#hitchin taxi

[ecareinfoway]

Need a dependable taxi in Royston? Boxall Taxis is your one-stop solution for comfortable and convenient transportation! Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs: Local Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Get where you need to be in Royston efficiently. We'll pick you up from your doorstep and deliver you to your destination, no matter how close or far within the town. 24/7 Availability: Need a late-night ride or an early morning airport transfer? We're here for you, day or night! Special Event Taxis: Planning a night out or attending a special event? Book a Boxall taxi to ensure a stress-free arrival and departure. Let us handle the transportation while you focus on enjoying yourself! Disabled Taxi Services: We offer vehicles equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities. Just let us know your needs when booking, and we'll ensure a comfortable and accessible ride. Airport Transfers: Heading to or from a nearby airport? Relax and avoid the hassle of parking with a pre-booked Boxall airport transfer. We'll get you there on time and take the stress out of your travel plans. Boxall Taxis prides itself on providing reliable, friendly service at competitive prices. Book your Royston taxi online with ease or call us today! We're here to get you where you need to go, safely and conveniently.

[boxalltaxis]

Taxi from Hitchin to Luton Airport

Nestled in the heart of North Hertfordshire lies the quaint town of Hitchin, a hidden gem known for its charming streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant community. While Hitchin may be small in size, its appeal extends far and wide, attracting visitors from near and far. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler passing through, one thing is for certain: navigating airport transportation from Hitchin is essential for seamless travel experiences.

The Need for Reliable Transportation

As enchanting as Hitchin may be, its residents and visitors often find themselves in need of reliable transportation options, particularly when it comes to traveling to and from the airport. Whether jetting off on a business trip or embarking on a well-deserved vacation, having seamless access to airport transportation is crucial for ensuring stress-free journeys.

Modes of Transportation

Fortunately, Hitchin offers a variety of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs. From traditional taxis to convenient shuttle services, getting to the airport has never been easier. For those seeking flexibility and personalized service, local taxi companies like ours stand ready to provide reliable and efficient transportation solutions.

The Convenience of Boxall Taxis

At Boxall Taxis, we understand the importance of convenience and peace of mind when it comes to airport transportation. As a Hitchin-based taxi company, we take pride in offering top-notch services tailored to the needs of our clients. With a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers, we strive to deliver unparalleled comfort, safety, and reliability with every journey.

Why Choose Boxall Taxis?

When it comes to airport transportation, Boxall taxis offer numerous advantages that set them apart from other options

Door-to-Door Service

Say goodbye to the hassle of navigating public transportation or parking at the airport. Our taxis provide door-to-door service, ensuring a seamless journey from your doorstep to the terminal.

Flexible Scheduling

Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or arriving late at night, our taxis operate 24/7 to accommodate your travel schedule. Simply book in advance, and we’ll be there to whisk you away to your destination.

Comfort and Convenience

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Our modern vehicles are equipped with all the amenities you need to travel in comfort, including spacious seating, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Professional Drivers

Your safety is our top priority. Our drivers are fully licensed, experienced professionals who undergo rigorous training to ensure your journey is smooth and secure.

Affordable Pricing

We believe that quality transportation shouldn’t break the bank. Our competitive rates make airport travel accessible to all, without compromising on the quality of service.

Conclusion: Your Trusted Partner in Airport Transportation

In conclusion, navigating airport transportation from Hitchin has never been easier thanks to the convenience and reliability of local taxi services. Whether you’re jetting off on a business trip or embarking on a holiday adventure, Boxall Taxis is here to serve as your trusted partner in seamless airport transportation. With our commitment to excellence and dedication to customer satisfaction, we strive to make every journey a memorable and stress-free experience.

So the next time you find yourself in need of transportation to or from the airport, look no further than the Boxall Taxis. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of the rest. Your journey begins with us.

[taxistravelers]

Reliable Hitchin Railway Station Taxi Service

Navigating transportation in Hitchin can be a hassle without the right resources, especially when it comes to timely connections at Hitchin Railway Station. Our Hitchin taxi services are crafted to provide travelers with reliable, safe, and efficient transportation options to and from the station. Whether you’re commuting daily, catching an early train, or arriving late, our experienced drivers and modern fleet ensure a seamless, hassle-free ride.

