- This event has passed.
The new Livery Year will commence on the 1st of September 2021 as it has done for the past 344 years since King Charles II graciously bestowed upon the Coachmakers’ Company its Royal Charter on 31st May 1677.
Last year it was necessary to conduct proceedings via Zoom but this year the Election Court Meeting and Installation of the new Master will again be held at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, albeit in a slightly modified format to help those who might still feel a little uncomfortable in enclosed spaces.
To this end the Court Meeting will be held in the Tallow Chandlers Dining Hall rather than its historically significant but rather too cosy Court Room. As a result, Court members and their guests, and members of the wider Livery and their guests, are invited to attend the Election Court Meeting together before proceeding to St James, Garlickhythe for a Service of Thanksgiving led by our own Honorary Chaplain, Honorary Court Assistant the Venerable Ray Pentland CB. The newly installed Master will then lead everyone back to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall for the Election Court Dinner.
The seating capacity at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall is modest and although Government restrictions have been lifted the number of places available has been reduced by 20% to ensure everyone feels comfortable during the event – so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Timings are as follows:
1630 – Court and Guests muster at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1700 – Election Court and Installation of new Master using the Dining Hall as the Court Room to provide attendees with more space
1730 – Court and Guests proceed to St James, Garlickhythe
1740 – Everyone to be seated
1745 – Service of Thanksgiving commences
1830 – Service concludes, after which the Master Coachmaker will lead the Court and Guests back to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1845 – Reception at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall (in the Courtyard if weather permits)
1930 – Election Court Dinner commences
2230 – Carriages
Dress code: Black tie with decorations