Diary-1/8/05 onwards

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10/08/05 - I am writing this a bit behind as, my job has changed and I now work a basic Monday to Friday which has come as a complete shock, It also means I am trying to cram all my pointing in on a weekend - this poses lots of problems as of course the kids are off and they want to do stuff.
Called in by Mr. Groves, "Squares" I thought as I have not had him before but he does have a reputation.
"What are you good at?" he said that often depends what day of the week it is sir" I replied
First Run - Christies to Habitat - no probs, Habitat to M&S Oxford St (I gave him the pantheon) no probs, M&S to Hamleys, Then Hamleys to Selfridges. He said that all these runs are possible as people go from shop to shop. Ok he said "where is Watches of Switzerland?" Don't know sir? "well you might get David Beckham in your cab one day and he wants to spend some money". At that he handed my card back with a big fat C.
05/09/05 - My COP is now almost finished, 9 points on 21 days with lives to spare, the difference between doing this part time and full time is considerable, so I am resigned to losing him soon.
Called in by Mr. Dixon, as this was not one of the names on my card last time I was a little bit wary, and I think it rattled me, because although he was very pleasant and gave me every chance, I WAS CRAP!
The runs were straight forward, Dollis Hill Stn to BBC rehearsal studio, But I could just not see the junction of Brondesbury, Sidmouth, Willesden etc I fumbled and bumbled but that was it, again my confidence shot.
Underworld Club to Kensal Rise Stn, Swiss embassy to Hospital for tropical diseases, then Egg Club to Cadogan Terrace. He said I did a NRT which I suspect was Camden Rd to Camden St, but I think he was being polite. Drawing them out at home, the lines themselves were not too bad. So now I have to get 2 out of 2 which I now suspect means I will be going back to the start of 28's again, and I had all sorts of thoughts about throwing it in as on Monday to Friday is really tough to get through this, I don't yet know the answer and will take a few days to think about things.
3/10/05- First the good news, although not for me, My COP finally finished, he was called in by Mr. Dixon and was given 3 pretty straight forward runs. "Congratulations" said Mr. Dixon, I have been told that the emotions he went through were quite tough and his legs were shaking, But I am jealous and happy for him at the same time, he has worked hard and deserves it. He now has six weeks to complete the suburbs.
This is harder that we first thought there are some sixty runs, but they all have off shoots, at first he tried to do them on his bike, then in the car during the day, that took too long so he went to early evening, but people pouring from train stations resulted in terrible traffic, the best way he found to get them finished was doing them at night. He has now completed them, and all though he cannot call them yet , seems to be nearly there. I am told that you are asked 6 or 7 runs with a couple from Heathrow.
I am continuing to call with him at weekends, so we are still in touch.
Onto my appearance - do or die I have missed out on a couple of things this weekend due to trying to study and always at the back of my mind was that I was wasting my time as they were going to red line me anyway.
For the first time in a long while, I did not take anything to help me sleep the night before, WHAT a mistake that was, I must have dozed off at some time, but I pretty much saw all the hours during the night and was awake for the early dawn chorus.
So I got up early and did some calling, had about 5 cups of coffee and made my way up for a 12.15 appearance. I was called in about 20 min's late, by Mr. O'Connor - I'm in trouble, I thought!
Once again he reeled off what seemed like loads of points before I knew one (so I'm already struggling)
Circle Apartments to New Crane Wharf. Copthorne Tara Hotel to Murray Sq. Glaziers Hall to British Lung Foundation. One run I cannot remember for the life of me, and then Queens Elm Sq to Norland Sq, after a brief pause he said to me that he had put a "D" in my file but a "C" on my card as my last run saved me!
I was then told although they were not great runs they certainly not the worst he has had, but said this gave me the chance to move forward, but that I would need to work hard and improve. - All I needed was a chance, left with a big smile on my face and my tiredness seemed to be a distant memory.
31/10/05 - I have been working hard up to this appearance, although family life made the weekend a little difficult to study, but with a good nights sleep I was feeling fairly hopeful as I made my way to the PCO. I was called in by Mr. O'keefe, first time I had met him, dropped Koko's but was asked the Underworld club to Abbey Rd Studios no problem. Asked Hungarian Embassy "No sir" so Belgian Embassy to Belgo Central, No problem. Then it all went off the rails I dropped a further 7 points 2 of which I should have remembered, 1 of those, the Daily Star I gave as Lower Thames St, "No" was the reply? well that threw me, It turned out he wanted Ludgate house where they used to be situated, but as I didn't know that, what chance did I stand. I was gutted I think it was there for the taking, but the extra couple of points seemed to tip me over the edge, this is really starting to be a problem for me, not that I'm not keeping up with the sheets, just that when I'm in the chair, I can't recall them.
