UK
On Monday, 20 June, the Worshipful Company of Launderers (WCL) elected its new Master for the year June 2022 - 2023. It is approximately 20 years since the Company had a female Master, Margaret Sheppard, so, with much enthusiasm and goodwill, Sarah Lancaster was elected as the second in its history.
The Wardens of the Court for the next 12 months are most recent Past Master, Deputy Master Kenneth Cupitt, Senior Warden Simon Fordham and Renter Warden Andrew Doyle.
Following the Election Court and Installation Ceremony, at Glaziers Hall (which WCL shares with the Glaziers) there was a short reception before the Master and Company and guests processed to Southwark Cathedral for the Company’s annual Evensong service which included an Act of Dedication by the new Master. The service was conducted by the Company Chaplain, the Dean of Southwark, The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn.
There was a surprise appearance during the ceremony from the Cathedral cat, Hodge, which unexpectedly appeared in the choir and processed down the steps to greet Master Lancaster where she sat prior to her dedication. The greeting was taken by all as a good omen as a cat figures prominently in the company’s coat of arms along with the words Cleanliness is next to Godliness’.
Due to the transport difficulties imposed by the national rail strike taking effect later in the evening, the celebratory dinner was a little shorter than usual, but nonetheless, contained all the key elements, including the new Master’s inaugural speech, a speech by Clara Gill of Marie Curie, Master’s Charity for the year.
The Deputy Master, Ken Cupitt, toasted the guests which included a newly elevated Court Assistant, Graham Oakley and newly elected Liveryman, Ruth Mitchell.
Emeritus Professor Martin Snaith OBE, FREng, MA, BAI, MSc, PhD, ScD, FICE, FIHT responded on behalf of the guests with Senior Past Master Melvyn Rogers closing the evening with the toast to the Company.
One of the major objects of City Livery Companies is benevolence. Events are fun and also an opportunity to swell charitable coffers. In the year ended 31 March 2021, the Worshipful Company of Launderers Benevolent Fund (an authorised charity) contributed over £35,000 to various causes. This included many donations to be used within the London Borough of Southwark, the City and individuals who have worked within the laundry industry requiring support, as well as grants by the Education Fund for Travelling Scholarships.
Each year, the Master additionally nominates their own special charity. This year it is Marie Curie.
The WCL is looking to expand its ranks of laundry men and women so if you or anyone in your organisation is interested in being involved in this historic Livery Company, for further information, please contact the Clerk clerk@launderers.co.uk.
Events to look forward to during Master Lancaster’s Mastership include:
23 July
Champagne afternoon tea with the Dean of Southwark in the Deanery garden
28 July
A tour of the Ahoy Centre, Deptford followed by a tour and afternoon tea on the Cutty Sark, the historic tea clipper in Greenwich
19 August
Another event in Greenwich which, according to the Master ‘will involve a jolly good lunch, wine and superb company’
23 September
Sheriffs Ball at the Guildhall in the City. This one of the pan-Livery events of the year and WCL will be taking a table or two for this
26 November
Christmas Spectacular in Thursford, Norfolk. This event is described as an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. A fast-moving celebration of the festive season.
21-23 April 2023
Livery Weekend, Portsmouth
A tour of the Historic Dockyard, home to Nelson’s ‘HMS Victory and dinner on the Victorian battle ship HMS Warrior
20 May 2023
WCL Annual banquet, Manchester
In a break with tradition, a City of London Livery Company takes itself off to the City of Manchester
Other events are planned throughout the Master’s 12 month tenure. Check out the website at www.launderers.co.uk
