Monday, March 26, 2007

Longest serving cabbie in London (BBC News)



Longest serving cabbie honoured

Mr Collins took his first passenger back in 1937London's longest serving black cab driver has been honoured with an award after 70 years of service.
Alfred Collins, aged 92, was given the award from Transport for London at a specially organised ceremony at the Public Carriage Office.

Mr Collins, from Colindale in north west London, drove his first passenger in 1937 and his last a few years ago.
Some of his most famous fares have included Margaret Thatcher, Joan Collins and Bruce Forsyth.
Treasured memories
The father of two said: "Life is all about communication and I have enjoyed sharing my vast experience of life as well as learning a lot with some of my passengers.
"I will treasure these memories for the rest of my life."
He added: "It has been a great privilege to serve the people of London.
"It really does not seem that nearly 70 years has passed by. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life, politicians, celebrities and the great British public".
David Brown from TfL said: "We are proud of the invaluable contribution he has made to Londoners and visitors alike who value the black taxi as an iconic landmark."
Mr Collins said the secret to a long life was not to worry and always take a little exercise.

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