A letter from the Deputy Editor December 2025

Dear Coachmakers,

This Christmas edition contains some great articles, and I have taken the liberty of providing you with a Christmas tale, which I hope you enjoy reading, and which has been illustrated by Steward Mark Jurd.

The Master, Richard Charlesworth MVO, in his monthly message reports on the carol service and the dinner that followed it, and reminds us all of his request that every Liveryman and Freeman attend at least one dinner every year – this an important part of raising money for the charitable work we do.

In an excellent letter our Clerk Lt Col Craig Hallatt reminds us that our 350th anniversary commences in September 2026 and what a momentous occasion this will be. Many of you are already working on the celebrations.

He also pointed out that 2026 also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the iconic film Grand Prix, which Magneto magazine voted as best ever motoring film recently.

This film holds special memories for me and is basically how I got into motoring journalism. I spent time on the set as a trainee journalist on the Sevenoaks Chronicle and met many of the stars. It is a classic story of being in the right place at the right time, an Editor not believing his young reporter, and a series of lifelong friendships, which I will share with you in the next edition of Coachlines.

One of the articles from Honorary Assistant David Barrett reminds me of Blue Peter and “here is one we did earlier.” In this case it is a Christmas tree and it’s not too late to make one during the Christmas holiday. David’s article includes full instructions and even pictures, so there’s no excuse.

David also has sent us a note to remind us that the City of London Corporation is governed at a senior level by the Court of Aldermen, and that its 2025 report is both colourful and a comprehensive insight into the way things work. He encourages us to download it.

Assistant Nick Lyford takes us behind the scenes at Lotus thanks to Liveryman Carl Elston Executive Director of Lotus Cars Ltd (UK). It looks like they had a great time inspecting the full range including the Emira and the 2,000hp fully electric hypercar and driving some of the vehicles. All will be revealed when you read the story.

I also wanted to give you an update about Bluebird K7 and the plans for next year. I am pleased to tell you we have been given a speed exemption, so Bluebird can lift her skirts and show what she can do. She could run up to about 150mph but that would depend on conditions at the time. She is a hydroplane and if weather or water conditions are not right, then she might not run.

The dates of the Bluebird Festival are now published. The event runs from Monday 11th to Sunday 17th May. We are hoping that Bluebird K3 and the Sunbeam Bluebird car from the National Motor Museum will also attend.

We have put aside two slots for Coachmakers to attend this event. These are from Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th May for up to 24 cars. The second slot for 10 to 12 cars is from Friday 14th to Monday 18th May.

Both these slots will be based at the Windermere Manor Hotel in Windermere which we have booked for the whole event. This will include dinner, bed and breakfast and lunches in Coniston and Ullswater. Final pricing is currently being worked out, but please keep the dates in your diary as places will be at a premium. As you can imagine most hotels, guest houses and cottages have already been booked. Once we have the detailed costings, these will be sent to all Coachmakers, and Assistant Nick Lyford will be looking after the bookings.

Finally, Christmas is time for reflection to both look back and look forward. To remember people that we have lost during the last year and to cherish those that we love and respect. It is a time to be grateful for what we have and to think about those that may not be as fortunate.

It is a time to cherish the fellowship which the Coachmakers provides and to remember our charitable aims and objectives and how we may all help going forward.

For most of us we will be with friends and family. But spare a thought for those who may be in their own, Christmas can be a very lonely time.

But it’s also a time to look forward to putting into action those plans that you promised yourself you were going to do, but did not get round to, especially those that benefit friends and family.

On this note I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.