The Man in the Red Coat

Name: The Man in the Red Coat
Address: 7 Stanstead Grove, London, SE64UD, GB
Telephone: 07773 229909
Price range: $$

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The Man in the Red Coat

The Man in the Red Coat Professional Event Host, Toastmaster, Auctioneer, Voice of God & so much more (one-time wizard included). He is a man of many coats, red is optional.

James uses his 30+ years of experience to lead events in person or virtually to success. James is a man of many coats, red is optional. Professional Event Host, Toastmaster, Auctioneer, Voice of God and so much more (one-time wizard included). Having deep roots from an industry and arts background in commercial and customer service, gives James a distinct advantage over most of his peers when it c

omes to being able to adapt, not just to the audience and setting, but also the varied demands of clients.

30/01/2025

Travelling light? I don't think so.....
This is what forms part being a peripatetic Livery Beadle's job description.
I was jolly glad of the assistance of the trolley, the Vintners Hall staff, and, of course, several of London's finest cabbies.
I am glad to say that all was used and appreciated at was a wonderful installation court and banquet for the Worshipful Company of Marketors.

A truly fine occasion befitting of the Company's 50th year.

30/01/2025

I was working in the City yesterday, and this was my fabulous cabbie #49090 who helped me load, move, and unload 16 items in her cab, some of which were jolly heavy.

It is lovely to find someone with such a wonderful smile, working so hard to make people's lives easier.

The occasion was me working as Beadle and Toastmaster to the Worshipful Company of Marketors who held their installation at the wonderful Vintners Hall on the corner of Southwark Bridge and Upper Thames Street.

More about that later.....

22/01/2025

Have you ever wondered how it is best to throw confetti 🎊?

Having led over 280 weddings in the last 12 years, I know what works best, not just about throwing confetti, but how to allow you to enjoy your wedding day in the best possible fashion.

You might think having a toastmaster is a bit odd at your wedding. It's just some person dressed in red making a few announcements, isn't it?

No, it's not. It is so much more.

The majority of couples of the weddings I ran last year used the phrase "a necessity." Why? Because I remove much of the stress of a wedding.

You invest so much in your celebration. Wouldn't it be brilliant if you not only got the full value out of all you and crucially your suppliers put in, but you were able to relax enough to really enjoy it too. After all, it is supposed to be one of the best days of your life.

So don't leave it to chance. Get in touch and find out how I, with all my experience, can really make a difference to your wedding day.

As for the way I am dressed, it helps me look different from everyone else, and therefore, I am easily identifiable. Ultimately, though, if you want looking a bit more to your liking, that is easy to arrange.

Photo by

21/01/2025

Now let me tell you a secret...... I may be the best wedding toastmaster but.....

is a cracking wedding photographer!

Thoroughly recommended by The Man in the Red Coat. 😉

20/01/2025

Another company, another gown.

This time, the colours of Blue on Black making a very striking Beadle's gown for the Worshipful Company of Upholders. (Upholsterers)

I was pleased to assist with Court and Dinner last week at Watermans' Hall.

It was a wonderful evening with a Scottish flavour, with excellent music from , great speeches, and terrific food from .

My thanks to the Clerk for engaging me. I hope I get the chance again in the future.

#

19/01/2025

As a professionally trained Toastmaster one the privileges afforded me is the chance to work in some of the most wonderful and historic buildings in the country and this also includes those in the City of London where I can be found regularly in either The Guildhall or Mansion House.

So why am I dressed as what looks like a deposed president of some small South American country?

This is because in the City, Toastmasters don't wear red tales, but black ("white tie") with a sash in the colours of the City of London Corporation instead.

06/01/2025

Twelfth night announces the end of the feast of Christmas. The kings have finally arrived!

But during the 12 days following the birth of Christ, as the song goes, "my true love gave to me" many gifts including "fiiiive gollllld rinnngs!"

However, what has become more common is the giving on around day 6 of a single ring, not necessarily made of gold, to propose an engagement and normally accompanied by the words " will you marry me?"

So if on New Year's Eve you were lucky enough to get engaged and you would like the best of days when you come to celebrate your marriage please get in touch and I will tell you how I can make all the difference to ensure that your wedding is one to remember for all the right reasons.

05/01/2025

... 12 ships a launching
11 Conferences led
10 Awards a'Given
9 Mansion Houses
8 Weddings Wondered
7 Galas Gavelled
6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmm Cccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles ... and The Help To Make Me HAP..PY

In the 12 years I have been qualified as a professional Toastmaster and the 14 years I have been a corporate events host I have to admit I have not overseen the launching of a new ship. However, I am qualified to do so if you need one launched!

The twelve days have been fun, though. It made me think of the variety and fun I have working with people from all different walks of life in so many different circumstances.

