UK
The Worshipful Company of Launderers celebrated Christmas with a service of carols and readings from Charles’ Dickens’ works by actor Timothy West. More than 100 Launderers and their guests attended a Christmas supper at WCL’s headquarters at Glaziers Hall after the service at historic Southwark Cathedral on London's South Bank.
MERRILY, MERRILY: Pictured, from left to right, are Prunella Scales, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral; Timothy West, and; WCL Master Sarah Lancaster in the River Room of Glaziers Hall against the backdrop of the Thames
“The choir led by Ian Keatley, organist and director of music, raised the already very high rafters of the Cathedral, with their glorious singing. What a wonderful service it was,” said WCL Master Sarah Lancaster.
There were no empty seats in the cathedral which was open to others from the local community who joined the Launderers for this extra special service, made more spectacular with Shakespearean actor Timothy West as the special guest who gave three Christmas readings from Dickens.
Following the Service Liverymen and their guests returned to the Hall for a delicious supper and much cheerful Christmas conviviality where West joined the Launderers for supper accompanied by his wife Prunella Scales, probably best remembered for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the BBC comedy Fawlty Towers.
A raffle was held for the Master’s chosen charity, Marie Curie, which raised over £700. This money along will to be used to pay for nurses in the Bury area, the Master’s hometown.
MERRILY, MERRILY: Pictured, from left to right, are Prunella Scales, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral; Timothy West, and; WCL Master Sarah Lancaster in the River Room of Glaziers Hall against the backdrop of the Thames
