The better halves of the Coachmakers

My involvement with the Coachmakers started in 2017, when my husband became a Liveryman, writes Lynne Gurney. I don’t think that I realised then, how much I could also be included in its events.

I have always enjoyed the formal dinners where I get to meet new people. I am so impressed by the young recipients at the awards dinners, even if their speciality is beyond my comprehension.

At one of my first events, I was sitting next to a gentleman who kept apologising for having to leave the table to take telephone calls to and from the United States. It wasn’t until much later that I was told that he was a well-known performance car specialist who is currently selling a famous Ferrari collection. On another occasion, when I was sitting next to a newly installed Coachmaker, I asked him why he had chosen this particular Livery company, the reply was that he had been to a few other companies, but he thought that this one “looked like it would be more fun to be a member of”. Of course he is quite correct.

This reminds me of one of the reasons my husband joined this Livery – for its legendary visits. Our first was to the Champagne region in France, perfectly organised by Liveryman John Knightley, where we really enjoyed the company of other members, none of whom we knew before, but who we count as friends now. Since then, we have been to the Louwman Museum in the Netherlands, Orkney with Cdr Mark Leaning, Paris for the Retromobile show with Liveryman Nick Lyford, Bletchley Park and on many other varied and very interesting visits. We have been in the procession for The Lord Mayor’s Show, which is not only fun, but the Champagne and nibbles half way round, are legendary. I suggest any member or partner, who hasn’t participated should try to come this autumn.

I like the fact that every time I enjoy a Coachmakers’ event I am also helping to fund its charitable fund, and I shall continue to do so.