Master’s message December 2022

Christmas with the Coachmakers

After the frantic activity in November, the Master’s diary has calmed down a little in December but will ramp up again in January.

There were three significant events that I attended in the past week or so. First of all was Christmas shopping. This was at the annual Christmas Fair organised by the Wellbeing of Women Charity at Drapers’ Hall. It was opened by the Lady Mayoress and this year was the only Christmas Fair in the City of London. There were really high quality stalls and I successfully polished off a few difficult Christmas gifts (including a little something for myself). Look out for the fair next year, it’s always at the beginning of December.

Then there was our own Master and Clerks’ Luncheon at Watermens’ Hall. This is the means by which our Court returns hospitality to the many Livery Companies that entertain us during the year. We kept it light and fun with some entertainment provided by the choir that later sang at our Carol Service, and we have had many lovely, positive comments about the event. In order to allow various Court Members to attend both the luncheon and the Carol Service, we organised lunch for their Consorts at the Guildhall which about five people took up. They were excited to be visited by The Lord Mayor and the two Sheriffs, in all their regalia, one of whom is our own Alastair King, as they happened to be in the Guildhall and heard that the Coachmakers were also there. This is a huge compliment to our Company.

60 Coachmakers and guests attended our annual Carol Service at St James Garlickhythe and afterwards at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall for a reception of wine, mulled wine and canapés and more Christmas music from the London Choral Sinfonia who had filled the Church earlier with wonderful music.

So, with Christmas music ringing in my ears, it occurs to me that this is the first Christmas in three years that has not been threatened with ‘cancellation’. Although we are suffering a few local difficulties at the moment, I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and safe New Year.

The New Year will bring many great events. The first is our Award to Industry Dinner in Saddlers’ Hall on 19th January. Please do come – details and tickets can be found on our website.

Whilst writing, I’d like to tease you by telling you that we are planning an amazing annual Banquet for you at the Guildhall on 6th June 2023, so put the date in your diary and look out for more information in Coachlines. I can assure you that you will want to come.