UK
The Worshipful Company of Launderers (WCL) celebrated its 60th anniversary as a modern London City Livery Company on 8 October, a year late because of Covid-19. Current WCL Master Ken Cupitt, writes: “After many a false-start it was wonderful to find ourselves, at last, in the splendour of Mansion House celebrating the Company’s 60th anniversary as well as the 21st anniversary of our association with the Royal Logistic Corps, albeit belatedly, with Deputy Master (and most recent Past Master), Major Jack Strachan presiding.
Pictured, from left to right: Senior Warden Sarah Lancaster; Deputy Master Major Jack Strachan, and; Master Ken Cupitt
“The Company and the many launderers present were honoured to have as host and principal guest, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir David Wootton, together with the two Aldermanic Sheriffs, Alderman and Sheriff Alison Gowman and Alderman and Sheriff Nicholas Lyons together with their consorts.
“Also present were Guest Speaker Rt Hon Sir Tony Baldry and Lady Baldry, Lt General Mark Poffley KCB OBE and Lady Poffley, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Williams and WO2 Shaun Tresize and Mrs Tresize. Other guests included the Dean of Southwark and the Masters of The Companies of Glaziers and Painters of Glass, Glass Sellers, Scientific Instrument Makers and Water Conservators.
“During the course of the evening, the Deputy Master presented the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens with a cheque for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. He also presented Lt General Mark Poffley with an illuminated scroll in commemoration of the commitment between the Worshipful Company and The Royal Logistic Corps. The Company’s Silver Medal for “Soldier of the Year" was presented to WO2 Shaun Trezise."
The Carpet Guard by the HAC Pikemen and Musketeers, resplendent in their red uniforms, added colour and theatre to the evening while also providing escort duties, carrying their Pikes and Battle axes. The HAC Brass Quintet led the fanfares, played background music and performed the thrilling Post Horn Gallop of the two duelling Post Horns. During a pause in the evening the two Chanters from Southwark Cathedral Girls’ Choir sang exquisitely from the Gallery.”
Although one of the oldest of trades the launderers did not seek City Livery representation until February 1960 and three years later set up charitable and educational trust funds which contributes to the City Livery’s annual charitable giving which collectively exceeds well over 60 million pounds.
Membership of the Worshipful Company of Launderers demonstrates a commitment to the profession and the fellowship of like-minded people. Members can benefit from professional development opportunities, networking and also, knowledge and information opportunities through its charitable initiatives. The Livery brings our industry together. With every facet of our industry welcome and represented be they Launderers, Drycleaners, manufacturers, engineers, contractors, designers, academics and the suppliers to the industry. With this breadth of diversity amongst the membership, the Worshipful Company of Launderers offers a wonderful opportunity for the industry to meet, network and talk to anyone about anything, although these conversations often have an industry theme.
The benefits of these informal contacts have proved themselves time and again and the Banquet proved to be no exception, adding to a significant social calendar in the top venue in the heart of the City of London.
