Coachlines - February 2026
27.02.26 The Clerk Lt Col Craig Hallatt
Clerk’s Notes February 2026
As you may have seen on the events page of the website the most wonderful and exclusive opportunity to see Bluebird K7 run again on Coniston Water is fast approaching. Based at Windermere Manor Hotel, the Coachmakers’ group will get to witness Bluebird K7 making several runs across Coniston Water as well as meeting the men who are piloting K7: Dave Warby, a current world water speed record challenger in his hydroplane Spirit of Australia II, and RAF pilot Flight Lt David-John Gibbs. There are still some tickets available to attend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Many will know that much of the heavy lifting behind this event is down to Freeman David Barzilay. This includes approaching me last year to ask whether I would consider composing a piece of music to commemorate the incredible life of Donald Campbell CBE and Bluebird K7.
Having already written about the music in an earlier Coachlines, I have now adapted it to accompany some archival footage; making a short film of around 12 minutes. The link to watch and listen to this is here:
The Bluebird Suite – Lt Col Craig Hallatt
The following is a description of the music and the processes I used to create it.
From the outset, I was captivated by the thrilling yet ultimately tragic story of Donald Campbell CBE. For me, the essential challenge was to create music that could stand entirely on its own – a work that was both triumphant and evocative. I have always believed that music should invite the listener on a personal sensory journey, and to achieve this, the composer must provide enough emotional and thematic depth for each individual to form their own response. Music is not a collective interpretation; it is an intimate, personal experience.
In approaching this piece, I was drawn to the tradition of romantic programme music – a form described as individualistic, emotional, dramatic, and often designed to convey an extra-musical narrative. Romantic composers frequently sought inspiration from nature, literature, poetry, the supernatural, and the visual arts, embracing increased chromaticism and moving away from strict classical forms. A familiar example is Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, which demonstrates how music can vividly portray character and story without the need for visual accompaniment.
Before the advent of cinema, this was how music transcended the mathematical precision of Bach and his contemporaries, entering a realm defined by human feeling and emotional expression. This is precisely why I wanted the work to exist as a standalone piece – one that could musically depict the arc of Campbell’s life and, inevitably, his tragic end.
I began by establishing a structural framework and conceived the work as a suite of three movements, each capable of being performed either individually or as part of the complete set. Traditionally, such a format comprises an opening movement that sets the scene, a slow and reflective second movement, and a final movement that draws together the thematic material into a powerful and uplifting conclusion.
Fortunately, the brief that David set for me aligned seamlessly with this structure, allowing the narrative and musical architecture to support one another naturally.
The first movement depicts the period leading up to Campbell’s final record attempt, culminating in the event itself. The second movement reflects on the tragic aftermath of the crash, while the third offers a triumphant and celebratory meditation on the achievements of his life.
First movement – Coniston and the crash
The movement opens on Coniston Water on the morning of Campbell’s final attempt. The music establishes a tranquil scene, evoking birdsong, stillness, and the gentle calm of the lake. This serenity gradually gives way to the preparations for the record run. After a brief return to peaceful, lyrical material, the atmosphere shifts: the music becomes increasingly urgent, harmonically tense, and rhythmically driven. Frantic momentum and growing dissonance propel the listener toward the inevitable catastrophe, depicted through a striking cascade of chromatic, forceful chords.
As the impact subsides, the music withdraws into a subdued and reflective closing section, allowing the movement to settle into a more contemplative conclusion.
Second movement – Elegy
The second movement forms the tragic and contemplative heart of the suite. It is reflective, emotionally charged, and reminiscent of the expansive, cinematic sound worlds that speak directly to the listener’s deepest sympathies. At its centre lies a theme associated with Donald Campbell – a gentle, recurring motif that weaves through the movement with sensitivity and quiet dignity. The emotional narrative is laid bare in the music itself; its poignancy requires little explanation, as everything is expressed with clarity and restraint within the score.
Third movement – Bluebird March
One of the great privileges of composition is the opportunity to write for a specific occasion, allowing the composer to fully immerse themselves in the purpose, setting, and intended impact of the music. This movement was no exception. David had expressed a wish for Bluebird to feature in this year’s Lady Mayor’s Show, and that aspiration was realised when the Band of the Royal British Legion Surbiton performed the march as we rounded the corner just before the Lady Mayor’s grandstand.
