Mark Romain and wife Dawn at Saddler's Hall, London

Salisbury saddler Mark takes the reins at national organisation

Jamie JonesAugust 4, 20260 Comment0

A MASTER saddler from Salisbury has taken the reins in a prestigious national role.

The Society of Master Saddlers has announced city saddler Mark Romain MBE, who has spent more than 50 years dedicated to the craft, has been installed as Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

Mark, training officer of the Society of Master Saddlers and founder of The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, was installed during a historic inauguration ceremony at Saddlers’ Hall in the City of London on July 20.

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers traces its origins back to the 12th century and was granted a Royal Charter in 1363.

As Prime Warden, Mark now serves as the company’s principal ambassador and leader for the next year, presiding over its Court, representing it throughout the City of London and beyond, and guiding its charitable and educational work.

“Becoming Prime Warden of the Saddlers’ Company is a huge privilege and something I never dreamed would happen to me,” said Mark.

“Along with the position comes much responsibility and I will do my best to fulfil those duties throughout the year.”

Mark’s career in saddlery began in 1973, when he took up an apprenticeship in the trade at just the start of what would become a lifelong vocation.

After 13 years working at the bench as a saddler, he became a saddlery training advisor for The Countryside Agency.

When that organisation closed in 2000, Mark and his wife Dawn set up The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, which they have run together since.

The Centre is an approved assessment centre for the City & Guilds National Saddlery Skill Assessment and Qualification Scheme, working in close association with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, the Society of Master Saddlers and UKFT, the saddlery sector’s skills body.

Based in Salisbury, the Centre offers a flexible approach to training, including a New Entrants Scheme for those not eligible to join a formal apprenticeship, alongside a range of short courses for saddlers, harness makers and apprentices looking to build industry-recognised qualifications and hone their skills.