The Master, Wardens and Consorts were absolutely thrilled to be back with fellow Carmen and guests at Mansion House for The Carmen Transport Awards Banquet.

The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, Vincent and Amanda Keaveny, were in attendance together with Aldermanic Sheriffs and Consorts Nicholas and Felicity Lyons, Alison Gowman and Glenn Hurstfield and all added immensely to the enjoyment of the event.

A huge thank you to Aldermanic Sheriff Alison Gowman for standing in as guest speaker at the last moment and delivering an extremely relevant, fully engaging speech on road safety. The Carmen are truly indebted to Alison for her help in many ways.

The Award Winners were all worthy of the recognition that they received. Many congratulations and thanks for the difference you have made to our industry.

JO BAMFORD AND WRIGHTBUS LTD for saving the sole-remaining UK bus manufacturer from collapse and several hundred jobs in a rural area, while creating a new product line of zero-emission buses. Besides battery-electric products they have championed the use of hydrogen as a source of energy, so as to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles which are easy to fuel and have significant range. Hydrogen buses are now running in London, Scotland and elsewhere.

THE REES JEFFREYS ROAD FUND CHARITY for its 150th anniversary competition. William Rees Jeffreys was born 150 years ago and on his death he left a substantial bequest, administered by the Trust to promote education, research and physical improvements to further the enjoyment of our highways. Celebrating his 150th anniversary the Trust ran a wide-ranging competition in which schools, universities, small organisations and others were encouraged by the prospect of cash sums to create promising ideas, with a top prize of £150,000. Each winner will contribute to furthering our highway enjoyment.

NEW HOLLAND TRACTORS for using imagination and engineering expertise, to create in the UK the world’s first production tractor, powered entirely by bio-methane from farm waste. The environmental benefits are: 99% lower particulate matter, a reduction in CO₂ emissions by 10% and overall emissions by 80%. The tractor is also 50% quieter than its diesel equivalent. Farmers can make use of agricultural, animal waste or energy crops to generate the bio-methane which powers the tractor, allowing them to become completely energy self-sufficient.

THE BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TRUSTEES, who were faced in March 2020 with closure because of Coronavirus, and the extraordinary costs associated with maintaining this large collection of vintage vehicles, aeroplanes and equipment. The Trustees embarked upon a wide-ranging action plan to save the Museum and continue the conservation of those relics. They supported the management team in the delivery of cost savings and efficiencies, and by securing financial help and support from a range of sources including the Arts Council and elsewhere, which ensures the Museum is open to the public again.

TRACEY FULLER, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for BNP Paribas UK. This award recognises all the incredible work she has done and continues to do on sustainability, CSR and road safety in the transport industry.

JACQUELINE O’DONOVAN, MD of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, received the Carmen’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Jacqui is recognised as one of the logistics sector’s most passionate advocates of employee training and road safety. Having assumed control of her father’s business upon his untimely death when she was just 17, she ensured that the business grew steadily over 30+ years and now boasts 175 employees with a turnover of over £17m. Her policies prioritise her staff’s mental health as well as physical wellbeing, while continually modernising and implementing initiatives that others follow. A Carman since 2017, Jacqui projects resolute drive, focus and passion. She excels as a business leader in a male-dominated industry and is an active and engaged supporter of many charities.

The venue was magnificent, the meal was superb and the fellowship and fun were fantastic. Everyone enjoyed the music from the Royal Marines Association Ensemble including the Post Horn Gallop. It was great to see the loving cups full of chocolates, with lots of theatre and laughter around the right or wrong way to perform the ceremony.

For those who who were there, thank you for sharing an amazing evening ……. For those who missed it ……. Book early for next year!