Report from the Chairman

In the very darkest hours of the night, when even most members are asleep, the heroine of this story was awake and fully alert. Her assignment was to go to a London General Bus Depot to make sure that a banner proclaiming the day was fixed correctly to the No 11 bus. Of course it was, and the photo-call later that morning when it was unveiled was a resounding success.

This attention to detail was typical of the way in which our co-ordinator, Fiona Walsh, and her colleague Jane Brand, a joint member representing APTG, monitored events across the country, from Weymouth to Merseyside. The coverage in the press and the media was excellent, and Fiona's report shows how this World Federation event is moving from strength to strength.

We were delighted that Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, agreed to appear for a photocall on Friday 20th March to help promote the activities for the following day. Lord Archer joined us for the day itself, enjoying a trip on the No 11 bus from Victoria to St. Paul's. We saw them both in rather unusual guise - Chris Smith was enveloped in Joy Levene's feather boa and Lord Archer dutifully donned a bus conductor's uniform.

However, it was all in very good humour and a tremendous coup for us to have such high profile names involved in ITGD. The press needless to say, had a field day! Following their example, we have a 'Suggest a Caption for the Photo' competition at the end of the ITGD report.

For my part it was a memorable day as I accompanied Lord Archer for the round trip on the No 11 bus. He was clearly interested in the commentary and well aware of our role and contribution to tourism.

All in all, the day was a good example of raising the profile and awareness of the Blue Badge.

Tom Hooper
Guild Chairman
23. March 1998

The Guild Chairman with Lord Archer

Conducted by Lord Archer

Some Other EventsLondon