A letter from the Deputy Editor February 2025

It’s been a long winter, and the weather hasn’t been great. But as I write, spring is finally with us from a meteorological point of view and looking out of the window, Mrs Barzilay’s daffodils are staring to appear and various shrubs are showing signs of budding.

It’s that time of year when we can all start planning those visits and great days out as the weather improves. Honorary Assistant Richard Robinson has published his initial list of events, which kicks off with a St Patrick’s music hall show at the Brick Lane Music Hall on 14th March. So you need to book that one quickly if you wish to attend.

The rest of the year looks great, ranging from a visit to the National Space Centre in Leicester in April, to the rehearsal for Trooping the Colour in June, and a walking tour of London in July

For the golfers among us there are various dates coming up during the year, which are published in this edition from April to September.

While we are discussing diaries the Master has reminded me that the Automotive Dinner is fast approaching on 20th March and if you have not booked yet you can find the link in his message this month

The Master has lined up two interesting speakers who both tick the boxes but come from different standpoints when it comes to Jaguar cars, John McLaren who is the Chairman of Eagle E-Types Ltd, and Liveryman Michael Quinn who is the grandson of Sir William Lyons.

Michael is an old friend, and I visited his Jaguar showroom in Kensington on many occasions. As many of you know both speakers know a lot about Jaguar cars and particularly E-Types. While working with Classic Motor Cars Ltd in Bridgnorth a few years ago I put together an E-Type restoration manual – it should be an interesting dinner.

There will be other events and opportunities that that will come up so please keep your diaries to hand and once you see something that you would like to be involved in, please act quickly because in many instances places are limited.

In his message this month, the Master talks about the Livery careers showcase, part of the London careers festival which featured 3,700 children from some 64 schools, and which took place at the Guildhall.

You will remember that one of the Company’s four aiming points was to directly engage with 350 young people. Well it appears that the Master, along with Assistant Eric Wallbank and Steward Roger Woodbridge, far exceeded that number in just two days

On that note, we are in our third year of sponsoring young people who are awarded Arkwright Scholarships. This edition includes a story about two of the recipients.

I also commend you to read Liveryman Mark Jurd’s latest chapter of the Shakespeare Tour which is a compelling read.

You will be pleased to know that plans to put Bluebird K7, Donald Campbell’s famous record-breaking hydroplane, back on Coniston Water next year are moving ahead at pace. I will be able to share with you some exciting news about this and our involvement next month.

Freeman David Barzilay