Master’s Message December 2024

I am greatly heartened by the progress we are making as a Company towards our Aiming Points, so important for the continued development and enjoyment of our Coachmakers’ Company in all its endeavours. My theme of the four Fs is also coming to fruition in numerous ways.

In terms of Friendship and Fun we enjoyed a sold-out Carol Service and Supper which included a competition to construct a Christmas scene with a gingerbread house and wooden Santa’s sleigh kit. There were lots of hilarious moments, including PM Julian Leach frantically colouring in Santa’s sleigh and reindeer to Michaelangelo’s standards!

The winning team, whose innovative ‘Storm Darragh’ entry (as the Gingerbread House was a little worse for wear when they opened the box) won six tickets to the Household Division Beating of Retreat on Horseguards Parade next summer.

Amongst the incredible musical festive feast we also had a guest appearance on French horn from our talented Clerk Lt Col Craig Hallatt. Indeed, The Army Musicians who serenaded through the evening were outstanding and great fun to boot! Grateful thanks to the Clerk for organising a most enjoyable and tasteful event.

Our charitable endeavour (another F – ‘Filanthropy’ – sorry that’s my dyslexia creeping in!) is now granting increased amounts towards bursaries and grants for talented young people in our industries. In the main that is all thanks to our members who have donated so generously to support funding for the Charitable Trust.

There is a lot more to do on fundraising and I would ask all members not currently making a donation to consider a regular recurring gift, however modest. Contact donations@coachmakers.co.uk to arrange a direct debit sign up, you can also make a one-off gift via the Yotta QR code in your Christmas card letter insert.

In terms of our membership growth, we are clearly going to reach our Aiming Points’ goal of 500 members by 2028, our 350th anniversary year. At the recent Audit Court meeting ceremonies were conducted for 10 new members, both Freemen and Liverymen. This brings the number of active members currently to 498, we have another eight candidates attending the dinner in January, so it is certain we will pass our 2027 target of 500 well before then.

We have also seen an uptick in attendees at events and the feedback has been extremely positive. Long may this continue.

We now look forward to a full year of enjoyable Fellowship and events with as many of you as possible attending with your guests. May I wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year, and all the success for 2025!