A splendid day of tradition

The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers successfully contributed to the splendid day of tradition and pageantry at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.

Brilliantly organised by Steward Richard Robinson, members who attended enjoyed a relaxing, jovial and atmospheric day. Even the weather was the best it has been for years, and the cheering crowds the largest.

The Coachmakers’ entry caused quite a stir. Master Richard Charlesworth MVO and Mistress Zoe were on top of the Millennium Road Coach; made by Court Assistant Mark Broadbent and his company Fenix Carriages, which was presented with an award by the Coachmakers’ Company in 2000.

The coach, driven by John Peacock, past Master of the Farriers’ Company; was positioned immediately behind all the official floats of the Lord Mayor and City Corporation, and immediately in front of the Mercers’ Company, which is number one in the Livery Company order of precedence.
The BBC commentary of the parade is the longest running live outside broadcast event in history; and our Master was the only Master named during the entire show! The outside broadcast programme can be viewed on the BBC iPlayer here.

Others enjoying the spectacle included Senior Warden Sarah Sillars OBE, Assistants Bettine Evans, Julian Leach and Mark Broadbent and Steward Bob Wilson. Liveryman Duncan Rabagliati and his grandson Arto also enjoyed a seat on the coach along with Liverymen Christopher Broadbent and Adrian Smith.

All together, it was a most successful day. The Coachmakers’ entry appeared most majestic, with the Coachmakers’ banner carried all the way by Richard Robinson and Mark the Clerk showing off their fitness – keeping in perfect stride with the horses!