Quattro Group at the Worshipful Company of Carmen Cart Marking 2019

The Quattro Group once again took part in the historic Cart Marking parade in London today, but this year our vehicle was somewhat speedier than some of the others!

The 500-year old pageant, a long-standing tradition overseen by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, saw 47 modern and vintage vehicles parade through Guildhall, with the Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki sidecar taking fifth position.

The racing sidecar was carefully driven in the procession by Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki and 2015/2016 British F1 Sidecar Champions Ricky Stevens and Ryan Charlwood, however, sidecar passenger Ryan’s position was taken for the marking ceremony for one day only by Quattro Group MD John Murphy, much to the delight of the watching crowds! The vehicle, which competes in the British and World Sidecar Championship, is a far cry from many of the other vehicles in the parade - which included traditional Smithfield market handcarts, Raleigh delivery bicycles, horse-drawn dustcarts and a golden Routemaster bus – however every vehicle in the parade underwent the traditional ‘marking ceremony’.

The marking, a centuries old tradition kept alive by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, involves the branding of a wooded plate, individual to the vehicle, with a red-hot iron. This was originally a way of showing that a vehicle had been licensed by the Keeper of the Guildhall and allowed the Freemen of the Fellowship of Carmen to ply their vehicles for hire on the streets of the City of London.  

Being a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen is important to Quattro Group managing director John Murphy, providing not only the opportunity to represent the organisation at historic events such as the Cart Marking parade, but also because of the good work that fellows do in the wider transport community.

The Worshipful Company of Carmen Benevolent Trust CIO provides support for young people who are looking to enter the transport and logistics industry, and provides funds for specialist charity logistics projects, such as offering a small regional charity funds to purchase and maintain a specially adapted bus to transport people with additional mobility needs.

John Murphy commented:

‘We are delighted to be taking part in the Cart Marking event for a fourth year – it’s always a wonderful day and a really great sight to see a mix of so many vintage vehicles alongside cutting-edge new technology.’

‘We hoped that this year by including the sidecar in the event we would raise a smile – we made sure that Ricky and Ryan kept the speed to a minimum though!’