Master’s Message March 2025

May I wish all Coachmakers and their families a warm and enjoyable spring now that some sunshine has finally arrived. This is my first spring message and I hope that there is something of interest for you.

The Coachmakers’ Charity Fundraising Banquet

The notice is now posted for the Banquet this year on 9th June at Mansion House. May I encourage you to book tickets now for your friends, family and colleagues for what promises to be a very special occasion. Mansion House is a prestigious venue, and we have secured the attendance of the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor Alastair King DL, the Lady Mayoress Florence, both Sheriffs and their Consorts. We will be Celebrating The Jet Age – 95 years on from Sir Frank Whittle’s first patent for a jet engine registered on 16th January 1930. Log on and book your place here.

Fenix Carriages visit

I joined the 350th anniversary year planning committee’s visit to Fenix Carriages in Devon on 24th February – the home and business of Renter Warden Mark Broadbent, the presumptive Master candidate for 2026-27. This important 350th anniversary year will honour and celebrate our original carriage making craft, practised when we received our Royal Charter in 1677.

The members of the committee, accompanied by the Clerk, viewed the magnificent collection of carriages in Mark’s museum, along with his workshops. We were also joined by Past Master Richard Dallimore for the meeting and lunch, who very much enjoyed his visit, it was wonderful to see him.

Master Certificate Scheme

The Master Certificate Scheme celebrates excellence, encourages career progression, and recognises the very highest levels of skill and experience. The scheme is a partnership between the City and Guilds Institute and more than 30 participating Livery Companies, organised by the Construction Liveries Group. The scheme gives encouragement and recognition to students, trainees and apprentices on achieving excellence in their craft, trade, or profession. The scheme also provides a high level destination for many people working in craft occupations for whom a postgraduate degree or professional diploma is neither appropriate nor feasible.

As Master I attended the annual awards presentation at Mansion House on 3rd March where the Lord Mayor and Coachmaker, the Rt Hon Alastair King DL presented the prizes. Car repair specialist Oscar Pinder was awarded the Apprentice certificate and licensed aircraft engineer Patrick Nelkowski received the Journeyman certificate.

Harvey Waller Freeman swearing

I was particularly proud that the company welcomed Harvey Waller of the US as a new Freeman on 6th March in Tallow Chandlers’ Hall Court Room. Harvey is an immensely important figure in the carriage driving and carriage collecting sphere in America, you can read more about his experience within this Coachlines.

Air Combat Power Visit 2025

I was privileged to represent the Company and attend RAF Brize Norton, our RAF affiliation, on 12th March to join the Air Combat Power Visit 2025, where guests were hosted by Station Commander Group Captain Louise Henton OBE ADC RAF. The two-day event demonstrated RAF capabilities to advanced command and staff, course students from the joint services command, and the staff college. This allowed air and space capabilities to conduct strategic engagement with key stakeholder groups. The visit also incorporated individuals from other government departments who don’t work in defence but are decision and policy makers across government and industry partners, as well as several defence and air attaché from some of our closest allies. I can be seen in the crowd (pictured) absorbing the fascinating world of air power and the cutting edge equipment on display.

Red E-type series 1 owned by Liveryman Roger Woodbridge, and a turquoise Eagle E-type reproduction, owned by speaker John McLaren, at the Automotive Dinner

The Automotive Dinner

Our Automotive Dinner at Grocers’ Hall on 20th March was a huge success and close to capacity. Two first class Jaguar-themed speakers made this commemoration of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons a truly memorable occasion.

The Hall courtyard was adorned with two magnificent Jaguar E-Types. Realising that I can no longer get into and out of E-Type sports cars any more, I have recently purchased a 1961 Jaguar Mk 2, 3.4 litre saloon. I have made this bold move, as an aerospace guy, because I want to confirm my commitment to the automotive segment of our company.

At the preceding Court meeting, approval was given for the formation of a Coachmakers’ Car Club. The qualification for joining this interest group will simply be ‘petrol-head’ tendencies! Ownership of a classic car is not a pre-requisite, and any car you are proud of will be very welcome. All members of the Company were emailed details on 25th March. Please ensure you sign up.

The Court also approved the appointment of an Assistant Clerk to support our new Clerk with the ever increasing workload of a 500+ member company. A further announcement will be made shortly.

May I send my very best wishes for an enjoyable Easter break and a well-earned rest. I hope to see you all soon.

Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald