- This event has passed.
Yes it is true, another year has almost passed and the next new Livery Year will commence on 1st September 2022 as it has done for the past 345 years since King Charles II graciously bestowed upon the Coachmakers’ Company its Royal Charter on 31st May 1677.
The Election Court Meeting and Installation of the new Master will again be held at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, utilising the Tallow Chandlers Dining Hall instead of its historically significant but rather too cosy Court Room.
Although it would be presumptive to predict the outcome of a democratic election, the runes appear to be set fair that Mr Julian Leach is likely to win the day and become the next Master Coachmaker, subject to election of course.
Whatever the outcome, Court members and their guests, and members of the wider Livery and their guests, are invited to attend the Election Court Meeting together before proceeding to St James, Garlickhythe for a Service of Thanksgiving led, for the final time, by Honorary Chaplain, Honorary Court Assistant the Venerable Ray Pentland CB. Following the service The Venerable Ray will hand over the reins (coaching reference) to the Reverend Father Tim Handley, Rector of St James, Garlickhythe who has graciously agreed to assume the role of Honorary Chaplain thereafter.
Music during the Service will be provided by the London Choral Sinfonia under their Director of Music (and founder), Mr Michael Waldron.
Mr Waldron will bring with him 20 Choristers, two trumpeters and Mr James Orford, former organist at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral and now Eton School amongst others.
After the Service has concluded, with the new Chaplain beside him, the newly installed Master Coachmaker will then lead everyone back to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall for the Election Court Dinner.
The seating capacity at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall is modest and the incoming Master hopes that on this occasion it will be possible to fill all of the places available – so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Timings are as follows:
1630 – Court and guests muster at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1700 – Election Court and Installation of new Master using the Dining Hall as the Court Room
1730 – Court and Guests proceed to St James, Garlickhythe
1740 – Everyone to be seated
1745 – Service of Thanksgiving commences
1830 – Service concludes, after which the Master Coachmaker will lead the Court and guests back to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1845 – Reception at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall (in the Courtyard if weather permits)
1930 – Election Court Dinner commences
2230 – Carriages
Dress code: Black tie with decorations