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These
photographs
were taken
on a
special
visit to
the coach
on
the 14th
December
2006
and
are
displayed
here for
you with
the kind
permission
of Jim
Frecklington
Copyright
© Rodney
Field 2006
-
thedogpaddler.com
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Page One
THE
ROYAL COACH - A
PRIVATE VISIT
Last
Thursday, I had the
privilege to be
taken by an old
friend Les Baker (Norglass
Laboratories - we go
back to the first
yacht) to see the
Royal Coach that is
nearing completion.
Les, apart from
being the
friend/consultant on
all matters
paint/varnish&resin
to the project - has
also had his
brother, a jewellery
designer in NZ
involved in the
design and creation
of the amazing coach
handles, you will
see in the photos -
that are encrusted
with 100's of
jewels.
It is an
extraordinary
project and the
treasure Jim
Frecklington has
created with this
coach - is something
priceless and
unique.
The photos, will
captivate you and do
not do justice to
the perfection of
the work - every
part of the coach is
an irreplaceable
work of art and
history. It truly is
a State Coach for
Her Majesty the
Queen.
The project is
housed at the Army's
North Head Artillery
School - and is
therefore thankfully
under their care and
protection. I can
only say it was a
remarkable and
special day - to be
afforded this
private visit, and
to meet and talk
with Jim, &
timber craftsman
Mike, and to feel
the passion and
dedication they have
for the coach and
their craft.
We talk easily
sometime of people
being 'national
treasures' - but I
will say simply that
there are very few
people in this land,
who could come close
to creating what Jim
and his loyal
artisans have made
with their hands,
and their hearts.
It makes me a very
proud Australian to
simply stand back
and admire and
respect them - and
to stare in awe at
this most wonderful
and beautiful coach.
It will be very soon
presented to the
National Parliament
- perhaps even on
Australia Day - and
it will then go on
exhibition for a
time, before it is
presented to Her
Majesty.
I hope you you enjoy
these few photos of
the 'Royal Coach'.
Rodney
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