Why Choose Our Taxi Services from Hitchin Railway Station

Booking a taxi service isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about the experience. Our service is tailored to meet a variety of needs, making travel convenient, efficient, and comfortable. Here are some reasons why our clients prefer our taxi services:

Reliable and Punctual Service: Our taxis arrive on time, every time, ensuring you’ll never miss a train or be left waiting.

Experienced Drivers: Each driver has extensive knowledge of Hitchin and surrounding areas, ensuring you’ll get to your destination via the quickest and safest routes.

Modern, Well-Maintained Fleet: We pride ourselves on our fleet, which includes comfortable and spacious vehicles suited for solo travelers or groups.

Competitive Rates: We provide clear, affordable pricing with no hidden charges, so you know exactly what to expect.

Personalized Pickup and Drop-Off Services for Hitchin Railway Station

We understand that every traveler has unique needs. That’s why we offer personalized pickup and drop-off options to and from Hitchin Railway Station. Our drivers accommodate your schedule, helping you arrive early or just in time for your journey.

Easy Booking Process

Our booking process is designed to be quick and hassle-free. You can book your Hitchin Railway Station taxi in just a few steps:

Online Booking – Book directly through our website, choosing the exact time, location, and vehicle preference.

24/7 Customer Support – Need help with a booking? Our support team is available around the clock to assist you with your needs.

Real-Time Tracking – Stay updated with live tracking for the status of your ride, so you know exactly when to expect your taxi.

Safe and Secure Taxi Rides from Hitchin Railway Station

Safety is our priority. Our drivers are vetted professionals, trained to handle any route, weather condition, or customer requirement. Each taxi is equipped with advanced GPS and tracking systems, allowing for real-time monitoring to ensure a safe and secure journey.

Affordable Hitchin Railway Station Taxi Services with Transparent Pricing

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. Our pricing is both affordable and transparent, with no hidden fees or surge charges. When you book with us, you’ll know the price upfront, making budgeting simple and predictable.

Special Rates for Frequent Travelers

For commuters or frequent travelers, we offer discounted rates and flexible packages to make regular travel more economical and convenient. Simply inquire with our team about special options for daily, weekly, or monthly travelers.

[garyjugert]

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Uniclues by Gary Jugert:

1 Going away party for pretty all right intern.

2 When a taxi suddenly, mysteriously, suspiciously runs down the soprano.

3 The Hills are Alive with Stone.

4 Shout from the receptionist to the upstairs workroom at the circus.

5 100% if you're employed by the Denver Broncos.

6 Yeehaws at an Indian hitchin'.

7 Dippity-Doo.

8 That itchy feeling you get whenever a crossword constructor decides we need more sports-related privilege in a puzzle.

9 Aid in maintaining the electrolyte balance in a toy manufacturing sweat shop.

10 Cheap gin enthusiast being the best she can be.

11 Rage against tinted lotion.

12 Summary of the stocking's short life.

***

1 B-PLUS TEMP BASH

2 ALTO ARIA AROSE (~)

3 EMMA ALPS THEME

4 TRAPEZE! LINE ONE! (~)

5 PASSER FAIL ODDS (~)

6 HINDI IDOS GLEE (~)

7 US MARINE MOUSSE

8 PGA NERD RASH (~)

9 ELF SALT TABLET (~)

10 MISS ROT SOUSED

11 GREEN ALOE RANT (~)

12 HOLE THEN SLIT

[kabbicompare]

Luton Airport Taxi: Unlocking the top 10 things to do near London Luton airport

London Luton Airport is located in the middle of Bedfordshire, which is a busy county and acts as a gateway to London and the areas surrounding it. Upon arrival or departure from this busy aviation hub, tourists have many attractions to visit around.

In this blog post, we are going to take you through the top 10 things to do near London Luton Airport that will give you an idea about how versatile the place can be when it comes to adventurous souls.

Top 10 Things to Do Near London Luton Airport

Sited in Bedfordshire’s vibrant district, London Luton Airport serves as a busy gateway into the vibrant city of London plus its environs. This airport hub has been attracting numerous travelers who pass through it when going or returning from different places hence being provided with several attractive destinations close by. The area around London Luton Airport offers various experiences ranging from fascinating museums and preserved historic sites to beautiful parks and country estates that appeal to all sorts of individuals.

