After the Second World War there was a revival of interest in carriage driving when a historical pageant of horse-drawn carriages at the Royal Agricultural Society’s show at Windsor Great Park led to the formation of the British Driving Society. In 1979 Company awards for outstanding contributions to the continued use of horse-drawn vehicles were first presented at the British Driving Society Show held at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park, by invitation of H.M. The Queen.

The winners were the Harewood Carriage Company, one of several that have sprung up to restore old vehicles and construct replicas. Subsequently it was decided to present an annual Coachmakers’ Company award to the leading British entry in the National Driving Competition. To mark the Company’s renewed link with its original craft, Lt.-Col Sir John Miller, KCVO, DSO, MC, the Crown Equerry, who was responsible for the Royal Mews with its carriages of many kinds, horses, and motor-cars – and is himself one of Britain’s leading whips, was made an Honorary Liveryman.

The Coachmakers’ Award in respect of Coach and Coach Harness making is managed by the Driving Committee which was formed in 1982 at the direction of the Court. This was formalised in September under the Chairmanship of Past Master David Shalit with John Miller, John Richards, John Mauger, Keith Taylor and Gordon Offord as members. Liveryman John Schroder, now deceased, was the Secretary and meetings were held at the Royal Mews. Prince Phillip received the Coachmakers’ Award in 1986, both for leading the United Kingdom’s Gold Winning Award Team at the World championships and for his contribution to the sport. The Duke of Edinburgh joined the Company and since then meetings have been held at Buckingham Palace. The annual Smith’s Lawn show usually takes place on a Sunday in mid- June and is the occasion for presenting the Award. This small ceremony takes place in the No. 1 Ring at midday when the Master presents the Livery Cup and the individual certificates to the winners. The event is often attended by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh.

With fine weather, Smith’s Lawn, adjacent to the Guards Polo ground, is a magnificent and quintessentially English location for such an event. The ‘Coachmakers’ can reserve car parking facilities on the edge of No. 1 judging ring so viewing of the marvellous coaches and horses could not be better. If the weather is or has been inclement a spare pair of shoes or boots is a wise precaution. Dress is otherwise smart casual and the situation is splendid for a summer picnic lunch.

Reserved car parking places for the show can be obtained by application to the Clerk’s Office on forms which will be forwarded to the Livery some 6 weeks prior to the event. Liverymens’ Guests travelling in their own vehicles are very welcome. A location map accompanies the car pass.