Ascot Taxi Service

The first taxi company in Queensland, was Ascot Taxi Service and was formed in 1919 in Brisbane by two motor mechanics. Edmund William Henry Beckman and Edward Roland Videan. They built the Ascot Garage at Racecourse Road Ascot, which was on the left side between Beatrice Terrace and Lancaster Road. They set up business in motor repairs, soon after they purchased their first hire car. followed by two Willys Knight tourers and an Overland which was actually the first sedan taxi in Brisbane. These four cars comprised the Ascot fleet.

Eddie Beckman was also interested in aviation, so in 1924 he travelled to Sydney and purchased an ex World War' trainer aeroplane, an Avro 504 K single-engine, 2 seat biplane registered G-ADDER and engaged West Australian pilot, Horrie Millar to establish Brisbane's first aerial service for charter and joy flights -thus providing an air taxi service and a taxi cab company.

In 1926 Edward Videon left the Ascot Garage. leaving Eddie Beckman to carry on the business with his brother-in-law Charles Dabelstein

The Avro G-ADDER aeroplane was sold to notable Australian airman Charles Ulm and in 1928, a second Avro 504 K, G-A UEW, was bought for hire under the name of Ascot Aerial Service.

The depression year 1930 caused the business to go broke. It was bought by William Wilton and Jim Jeffry. They continued the company as an exclusive taxi service for the rich and famous of the Ascot and Hamilton areas, using black luxury cars including Oldsmobile, Pontiacs and Plymouths with drivers dressed in double breasted suits, a black cap and leather gloves.

In the ceiling of the garage were a few remains of the old aeroplane. It was decided to use the shape of the propellers in a decal for the side of taxis, with a white diamond band.

In 1935 the business was moved into the city to Edward Street near the corner of Margaret Street, however, the cars remained operating from the garage at Ascot.

The following year (1936), land was purchased at 73 Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley. The front office and switch room were then built. A row of petrol bowsers were installed -brands included:- Shell, Caltex, Mobil and Purpull. The switch room was operated by staff during the day and the taxi owners at night until 12 midnight, the bowsers closed at 6pm.

An attractive sign was erected in the front of the building. circular in shape, it had Ascot Taxi Service around the outside with telephone number B1404 at the bottom. The two old aeroplane propellers were attached to the sign, which was illuminated by Neon tubing providing bright lighting. Making this building the company's permanent home has proved successful for over fifty years. Many innovations and improvements have taken place. One highly important aspect is that the Ascot Taxi Service was the first taxi company in Queensland to install and introduce two-way radios in taxis. This was in 1953 with PYE equipment. At this period many of the taxi fleet were large American cars including pre-war models in excellent condition.

The colour scheme of Ascot remained all black with a white stripe with black centre spots on each side of the cars and propeller decals on the front doors.

The first colour change took place in the early 1960's, this became green and yellow, remaining until the middle 1970's, when changed to off white.

The company changed colour once more when the name of Ascot Taxi Service was changed to Q Cabs on 6 June 1992. They became light cream with maroon emblems of Q Cabs on both sides, bonnet and boot.

Thus this company has been operating over 70 years, creating a fine record for a Brisbane Taxi Company.

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