Come along with us as we unmask for you the top 10 things to do around Luton Airport promising everlasting memories.

1.    Whipsnade Zoo:

Experience animal encounters and help save animals at one of Europe’s largest wildlife conservation parks.  Whipsnade Zoo is really preferred by those nature lovers who are looking for an adventure holiday.

2.    Wardown Park Museum:

Get engrossed in local history and culture at this captivating museum situated in a stunning Victorian mansion.

3.    Stockwood Discovery Centre:

For horticulture enthusiasts, there are gardens with interactive exhibits at this family-friendly attraction that deals with the heritage of the locality.

4.   ZSL London Zoo:

As one of the oldest zoos globally, visit world of wildlife wonders right in the heart of our capital city today!

5.   St Albans Cathedral:

Admire medieval architecture and rich historical pasts found at St Albans Cathedral which is only a short driving distance away from this airport

6.   Ashridge Estate:

In Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, take a trip through scenic walks or cycle trails in this picturesque estate.

7.   Woburn Abbey:

Time travel to the past and explore an art collection, old furniture and beautiful gardens at Woburn Abbey.

8.   Verulamium Park:

Take leisurely strolls or have picnics along this vast park which has got Roman ruins, calm lakes and lush greenery.

9.    Dunstable Downs:

With its broad spread of countryside viewings, it is an ideal hilltop for all outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and kite flying.

10. Hitchin Lavender:

This farm serves as the most peaceful site for anyone wanting to wander through aromatic lavender fields and relish the beauty of nature there.

How to Book a Luton Airport Taxi Online?

A. Selecting a Reputable Taxi Booking Platform:

•             Research different online airport taxi booking platforms

•             Find companies that have positive testimonials, good customer service, reliable payment options

•             Check if they cater specifically for Luton Airport transfers

B. Choosing Pickup and Drop-off Locations:

•             Key in exact addresses of both pickup location and drop off location

•             Specify any terminal or place within the airport where you want to be picked from

•             Consider nearby landmarks or key places that will facilitate your movement around easily

C. Indicating Date and Time of Travel:

•             State the date when you will arrive or leave Luton Airport.

•             Take into account flight duration as well as congestion on roads at that time of day.

•             If possible choose flexible arrangements so that you can change plans in case of anything.

D. Personalizing Preferences & Additional Services:

•             Such as car type, number of travellers or any other things such as baby seats or wheelchair accessible.

•             Explore more services offered by the booking platform like meet and greet services or extra luggage assistance.

•             Book the ride as per your specific requirements and preferences.

E. Making Payment and Confirming Booking:

•             Check the booking details to see if everything is accurate.

•             Go to the payment section and select how you want to pay for it.

•             Check whether there are additional fees or taxes you have to pay before confirming what needs to be paid

•             Confirm payment for my booking with all relevant information and receive a confirmation of my payment.

Benefits of Booking a Luton Airport Taxi Transfers with Kabbi Compare

When traveling from London Luton Airport, a taxi is one of the ways that can be used so that movement can be made easier. The only thing we think about when travelling is how do we get around most efficiently. There is no other better way than using Kabbi Compare, which offers incredible Luton airport taxi transfers. From fixed prices to amazing customer service, when reaching your destination without hassles, choose Kabbi Compare taxis online thus having stress-free journey.

While highlighting some of these amazing places near Luton Airport waiting for our discovery, let’s also go into detail on why Kabbi Compare should be your choice Luton Airport transfer provider.

Expert Drivers:

In the course of driving passengers safely through their journey, polite and experienced drivers are put first by Kabbi Compare team.

Fixed Fares:

You will enjoy an honest pricing policy with Kabbi compare’s flat rate system; this saves customers from being hit by astonish costs or greedy price surges in peak hours.

Service Available 24/7:

Regardless if there are late night flights or early morning ones, Kabbi Compare still operates all day long every day making it possible to cope with them.

Track your Flight:

Kabbi Compare will always keep you informed of any changes in flight schedule and help you to be on time for departure or arrival.

Secureness:

A regulated taxi service that takes into account the wellbeing of the customers is what Kabbi Compare has to offer.

Easy Reservation:

Book a taxi through the website, or get a Kabbi Compare app and forget about irritating moments when booking a cab.

