January | 2026 | CabbieBlog

December 2025

📖 The Trembling Lady Competition

The anxious wait is over! I can now announce the winner. The correct answer, which Tom Hutley achieved by running 14.75 miles to all of London’s Cabbie Green Shelters, was an impressive 2 hours 31 minutes, at a pace of 6:23km. The competition was won by Alan; unfortunately, his entry was not close enough for the bonus book.

🔪 Cataract surgery

Another month and another medical procedure. For the last three months, I’ve had three operations. Hopefully, I’ll not come in contact with another surgeon’s knife for some time…well, apart from another eye cataract removal.

📽️ Artificial Intelligence: It does have a purpose

This AI video is of London in the 1600s, done by videomaker Matt Reconstructs History. Very impressive it is too, since a lot of obvious post-production work to create longer sequences has been done. My only criticism is the Thames is too tranquil under London Bridge, as the saying went: ‘London Bridge was for wise men to pass over, and for fools to pass under’, referring to the hazardous, rapid waters between the starlings, where strong tides created dangerous conditions, making rowing underneath a risky feat only attempted by daring, specialised boatmen while most people crossed safely on top or by disembarking.

🚓 The Knowledge

The Knowledge of London is 160 years old. Started in 1865 following the cabbies’ inability to find The Great Exhibition. After the recent hiatus, applications are up by 68.7 per cent in the past 3 years, admittedly from a very low base, probably as a consequence of a faltering economy. In addition less drivers are taking retirement, almost certainly for the same reason.

💬 A happier New Year

A huge thank you to all who follow CabbieBlog; those who regularly comment or ‘like’; and to the many who just pop in whilst passing by without leaving a metaphorical footprint on the site. This blog is approaching its 17th anniversary; it would be a much less rewarding experience without your engagement. I personally won’t be sorry to say farewell to 2025, but let me wish all of you health and happiness for this New Year.