Coachlines - May 2025

29.05.25 The Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald

Master’s message May 2025


Pictured above: The Master and guests at HM The King’s garden party at Buckingham Palace

I do hope that all Coachmakers, wherever you are, will be enjoying the superb warm weather that we are experiencing lately, putting the cold wind firmly behind us!

I have had all sorts of privileged events in the past month, perhaps the most memorable was a flight in a private light aircraft piloted by Ian Whittle, son of Sir Frank. We flew from Fairoaks Airport near Woking down to the Isle of Wight, landing at Bembridge airport. There was a serious purpose to this ‘jolly’ as we were able to discuss plans for the charity banquet over lunch. Ian has agreed to be our principal guest speaker and to help us commemorate the massive achievements of his father, Sir Frank Whittle, in developing the first jet engine. Can you imagine a world without jet engines in their present form, where it would take many days by flying boat, or several weeks to get to Australia?

Inevitably with the arrival of spring there has been an outbreak of golfing. I played in the Leather Livery Golf tournament at Royal Wimbledon GC, representing the company.

I also presented the Prince Arthur Cup at the Inter-Livery Golf tournament at Walton Heath Golf Club, the largest one day, two course, amateur tournament in the UK. This competition was first held in 1927, the year in which Prince Arthur of Connaught (Queen Victoria’s son) was invited to become a guest of the Coachmakers’ Livery Company and then went on to accept the Freedom and Livery of the Company later that year. He was subsequently elected Assistant and showed such an interest in the Company that he became Master in 1932. His name lives on until this day, perpetuated by this event.

VE Day Service at St Paul’s
Along with many other Masters I was invited to attend the VE Day Evensong Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 8th May, exactly 80 years since the guns fell silent. The Lord Mayor led the congregation and delivered a moving and powerful address. The western frontage of the Cathedral was adorned with a replica Spitfire aircraft.

Osborne House, Isle of Wight
I am pleased to report that I was able to make my first official ‘overseas’ trip, and second recent trip, to the Isle of Wight. On behalf of the newly formed Coachmakers’ Car Club, Liveryman and Secretary Nick Lyford organised a splendid trip to Queen Victoria’s treasured summer home. The Italianate style of this fabulous house lays in vast grounds that run down to the Solent.

Clerk’s army retirement
It was an honour and a privilege for Beverley and I to be invited to join our Clerk Lt Col Craig Hallatt and Assistant Clerk Deborah Hallatt for Craig’s ‘Dining Out Night’ at Minley Barracks Royal Corps of Army Music to celebrate his retirement from 39 years of service in the Army. I was rather overwhelmed at how much Craig is revered and cherished by the fellow members of the Corps.

Buckingham Palace Garden Party
By the time you read this, Beverley and I will have had the privilege of attending HM The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, on Tuesday 20th May. Having received a knowledgeable briefing on the occasion, we will be among an estimated 8,000 guests from all walks of life, many of whom will have received royal recognition.

And finally
Next month is our Charity Banquet at Mansion House on 9th June, and I have managed to gain substantial sponsorship for our charitable funds to give us a great start. We have many superb prizes to win during the evening, courtesy of our charitable prize draw. We are not far off the capacity for the event now, so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. I look forward to seeing you there.