An Englishman abroad

An interesting email dropped into my inbox recently, which sparked a flurry of exchanges across the pond between my new home in Sherborne, Dorset and Vermont, US, writes Hon Assistant Lesley Upham. Liveryman Keith Taylor had responded to my call for photographs of Liverymen doing things other Liverymen would find interesting.

Avril, Keith and Smokie Surprise

He sent a set of photographs to publish in Coachlines of a Liveryman driving in Vermont, US. The photos show Keith alongside his British friend Avril Howe who lives in Vermont with her husband David and their horse named Smokie Surprise. Avril is driving a vehicle, known in Vermont as a cart. It was crafted by the Amish community in Pennsylvania, where they make a range of carts for their own use and for sale to third parties. Keith reports that he and Avril go out for an hour or two when he is in Northern Vermont and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.

George Bowman and Keith Taylor (no 8)

Keith also shared another photograph, which could not be more opposite to the tranquil scene above. It shows Keith (no. 8) refereeing the famous George Bowman several years ago on a cross-country course. George Bowman, who used to carriage drive for GB, is pictured with Keith in a four-in-hand cross country event.

Keith said: “When I first met George his opening remark in a perfect Yorkshire accent was, ‘Now look laddie, I’ve been doing this longer than you have and I don’t expect any faults!’ Of course he won! I was terrified which you will understand when looking at the photograph.”

For some years Keith was a member of the Carriage Driving Awards Committee when HRH Prince Philip used to invite the committee, of which he was a member, to meet occasionally at Buckingham Palace – a rare honour.