On Monday, 20th June, the Company elected its new Master for the ensuing year of June 2022 through until end of June 2023. It is approximately twenty years since the Worshipful Company of Launderers had a lady Master, Mrs Margaret Sheppard, so with much enthusiasm and goodwill, Mrs Sarah Lancaster was elected as the second lady Master of the Company. Congratulations Sarah and may you have a wonderful year as Master of the Worshipful Company of Launderers ! The Wardens of the Court are Deputy Master Kenneth Cupitt, Senior Warden Simon Fordham and Renter Warden Andrew Doyle.
Following the Election Court and Installation Ceremony, there was a short Reception before processing to Southwark Cathedral for the Company’s Annual Evensong Service which includes an Act of Dedication by the new Master. The Service was conducted by the C0mpany Chaplain, the Dean of Southwark, The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn.
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 of the new Master’s inaugural speech, a speech by Clara Gill of Marie Curie, Master’s Charity for her year. Deputy Master toasted the guests which included a newly elevated Court Assistant, Graham Oakley and newly elected Liveryman, Mrs 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.
