Master’s message April 2025

Pictured above: The Master with Blondie, a beautiful Welsh Cob at the London Harness Horse Parade

A warm welcome to all Coachmakers. Beverley and I do hope that you have had an immensely enjoyable Easter break – four whole days!

On Easter Monday we were invited by the London Harness Horse Parade Society’s annual event at the South of England Showground at Ardingly, West Sussex. The day included an inspection of a magnificent line up of exhibits. All kinds of light and heavy horses took part in the Parade, with motorised vehicles, horse-drawn exhibits and even some classic cars.
We were very pleased to represent the company there, a full report appears separately in this Coachlines. The day provided an excellent opportunity to spend time with my two fellow ‘leathery’ livery Masters, the Loriners and the Farriers.

I welcomed the honour of presiding over a superbly successful Automotive Industry Dinner at the wonderful Grocers’ Hall on 20th March, where we celebrated Jaguar cars and its founder Sir William Lyons.

Beverley and I attended the annual Meet the Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff at Mansion House on Thursday 27th March; always the night before the United Guilds’ Service. We were addressed by the Lord Mayor in a completely full house, making for a grand livery occasion. Attendees included City leaders, officers and Aldermen – definitely a highlight of the Livery year.

The United Guilds’ Service the next day was a spectacular occasion with all Company Masters and Wardens attending in their colourful gowns, along with Liverymen guests. As usual the service was followed by lunch at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall attended by 13 Coachmakers, where I was a principal guest. We shared the lunch with four other companies, the Communicators, Upholders, Launderers and the Lightmongers.

Coachmakers gather on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral

On 16th April a group of 11 Coachmakers and aviation enthusiasts attended a Wessex Aviation day out (see separate report). At the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, Hants, we saw some amazing historic and modern aircraft, of all types – well worth a visit if you are in the area. Through my former employer connections at QinetiQ we were also given access to MOD Boscombe Down aviation facility in the afternoon, normally strictly off limits, where our guides from the senior leadership gave us some fascinating insights into the aircraft, workshops, projects and training undertaken there. A memorable day, and thanks to Liveryman Shawn Manning for organising it.

A menacing Apache AH Mk1 military helicopter at the Army Flying Museum

Preparation is well advanced for our flagship event on 9th June at Mansion House. We have already received pledges of outstanding sponsorship from member companies, and in addition to the principal civic party guests already announced, the Chief of the Air Staff has kindly re-arranged his diary to accept our invitation. We are also proud that Ian Whittle; son of Sir Frank Whittle the jet engine pioneer, will be our special guest. Attendance at Mansion House is going to be limited to 250 to ensure maximum comfort, and many tables of 10 have already been booked by liverymen and sponsors. You are therefore urged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please log in and book via the website at this link: https://www.coachmakers.co.uk/event/banquet-2025/

A silent auction and raffle are planned, so the Trustees and I would be very grateful for contributions of prizes or experiences from members of the company. Please contact the Clerk with offers: clerk@coachmakers.co.uk

The Egyptian Hall at Mansion House