is consulting with the taxi trade, the private hire trade and its users to look at good solutions to meet passengers’ needs. Master Andrew Overton thanked Paul Clark for attending the dinner and said: “I thank you for joining us and for giving us an insight into Government thinking on the present economic situation and the way you see transport policy developing.”
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Company can contact The Clerk, Mary Whitworth, on 01494 765922.
