2nd October 2019

Kennet Valley TR Group October Club night - Coaches & Coach horns!

At our Kennet Valley TR Group October club night, we will be receiving a talk by Colin Pawson on Coaches & Coach horns, the Story of Coaching from the Golden Age to the Present Day. Known as the Tootler, Colin gives the talk dressed in the uniform of a 19th Century Road Coach Guard.

He has been driving ponies and horses for over 30 years; initially as a hobby and then commercially with horse-drawn funerals, weddings and some film work. He is a qualified Light Harness Horse Instructor and also works extensively with the driving section of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Our venue, The Angel was in fact a key coaching top along the London to Bath Road so had it's part to play in transportation throughout the ages

From the early Royal Mail coaches at the end of the 18th Century, The Tootler traces the history of this Romantic but uncomfortable means of transport through the 1800s - including the colourful public coaches and the elaborate private coaches of the well-to-do - past its ending with the coming of the Railways and then its revival as a sporting activity at the end of the Century and to its unexpected popularity today.

The talk, including the coach-horn demonstration so please be ready for a bit of noise, for those with hearing issues it may be advisable to bring some ear plugs, the talk lasts just about an hour and will commence circa 20:00 in the Angel meeting room.

There are many pictures, both historical and from present day coaching adventures. The Tootler provides his own computer and projector and of course, he is delighted to answer questions about the coaching scene.

So come along in time to order your food and get you seat for this interesting talk and demonstration of coaching.