John Ratcliffe explained, ‘A relationship marked out by honour and friendship and the livery of transport.’
The Carmen have lived in various homes of other livery halls, Friday 13th was not unlucky as transport freemen and liverymen arrived in Fleet street for the historic signing.
Two floors in a Grade One listed church annex opposite the Temple and to the side of the Royal Courts of Justice.
Awaiting restoration, the building is to be ready in a year, a modern lift for eight, disabled ramp access, a boardroom, meeting room and offices. On top goes a brand new copper clad roof replacing the failing old one and falling inside the grade one listing.
The Carmen deal was four years in the making and sees a new charity platform that delivers the deal, VAT-free, with rates exemption and no property tax giving full benefit to the 500-year-old transport livery. Master of the Carmen, Marsha Rae-Ratcliffe announced, ‘this building will be our Carmen home.’
Past Master Carmen, John Ratcliffe welcomes transport to the new front door of the livery in Fleet Street Friday 13th
