87. The Worshipful Company of Launderers, Annual Carol Service and Supper, Southwark Cathedral and Glaziers’ Hall, 4 December 2023

The Master, Simon Fordham, Wardens and Court of the Launderers had invited the Master Water Conservator and his Consort to join the Launderers for their Service of Readings and Carols for Christmas – A Child’s Christmas in Southwark Cathedral.  It was a superb experience with traditional carols and readings including a Word for Christmas from the Very Rev’d Andrew Nunn, Dean Emeritus and Honorary Chaplain of the Launderers, and a guest appearance by the cathedral cat.  A cat appears on the Launderers’ Coat of Arms as they are considered very clean animals.  The Beadle also carries a washing dolly rather than a mace! The collection was in aid of the Master’s Charity, Pinpoint Cambridgeshire, that helps parents who have children with additional needs including dyslexia and autism and others as well as physical disabilities.  It was good to support them.

We then adjourned to the Glaziers’ Hall where we were greeted with a warm and friendly welcome from the members of the Launderers and their guests. Eileen and I had some fascinating discussions with them.  These included the technology and scale of the industry as it deals with the huge quantity of bedding and staff clothing used in the hospitality industry.  It is amazing what you learn.

A highlight of the evening were the readings during the service by Timothy West CBE of Children’s Christmas tales, who joined us for supper.  The words included A Children’s Christmas by Dylan Thomas in a lovely Welsh accent and How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss with a trans-Atlantic twang.  We finished with the end of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, “ …… God bless Us, Every One!” which was a great start to the Christmas season.

Our grateful thanks to our hosts.

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