Loretta – First female master of Clare

By Chris Cornford Nov 8, 2020

A member of one of the Island’s most famous families, Loretta Minghella has been elected as Master of her alma mater, Clare College, Cambridge.
Loretta, a lawyer, grew up in Ryde where her father Eddie started the world famous Minghella ice cream company. She has been First Church Estates Commissioner since 2017, one of the most senior lay people in the Church of England. Before that, from 2010-17, Loretta was Chief Executive of Christian Aid where she oversaw responses to natural disasters, refugee crises and hunger and famine emergencies.

She said: “I fell in love with Clare the first time I crossed the bridge in 1980, a state-school girl with big dreams and small hopes. Three years at Clare gave me a great group of friends, the education and the confidence to tackle many different challenges over a varied career.

“It is an enormous privilege to be returning as Clare’s first woman Master to lead this special community of students, alumni, staff and Fellows.

“Together, we will ensure Clare continues to provide an exceptional environment for teaching, learning and research and offers, to every one of its members, the warmest of welcomes.”
Loretta was made an OBE in 2016 and will lead the College in its celebration of its 50th anniversary of the admission of women undergraduates in 2022.

Her sister, Gioia, a former Island High Sheriff, said: “I’m very proud of my clever sister.”