Different Vehicles Availability:

Standard cabs, minivans, luxurious cars – make your choice depending on your needs at Kabbiecompare.com

Free Cancelation Policy:

It is absolutely free in case you need to change your travel plans and cancel your booking with Kabbi compare.

Free Waiting Period:

To let people, have enough time to find the driver after landing, there is a free waiting time at Kabbi Compare.

Large Network Coverage:

Benefit from a wide range of reliable taxi providers using this convenient tool designed by Kabbi compare for different areas within its network to avoid making wrong choices.

Conclusion

Discovering attractions near Luton airport opens up an exciting world where one can dive into the rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty found in the region. There are many conveyance options available when visiting various places near Luton airport but only few are as convenient as hiring a reliable cab with Kabbi Compare, which paves way for comfortable transfers throughout the trip. Henceforth take advantage of booking Luton Airport taxi service if you are off for some adventurous sightseeing or going on a simple day out.

FAQs

How do I arrange a transfer from Luton Airport?

•             You can book online for services provided by Kabbi compare that offer pre-booking facilities across multiple platforms. Just a quick and simple search, that’s it.

2. What are the available transportation options for pickups at Luton Airport?

•             These include taxis, private hire cars, shuttle services and public transport such as buses and trains.

3. Can I pre-book a taxi transfer service at Luton Airport?

•             Yes, you may book a taxi or transfer service for your arrival at Luton Airport. Booking in advance lets you reserve your transportation beforehand so that there are no hitches from the airport to wherever you’re going.

4. Are there any extra costs for airport pick-ups at Luton Airport?

•             Luton Airport charges may differ depending on the mode of transport chosen by the customer and if they have special requests such as meet-and-greet services or additional stops along the way.

5. How long does it take to get from Luton Airport to central London by taxi or transfer service?

•             The journey time between Luton Airport and central London using a taxi or transfer service depends on traffic congestion, the time of day and where exactly in London you are heading. On average it takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

[hitchintaxi-blog]

Happy New Year 2023. #HappyNewYear #HappyNewYear2023 #HitchinTaxi #HitchinTown #Hitchin (at Hitchin Taxi Service) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm41_vfLMkL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[elenagloriastuff-blog]

Luton airport transfers have in the nonstop past made voyaging bright and lovely.

[jessicazoe01]

There is nothing astonishing that people require the services of Luton airport transfers to visit certain places because of their business, family, and friends. However, time remains important in every person’s life and no one wants to waste it especially when it comes to the visits through the airlines.

[comradeocean]

Out of the Rain [spotify, youtube] aka mind your own spikes aka my forever girl Deluca mixtape aka I've been through the desert on a horse with no name / it felt good to be out of the rain / in the desert you can remember your name / 'cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

follow your arrow, kacey musgrave || santeria, sublime || trapped in a box, no doubt || big yellow taxi, counting crows ft vanessa carlton || celebrity skin, hole || sunny, boney m || cannons, youth lagoon || cold war, janelle monae || bye bye boyfriend, fefe dobson || scar tissue, red hot chili peppers || put your records on, corinne bailey rae || prototype, outkast || gypsy rose, ben kweller || killing me softly with his song, the fugees || the frug, rilo kiley || I'm not your hero, tegan and sara || telling stories, tracy chapman || head over feet, alanis morissette || even cowgirls get the blues, johnny cash & waylon jennings || biscuits, kacey musgraves ||

[[thesis statement]]

follow your arrow, kacey musgrave ||  Make lots of noise / Kiss lots of boys / Or kiss lots of girls / If that's something you're into / When the straight and narrow / Gets a little too straight / Roll up the joint, or don't / Just follow your arrow / Wherever it points, yeah / Follow your arrow /Wherever it points

santeria, sublime ||  It's love that I need / I feel the break, feel the break, feel the break and I got to live it out, oh yeah

[[anti-Palin moose slaughter dance protest high school boho hippie chick era]]

trapped in a box, no doubt ||  Trapped in a box I'm not alone / I know of others with a box as their home / Light only enters from a crack or a hole / This is not enough for a human to grow / Trapped in a box

big yellow taxi, counting crows ft vanessa carlton ||  They took all the trees / And put 'em in a tree museum / And they charged the people / A dollar and a half to seem 'em

celebrity skin, hole ||  You better watch out / What you wish for / It better be worth it / So much to die for

sunny, boney m ||  Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet / Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way

cannons, youth lagoon ||  Rolling up the windows of my '96 Buick / So the rain can't get inside of it / I have more dreams than you have posters of your favorite teams 