Whatever event you might be planning, it helps to have someone with the presence and skill to run it smoothly and give it the best impact. That is what I do. So please don't hesitate to get in touch.

I hope 2025 is great for all of us.

This closes the 12 days of hosting.

My thanks to Joe Green for the picture

https://unsplash.com/photos/two-white-metal-air-vents-during-daytime-dh5ftxOo7UE?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash

04/01/2025

... 11 Conferences Led
10 Awards a' Given
9 Mansion Houses
8 Weddings Wondered
7 Galas Gavelled
6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmm Cccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
And the help to make me hap..py!

Variety is the spice of life they say, and my work is spicy!

One day as a Toastmaster it could be a dinner or wedding, the next day it could as an auctioneer raising funds for charity, and then on the day after that I could be fronting a conference, keeping it to time, introducing speakers, and moderating panel discussions.

I won't say this is easy, but in the words of Miranda's Mum.... "Such Fun!"

03/01/2025

... 10 Awards a' given
9 Mansion Houses
8 Weddings Wondered
7 Galas Gavelled
6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmm Cccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
And the Help to make me hap..py!

Awards ceremonies are always good for moral and an event I am always delighted to be a part of.

I can be found, being just the voice of god announcer. I can be found just getting a really large event started on time, then introducing a celebrity or the boss to facilitate and then becoming the voice of god announcer. Or I can be the main facilitator. All of which lead to a great event filled with celebration.

So however big your awards ceremony is to be, let me know what part you want me to play. One thing is for sure, having me there will ensure smooth running and high energy.

02/01/2025

... 9 Mansion Houses
8 Weddings Wondered
7 Galas Gavelled
6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmm Cccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
And the help to make me hap...py!

One of the perks of my job is the variety of events I work at annually. A conference one day, a fundraiser the next. However, as a professionally trained and practising Toastmaster that widens to weddings and formal dinners. Last year alone, that also meant running 9 events at Mansion House, the home of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

I love my job, and as such, those I work with and those I guide always have a great time.

01/01/2025

... 8 Weddings Wondered
7 Galas Gavelled
6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmmm Cccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
And the help to make me hap...py.

Actually, it wasn't 8 weddings in 2024. It was more than 3 times that number of many different faiths and backgrounds.

Families and friends, and of course, my couples all got that extra bit of guidance and humour to make the best of days run just that bit smoother.

31/12/2024

...7 Galas Gavelled
6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmm Ccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheaky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
And the Help to make me hap...py!

Whether acting as the host, or the auctioneer, or both, I have helped with the smooth running of many gala events this year and contributed to raising over a million pounds for the respective charities.

30/12/2024

... 6 Dinners Dined
5 Mmmm Cccccs
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
and the help to make me hap...py.

Actually, I have guided considerably more than 6 dinners this year, mainly in my role as Beadle to the many Livery Companies that have worked for in the past 12 months, but also as Toastmaster to many corporate associations.

29/12/2024

.... 5 Mmmmm Ccccccs.
4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Babbling Beadles
And the help to make me hap...py

MC, Master of Ceremonies, Event Host, Compere and Conference Moderator, just 5 of the names that depending on the setting can actually mean something similar, but invariably have slightly styles of presentation.

Coming from a theatrical background means I morph happily between the subtle differences of each.

28/12/2024

..... 4 Auctioneers
3 Cheeky "Toasties"
2 Bubbling Beadles
And the help to make me hap...py.

Among the many auctions I did last year, 4 were for Ukraine medical charities supplying vital medical equipment, including ambulances to war-torn parts of the country.

27/12/2024

..... Three cheeky "Toasties"
Two Babbling Beadles
And the help to make me hap...py!

and three of the leading Toastmasters of the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters.

26/12/2024

..... Two Babbling Beadles
and the help to make me hap..py!

Day 2 of the 12 days of hosting.
The two Hasler Beadles of the City of London.

Address

7 Stanstead Grove
London
SE64UD

Telephone

07773 229909

Website

https://www.themanintheredcoat.co.uk/

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Videos

Hope you enjoy a little look around the fabulous Vintners Hall. I think you will agree it's rather lovely. The event was a roaring success, and I have to say the hall team and caterers did an amazing job at dinner. Next stop for the Marketors is their 50th anniversary Bowden banquet being held at Mansion House on the 1st of April. #cityoflondon #citylife #beadle #toastmaster #halltour #themaninthetasselledgown

This evening, I had the chance to work for the Worshipful Company of Upholders (Those from within the Upholterers trade) as there interim Beadle. A wonderful evening at which we installed 1 new Freeman, 3 new Liverymen and at the following Common Hall (a Court open to all members of the company) we elected the new Master and Wardens for the coming year (They will be installed at a following event). This was followed by a terrific dinner in the Freemans chamber supplied by City Caterers The Cook and Butler. - Delicious I will admit we didn't quite end on time (15 mins behind) but the hall had a lunch that had gone rather well delaying our take off. My congratulations to the Master on a delightfully Scottish themed evening and my thanks to the Clerk for all her help and for asking me to act on their behalf. #toastmaster #beadle #masterofceremony #masterofceremonies #mc #emcee #themanintheredcoat #themaninthetasselledgown