The movement draws its material from the themes and motifs established in the first two movements, reimagined with heightened energy and forward momentum. Set at a steady, purposeful march tempo, the music maintains a high level of intensity throughout. Particular care was taken to ensure that the principal theme coincides with the moment Bluebird rounds the corner at the Bank of England – the point at which it comes into view of the Lord Mayor. This was conceived as a moment of maximum impact, designed to create a striking and memorable impression on the audience.
Company news
As many of you will have seen, as the company approaches its 350th anniversary year and prepares to implement a new Customer Relationship Management system (CRM), we are trying to update our membership records. Many Coachmakers (54%) have already completed the Information Survey, thank you to those who have, but I would also like to take this opportunity to politely request if anyone else would like to submit there is still time.
There have been some minor issues with a limit of 200 submissions per link, but if you do have any issues such as this, just contact me and I can send a new one. The survey takes around five minutes to complete.
Any further submissions would be very much appreciated and be incredibly helpful as we transition to the CRM. The survey also offers the opportunity to tell us a little more about how, or if, you would like to engage with the company in the future, including its committees and Livery/charity activities.
Fill out the Coachmakers’ Information Survey here.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Company events
The Coachmakers’ Automotive Awards Dinner 2026
Join the Master Coachmaker for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, celebration, and automotive excellence at the Automotive Awards Dinner, Vintners’ Hall on Wednesday 25th March 2026. (please note the slightly amended timings – 6.15pm reception for 7.00pm dinner).
Step inside one of the City’s oldest and most atmospheric Livery halls, where medieval charm meets centuries of wine-soaked tradition. Oak-panelled rooms, glittering chandeliers and a warm, convivial spirit create the perfect setting for honouring the winners of our most prestigious automotive awards.
Don’t miss this exceptional evening of inspiration, camaraderie and celebration.
Reception: 6.15pm for 7.00pm dinner
Carriages: 10.45pm
Dress: Black tie or service dress with decorations
Tickets: £169
The United Guilds’ Service: St Paul’s Cathedral
The United Guilds’ Service was first held in February 1943 (Lady Day) as a co-ordinated response to the challenges faced by the City of London following the WWII Blitz of 1940-41 – perhaps a Service of Thanksgiving for those that survived those terrible times. It was also a reminder of the religious origins of the Guilds, based on the local parish churches where medieval Guilds used to meet, for want of a large and suitable space to gather. This is also the origin of the patron saints that some companies maintain today, taken from those early parish churches.
Held annually ever since, the UGS, as it is known, is held two Fridays before Good Friday at St Paul’s Cathedral. The date for 2026 is Friday 20th March, it is organised by trustees based at the Fishmongers’ Company. Each livery company is allocated 22 seats (nine in the Company row and 13 for members) plus one for the Master’s spouse or consort. The service starts at 11.15am, attendees need to be seated by 10:45am. All over by 12:15pm in time for lunch!
Coachmakers can request free cathedral tickets via the Clerk, and a following Company lunch has been arranged for up to 13 Coachmakers at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall. The cost of lunch will be £75+VAT (£90). Members may book the service and/or the lunch by contacting the Clerk, as you can see there are limited tickets to both the service and lunch so get in quick!
This is an ideal gathering of fellowship for those who prefer a lunch to a late-night dinner and the challenge in getting home afterwards. The Master hopes that many of you will take advantage of this special occasion.
Other events
Classics in the Walled Garden
Classics in the Walled Garden returns to Luton Hoo on July 1st 2026. The 2025 event was the most successful ever, with almost £10,000 raised for two charities. This will be the 17th edition of this increasingly popular event, which is a terrific opportunity to display your vintage, classic and exotic cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles and gather with friends on a summer’s evening in the historic Walled Garden at Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LG near Harpenden.
Building on this great result, the organising team is already planning an even bigger and better event for 2026, whilst retaining its traditional informal character.
Date and Timings: Wednesday 1st July 2026 4-7pm
Location: Luton Hoo Estate
You can book tickets directly on their website.
The Treloar’s 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner – Friday, 24th April 2026
After two consecutive sell-out years, The Treloar’s Gala Dinner returns in 2026 for a special 20th anniversary celebration. For more information, or to book, please click here: