Coachlines

Keep up to date with the latest news from across the livery movement and our affiliated industries.

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 The Master Richard Charlesworth MVO

Master’s message October 2025

Hello fellow Coachmakers, I have had a busy but fascinating first two months in my year as your Master, enjoying meeting some of our hard working committees, participating in some of the ancient City traditions, attending a STEM day at […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Freeman David Barzilay

A letter from the Deputy Editor – October 2025

Pictured above: Bluebird K7 on the back of the Steeles’ truck that will carry her in the show, photograph by Asadour Guzelian As I write this, I am sitting at my desk surrounded by movement orders, media requests, lists of […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 The Clerk Lt Col Craig Hallatt

Clerk’s notes – October 2025

National Aviation Month: Celebrating the skies and the UK’s role in aviation history Every November, National Aviation Month takes flight as a celebration of the achievements, innovations, and cultural impact of aviation across the globe. While the observance is most […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 The Clerk Lt Col Craig Hallatt

In memory – John Retter (1952-2025)

Liveryman John Retter sadly passed away on 29th September 2025. John was proposed by PM Stephen Hammerton and seconded by PM Martin Payne. He had a long fight against illness but his passing was peaceful and his family were by his side. […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Liveryman Mark Rogers

An update from the Aerospace Awards Committee

There is no ’I’ in team; however, there is one in Neil. Neil Sheath, our Aerospace Awards Chairman with more than 13 years of dedicated service, distinguished leadership, and a strong commitment to STEM education, has played a pivotal role […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Assistant Lyn Litchfield

New at-a-glance events page

Take a look at our new events page with an easy at-a-glance layout.

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Assistant Nick Lyford

Election of the Lady Mayor of London 2025

On Monday, 29th September the wonderful pageant of the election of the Lady Mayor of the City of London took place. The following is a much-abridged version of this ancient ceremony. The Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff of the […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Liverymen Andrew Blatherwick

Coachmakers help students develop the next Mars Rover at the Brooklands Innovation Day

The Coachmakers once again supported the Brooklands Innovation Academy on Wednesday 1st October, running a workshop, and a stand at the evening careers fair. The Academy brings together more than 500 students from Surrey schools to attend workshops from 23 […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Liveryman John Fuggles

A Sunday well-spent in Southwark

Let’s be honest, the sheep is a “thing”. Many people, not just Freemen, are fascinated by the idea and it could, arguably, be only something the British would still do. But the rights and privileges afforded Freemen allows a small […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Assistant Nick Lyford

“Scramble, Scramble, Scramble”

This was the cry in WWII at RAF Bicester when bombing raids were scrambled for raids over occupied Europe. This historic site has called it “the best-preserved bomber airfield from the period up to 1945,” and dates back to the […]

Coachlines - October 2025

31.10.25 Steward Mark Jurd

Coach building’s influential Past Masters

Pictured above: John Philipson trialing the joint venture steam road carriage With our Livery Company’s 350th anniversary fast approaching, our focus turns to the trades which gave rise to the Company’s foundation: coach building and harness making. Scrolling through the […]

Coachlines - September 2025

26.09.25 Master Richard Charlesworth MVO

Master’s message September 2025

Hello fellow Coachmakers! Here goes my first Master’s message of the year. The Election Court took place, as our charter requires, on 1st September. Traditionally, we hold the Court meeting and dinner at Tallow Chandlers, and the service of Thanksgiving […]