So as you can imagine after 7 months and getting red lined was pretty disappointing, but as I was on 9 points I know I can do this. I am now calling on my own as my partner finished, I did meet up with a couple of guys and tried it for a while, but they were on early 56's and I was spending too much time with them and not enough time calling for myself. So back in 28 days time, and going for 4 straight c's.......positive thinking!
28/11/05 - I'm not sure who I was expecting but Mr. Groves called my name, and as usual I found him very pleasant and after a brief chat said "Pick an underground station" "Holborn" I replied Sir, Ok take me from Holborn to Googe St - Straight Forward, Ok From Googe St take me to Leicester Sq tube, now there has been some discussion if you can R/T from Rathbone place, "No' he said, someone's nicked the sign, what are you going to do now, well a slight change of plan, down Wells St No Probs. Ok he said, From Leicester Sq tube to Embankment station please, No problem, Then he asks "bearing in mind where you are, take me to Westminster tube" It may not be what you would do in real life, but run it anyway, again no problems. He then asks me about 10 clubs on the bounce, most I got, possibly dropping 3-4 points. Ok that will do, that was ok. Now "Which examiners do you like" "Everybody" I muttered I will try and give you someone you will do ok with!!!! - Who knows, anyway I left with a big smile on my face and an appearance just after Christmas
 
Disaster - The PC that I was using to update this site went to the great PC heaven in the sky along with all my pages and other info and it has taken me the best part of a month to get everything back to a working condition - what a pain in the arse
 
Getting out again has been proving difficult, only being able to do 1 or 2 days a week is a big pain and really now holding me back
28/12/05 - after trying to do a bit of revision over Christmas I felt reasonably ok for my appearance, worked hard the day before, and had a good nights sleep. I had a late appearance and was about 10 minutes away from leaving as with the Ice on the ground I was going to use the train, when I got a call from the PCO! "We have had a problem with the heating and its shut down, therefore we are going to cancel any further appearances today, please call back on Friday and re-schedule" So a day off wasted and now re-booked for Friday 6th hopefully this is a good omen.
29/12/06 - Met a KB in Trinity Sq today, nice bloke, but you can never tell if someone is spinning a yarn or not.
He proceeded to tell be that he had been "On the Knowledge" for 18 years!!!!!!!!!  Now I have heard of sixteen years before but this takes the biscuit, He has got divorced, stopped and started a couple of times, had 3 kids and gone through 4 bikes, he started with seven friends who are all now cabbies and it is something he always wanted to do. I must admit I would have given up a long time ago, but I don't mind if its not true, It's a good story and made me chuckle on a very cold day.
06/01/06 - Had a 2.30 appearance which was very late but it did give me plenty of time for doing P2P before I left, I nearly also got the points sheets before I left, 10 mins earlier and I could have taken them with me. Following Mr. Groves comments at the end of my last appearance I was quite hopeful as to who I would get, as I walked into the 2nd floor reception there were 5 examiners all behind the window, On entering the room of silence I was the only one there which made me feel worse. Five mins later and twenty minutes early Mr. O'Connor called me in, This was not good, I have had mixed results with Mr. C. Observatory Gdns to Jenny Lo's not too much of a problem except deciding South Ken or Belgrave Sq. Rathbone Hotel to River bank Park Plaza no problems, Streatham Leisure centre "No Sir" Ok Streatham Bus Garage to Smith Sq, Well I could not remember where exactly the bus garage was, so I took a chance and ran the run. Then Hackney Empire to Thames Magistrates Court, this was bang on as I had been practicing this run the night before, "Ok" he said lets look at the first run, he got up and pinned the run on the wall and then explained that he would use Sloane St or Beauchamp Pl but that my one was ok, keep working and you've scored today. So now two out of two and time to keep working, starting to feel a little more positive about my self.
