Clerk’s Notes – January 2026

A slightly delayed wish to all Coachmakers, far and wide for a bright and prosperous new year, filled with good health, renewed purpose, and the continued pride that comes from belonging to such a remarkable Company.

I hope each of you enjoyed a joyful and restorative Christmas, surrounded by those who matter most, and that the season offered a moment of warmth and reflection before we step together into the opportunities ahead – and what opportunities await us this year!

Standing on the cold platform at Doncaster railway station over Christmas – with the prospect of more shopping at Meadowhall on the horizon (sad face emoji at this point!) – and wrapped in the familiar air of my hometown, my eye was suddenly caught by a gleam of brass on the wall – a plaque to Walter Owen Bentley. In that quiet moment between departures, it felt less like a discovery and more like a summons. Here, in an unassuming corner of South Yorkshire, was a reminder that one of Britain’s great engineering visionaries began his journey not far from where I once began mine.

I suddenly thought to look up this fascinating man ‘on’t t’internet’ as we say in God’s Country (Yorkshire by the way!)*.

Although his childhood ambition was to work on a locomotive – which he later fulfilled by becoming a fireman on GNR Atlantic locomotives on the London to Edinburgh run – after completing his apprenticeship, Bentley began his professional engineering career at “The Plant,” as the Great Northern Railway works in Doncaster was known, at the age of 16 (the same age I left Doncaster station and started my Army career). The resonance for the Coachmakers was immediate and profound: Bentley’s blend of imagination, craftsmanship, and sheer mechanical daring is the very spirit our Company continues to champion.

Walter Owen Bentley: A life of innovation and legacy

Walter Owen Bentley, affectionately known as W.O. Bentley, was a pioneering British engineer and entrepreneur whose name became synonymous with luxury, performance, and engineering excellence. Born in the late Victorian era, Bentley’s life spanned a period of immense technological change, and his contributions to automotive engineering left an indelible mark on the industry.

Walter Owen Bentley was born on 16th September 1888 in Hampstead, London, into a family of modest means. He was the youngest of nine children, and his early years were marked by curiosity and a fascination with mechanics. Bentley attended Clifton College, a prestigious school in Bristol, where he developed an interest in engineering and locomotives.

After leaving school, Bentley pursued practical experience rather than formal university education. Then at the Great Northern Railway works in Doncaster, he learned the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. This hands-on training laid the foundation for his future innovations.

Bentley’s career began in the world of railways, but his ambitions soon extended to motor vehicles and aviation. In 1912, Bentley and his brother founded Bentley & Bentley, a company that imported French DFP cars. Dissatisfied with their performance, Bentley began experimenting with ways to improve engines, focusing on lightweight aluminium pistons.

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 shifted Bentley’s focus to aviation. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service as an officer and applied his engineering skills to aircraft engines. His most notable contribution was the development of the Bentley BR1 and BR2 rotary engines, which powered fighter planes such as the Sopwith Camel. These engines were celebrated for their reliability and performance, earning Bentley the Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1919.

Founding Bentley Motors

After the war, Bentley returned to his passion for automobiles. In 1919, he founded Bentley Motors Limited in Cricklewood, North London. His vision was clear: to create cars that combined speed, durability, and craftsmanship. The first Bentley car, the 3 Litre, debuted in 1921 and quickly gained a reputation for performance and reliability. Bentley’s philosophy was encapsulated in his famous quote: “To build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.”

Bentley’s cars were not only luxurious but also competitive on the racetrack. The company achieved legendary status at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning five times between 1924 and 1930. These victories were driven by a group of wealthy enthusiasts known as the Bentley Boys, who embodied the spirit of adventure and speed.

The Speed Six, introduced in 1928, became one of Bentley’s most iconic models, securing multiple Le Mans victories. These triumphs cemented Bentley’s reputation as a maker of high-performance vehicles and elevated the brand to international prominence.

Despite racing success, Bentley Motors faced financial difficulties during the late 1920s. The economic downturn and high production costs strained the company’s resources. In 1931, Bentley Motors was acquired by Rolls-Royce, marking the end of W.O. Bentley’s direct control over his company.

Bentley continued to work as an engineer for Rolls-Royce but eventually moved to Lagonda, where he contributed to the design of luxury cars, including the Lagonda V12. His engineering brilliance remained evident, even as his entrepreneurial chapter closed.

Later life and honours

Walter Owen Bentley retired in the 1940s but remained a respected figure in the automotive world. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to engineering and motoring. Bentley passed away on 13th August 1971, aged 82, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Walter Owen Bentley was more than an automotive pioneer; he was a visionary who shaped the course of motoring history. From his early days as a railway apprentice to his triumphs at Le Mans and contributions to aviation, Bentley’s achievements reflect a lifetime dedicated to innovation. His legacy endures in every Bentley car that graces the roads today – a fitting tribute to a man who didn’t just build cars, but was a legend.

*PS: What I failed to mention whilst on’t t’internet is that The Red Lion Wetherspoon pub in Doncaster’s famous Market Place features a framed photograph and descriptive text about Bentley’s early life and his time as an apprentice in Doncaster, however I am sure you would not expect your noble Clerk to frequent such a place, unless it was for research purposes of course!

Other Livery events:

Inter-Livery Golf Croquet Day: 27th June 2026

The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London confirms the Inter-Livery Golf Croquet Competition will take place at Sussex County Croquet Club, Kingston Lane, Southwick, BN43 6YW on Saturday, 27th June 2026, starting at 09:30.

Costs & refreshments: The entry fee of £85 per head includes all playing costs, coffee or tea on arrival, lunch & afternoon tea. There is a limited number of spaces for non-players at a cost of £60 per person to include the lunch and refreshments offered to players. SCCC has a bar for the purchase of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; only card payments are accepted.

As this competition has grown, so has the standard of croquet among participants in the ‘A’ event – the Glovers Cup. On the other hand, the ‘B’ competition, known as the Inter-Livery Challenge, continues to be an enjoyable tournament designed for those with little or no experience, where coaching is provided. Both events are played in pairs (doubles) as 13-point games, and the tournament formats will be explained on the day.

Last year the event was oversubscribed. While each Livery Company may still submit up to three teams, confirmation for a third team will only be given after the entry deadline. Third team spots will be allocated based on the order in which applications are received. Two teams are eligible to compete for the Glovers’ Cup. Additionally, or as an alternative to entering the Glovers’ Cup, companies may participate in the Inter-Livery Challenge.

Dress: Comfortable summer attire is suggested, and white clothing is also acceptable if you prefer. SCCC maintains a strict shoe policy to protect the lawns: only flat shoes are allowed; heels or heavily ridged soles are not permitted. Changing rooms are available at the club.

Equipment: Mallets will be available.

Coaching: For those who require it, an introduction to golf croquet will be given from 09:45 to 10:00.

Entries: Email p_h_brown@icloud.com by 30th April 2026 with your players’ names, any non-player, places needed, dietary requirements, team entry (Glovers’ Cup or Inter-Livery Challenge), and the recipient’s name and email for invoicing (one invoice per Livery Company). Entries are accepted in order of receipt if oversubscribed.

Queries: If you have any questions, please e-mail p_h_brown@icloud.com or contact Liveryman Bob Wilson regarding the Coachmakers’ entry.