Alan Fisher recently produced his last issue of London’s most interesting taxi magazine, Call Sign, the in-house magazine of Dial-a-Cab, one of London’s three radio circuits. Since the start of the magazine Alan and his wife Linda (who was responsible for the graphical production), produced a very readable and often riveting magazine, that didn’t only dwell on in-house matters. Always seemingly short of space (the magazine was always jam-packed full and had the feel of being produced with warm lead instead of electronically) London cabby through and through, Alan knowledgeably commented on London, UK and international matters and found himself with a large number of national, but also international fans (see below). He always kept an eye on both sides of the argument and never made rash editorial decisions. There was also a fun side to the magazine. And although I (Wim Faber) have been working for a competitor magazine in London (Taxi Newspaper) since the 1980’s, I always liked Alan’s take on things.

Alan’s latest news was the de-mutualisation of Dial a Cab, turning the cooperative into two private companies – one running the radio circuit and the other one holding the major asset of the circuit: the office building.

Yet, in the same magazine Brian Rice, Chairman of Dial-a-Cab Ltd. Announced there won’t be a successor to Alan for now, as plans with Call Sign seem to be unclear. Perhaps that is just, because it would have been difficult to fill Alan’s footsteps. Enjoy your retirement, Alan and Linda, you’ve deserved it. On some occasions I had the pleasure of working with you, and it was a great pleasure.

• Alan and Linda Fisher made Call Sign into something special.