Andy Charalambous Chairman of Streamline Taxis 202020 (main picture above) one of the day's competitors, said: "I didn't do too badly, though I did clip a couple of bollards. But I noticed another driver after me dragged one under his wheel.
"It is a hard course but I'd say I'm about eight out of ten happy with my performance and if I'm not in the top six, I'll be throwing my toys out of the pram." Michael Doyle, of City Cabs, spent Saturday cleaning his taxi from top to bottom preparing for the event in Madeira Drive, only for his clutch to go during the evening. He took the course in a London Cab instead, but his wife Sue and son Ashley were less than impressed with his performance.
She said: "I'm glad he failed the parallel parking because he's always having a go at me about catching my alloys." Ashley said: "He could have done better but the cones are too narrow. Still, as it wasn't his car I'll give him the benefit of the doubt." Tony King, one of the organisers, said: "All these tests will hopefully prove who is the number one driver in Brighton and Hove but it's a bit of fun really.
"The aim is to raise the profile of Brighton and Hove cabbies as they're not all given the praise they deserve. "These guys give an excellent service to the city and they really care about it." Money raised from the competition will go to The Argus Appeal and Brighton-based children's charity The Rockinghorse Appeal. The winner will be announced at a presentation dinner at the Hilton Britghton Metropole on Monday, April 3.
Mr Charalambous said: "It's only our first year and in years to come we'd like it to become quite a big annual affair. "There are nearly 1,500 licensed taxi drivers in Brighton and Hove and I think only 40 entered today, which is a bit disappointing but I can see it growing. "Obviously if the sun was shining, it would have been a big bonus.
"It is a hard course but I'd say I'm about eight out of ten happy with my performance and if I'm not in the top six, I'll be throwing my toys out of the pram." Michael Doyle, of City Cabs, spent Saturday cleaning his taxi from top to bottom preparing for the event in Madeira Drive, only for his clutch to go during the evening. He took the course in a London Cab instead, but his wife Sue and son Ashley were less than impressed with his performance.
She said: "I'm glad he failed the parallel parking because he's always having a go at me about catching my alloys." Ashley said: "He could have done better but the cones are too narrow. Still, as it wasn't his car I'll give him the benefit of the doubt." Tony King, one of the organisers, said: "All these tests will hopefully prove who is the number one driver in Brighton and Hove but it's a bit of fun really.
"The aim is to raise the profile of Brighton and Hove cabbies as they're not all given the praise they deserve. "These guys give an excellent service to the city and they really care about it." Money raised from the competition will go to The Argus Appeal and Brighton-based children's charity The Rockinghorse Appeal. The winner will be announced at a presentation dinner at the Hilton Britghton Metropole on Monday, April 3.
Mr Charalambous said: "It's only our first year and in years to come we'd like it to become quite a big annual affair. "There are nearly 1,500 licensed taxi drivers in Brighton and Hove and I think only 40 entered today, which is a bit disappointing but I can see it growing. "Obviously if the sun was shining, it would have been a big bonus.
It is too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving taxis - or so goes the joke. But what if that legendary knowledge was put to the test? That is exactly what happened when Brighton and Hove's drivers were quizzed on their knowledge of the city yesterday, answering 20 questions about Brighton's roads, routes and history.
But not before they had taken turns to negotiate a tricky obstacle course, parking in tight spaces and weaving around traffic cones. It was all part of the inaugural Brighton and Hove Taxi Driver of the Year competition. .
But not before they had taken turns to negotiate a tricky obstacle course, parking in tight spaces and weaving around traffic cones. It was all part of the inaugural Brighton and Hove Taxi Driver of the Year competition. .
The Argus First published Monday 27th Mar 2006.
To view a host of pictures of the day please click here
Special thanks for the co-operation & help on what was a very wet day to:
David Lepper MP & Jean Lepper
Martin Seymor and David Collins representing the Hackney Carriage Department & Len Holloway from Brighton Council.
The Argus for their continued support in the run up to the competition and for covering the event.....sorry about getting your photographer wet!
Saltdean Skoda for supplying our reception Trailer and the demonstration Octavia's.
Brian Potts Radio's and Meter Demo stand - Buddies and City Cabs who supplied the food.
Brighton and Hove Safety Camera Stand
Smith and Humphrey's Demo London cabs... they came a long way!
Comcir Supplied 2 ways radios for the day... it saved using semephor!
A special thanks to the 14 th Hove Park Scout Group Portslade, Rob and Karen Clint and 4 other scouts who worked tirelessly all day controlling the crowds and making sure Marshall were feed and watered.........and got soaking wet!
Logistics on the day: Tony King - Tony Fish - Andy Cheeseman - Tony Turner - Chris Nutley
Photography Andy Peters
Please note that no Seagulls were hurt during the driving skills event.
David Lepper MP & Jean Lepper
Martin Seymor and David Collins representing the Hackney Carriage Department & Len Holloway from Brighton Council.
The Argus for their continued support in the run up to the competition and for covering the event.....sorry about getting your photographer wet!
Saltdean Skoda for supplying our reception Trailer and the demonstration Octavia's.
Brian Potts Radio's and Meter Demo stand - Buddies and City Cabs who supplied the food.
Brighton and Hove Safety Camera Stand
Smith and Humphrey's Demo London cabs... they came a long way!
Comcir Supplied 2 ways radios for the day... it saved using semephor!
A special thanks to the 14 th Hove Park Scout Group Portslade, Rob and Karen Clint and 4 other scouts who worked tirelessly all day controlling the crowds and making sure Marshall were feed and watered.........and got soaking wet!
Logistics on the day: Tony King - Tony Fish - Andy Cheeseman - Tony Turner - Chris Nutley
Photography Andy Peters
Please note that no Seagulls were hurt during the driving skills event.
The Results!
Ist Place Damion Norman £1500 - 2nd Place Mick Hildrith £1000 - 3rd Place Minas Michalakis £800 4th Place Neil Parkin £600 - 5th Place Mark Berrystone £500 - 6th Place Geoff Comelia
Best driving skill T Turner £150 - Best Presented Vehicle Jeff Howell £150 (Both donating prizes to charity)
Best knowledge Nick Lyton Hale £150
Overall Winner: The Argus Chairty Appeal £4000!
From donations & sposorship and the Dinner Dance supported by over 170 who attended
The Argus Double Page Spread Feature On Dinner Dance Night
Ist Place Damion Norman £1500 - 2nd Place Mick Hildrith £1000 - 3rd Place Minas Michalakis £800 4th Place Neil Parkin £600 - 5th Place Mark Berrystone £500 - 6th Place Geoff Comelia
Best driving skill T Turner £150 - Best Presented Vehicle Jeff Howell £150 (Both donating prizes to charity)
Best knowledge Nick Lyton Hale £150
Overall Winner: The Argus Chairty Appeal £4000!
From donations & sposorship and the Dinner Dance supported by over 170 who attended
The Argus Double Page Spread Feature On Dinner Dance Night
