Highgate Cemetery chairwoman steps down following public row

Governance | Celina Ribeiro | 27 May 2009

A row over management at Highgate Cemetery has prompted the chairwoman of 35 years to step down.

Jean Pateman has been replaced as chair of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust after a public row which has seen her accused of terrifying fellow volunteers and of general mismanagement at the charity.

A Charity Commission investigation into complaints made about the management of the charity is underway.

Tom Richardson will succeed Pateman as chair, after he was elected in a vote in which Pateman did not put herself forward as a candidate.

The board of directors at Friends of Highgate Cemetery released a statement which said: "Mr Richardson intends to improve the public image from one of perceived hostility to visitors as reported in the local press recently, to one of a friendly welcome.

“The atmosphere in which the volunteers and staff work will be one of encouragement and positive recognition.”

Octogenarian Pateman will remain involved with the Cemetery as its president emeritus.

Internal issues at Highgate Cemetery were brought to the fore earlier this year when London Mayor Boris Johnson listed the site as a top London tourist attraction, contrary to the wishes of Pateman who views the site as a sacred burial place.

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Who's Who: Celina Ribeiro

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