Coachlines - October 2024

31.10.24 Freeman David Barzilay

A letter from the Deputy Editor – October 2024


Last month, Coachlines looked at some of the traditions of the City of London, and this month is no exception.

We report on the election of the new Lord Mayor, and Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald and others driving sheep over London Bridge. We also look forward to the Lord Mayor’s Show, and Guy Fawkes’ night – the attempt to blow up parliament which fortunately did not become a tradition.

I have, for a long while, had a close affinity to the Lord Mayor’s Show. I have officially taken part in several, in different roles for a variety of clients and organisations, such as Jaguar Land Rover, Classic Motor Cars and the Royal Navy.

We have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the E-Type, Jessica Ennis and the Invictus Games, the release of the James Bond film Skyfall and the introduction of aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth II and HMS Prince of Wales.

The Show always attracts thousands of people, and this year Dominic Reid, who has been pageant Master for the past 32 years, tells me that more than 7,000 people will take part. There are 141 floats, and several Coachmakers will be walking behind the Lord Mayor’s Coach.

Dominic, who over the years has become a friend, is standing down as CEO of the Invictus Games. I assumed, with the running of the Lord Mayor’s Show, the organisation of which will start a week after this one finishes, he would be taking it easy – not a bit of it.

This year is special to us as the newly elected Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL, is a Coachmaker. Elsewhere in this edition, you can find out how to take part and be cheered by more than 500,000 well-wishers, while featuring in a BBC TV broadcast that goes out to millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this year but do try and sign up to the event or come along and mingle with the friendly crowds – at the very least tune in to the BBC on Saturday morning 9th November.

Thanks to correspondents from a variety of different areas there are a series of interesting stories about the work and activities of this Company. I had hoped to bring you up to date with what is happening with Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7, but I will do in the next edition.

There is an important message from the Master about the Aiming Points of the Coachmakers’ Company, which I encourage you all to read and think about how you may be able to assist him in taking them forward. It is a long-term strategy and one that is supported by the Wardens for the next three years.

Regarding support, I would remind you that there are still places available for the Aerospace Industry dinner on 21st November.

Going back to my point about tradition, there is an interesting article about prize draw winner Steve Miles’s visit to Fenix Carriages. Its carriages are not museum pieces, but fully functional working exhibits of coaching transport from the 1800s.

Next month, it will be Lyn’s turn to bring you up to date and I look forward to talking to you after the Christmas celebrations, so festive best wishes to you all.