Pretty quiet month, freezing cold, still don't feel I'm getting out enough, but that's the situation I'm in
06/02/06 - Back to a normal appearance time called in by Mr. Thomas, first time I've had him, Wandsworth Town Station to Church Row, Springfield Hospital to Fabric, Blackfriars Stn to Wimpole St, Sherlock Holmes museum to Warren St Station, apart from the fact I went from Grove end rd , into Acacia and out through Queens grove, when I realised that all I needed was up Finchley Rd, a quick Left Turn up Avenue Rd, but I thought I had blew it, afterwards Mr. Thomas said from my face he realised the point when I knew I had made a mistake, but As I corrected it fairly quickly, he let it go. so 3 x C's on the bounce, and I'm feeling good. Off for a weeks holiday now I can have a good week and crack on, when I return.
13/03/06 - Struggled a little on my return from holiday to get back into the swing of things, tried and failed to do any work while on holiday, but apart from a swollen knee (skiing) I actually came back very refreshed.
I had a mail a week or so ago from someone who is considering starting the knowledge and was a bit apprehensive about starting out and going out on the bike, and was asking about some terminology and how to get started. I look back now at all the time I have spent bent over the big map on the dining room table, hours and hours, not going out at weekends etc, and I would advise anyone who is going to do the whole thing part time to have a very serious think and think again if its what you want to do. Too many people give up after spending a couple of years at it, but it is such a burden on your life, marriage, and health, you must be sure its what you want to do.
Anyway, called in early by Mr. Price, "My 11 o'clock has been cancelled so I've called you in early" Sydenham Hill Stn to Denmark Hill Stn, Blue Print Cafe to Merchant Centre (lost it a little in the middle, Fleet St or Holborn?, I chose Holborn, but think it should have been Fleet St) Office of Fair Trading to the Press Association, and Nightingale Sq to Westminster Business centre. Not happy with the last run, but he seemed fine. "I think your ready for the next stage now, circumstances may mean you cannot work on the knowledge as much as you would like, but remember nobody fails, they just give up" and with that, he said "thank you very much" and I walked out with a big grin on my face, and picked up the driving pack which explains about the test you have to take and the costs involved. I am under no illusions that I still have a long way to go, but I do feel I have jumped another hurdle.
24/04/06 - My first 21
Unfortunately I have had to take 3 weeks off including Easter due to work commitments and a family break, I knew this was coming up and delayed my first appearance to approx 5 weeks, But the biggest problem has been the break because of work, I was in Germany and able to receive E Mails, but I did not have the time to do much calling over and defiantly no pointing
and I remember wise words from dean at Wizann that the runs are stored in the short term part of your brain, so If you don't practice, you will lose them. As you can imagine, the week I got back I worked franticly but I knew It would be a tall order.
I was first up at 8.15am which totally throws your routine out, and there was about 10 KB's all waiting outside for the doors to open, as it was a nice morning that was fine, but in the dark deep mid-winter I can imagine its not very nice.
Anyway, called in sharp by Mr. Thomas, " I hadn't seen you before and now I've seen you twice in three appearances", Ok Riverside Studios to Crown Reach, apart from firstly giving him the River cafe all was good. Hammersmith Coroners court to London College of Fashion (John Princes St) Belvedere restaurant to Belair restaurant and Victoria Stn to Hornsey town hall. I had a suspicion that run 3 was wrong as I had headed for Vauxhall bridge for some unknown reason. Mr. Thomas was a gent and offered me some advice about looking at a run backwards before calling it as it may give me help on deciding the route, but I didn't score. The fact that I had run 3 runs pretty well and only had 1 banana was ok in my book after over 3 weeks off. now I need to get down to some hard work.
I have booked my drive with Eddie Sadlier, Mrs Sadlier's husband, he works out of East London and my old COP had got on with him really well, I have my first lesson booked for the 19/05/06, this covers an assessment by Eddie, then some lessons and then the a lesson before the test and the use of the cab for the test for just under £300, My test is booked for the 28th June and came in at around £60
12/05/06 - Stopped in the Haymarket for a sandwich and a drink, when a cab pulled up next to me, the passenger got out and went to the cash point, the Cabbie turned out to be a really nice bloke, said it was all worth it, If you work hard you will get your reward, was the advice from him and it gives you the freedom to work when you like.
Generally I have not met any miserable cabbies out there (Perhaps its just a myth) but it was nice to speak to someone who was positive about the trade.
