198. The Worshipful Company of Launderers, Annual Banquet, Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, 31 May 2024

The Masters of the Turners, the Watermen and Lightermen and the Water Conservators, and our Consorts, were guests of the Launderers at their Banquet in the historic setting of the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall.  It dates from 1672 as the previous Hall burnt down in the Great fire of London.

The Launderers are one of the oldest crafts and professions in the world but were not recognised as a worthy member of the Livery until 1960.  In 1963 a charitable and education trust was formed whose aims are to give scholarships for the further education of people pursuing studies of benefit to the laundry.  In 1978, full Livery status was granted to the Company of Launderers, the 89th Livery Company of the City of London.  It now has 120 Liverymen on its roll.

The Water Conservators have a close affiliation with the Launderers, as they are members of the Wet 10 group and major consumers of water.  The health service cannot operate for more than three days without a laundry service.  Similarly, much of the continuing operation of the hospitality sector is heavily dependent on them.

After the toasts by the Master, the guests were welcomed in detail by the Senior Warden.  This subsequently resulted in an embarrassing comparison of qualifications by some Masters.  I kept quiet.

The response was given by the Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, who is passionate about the environment, explaining the value of the Thames as part of an education programme.

He also spoke about the value of the individual in a very personal way.

Dr Oakley recently returned to London, installed as Dean of Southwark on Advent Sunday 2023, having previously served as a Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral and Rector of St Paul’s Covent Garden.  He has a wealth of knowledge about poetry, particularly religious poetry, specialising in the poems of John Donne.  Eileen was delighted to find herself seated next to him, as they had acquaintances in common, since she used to work for the Diocese of St Albans.

The Master responded and drew our attention to a stained glass window, which features the Launderers. Their crest is readily recognised as it features a washing dolly, carried on all civic occasions.

Entertainment was provided by two members of the Guildhall School of Music – a soprano and her accompanist.  Hannah’s powerful voice filled the hall.

It was a most convivial evening and our grateful thanks to the Master and Company.