Sarah Clarke (Black Rod)
Sarah Clarke | |
|---|---|
| Lady Usher of the Black Rod | |
| Assuming office 2018 | |
| Succeeding | David Leakey |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Leicester |
Sarah Clarke is a British administrator, currently in charge of the administrative running of The Championships, Wimbledon. In early 2018, she will become the first woman to serve as Black Rod in the 650-year history of the role, and will be formally known as The Lady Usher of the Black Rod (previously the title was always Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod).[1][2]
Clarke will succeed Lieutenant General David Leakey, who will be retiring as Black Rod.[1] Speaking to The Guardian, Clarke said, "Over many years I have been fortunate to work at the heart of some of the world's most complex events and institutions. To be given the opportunity to join such an experienced and dedicated team is a great privilege. The House of Lords is a place where the smallest detail is as important as the big picture and the depth of heritage and tradition is second to none. I am truly looking forward to starting work."[3]
Clarke will head up a department that manages the day-to-day business of the House of Lords, and is "also responsible for business resilience and continuity planning", and will have about 30 staff, including the Yeoman Usher and the House of Lords Doorkeepers.[1][4] She will be paid up to £93,000 a year.[1]
Clarke was employed by The Championships, Wimbledon as Championships Director, and first worked at Wimbledon as a school-leaver in 1986.[5] Interviewed by The Daily Telegraph in 2017, she commented on their quest for perfection, "We live for details. We love details".[5]
Prior to working for Wimbledon, Clarke worked on four Olympic Games, including the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the London Marathon, and UK Sport.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d "First female Black Rod in 650 years". BBC News. BBC. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|3=(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Sarah Clarke appointed to the role of Black Rod". www.wimbledon.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ correspondent, Peter Walker Political (17 November 2017). "Sarah Clarke becomes first female Black Rod after 669 years". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Sarah Clarke appointed to the role of Black Rod – News from Parliament". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Fletcher, Martin (3 July 2017). "Inside Wimbledon: What really goes on behind the scenes". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
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