Sandbach man becomes 354th master of historic livery company for wax chandlers
By Deborah Bowyer 19th Aug 2025
A Sandbach father-of-three has become the 354th Master of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers.
Ian Appleton, who lives in Park Lane, Sandbach was installed into the position with the livery company based in the City of London at a recent event.
Mr Appleton, 65, who grew up in Crewe, runs Chorley-based Kerax, which has been producing wax blends and lubricants for over sixty years.
"At the hall there is a board on the wall with the name of every previous Master and there were no Appletons (and I'm sure no one from Crewe!) listed but now there is," he said.
"It is a role with a long history and tradition stretching back over 650 years.
"The Wax Chandlers can trace their formal origins to 1371; though wax was an ancient trade even then. Beeswax served the Romans who founded Londinium, used for writing tablets, embalming and waterproofing.
"That history throws today's modern day wax industry's innovations into sharp relief. Once an ancient commodity, wax is increasingly part of modern solutions: food wrapping, natural alternatives to mineral waxes and advanced applications such as phase change material.
"I'm proud to be bringing my experience in the modern wax industry into this historic organisation.
"I look forward to carrying that responsibility into the year ahead while continuing to work at Kerax."
Kerax produces waxes used a variety of industries from cnadles to clothing, packaging and creams.
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