Coachmakers’ Christmas Carol Service with a difference

The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers traditionally holds its Christmas Carol Service in St James, Garlickhythe. Unfortunately due to the ongoing pandemic it was reluctantly decided that the traditional service followed by supper at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall would not be possible to achieve this year.

Instead on Thursday 12th December 2020 the Master Coachmaker hosted a virtual Carol Service via Zoom which allowed more than 30 Coachmakers and their families to gather on screen for a traditional service put together by the Honorary Chaplain, Honorary Court Assistant the Venerable Ray Pentland. For those who missed it, you can see the service here:

Despite the virtual nature of the event, those Coachmakers participating were mindful that part of the annual tradition includes Coachmakers leaving gifts under the Christmas tree in St James Church. The Hoxton branch of the Salvation Army then arranges to distribute these gifts to disadvantaged youngsters of the borough. As a result, unable to leave real gifts under the tree this year, individual Coachmakers made financial donations in lieu of physical gifts.

From those who participated in the Zoom event on 12th December, a total of £1,012.50 was raised and has already been transferred to the Salvation Army’s Hoxton account.

The following note was received from Major Sally Spry of the Hoxton branch of the Salvation Army:

Dear Mark

Thank you so much; the donation from The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London will make such a difference to so many this Christmas time.

Every day there’s another request for help and yes those presents under the tree in usual times would help so many through our outreach work and we have been so grateful for the support over the last 15+ years from The Livery Companies; but this year during the pandemic there are so many families finding it extremely hard that our outreach work from Hoxton Salvation Army is even more needed and is only able to meet that need because of the generosity of individuals such as within your Company who are happy to help us meet the need today of 2020.

We certainly have missed the gifts under the tree but we are so grateful that many connected to The City of London have still thought of those in need this Christmas time in these challenging days.

Thank you once again to The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London for helping us to help others this Christmas throughout our borough and throughout the City of London.

Regards

Major Sally Spry

Father Tim Handley of St James, Garlickhythe also wrote:
This is just brilliant news! Well done the Coachmakers!

Should anyone wish to make a further donation to the Hoxton Branch of the Salvation Army to help its cause please make a BACS transfer and ensure that the reference used is HOXTON HO21
The bank details are as follows:
Sort Code: 60-01-73
Current Account: 00178123
ACCOUNT TITLE: SATCO GENERAL INCOME CENTRAL TRUST

It is hoped that the Carol Service in 2021 will be a more traditional event.