Full steam ahead: Old train chugs to Moorgate
ANYONE unlucky enough to be travelling into the City yesterday morning may have noticed two loveable old relics at Moorgate tube station, an old steam train and London Mayor Boris Johnson. The 9.54am from Kensington Olympia to Moorgate huffed and puffed through the City as part of the celebrations to mark 150 years since the first tube journey took place. Pictured with the Mayor of London (left) is TfL transport commissioner Sir Peter Hendy (centre) and TfL’s chief operating officer Howard Collins (right).
■ Tony Blair has had trading screens installed at his Mayfair office, according to a report by The Sunday Telegraph. Five staff members of his company Firerush Ventures have registered with the Financial Services Authority. Blair has quashed suggestions of forming a specific trading team. A spokesperson said: “One of the businesses is FSA-regulated and those registered staff carry out their work with FSA permissions.” So cryptic it would make former spinner Alastair Campbell proud.
■ City workers resolved to find a new job this January might try applying to the palace. The Royal Household has advertised for the position of Keeper of the Privy Purse, with responsibility for the management of the sovereign’s financial affairs. The role has been carried out by Sir Alan Reid since 2002. Those who enjoy a bit of royal trivia will be pleased to know that Sir Alan’s son, Richard Reid, played a supporting role in the cringe-making William and Kate: The Movie, shown by Channel 5. However the incoming controller of the Queen’s purse strings may have to keep the coffers wisely, as the salary is a not so princely £55,000.