No Red Coat this evening as this event was for Ukraine, but I did have my auction specs on, as well as some rather fetching blue and yellow spotty socks. My thanks to both @ukrainecharityorg and @help4ukraine_charity, who invited me once again to come and support them as host and auctioneer for the evening. It really is my pleasure to support these medical aid charities supplying equipment and medicines. To everyone who supported this event, thank you, and whilst it means a lot to me, mine is nothing compared to those who are on the receiving end of supplies. Slava Ukraini #eventhost #masterofceremony #emcee #compere #auctioneer #charity #ukraine #themanintheredcoat

Those mentioned were not only musicians playing. We were so lucky to hear from @alloiseofficial play with Anastasiia Human on guitar. Really chill and cool. Plus we got to hear from the O Band. Two young sisters and there even brother who sung Ukrainian Carols. It was great to see and hear from @katycarrmusic again as she gave so much to the afternoon, with not only her singing but also with her encouragement to all taking part. @smirnov_sax was a delight to work with again having seen him play so brilliantly on Friday night also and when he and @dmytro.morykit decided to play together everyone was treated to something really special. To the @artaidukraine team it was terrific working with you all again and I commend the effort put in by all to set this event up in the first place. Keep doing what you do. You are making a difference. #eventhost #compere #emcee #mc #auctioneer #charity #fundraiser #ukraine

Never say we don't have fun at my weddings! Thanks to all, especially Danny and Claire, and Claire's Mum @shezza_catgran, who insisted that I was part of the day. @hedsor team and caterers were brilliant, and as ever this venue shone as a wonderful place to hold an event. We had a blast. #toastmaster #wedding #emcee #compere #masterofceremony #masterofceremonies #themanintheredcoat

Thank you Elizabeth Coggins-Hill for your wonderful creation. #cityoflondon #citytoastmaster #cityoflondoncorporation #corporationsash #toastmaster #eventhost #compere #emcee #masterofceremony #masterofceremonies

Mixed feelings today. Delighted the event ran so well, but obviously sad for the liss of a colleague. #citylife #cityoflondon #beadle #compere #masterofceremony #toastmaster #eventhost #mc #masterofceremonies #emcee #themaninthetasselledgown

Always a delight working here, not just because of the impressive venue, but because the two lead members of the catering team are just among the best couple of professionals I have the privilege of working with in the City. They know their hall so well and always deliver the best service available. I hope you enjoy the video. BTW, Edward VII and George VI are no longer down the corridor! 🙃 #toastmaster #masterofceremony #masterofceremonies #compere #mc #emcee #eventhost #cityoflondon #citydinner #mpma

That bow tie was really trying to spin!! Congratulations to the Master Furniture Maker on a wonderful evening, from the format of the occasion to the lighting of the room, this was a triumph. Adding to the evening was the wonderful harpist @agajew, as well as truly delicious food and great service from @lifes_kitchen_ ..... and ME! #beadle #toasmaster #compere #eventhost #emcee #citylife #livery #themanintheredcoat #themaninthetasselledgown

Just what would the Timber industry be like without wonderful talented and devoted women like @karen_suss and Sheila Hutchings? Trust me, they would not be the great institutions and associations that they are without them. Another wonderful evening for members of @timberdevelopment.uk as their annual dinner took place at @8northumberland last night. My thanks to all the members for working with me. My thanks also to Maddie and the team at the venue for their sterling work. We reckoned we would lose about 15 minutes off the schedule, but in fact, we only lost 7. Amazing job. To @chrissutton10, to David Hopkins and to Martin, it was a pleasure working with you all as always, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year. Events like this don't just magically happen. They are meticulously planned by the likes of Sheila, Karen, and Martin. Once the planning is over, all they can do is hope they have got it right. Alternatively, they can ask for my help, and according to Karen, and I quote, "I won't do an event like this without you!" Thanks for the compliment and confidence. If you want help making your event a great success, please don't hesitate to get in touch and let me know how I can help. #toasmaster #masterofceremony #masterofceremonies #mc #emcee #compere #eventhost #themanintheredcoat

A great evening of fun and frolics at the @superdrug 60th anniversary celebration and fundraiser held at the iconic @oldbillingsgate. High energy and great company in the form of @voguewilliams @themissdemeanour and @tomreadwilson. Lots of money raised for @mariecurieuk and so thank you to all who helped me raise funds for this incredible charity. #auctioneer #compere #eventhost #masterofceremony #mc #emcee #themanintheredcoat

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