A letter from the Editor – September 2025

Dear readers,

As summer fades and the City begins to gather pace once again, September marks the beginning of a new Livery year. In the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, we find ourselves not only at the threshold of another busy season of activity, but also on a very special journey – the road to our 350th anniversary year in 2026/27.

This milestone looms large on the horizon, and Master Richard Charlesworth MVO has rightly reminded us that this year is not simply a waiting room to a great celebration, but rather a year of preparation. In his message to the Livery, the Master speaks of cool and calm, of continuity and communication – these guiding principles will underpin our collective efforts during the next 12 months. If we are allowed to borrow another C from Master’s surname, Charlesworth, then here is our ‘5Cs’ for this Livery year! It builds perfectly on the ‘4Fs’ of Immediate Past Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald, offering us both a thematic link and a steady hand as we move forward.

Preparation takes many forms, and there is no shortage of activity already under way. The recently launched aerospace awards are now open for submissions, celebrating innovation and excellence in one of the most dynamic sectors we support. We encourage all members to share the opportunity with their networks and help us shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent.

In parallel, the City of London’s civic calendar is now in full swing, and our Company will again be well-represented at these prestigious events – fostering those vital connections between Livery Companies and the wider civic community.

Closer to home, the Membership Committee is actively working to grow our Company with like-minded individuals who share our values, traditions, and charitable spirit. If you know someone who would make a fine addition to our Livery family, now is the perfect time to introduce them.

The Livery Committee has also been hard at work, preparing to publish the full calendar of major events for this year. This early visibility is part of our broader goal to enhance communication and make it easier than ever for members to participate, plan, and enjoy all that our Company has to offer.

The Charity Committee and the Fundraising Committee have also ramped up their activities. As an active Livery investing in young people, what these two committees carry out reflect the essence of what we stand for and remind us our sense of purpose.

Last but dare I say, definitely not the least, the Communications Committee, chaired by your very own Editor, is charging forward too. We have published the new branding guidelines, started website updates, we are looking into a new CRM system together with the Financial and All purpose Group (FAG) to enhance our engagement with the membership. We also have a young Coachmaker, Freeman William Hunt, joining our team. We plan to augment our internal and external communications in the months to come. Watch this space.

On a livelier note, our sports sections continue to flourish. Beyond our well-established golf and shooting events, we are proud to announce a new chapter in our sporting history – our first participation in the City Livery sailing challenge. This exciting addition reflects the diversity of our members’ interests and our spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

So as we set sail into this new Livery year, with cool and calm, continuity and communication, and a touch of Charlesworth charm, we move steadily toward 2026/27 – prepared, purposeful, and proud to be Coachmakers.

Yours
Editor Lyn