Happy New Year Everyone!

Steve and I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Year.

Christmas for us consisted of long car journeys up north and down south to see the family.  I spy (me) and singing out of tune (Steve) in the car to while away the hours in traffic, was well worth it to see our loved ones. We saw the New Year in on the roof, terrace that is, at our home in Greenwich, where we were lucky to have had a great view of all the fireworks over London.  Now we are in January, the middle of winter, but I don’t mind as the nights are getting a tad lighter and we are en route for Spring, my favourite season.

Thank you again to all those who attended the Christmas Carol Service featuring our special guest, Timothy West reading from Dickens.  It was a superb night, the Cathedral was full to capacity and so was The River Room. It was indeed lovely to see so many people gathered together enjoying a beautiful service and supper. Our special thanks go to Margaret our Clerk and our Honorary Chaplain, Andrew Nunn for orchestrating such a fabulous evening, where we raised £1796 for my Masters Charity, Marie Curie. Superb result.

December saw us attending the Installation of Maria Chanmugam as Master of The Glass Sellers, where myself and Steve were guests at the beautiful Stationers Hall.  We were cordially welcomed by the new Master and then the assembled guests welcomed Maria in Senegalese.  The principal guest was Mei Sim Lai OBE DL, who gave an engaging speech.  We were also pleased to see among others, David Stringer-Lemarre, Master Glazier.  The Glaziers’ Company and Glass Sellers’ Company obviously have strong links.

Steve and I were also witness to the Installation of The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards new Master, Lindy Whitlam at The Mansion House.  Lindy, is the first lady to hold the post but as she said in her speech, she won’t be the last!

In other news. I wish to extend my hearty congratulations to Liveryman and Static Court Assistant Vikas Shah who has received an Honorary Doctorate from Salford University.  Well done, Vikas.

If you have any news you would like to share with your fellow Liverymen, do send an e-mail to clerk@launderers.co.uk.

Dates for your diary:

Let’s make 2023 a great year for events, so whip out the diaries and start booking!

6th February – Court Meeting and Luncheon. After every Court Meeting, we hold a convivial lunch, this lunch is open for all Freemen and Liverymen to attend, so do come along.

20th February – The Future of Energy in the UK – Deputy Master, Kenneth Cupitt in his responsibility as a member of the Education Committee has organised an all-day Seminar on the topic “The Future of Energy”. Six speakers will share their views on both the provision of energy for the country, decision makers and business owners and what alternative choices may be available for future opportunities. To book click here http://www.launderers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BOOKING_FORM_Future_of_Energy_20February2023.pdf

21st to 23rd April – Master’s Weekend to be held in Portsmouth. Highlights include Aerial tours of The Isle of Wight, Osbourne House and a showcase dinner onboard HMS Warrior. To book click here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/431603948027

Also don’t forget to note the date of the Annual Banquet Saturday 20th May 2023.  This year to be held in Manchester at The Lowry at Media City Salford.

That’s all for now. I look forward to seeing you all very soon, perhaps at the Court Luncheon.