15/05/06 - I've worked hard last week, So although I was happy with the work I had put in, always at the back of my mind is trying to avoid another "D" - called in at 8.30 by a very jovial Mr Wilkins, and after some pleasantries said "did you see that Scottish film last night? (Braveheart) "Yes Sir" I replied " What a load of old Tosh" said Mr Wilkins, " I watched it for a while, I said I like the battle scene and my wife likes Mel Gibson"
Anyway - Peartree Close (No Sir) ok Cannonbury Stn to Gibson Sq - Ok then Royal Scottish regiment to Caledonian Club, William Wallace memorial to King Edward St (all the time he is smiling and chuckling to himself) and finally Bruce rd to Falkirk St - I made a bit of a hash of the last one by missing two roads (which he pointed out to me) but said that was ok and "see you in twenty one days" The last one is part of the route that I use to the PCO and therefore I rushed it, which is the only clue as to why I missed a couple of roads. Only on my ride home did the penny finally drop - Cannonbury - Wallace, Gibson - Mel, Royal Scottish - Caledonian (Scottish) WW memorial - King Edward, Bruce (Robert) to Falkirk (Scottish). Now I understand why he was chuckling to himself all the way through the appearance and I was totally oblivious to it until afterwards, It was similar to the last Sunday of the Football season and Tottenham's problems, what came out on Monday - Marriot docklands to Tottenham Hotspur - Who says they do not have a sense of humour.
And talking to another KB outside, he said on his first 21, he dropped three points and his runs were ok, but didn't score, this time he dropped six points, his lines were ok, and he did score, so sometimes it seems that if it is your time you will score. Ok first lesson on Friday, look out Goodmayes.
I have not had a call over partner for a few months now and while it does mean I can cram more in (I try to do between a 8 and 10pm each day) I now wonder sometimes If I had been able to keep going with one, if I had been finished sooner?
05/06/06 - Slightly later appearance today, and lots of bodies in the waiting room, I had noted the initials on the top of my card last time, and although I don't take too much notice of them, I was kind of expecting one of those initials to call my name. While I was sitting there I was looking at the big map on the wall, and I was going over a run in my mind using Broxholme Rd, Royal Circus and ??? through to Thurlow Park rd. Panic!! what was that road called? I was racking my brain trying to stay calm, I couldn't get up and look at the dammed map, not with all those people on 21's in there, what would it make me look like! So I decided to put it to the back of my mind, forget it, it won't happen, I won't get asked a run down there. Then I was called in, By Mr Dixon - Oh No!!! now I have always found Mr Dixon very fair, but have often struggled with him. Ok, Wimbledon Park Stn to Sydenham hill Stn - And then it hit me...... That he was a mind reader - he knew that I was going to go via royal circus and he was calling me out! - Off I went and rattled through it Royal, Lancaster, Thurlow, College SDOR.
Langhams Brassiere to Elistano - ok Goring Hotel to Gabriel's Wharf, then he did it, six points on the trot, two the Play bar and the Kensington moat house (I think) I should have known, The others, I didn't have a clue, then he gives me Wolfe's, this as far as I know has not been out in ages, but I remembered where it was, to the Snooty Fox PH, ran that ok. Well I thought I'd blown it, but he said, Ok I would have scored you higher today but for the dropped points!! so there was me thinking I might have got a D, when I might have walked away with my first B!, In the end I was more than happy with my C that's 2 out of 3 now and a driving lesson tomorrow, Its starting to get very busy.
06/06/06 - there's a worry!!
Had my second driving lesson tonight, Dave one of the teachers is pretty down to earth, like a giggle - my kind of guy I was much more relaxed today, driving better taking more of the road signs in and remembering to look in my mirror.
26/06/06 - Its happening thick and fast now, trying to keep up with pointing (remember I am only out once or twice a week at best) so when I am out, it is for a long while and I've a lot to take in. Slightly later appointment this time, and as usual was apprehensive, I have had trouble staying focused and have a lot on at work, It was a very busy waiting room with a lot of people in there so it was close and sweaty, Mr O'Connor, Dixon and Groves called people in, Finally I was called in by Mr Groves. Ok sir "How are you getting on?" "Slowly and surely sir" came my reply, Ok he said London Lighthouse to Fullers brewery. "Hang on let me see if I can run it first!!!!" ok off you go. Bramley Rd, Shepherds Bush, and I went via Goldhawk rd.
