On 23 September 2025, the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) held its annual Military Awards at Drapers’ Hall, honouring excellence in environmental health across the Armed Forces.
The WCEC welcomed 160 guests, including cadets with families, over 20 senior military representatives and civic leaders such as past Lord Mayor Sir Michael Bear, the Master Pavior and the Master Joiner Ceiler.
After lunch and speeches from Sheriff-Elect Deputy Keith Bottomley CC, Master Environmental Cleaner Darren Marston and Colonel Helen Winder, the Master announced Colonel Winder’s promotion to Brigadier. Together they signed two landmark commitments: a new affiliation with the Royal Army Medical Service and the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging support for serving personnel, veterans and families.
Nine outstanding individuals received awards, with an added bonus on City Giving Day as winners were gifted purses and donations made to the livery’s affiliates. Top honours included:
- Captain Ben Brown – Postgraduate Medical Officer General Practice Award. Awarded for achieving the highest marks across all assessments on the PGMO course, showing academic excellence and leadership.
- Staff Sergeant Jack Gannon – Army Senior NCO Environmental Health Practitioners Award. Recognised for outstanding leadership, analysis and commitment to protecting personnel health on operations and exercises.
- Corporal Yaw Awuah-Gyan – Army Junior NCO Environmental Health Practitioners Award. Commended for professionalism and dedication, excelling on overseas deployments and improving health protection practices.
- Major Robert (Bob) Summers – Army Reserve Forces Environmental Health Award. Honoured for nearly 40 years of service, leadership and contributions to health protection, including vital training for Ukrainian forces.
- Flight Sergeant Wayne Eastwood – Royal Air Force Environmental Health Technician Award. Awarded for exceptional expertise and leadership on Project HOVERFLY, advancing RAF occupational health standards.
- Cadet 1st Class Laura Cox – Best Sea Cadet. Praised for her determination, positive attitude and steady personal development.
- Cadet Alfonso Fitzgerald – Best Royal Marines Cadet. Recognised for embodying Corps values, excelling in training and competitions, and showing strong leadership potential.
- Cadet Lance Corporal Gabriela Benyam – Best Army Cadet. Commended for dedication, quiet leadership and being a role model while balancing cadets, studies and extracurriculars.
- Cadet Sergeant Dechawn Sampson – Best RAF Air Cadet. Awarded for commitment, initiative and leadership as the squadron’s most senior cadet, driving training and activities.
There was an announcement to launch a new award for Environmental and Social Excellence, which will be awarded starting in 2027. The trophy was itself an award winner, crafted from waste glass, Thames river shells and mounted on London Plane offcuts by renowned cabinetmaker Linley. This artful accolade won the London Design Museum Award for its craftmanship and reflects the WCEC’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Toby Evans Trio provided jazz throughout the afternoon, and guests joined in a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Darren Marston, the Master Environmental Cleaner, who celebrated his birthday on the day. It was a convivial and celebratory day all round.
