Townies Horse Drawn Carriages

A most convivial evening was  enjoyed by members and our ladies, together with our guest speaker Tom Farmer and his good lady, Mrs. Elaine Farmer as well as guests Mrs. Angela Wilson and Mr. John Wilson, totalling 40 people.

John Cox introduced Tom Farmer.

For Tom, it was his first ever talk!  He duly entertained and amused us with lots information, history and personal memories of his unique company, 'Townies Traditional (Horse-drawn) Carriage Hire'.

The business was started by his great grand father back 1911, who at one time owned 50 horses, which pulled a variety of vehicles transporting various materials and goods from coal to people around London. Also taking part in various rallies and parades around the heart of London and sometimes winning the odd trophy and award for his horses and carts.

As the motor car become more popular over the years, the horse-drawn carriage need declined and business was forced to change.

Fortunately they kept going, especially when there was a shortage of petrol during the wars. The horse-drawn vehicle often was still a more financial and practical way of transport.

In 1995 Tom moved his business up to just outside Chatteris. He now specialising in providing a quality, traditional carriage hire service for Weddings, Funerals, Proms and special occasions within a 200 miles range of Chatteris.  Also the occasional use by TV and film companies

He showed several pictures of his great grand father's horses and vehicles from the past, up to his modern day business consisting of an array ornate hearse and carriages, pulled by teams of  beautiful black horses, all adorned with their brilliant black tack and harnesses, complete with various coloured plumes on the heads, to suit the carriage and occasion. Not forgetting the splendid smart costumes, complete with top hats of the drivers.

After many questions, Mohan Sharma gave Tom Farmer a vote of thanks from us all.