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Page 2 Remember – You saw it first in the Globe! 15 August 2012
GOODY BAG BRINGS JOY TO
VERIFONE PASSENGER
Drivers and passengers have put on a brave face
during the Olympics despite major upheaval to
travel plans. One passenger had a particularly traumatic
experience after hailing a taxi at Charing Cross Station.
Njabulo Dlamini, a Financial Analyst from South
Africa, left his bag in the back of the taxi. It contained
his company laptop, two mobile phones, passport and
UK work visa. It also contained other visas for a busy
schedule of overseas business trips planned for August
and September. The driver was blissfully unaware of
the situation, processed the card fare for the journey and
disappeared off into the night. By the time he realised
what had happened, a remarkable chain of events had
already started to unravel.
The lost passport already meant that Dlamini had to
cancel a scheduled trip to France the next day, and had
two other European appointments jeopardised before
travelling further afield later in the summer. He was
effectively grounded. Having spent hours ‘holding’ on
automated phone helpdesks, Dlamini was facing an
unscheduled trip back to South Africa to reapply for his
passport and visas - a simple matter in theory but one
that he was told could take up to three months. He was
even forced to decline invitations to work elsewhere
around the world in the meantime as he had no passport.
In desperation, Dlamini checked his fare receipt and
contacted VeriFone. Staff at the VeriFone Operations
Centre in Kennington were able
to contact the driver, Edward
Goody, and arrange for the
safe return of the bag and all its
contents - including the passport
and a stale takeaway lunch.
Asher Moses of VeriFone
commented: “We were delighted Njabulo Dlamini
to reunite the passenger with his luggage. The honesty
and integrity of taxi drivers is recognised the world
over, they’re the ‘Best in the World’ and we’re proud to
do our bit to maintain the high standards that passengers
appreciate so much.”
Passenger Dlamini agrees. Like nearly 5,000 travelers
from 23 countries surveyed by Hotels.com every
year, he rates London taxis highly. For the fourth year
running, London taxis were voted “Best in the World”.
The poll also revealed that some of the more unusual
items left in cabs include a hamster and a flute, while
one Korean traveller lost a dried cuttlefish.
Having taken delivery of his lost luggage, Dlamini
personally thanked the team at VeriFone. “Thanks to
everyone at VeriFone for taking the time to look into
my desperate request. And special thanks to Mr Goody
for keeping my belongings safe. You saved my life. To
you all, I am greatly indebted, I will be forever grateful.
The age of miracles is still amongst us.”
TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR
CHARITY FUND ANNUAL
DINNER DANCE
‘Remembering those less fortunate than ourselves’
Tickets now on sale now!
Takes places on Saturday 1st December 2012
at the
Holiday Inn Kensington Forum
97 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DN
Reception 6.15pm
Dinner 6.45pm
Ticket price: £62.50 per person
4 course meal and half a bottle of wine per person
Russell Poluck, MBE, Honary chairman of the TDOY
charity says: “It is important to remember with your
support The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund is
able to give substantial donations to the taxi trade
charities that supports them. Don’t be the one to miss
this great night out.
Come along and join the good food and great
company, with dancing to a live band. This event will
prove to be an enjoyable and memorable occasion
for all.”
For more details or
to purchase tickets
please contact Russell
on telephone number
07850 056 765 or
020 8952 1357.
Russell Poluck
Website: www.taxiglobe.info – To advertise in the most independent newspaper – Telephone – 01778 391189 Editorial – 01707 885439