Support our charitable ambitions

As I approach the half-way point of my year as Master I am appealing to you, as a Freeman or Liveryman of The Coachmakers, to remind you of our theme this year: Fellowship, Friendship, Fundraising and Fun. In particular I wish to draw your attention to the fundraising element of my ambition.

Being a member you are already aware that philanthropy is a major foundation of the Livery along with fellowship and supporting our industry sectors. To speak frankly, without the charitable element, we are in danger of being perceived as little more than a privileged dining club. As a Freeman or Liveryman, I know I need not remind you, there is an expectation on every one of us to contribute. And I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for those of you who are already contributing on a regular basis to our charity.

The simple act of giving, however small and always according to means, a modest amount on a recurring basis discharges this implied obligation and provides the Charity Trustees with a reliable and predictable income.

For me, as Master, to be able to say that many members of The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers are giving regularly to support our charitable aims would be an immensely powerful statement. A statement which I am sure would nudge our remaining membership to dig into their pockets to support the ambitions outlined in our fundraising brochure which explains our philanthropic aims for our 350th anniversary year in 2026-27 and beyond.

Therefore, I am asking you directly to not delay making a modest regular donation to our charitable fund by using this link, to contribute as increasing numbers of your fellow members are. Your participation would be enormously appreciated, and you will be helping ‘An Active Livery Investing in Young People’ deliver on its promise.

The GoCardless QR code link can be found here, it takes seconds to complete.

However, if you wish to give a different amount or frequency then please contact David Barrett, chair of the Fundraising Committee, at donations@coachmakers.co.uk, with your preferences and David will do the rest.

By making a regular donation you are contributing to the powerful statement of the company’s alignment with our charitable aims and signalling to your fellow Coachmakers that investing in our young people must and is our foremost ambition.