A new Master! Me!
Goodness, I never thought this would be something I would write, but I have and indeed I am.
My name is Sarah Lancaster and I am the Managing Director of a commercial laundry. I was elected as Master of the Worshipful Company of Launderers on Monday, 20th June 2022 for a term of office of one year. Following the Installation Ceremony a service was held at Southwark Cathedral officiated by the Dean of Southwark. During the service, Hodge, the cathedral cat came and paid us a visit and made a beeline for me, which I will take as a good omen for my year.
What is a Master of a Livery Company and what does it all involve?
The Master of a Livery Company is equivalent to the non-executive Chairman of a Board of Directors in the non-Livery world and is essentially the public-face of the Livery Company within and without the City of London. You could say that the executive Committee of a Livery Company is comprised of the Master plus three Wardens, all of whom report to the Court on a quarterly basis and it is the Court which governs the Livery Company.
I was talking about me (my favourite subject). I am a Northerner currently living in London. I class my hometown as Bury, actually Radcliffe is where I lived and was educated as a youngster. Having lived in many places, over the years, it turns out that moving house is quite a hobby for me. Our children say that, if I am ever famous, I could start my own blue plaque factory for all the homes I have lived in. Married to Steve Batchelor, who is also a Liveryman, between us we share four grown-up children and one grandchild.
The Worshipful Company of Launderers is a friendly and welcoming bunch of people, keen to welcome you all to our events and in expanding the Company to include as many as possible from across all associated activities so do drop by and check us out.
In our family, we have a motto, ‘If a job is worth doing, do it properly’. So, you are now duly warned, if you see me coming towards you in full sail at an industry or Livery event, yes, you can run and hide – but I’d rather you stayed and said hello, let’s face it, a stranger is a friend you have yet to meet. See you all soon !
