ON THE BUSES
WHY YOU CAN’T GET A BUS OR A TAXI IN TWICKENHAM.
Middlesex has a fine history of public transportation and the bus depot at Fulwell has always been one of the first to embrace new technologies. Firstly, there is a long history of trams at the Fulwell Depot followed by the advent of the trolley bus. Secondly, when this wonderful mode of “electric clean public transport” met its end in 1961 the brand-new diesel engined Routemaster took its place at this Middlesex Bus Garage. At that time in the early 1960s Middlesex was still a self-governing County until its breakup in 1965. So, Middlesex was one of the first and the Routemaster went on to meritorious service in the County and London for many, many years.
This then leads to the reasons why you are unable to get a bus or taxi on certain days. The reason being that St Clair Lodge 2902 having been a taxi driver dominated Lodge is now challenged by a large intake of most welcome Brethren who work in the bus industry as drivers at Fulwell Depot. So, on Saturday night 25th April you stood no chance as it was Installation at St Clair Lodge and W. Bro Denzil Bubb, a former London black cab driver, was Installed for the first time in the Province of Middlesex, having served previously as Master in Elms Lodge No 7587 in Metropolitan Grand Lodge.
So, there now seems to be an even mix of bus drivers and black cabbies. At the meeting the Lodge welcomed a joining member W. Bro Steven Pollitt who works for London First Bus and there was a ballot for a candidate for initiation who works for Go-Ahead London based at Merton Garage as a driver.
The New Master welcomed his guests which included W. Bro John Legget PSGD PAPGM and W. Bro Peter Gledhill PAGDC and also W. Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR an old work mate from the London Taxi Trade. The Address to the Master was given by W. Bro John Legget. The WM afterwards stated how flattered he was that this was given by W. Bro John.
Another Lodge member was owner of a coach company based in Egham, Surrey.
Bro Tomasz Nowak from Poland who was invested as Senior Warden gave an exceptional rendition of the Third-Degree Working Tools.
I’LL GET YOU BUTLER
W. Bro Stan has over 30 years of experience with both London Transport and also within the London Taxi Trade and was ready and able to reprimand any who might fall foul of the rules. The phrase “I’ll get you Butler” would have been very apt.
