The Coachmakers’ Coaching Bursary Training 2024

The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers coaching bursary was set up to inspire and educate young drivers interested in coaching.

This in turn will assist in keeping the traditional arts associated with coaching alive, resulting in the continued need for the heritage crafts of coach building, restoration and harness making, which will help ensure the survival of these diminishing skills.

Our bursary is administrated by Junior Warden Mark Broadbent, President of the Coaching Club and the aim is to help potential coaching club members and four-in-hand drivers learn abut the intricacies of turning out and driving a coaching turnout.

Andrew Hogg and Eleanor Stevens take the reins

This year’s training weekend took place recently at the Fenix Carriage Driving Centre near Wellington. The two successful candidates were Andrew Hogg from Scotland and Eleanor Stevens from South Wales.

Mark Broadbent and Bob Elliott led the discussions. Jo Broadbent and Josiah Rowlands were there contributing and ensuring that horses, harness and carriages were ready for each planned stage of the learning experience.

The coach house at Fenix is, for any coaching enthusiast, a jaw dropping sight when you walk in. Currently four road coaches, four park drags, the Quicksilver Mail, two town coaches and a large selection of aristocratic carriages stand there offering a unique opportunity to learn about the history and diversity of four-in-hand coaching.

Initially the two candidates were shown around, the various points of turning out a drag or road coach were explained and various illustrations were examined. The details of the coaches, the different types of harness, the spares, and the types of horses suitable, the turnout of whip, staff and guests and the correct driving style were all subjects for discussion. This was followed by some practical learning in how to ascend and descend from the front and back of both types of coach, in the use of the ladder and some hands-on four-in-hand whip handling and folding experience from the box.

Junior Warden Mark Broadbent shares his knowledge

On the first afternoon both candidates were assessed on their harnessing and pair driving skills prior to an initial try driving the team to an exercise brake the following morning. Refreshments, lunches and an excellent evening meal out at the Half Moon in Clayhidon were laid on and gave further opportunities to just talk about the history of the Coaching Club and the rights and wrongs of the coaching scene over the years.

On the second day the next step of harnessing a team of horses and putting them to the brake was accomplished and both candidates had their first chance to drive the team. It was impressive how well they managed and ended up driving confidently and stylishly both around the school and out on the road.

The big event came after lunch when the Millenium Road Coach was finally pulled out on to the gravel and the horses, in their best show road coach harness were put in. Both Eleanor and Andrew confirmed they were confident, and having assessed their handling of the team earlier, Mark gave them each the chance to take the reins and drive this quite magnificent turnout on the road.

At tea they were presented with a certificate to mark their achievement and they received an invitation to a Coachmakers’ Livery Company Dinner in the City of London this summer where they will be presented with a framed memento of their learning weekend.

“It was a brilliant opportunity and a real eye-opener,” said Andrew. “While having a chance to drive the coach has to be the highlight of the weekend, I was particularly pleased to be shown the proper use of the team whip. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.”

The bursary is in place to inspire possible future members of the Coaching Club, and of course, members of the Livery Company.