[[the chad break-up interlude]]

cold war, janelle monae || If you want to be free / Feet on the ground is the only place to be / Cause in this life / You spend time running from depravity / It's a cold, cold war / You better know what you're fighting for / Bye bye bye bye, don't you cry when I say goodbye

bye bye boyfriend, fefe dobson ||  It was fun but it couldn't last forever / Bye Bye pretty boy / It's time to, It's time to pack it up  / Baby 'cause its over now

scar tissue, red hot chili peppers ||  Scar tissue that I wish you saw / Sarcastic mister know-it-all / Close your eyes and I'll kiss you 'cause / With the birds I'll share / With the birds I'll share this lonely viewin'

[[sweet like summer these survivor kids, Roswell, New Mexico]]

put your records on, corinne bailey rae ||  Three little birds sat on my window / And they told me I don't need to worry / Summer came like cinnamon, so sweet

prototype, outkast ||  I hope that you're the one / If not, you are the prototype / We'll tiptoe to the sun

gypsy rose, ben kweller ||  I see hope in your eyes / Its the world that makes you cry / Rose I got no friends / I got no kids and I dont got kin / My one salvation is the warmth of your skin

killing me softly with his song, the fugees ||  I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style / And so I came to see him, to listen for a while

the frug, rilo kiley ||  I can take my clothes off / I cannot fall in love / You'll never see my eyes / I will not call you back / I cannot do the smurf / I cannot fall in love / I'll never fall in love / I cannot fall in love

I'm not your hero, tegan and sara ||  Sometimes it feels like the side that I'm on / Plays the toughest hand, holds the longest stand / Sometimes it feels like I'm all that they've got / It's so hard to know I'm not what they want / I'm not your hero / But that doesn't mean we're not one and the same

telling stories, tracy chapman ||  There is fiction in the space between / You and everybody / Give us all what we need / Give us one more sad sordid story / But in the fiction of the space between / Sometimes a lie is the best thing

head over feet, alanis morissette ||  You've already won me over in spite of me / And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet / And don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are / I couldn't help it / It's all your fault / You are the bearer of unconditional things

even cowgirls get the blues, johnny cash & waylon jennings ||  Especially cowgirls they're the gypsy kind / And need their reins laid on 'em loose / She's lived to see the world turned upside down / Hitchin' rides out of the blue / Even cowgirls get the blues, sometimes / Bound to don't know what to do, sometimes

biscuits, kacey musgraves || Nobody's perfect, we've all lost and we've all lied / Most of us have cheated, the rest of us have tried / The holiest of holies even slip from time to time / We've all got dirty laundry hanging on the line / So ho​e your own row, yeah, and raise your own babies / Smoke your own smoke and grow your own daisies / Mend your own fences and own your own crazy / Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy

[cherryflavoredbutch]

in your opinion which green day songs go the hardest

that is VERY hard but for me personally Jesus Of Suburbia goes hardest just because of how fucking sacred that song was to me and every other emo poor kid growing up... it was basically a poor man’s Black Parade but GOD when those first three chords hit I go into a trance. everything on American Idiot is sacred to me tbh

but who wrote holden caulfield also goes very hard and not that many people know about it? also know your enemy was one of the songs i listened to and loved before i even knew what green day was so u gotta mention that shit tbh. Hitchin a ride is especially good but nimrod overall is just gold. YOUNGBLOOD ughghhghg so good... still breathing is one of their best but I wouldn’t call it a banger? cause you don’t dance to still breathing you lock yourself in your room and blast that shit while you think about how much you’ve endured in your life and cry your eyes out. that song is free therapy. I love going to pasalacqua also

also they’re not green day but pieces of truth by the foxboro hot tubs is BASICALLY green day and it absolutely slaps. also there are so many tight ass songs from the Longshot. Love is for Losers, Taxi Driver, Turn Me Loose.... all very good and sexy

[taxi-service-luton]

Airport Taxis | UK Airport Taxi Transfers to and from All Airports

Experience top-notch UK airport taxi service at unbeatable prices. Our airport transfers are of the highest quality, surpassing other online taxi services. Secure your transfer now and enjoy the affordability without compromising on excellence.