Ok he said, he then proceeded to reel of 20-25 points, and pretty much all I answered. " Bowling Green St" he said - No sir, I know Bowling Green Lane "You do know it" - No Sir, sorry, "Ok Its by a cricket club?" Sorry Sir - Narrowed the options but didn't help, "Arch Bishop Tennyson School" - Kennington Oval Sir - " That's it" he said "Bowling Green St is opposite there, its a handy cut through" Anyway I'm not going to ask you anything else today, And you've scored.
I was stunned, I've been through many feelings while doing this, but this really floored me - What a top man! So know I'm on 9 points with 3 lives left. I must know keep working for the last push and perhaps now the end is in sight, and I'm just starting to get a little excited!
28/06/06 - Driving test day. I had a two hour drive on the 26th after my appearance, which went ok although reversing and parallel parking is still a challenge due to the turning circle of the cab, but I am hopeful. I have selected Goodmayes as my test centre and I had an hours practice before. There was a KB taking his test before me and came back with a clean sheet! (see drive page) But the lady examiner made me feel at ease, and half way through the test I was chatting to her so I must have felt comfortable. I came back and also passed with a clean sheet so I went home with a big grin on my face.
17/07/06 - I have been trying as much as possible not to think too much about this appearance, although you can't help thinking about it and the fact it could be my last test.
I have been working hard although there does not seem to be many 21's and rec questions lately, I went out on Thursday and Saturday and did loads of P2P on Friday and Sunday. Sunday night I tried to relax and watched a bit of Spider man but it didn't work and I managed to lie awake for most of the night.
Up at 5.30am for a bit of calling, left at 6.45, parked up at 7.45 with time for a coffee and a bite to eat.
Walked to the carriage office arriving around 8.20 and handed it my test certificates and went to the waiting room for an 8.45 appearance.
Of all the examiners I have had so far there are some I would be happy to have and some I would have preferred to avoid, My card from last time said "Connell, Jefferies, Field" I have not had Mr Jefferies before and have not done so well with Mr Field. Mr Wilkins popped his head round and called someone's name, Mr O'Connor, Thomas and Field all called people out. Them my name was called by Mr O'Connor, I have to admit that he was not on my preferred list as he can be quite tough.
Jewish Chronicle  to the Israel Embassy (I knew roughly where the embassy was but as the road does not let traffic in, I have never actually pointed it) for some reason I went down Oxford st, but rather than cutting in at Berwick, went trundling on eventually cutting down through the park - Horrible! do you know which end the embassy is? yes sir, well that part is Palace Green and although If you can afford to live there a pound will not make a lot of difference, there is a better way you could go and we proceeded to run the middle again
Celtic Hotel to Clarkers Lane (No sir to the second) ok - Highgate Studios - No problem
Needleman's St to Abacus Bar - no problem
Putney Heath to Marriot Marble Arch - ran this straight forward .
And with that he said Ok that will do, I am pleased to say you have completed the knowledge of London, well done and leaned forward to shake my very sweaty hand.
And with that Mr O'Conner seemed to relax as well and we talked through the runs, and then explained what would happen next.
He asked if I had completed my drive, and I explained that I had handed my forms in earlier, he asked who's suburb runs I would be doing. Elite give you a set of suburb runs, although he advised that I should do either Wizann or Knowledge point as the Elite ones have a few runs that in the examiners eyes are not correct, and that if I was to do those runs, they would expect me to call then run with my own corrections.
So I will probably do the Wizann.
He then explained about the CRB check that you have to complete and stressed that it is important to get it back ASAP as it takes 4-5 weeks to get the form back and although would not stop me getting my badge, it would cause more paperwork.
With that he said he would see me out, shook my hand again and walked me to the booking out desk, said congratulations again, and that was that - I was a wreck, all the energy gone from me and it was all I could do to confirm my next date.
When I got home I was almost sad to get rid of my Blue Book and point sheets, - BUT NOT FOR LONG! - there all gone, my wife has her dining table back, I spent the afternoon in the paddling pool with the kids and I am going to have a shandy or two tonight.
Out of Interest I reckon I have ridden over 30,000 miles and I'm sure my Bum will never be the same.
I have since removed the Knowledge board from the bike - What a difference that makes, it really feels different as I have only ridden it with the board on.