Clerk’s Notes – November 2023

November is the time of remembrance and once again I had the privilege of marching past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday to pay my respects with some of my former shipmates of the HMS PLYMOUTH Crew of 1982. This year, the Assistant Clerk also took part, joining former colleagues in the Fleet Air Arm Officers’ Association platoon. It was a very special experience and the weather held fair.

Unfortunately, when the FAAOA platoon marched past the Cenotaph the camera cut to an interview with a veteran, so there was no film evidence of the Assistant doing her bit, however a “still” photo of the Woo’s waiting to step off has been found.

Company news

Forthcoming events

The Carol Service – Thursday 7th December 2023

The traditional Coachmakers’ Carol Service will be held at St James Garlickhythe, Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AF, followed by an informal supper with Christmas music at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall. The Master would very much like to see more children attending this year to make it feel more like a family occasion. If you would like to bring children, before booking please contact the Clerk at clerk@coachmakers.co.uk

To book your tickets follow this link.

The Award to Industry Dinner 2024 – 18th January 2024
The Award to Industry Dinner will take place on Thursday 18th January 2024 at Barber Surgeons’ Hall in London. Work is ongoing to finalise the details of a very worthy winner and the book opens on 30th November.

Retromobile – 31st January to 4th February 2024

Liverymen Nick Lyford and Simon Gurney have successfully filled all the spaces for Retromobile except for one single place. Unfortunately the party is limited to 20 persons in the Benoit private dining room and as 19 persons have booked already, only one place remains. However, if you would like to take that place, please contact Liveryman Nick Lyford at epsom_lyfords@yahoo.co.uk

Banquet 2024 – Friday 17th May 2024

Plans are firming up – see separate article for more details.

A Christmas gift

Looking for a last minute Christmas stocking filler? PM Martin Payne may have the answer; see his advert elsewhere in this edition.

City news

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; more details will follow in the New Year.

In conclusion

For those of you who might enjoy tales of Norse mythology, or may have been inspired by the tales of this summer’s Orkney Run, you might like to listen to a series of podcasts featuring stories from “Viking Tales” by Jennie Hall. Produced by a talented young chap who I happen to know, they are just the thing to help you wind down on a winter’s evening in front of the fire with a glass of mead or mulled wine. To gain access to them free-of-charge, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/soundscapesagas