- This event has passed.
As we prepare to take our summer holidays, the next new Livery Year will be with us sooner than we think. Indeed, on 1st September 2023 the new Master will be elected and installed 346 years since King Charles II graciously bestowed upon the Coachmakers’ Company its Royal Charter on 31st May 1677.
As is tradition, the Election Court meeting to decide the identity of the new Master will again be held at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, followed by the Installation of the new Master and a Service of Thanksgiving in St James Garlickhythe.
Although the outcome is subject to a democratic election, the bookies favourite this year is Mrs Bettine Evans (currently the Senior Warden).
Whatever the outcome, 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 the Installation and Service of Thanksgiving led, for the final time, by Reverend Father Tim Handley, soon to retire as Rector of St James, Garlickhythe and as Honorary Chaplain to the Coachmakers’ Company.
Music during the service will be provided by the choir of St James, Garlickhythe under the musical direction of Honorary Liveryman Coachmaker, Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley.
The seating capacity at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall is modest and the incoming Master plans to fill all of the places available – so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Timings are as follows:
1615 – Court and guests muster at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1645 – Election Court using the Dining Hall as the Court Room
1715 – Court and guests proceed to St James, Garlickhythe
1725 – Everyone to be seated
1730 – Installation of the new Master and 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