Clerk’s Notes – January 2024

The Caroline Age came to an abrupt end on 30th January 1649, when the power of the crown was seized by the Commonwealth, and King Charles I was publicly executed in Whitehall. The event was witnessed by a young Samuel Pepys who, amongst other things, later went on to become the Master Clothworker and Secretary of the Admiralty.

The 30th January was also a bad day for the descendants of Admiral Lord Nelson, although in less dramatic circumstances. On 30th January 1948 legislation was passed by the Atlee government to “terminate without compensation” the commitment to pay an annual pension of £5,000 first granted by Parliament on the 22nd July 1806 to the brother of Nelson, the Revd William Nelson, and his successors. Time was called after the death of Admiral Lord Nelson’s great-great nephew, The Rt. Hon. Edger Horatio Nelson, 5th Earl Nelson of Trafalgar and Merton.

And on 30th January 1965 the nation mourned the passing of Sir Winston Churchill as his state funeral was held at St Paul’s Cathedral. Sir Winston’s service career was spent in the army, but he twice served as the 1st Lord of the Admiralty. And so, although normally a practice reserved only for members of the royal family, it was fitting that the gun carriage on which he was carried to St Paul’s was hauled by a party of sailors, 98 men ahead and 40 astern. You may have heard last year during the commentary on the state funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that this was a practice first introduced on 2nd February 1901 for the state funeral of Queen Victoria after the horses of the Royal Horse Artillery that should have hauled the carriage became “unmanageable”. Why it was thought that the sailors of the era would be more manageable than the horses they replaced is anyone’s guess.

Company news

Forthcoming events

The Automotive Industry Dinner 2024 – 21st March 2024

The Automotive Industry Dinner will take place at Carpenters’ Hall in London on 21st March 2024. The book will open in early February – keep an eye on your inbox.

Banquet 2024 – Friday 17th May 2024

This will be another spectacular Coachmaker Banquet, tickets can be purchased here.

Recent events

The photos from the Award to Industry Dinner held at Apothecaries’ Hall on Thursday 18th January 2024 can now be accessed via this link: https://philmccarthyphotography.smugmug.com/The-Worshipful-Company-of-Coachmakers-and-Harness-Makers/Awards-to-Industry-Dinner-January-2024/i-gt8B7RN

City news

World Traders’ International Women’s Day Event – 7th March 2024

The Worshipful Company of World Traders, in association with Goodenough College, is hosting a celebration of International Women’s Day with the theme of Women’s In-Visibility. The theme is supported by music, art, and poetry from both Livery and Goodenough members, which will be displayed throughout the main hall, forming thought provoking, informal talking points while attendees have the opportunity to network. For details about the programme and booking information follow this link.

United Guilds Service – 15th March 2024

Plan ahead for the United Guilds Service to be held in St Paul’s Cathedral followed by lunch at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall. The service starts at 1100 hrs and lunch follows, commencing between 1230 and 1300 hrs. Tickets for the service are free of charge but strictly limited, the cost of the lunch is usually about £80pp including VAT. More details about how to obtain tickets will follow next month.

State Trials and Error – 18th-21st March 2024

Featuring a star-studded cast (I am told) from The Bar, judiciary & the City, the Trials and Error returns to Court Number One at the Old Bailey. Proceeds from ticket sales are shared between The Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund helping prison leavers, Pan Intercultural Arts, Arts for Social Change, and The Schools Consent Project.

More details can be found here.

Tickets £70 each, or premium dock and jury box £110 each. Tickets for rehearsals are £40/£65 each and all are now available: Book here: https://wcmpc.wufoo.com/forms/state-trials-error-show-ticket-bookings/

The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch – Thursday 18th April 2024

More details will appear next month. For now, follow this link: https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/lordmayors/

Saddlers’ Company Inter-Livery Padel Competition – 31st May 2024

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers’ Inter Livery Padel Competition is to be held at The National Tennis Centre, Roehampton SW15 5JQ on Friday 31st May 2024. The Competition is open to all Livery Companies and each Company may enter one or two teams of mixed doubles, of which all players must be a member of the Livery either Liveryman or Freeman. In all a maximum of 32 players will be permitted. This will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is £400 (inc vat) per pair and the event runs from 0945 to 2100 hrs and includes a buffet lunch, a reception and dinner. If you are interested contact me as soon as possible at: clerk@coachmakers.co.uk.

In conclusion

Returning to the theme of things coming to an end, if you were not already aware, I shall be stepping down as the Clerk on 31st July 2024 after almost 12 years in post. The Company is actively seeking a replacement via a specialist recruiting firm and applications are being accepted up to 4th February. If you know anyone who might be interested, full details can be found here.

However, please note that I have made it clear I shall not be engaging with any potential candidate until the final selection has been made. If I did it for one I would have to do it for all, and I simply do not have the time to take on such a commitment, which probably answers the first question a potential candidate might ask anyway.

And with the end now in sight, it might explain how our photographer managed to capture this image of me in a decidedly un-Clerk-like pose between the Court Meeting on 18th January and immediately before the Master and Wardens processed into the dining hall for dinner. The Master’s Consort’s demeanour says it all.

I’ll get my coat.