[dstrachan]

‘LUNCHTIME REVIEW’ - 19th October 2021

X Ray Spex ‘Identity’

X Ray Spex ‘Germ Free Adolescents’

Joni Mitchell ‘Big Yellow Taxi’

The Beach Boys ‘Don’t Go Near The Water’

Madness ‘The Return Of The Los Palmas 7’

The Fugees ‘A Change Is Gonna Come (Live from BBC Radio 1)’

Livia ‘Sisters Of The Moon’

Cats Musical Project ‘Memory (Theme From The Musical, Cats)’

Madonna ‘Get Together’

London Boys ‘London Nights’

Vanity Fare ‘Hitchin A Ride’

Miles Davis ‘In A Silent Way (extract)’

Leona Lewis ‘Bleeding Love’

Jeff Conaway and John Travolta ‘Greased Lightnin’

Max Romeo & The Upsetters ‘One Step Forward’

Junior Murvin ‘Police & Thieves’

Dick Gaughan ‘Both Sides The Tweed’

The Rolling Stones ‘Emotional Rescue’

Fontella Bass ‘Rescue Me’

Tivoli Skye ‘Rescue’

Durga McBroom ‘Oblivious’

Midnight Ambulance ‘Rust’

Underground Ocean ‘Get Me Out’

Siouxsie & the Banshees ‘Hong Kong Garden’

Sinitta ‘So Macho’

The Eurythmics ‘I Need A Man (Macho Mix)’

War ‘Low Rider’

Marti Pellow ‘Somewhere Somehow’

[mrsabbington-blog]

Farewell, my dear Watson: Amanda Abbington on Sherlock and her break-up with Martin Freeman

The actress’s career was going from strength to strength when her relationship with her co-star imploded. She tells Bryan Appleyard how she contained the fallout

Amanda Abbington — who, as Mary Morstan, took a bullet for Sherlock Holmes — has a new man whom she won’t name. “He’s lovely, we’re keeping it very much on the low down. We don’t want lots of people to know. We’ve been together for about a year now. He’s an actor and he’s delightful. He’s very mindful of my situation and I’m very mindful of his.”

She was with Holmes’s sidekick, Dr Watson — aka Martin Freeman — for 16 years. They have two children, Grace and Joe. They broke up in 2016 while they were both starring in Sherlock.

“We still get on really well, we still really both admire each other as actors … he’s a great guy, but we just couldn’t live with each other any more.”

Given that Sherlock was an international hit, and that Freeman achieved global superstardom as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, this was a high-profile break-up. She was papped, looking supposedly “disconsolate” while out shopping.

Trying to keep the new man a mystery is understandable. But it won’t be easy. Tabloids have recently been reporting that she and Northern Irish actor Jonjo O’Neill are an item. She is neither confirming nor denying this. The paps would have been after her anyway, because she is the star of Safe, a new Netflix series by the crime author Harlan Coben. The first strange thing about this show is her co-star Michael C Hall, who played the Miami serial killer Dexter and the gay undertaker David Fisher in Six Feet Under. Here, he is a dodgy English husband in a wealthy suburban enclave (in fact Manchester, but you’re not supposed to know that). The strange thing is his English accent, which is near perfect.

“He was really worried about that. English accents are hard for Americans to do. I don’t think he had a voice coach.”

Her voice has a slight southeastern working-class flavour. She talks quickly, eagerly and laughs a lot and, for some reason, she seems much prettier in the flesh than on TV. I am sure, however, there is something wrong with her tastebuds. We’re both having tuna salad at a studio in north London. The fish is perfectly inedible, but she eats it all.

To get back to Hall — he will always be Dexter to me, so I’m pretty sure he’s guilty of something other than the affair he’s having with Sophie, the detective sergeant played by Abbington, which is revealed in the first episode. Also revealed is the fact that Sophie’s ex-husband is living in a caravan in her front garden.

This is the second time she’s played a detective sergeant. The first was Jo Moffatt in the series Cuffs in 2015. The BBC cancelled that after one series. She was also Detective Chief Inspector Louise Munroe in Case Histories, another BBC series. Female police officers, we agree, have a long and distinguished screen history. “Prime Suspect,” I suggest. “Helen Mirren!”

“The Gentle Touch!” she replies. “Cagney and Lacey! Angie Dickinson! I loved Police Woman. I wanted to be Angie Dickinson when I was growing up.”

There’s a good reason she fantasised about being a strong woman with a gun. For three years at primary school she was badly bullied — her lunches were stolen and she was called ugly, stupid and smelly. Nobody would play with her.

“There was a group of girls who made my life miserable. I am now very, very aware of it when it happens anywhere. If it happens to my kids or on the street or on the internet I’ll wade in.”

She’s certainly an active and sweary anti-bullying and anti-general-nastiness campaigner on Twitter — she is @CHIMPSINSOCKS.

“I’ve never understood the c**** who abuse and hurt animals,” was her latest tweet as I was writing this. “Wonderful. Just wonderful. Let’s make older women feel even more f****** invisible and unattractive,” she tweeted about a story saying men preferred younger women.

She was brought up in Hertfordshire, her father was a taxi driver and her mother was tough: she finally found out about the bullies and went round to the house of one of them. “If your child does anything like that to my daughter again,” she said, “I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

Her mother’s fierceness and her grandmother’s advice seem to have prepared her for the perils of show business. When I ask her the inevitable Harvey Weinstein question, she says she’s never had a problem. “I always go on a film set as a mate of everybody. I set my stall out. I’m just going to be like the funny mate who hangs out with the sparks and the prop boys, and I make sure I am not someone you can take the piss out of or take advantage of. I learnt that from my nana — be strong, make them laugh and don’t take shit from anybody.”

Anyway, there she is in Hertfordshire worshipping Angie Dickinson and wanting to be on stage. Somehow this leads her into dancing. She studied dance from the age of five. Eventually she got auditions for Cats and Starlight Express, but she knew she wasn’t good enough. In any case, the decision was made for her when, aged 18, she did the splits and ripped the muscles in her groin.

“That ended my dancing career, but I would never have been a good dancer. Then a drama teacher told me that he thought my talent lay in acting and he was absolutely right. I’d always performed, always made up stories and done funny voices. I went to a tiny drama school in Hitchin and I felt like I’d come home.”

She picked up small parts — The Bill, Wycliffe, Casualty and so on. But there was no real breakthrough. Well, there was one: the Maltesers TV ads she made with Katherine Parkinson. Unlike almost every TV ad ever made anywhere, they are still worth watching.

At one point she went 18 months without any work, changing her agent half a dozen times in desperation. The first stirrings of a change in her fortunes came with ITV’s Mr Selfridge — she was Josie Mardle — which ran for four series between 2013 and 2016.

“My character was an amalgamation of quite a few women who worked within the top echelons of Selfridges. There was so much going on in those years — the suffragettes, the Titanic. It was a dream job.”

It was a success, but not huge and a bit middle-aged — it was not for geeks, millennials or snowflakes, so it could not really go, as we must say, viral. All that changed when the actor and screenwriter Mark Gatiss invited her and Freeman to sit in on a discussion on the third series of Sherlock. They wanted to bring in a new character from the books, Mary Morstan, who first appears in The Sign of Four. Abbington had a couple of ideas. “I said Nicola Walker, she would be amazing in it. Or Olivia Colman.”

It was a set-up, they were going to offer it to her all along. She burst into tears. Sherlock was the big TV show of the moment.

“People started to say hello to me in the street when Sherlock started. Mr Selfridge wasn’t iconic. Sherlock hit the ground running and everyone went mad about it.”

She did seven episodes in two series, then she saved the life of Holmes and sacrificed her own by taking the bullet; it’s an invented incident, Mary dies in the books, but the cause is unknown. I ask her why a mouthy, Estuary-accented working-class girl like her would take a bullet for a toff — Holmes being played by the old Harrovian Benedict Cumberbatch.

“I know! Why would she do that? I wouldn’t, I’d run the other way.”

Did being killed off upset her?

“No, it made sense. And, anyway, you never really leave Sherlock, there are always flashbacks. So if they ever do another one I’m hoping they’ll have me back.”

The strange thing about her role in Sherlock was not simply that it made her famous. Out there on the easily offended, lost-its-grip-on-reality internet it made her notorious as the scheming woman who came between the previously happy and — in the imaginations of some fans — gay relationship between Holmes and Watson.

“I made the mistake of talking about the fan art very early on. They used to do some beautiful work about Watson and Sherlock being together as a couple, and I made an off-the-cuff remark that I wasn’t entirely happy with this because my kids might see it. The fallout was terrible and I felt really bad. I wasn’t being disparaging about their work. It got out of hand and I managed to make a lot of enemies. I had to do a lot of damage limitation. It’s because they’re fiercely protective of the show and that’s brilliant! But it means you have to treat it with a lot of respect.”

Meanwhile, Freeman had to be away for years in New Zealand shooting The Hobbit. While away she had the children to look after and had a cancer scare — a lump in her breast that turned out to be harmless. She also landed herself in trouble with the taxman. She was declared bankrupt because of an unpaid £120,000 tax bill. “I didn’t pay enough over a period of years and it accumulated, but for the record I paid it all back with a huge amount of interest,” she says. “Because I’m an idiot and I didn’t put enough away. It was my biggest regret and now I make sure everything is in place where it can never happen again.”

On top of that, their relationship was in trouble and, in the midst of the Sherlock episodes that put them on screen together, they broke up. They kept it as quiet as they could. “When we broke up nobody knew, we didn’t tell anybody except for a few key people because they had to know, because of the logistics of hotels and stuff. It took six months for it to get out and a lot of that was while we were working on Sherlock.

“We were not children, we weren’t going to start throwing crap at each other. We were professional and we were going to get on and make a show and be civil to each other. That’s far more important than being angry and being sad.”

Safe could have her up there again. The first episode I saw looked very promising and Coben does seem to be associated with hits. We’ll see.

Abbington, meanwhile, is back in her home village of Little Heath, Hertfordshire, with her parents living down the road. She’s an only child, they’re close. She loved being an only child because it made it easier to get on with adults and she never had to put up with rows like those between her children.

“Please, Mummy, can I get an agent,” says Grace, who is nine. She wants to be an actor. Abbington thinks she has the talent and presence to succeed. But she’s cautious. Parts like Mary Morstan and Josie Mardle don’t grow on trees.

Safe launches on Netflix on May 10

[moss2021ukliving]

At the Tappas restaurant for dinner, LOS REYES TAPAS RESTAU, in Hitchin (wisely took a taxi home after many drinks!!).

[nickgerlich]

Hitchin’ A Ride

As much as living urban is exciting, getting around can require a little creativity. Sure, there’s always walking and bikeshares, but sometimes you need to go a little farther. Cars are impractical, though, because of the parking problem. Cabs cost a lot, as can Uber. And mass transit is completely fixed in location and schedule.

Take it or leave it. Be prepared to walk/ride/walk, be it the bus or the train, on their time.

But now Uber has upped the ante on its services with Uber Express Pool, its new low-cost alternative that still amounts to hailing a ride, but also involves a little bit of walking to and from pickup locations, all in the name of speeding up the process.

And if it works out the way Uber thinks it will, it will put a dent in mass transit services.

There are still other Uber options, like its original door-to-door service, as well as Uberpool for sharing rides with strangers. But Express Pool trims prices considerably, and by requiring riders to walk just a little bit, can shave minutes off trips.

For those already accustomed to walking on either end of a mass transit ride, this is no big deal, and will probably be even shorter than before, and likely cost less.

For cities pondering enhancing or even launching their mass transit programs, this should give pause. Cities like Albuquerque, which is in the hole for about $125 million for trying to launch its new ART buses (Albuquerque Regional Transportation), a flock of Uber Express Poolers could spell low ridership. It’s bad enough when something is federally subsidized (and that is if the city ever collects the money from Washington), but it’s even worse when it is drowning in red ink.

And I am sure old-school taxi drivers and their employers are up in arms about it, because it means even less ridership for them. But this is a free market, and sometimes disruptive technologies, products, and services come along that toss the salad so that it is no longer recognizable.

While one could argue that it is within every city’s domain to build infrastructure such as mass transit, I will reply that if the free market can do it better, then let it. After all, the market will always decide whether something...anything...is better than the alternatives. That’s the beauty of it all.

Now let’s step back onto the curb and let Uber try this. I have a hunch she’s going to be a huge success.

Dr “Bus Stop, Wt Day, She’s There, I Say“ Gerlich

[hitchintaxi-blog]

Festive season is here!🎄 (at Hitchin Taxi Service) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl0qmKoLVvS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=