Master’s Message April 2024

Good day fellow Coachmakers – a happy spring to you all, though I confess, it hardly feels spring-like here in the countryside. Even the spring lambs are shivering and my frequent trips into the City are generally cold and damp.

We mustn’t grumble however, but make the most of the ethereal glow which passes for sunshine between the showers, it is April after all, and we shall doubtless enjoy the May flowers when they eventually arrive.

We, the Clerk and I, have enjoyed some interesting, engaging and informative meetings, lunches and dinners since my last message. We had a most divine meal with the Joiners and Ceilers’ at the Innholders’ Hall, where the Master of the Company gave a fascinating speech informing us of all the charitable donations their Company made each year, and the various awards it presented.

But probably an absolute highlight for me was a luncheon at the stunning Drapers Hall, hosted by the Farriers’ Company. There, I was fortunate to sit next to the main speaker, an amazing woman called Natalie O’Rourke MBE who managed to collect £1million in six weeks to save her stables for disabled and other young people in need of help, from being sold which would have meant that her small charitable organisation would have to close. Natalie works with police forces and the NHS through doctors and hospitals to help young people who have made serious attempts to commit suicide. They are offered the opportunity to visit her stables to meet the horses and are encouraged to form a close bond with one of the horses which often helps them build confidence and self-worth. It was clear that Natalie loves her horses and her young people whom she helps, and I think she was able to raise so much money so quickly because she really cares so much. She has featured on television and has written a book – Only Heroes and Horses. My husband and I are greatly looking forward to visiting her stables.

Presenting rosettes with Heather, the Master Farrier, and George, the Master Loriner at the London Harness Horse Parade at Ardingly on Easter Monday was another lovely experience; and it only rained intermittently, which was a huge treat. It really was a delight to see the wonderful carriages, large and small, some with super smart adults, and other tiny trade carts with tiny children as “whips” expertly driving their Shetlands and Shires, and everything in between.

There are more luncheons and dinners to come, and more interesting and informative speeches to hear and people to meet and learn from. I am so very blessed to represent this wonderful Livery Company in the City and beyond.

Now, there is one more thing I must mention: I am told that we only have three entries for the Hampton Court Concours at the end of August. I would encourage you to bring your wonderful cars to this glamorous event. We have five spaces left and I am sure we can fill this with some of the lovely cars you have behind your garage doors.

This year we have invited the Distillers Company to join us and it has already subscribed with a 1937 Vauxhall, a Jaguar Mk2, a Jensen interceptor, a 1969 E type S2 among others, with a total of seven cars.

So come on Coachmakers, click here for more details and to book, and don’t forget to send Liveryman Nick Lyford details of your car. We don’t want to be outshone by the distillers, lovely people though they are!

But before then, I do hope to see many friendly faces at the Banquet on 17th May. There are still a few tickets left so why not come along for a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment? You will experience actor Robert Lindsay at his absolute best, and hear the magnificent tones of our favourite baritone, Rodney Earl Clarke. And should you win the prize draw, you could be flying above the clouds in a vintage aircraft or trotting along the lanes on a carriage pulled by four trusty horses.

I do look forward to seeing you all there, and hopefully sharing that carriage with the lucky four of you.