Clerk’s notes April 2019

Easter is on the horizon so please note that the Clerk’s office will be closed from Friday 12^th April until Tuesday 23^rd April 2019.

Should you have any burning issues that really can’t wait until 23^rd April, you will be able to find me at the South of England Showground at Ardingly, East Sussex on Easter Monday. I shall be there with the Master supporting the annual London Harness Horse Parade, for which the Coachmakers’ Company provides sponsorship. If you have never attended this show before and have even a 10 per cent interest in horses and carriages you really must try and get there. If you do, you will see the amazing level of enthusiasm and dedication of the participants who travel great distance to display a bewildering array of carriages, trolleys and carts pulled by an equally astonishing variety of equines – for nothing more than the pleasure of the participation and a certificate to record it. It is a great way to spend an Easter Monday, whatever the weather, for details follow this link: http://www.lhhp.co.uk/visitors/

The Automotive Industry Dinner was held at Drapers’ Hall on 26^th March and I am pleased to report that of the many guests who arrived all were able to safely return to their homes afterwards. Photographs of the evening’s fun and games (well almost all of it) can be found at this link: https://philmccarthyphotography.smugmug.com/The-Worshipful-Company-of-Coachmakers-and-Harness-Makers

Looking ahead, the Coachmakers’ Annual banquet will be held at the Guildhall on Wednesday 5^th June 2019 and preparations are well advanced. The Lord Mayor locum tenens, Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley, recently clothed as a Honorary Liveryman of this Company (quite a coup given that this year he is also the Master Vintner); the entertainment will be introduced by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (who has also agreed to become a Honorary Coachmaker), and will feature several members of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation who are talented young singers whom she herself has mentored through their careers to date. Those present will also witness the public unveiling inside the Great Hall of an artefact of national heritage that has recently been restored to the highest of standards by our own Mark Broadbent of Fenix Carriages. It is the only one of its kind that remains in existence and it represents a time when the mail coach was the fastest means of organised communication.

So, excellent cuisine prepared and served by the Cook and the Butler, fine wines, historic venue, entertainment provided by international singing stars of the future introduced by one of the iconic figures of the modern era of opera, first sight of an incredible piece of history from the mid-19th century restored to its former glory and the chance once again to hear Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley speak in the Guildhall – what’s not to like? Don’t hesitate, book today via this link.

Prior to the Banquet, why not join the Master and various Liverymen visiting the Shuttleworth Collection on 14^th May 2019; for details follow this link.

In other news:

Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley, in his role as the Master Vintner, has arranged a concert celebrating English music on Wednesday 29th May at 18.30 hrs.

As one of the two key fund-raising events during his year as Master Vintner, Sir Andrew has agreed to stage a concert in St James Garlickhythe church to celebrate English music. It will be performed by the Marcel Sinfonia. The programme will include Andrew Campling’s Organ Concerto with the composer conducting and Sir Andrew playing the organ.

Wine and a selection of canapés will be included in the ticket price of £50 per person and Sir Andrew has extended an invitation to the Coachmakers to join him. Tickets can be booked via this link.

London Sheep Drive 2019

The website for booking places on the 2019 Sheep Drive over London Bridge is now open. See https://sheepdrive.london/ and the attached flier for more information here. Places for this unique event are in demand so if you wish to participate please do so as soon as you can so that you have the best opportunity to choose the time you want to drive sheep.

Also on the day the Woolmen will be holding a Livery Fair – see attached flier here. If you or your company wish to be involved, the Woolmen are seeking offers of sponsorship and also inviting a wide cross section of stall holders to participate. The Woolmen Sheep Drive team would be delighted to engage with your company about such opportunities.

For further information, or to discuss any aspect of the Sheep Drive contact the team on the following email sheepdriveteamenquiries@woolmen.com

For much more news concerning the City follow this link to the latest Livery Briefing.

Finally, during the forthcoming Easter holidays and the summer beyond, if any members of the Coachmakers’ Company are planning to visit Dartmouth, you may be interested to learn of a new business venture that has been established by a good friend of mine and his wife. The Fizz Boat was built and launched upon the River Dart this year and with my friend at the helm, is destined to spend its days sailing up and down the River Dart dispensing joy and Champagne along the way. For more details follow this link.

If you do decide to give the Fizz Boat a try do please mention my name; you won’t get a discounted rate but Dave might just tell you what we really did in the Falklands back in 1982.

Happy Easter everyone.