NAFD Yorkshire presidential chain stays within Funeral Partners

The outgoing president of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) Yorkshire Area Federation has been succeeded by a fellow Funeral Partners colleague after an unanimous vote at the annual general meeting. John Sidlow, Area Development manager at Funeral Partners, handed his presidential chain to Leanne Rookledge, manager at Turners Funeral Service in Conisbrough and Bramley – part of the Funeral Partners family of funeral homes – after three years of service in the role. The president of the NAFD Yorkshire Area Federation is responsible for upholding the high standards of the NAFD and protecting the rights and interests of its members across Yorkshire. Following the banquet, the new president was able to present her father, Clive Kirk, Business Principal at Turners Funeral Service, with honorary federation membership status. Rookledge said: “It was a fantastic evening that brought together hardworking colleagues from across the industry in Yorkshire following a day of interesting and thought-provoking educational sessions. “I’m honoured to have been voted in as the new President of the federation and will work hard over the next two years to follow in John’s footsteps and continue to strengthen the Yorkshire area.” All three were supported on the night by their colleagues Matthew Barber, chief operating officer at Funeral Partners; Phil Barr, Regional Development director at Funeral Partners; Melanie Torley, Operations manager at Hammertons Funeral Directors; Dawn Eastwood, funeral director at Wombwell Funeral Service; and Steve Fox, Funeral Service operative at Wombwell Funeral Service. NAFD president Kate Edwards said: “John has represented members in Yorkshire superbly across three very challenging years for the funeral profession and, on behalf of the National Association of Funeral Directors, I would like to thank him for his support for all funeral directors across the county, during the pandemic. “Congratulations too to Leanne, on her installation as his successor. I wish her a fulfilling and enjoyable term of office as area president. It is fantastic to see such a vibrant regional network, not only offering their members opportunities to enhance and develop their knowledge but also to come together and support each other on key local and national issues.”