Funeral home manager becomes warden at ancient guild 

A funeral home manager working for Funeral Partners has been voted to govern one of Richmond’s most ancient guilds.   

Carl Tate, who has worked in the funeral industry for nearly a decade, has recently begun his year in office as warden to The Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers.   

With its origins in the Middle Ages, the guild is a charitable organisation administered by an active committee, which is “dedicated to helping Richmond prosper”. It provides support to local businesses and issues grants to other charities and voluntary organisations in the North Yorkshire area.   

Commenting on his new appointment, Tate said: “It is a real honour to be part of one of the most prominent and long-established guilds in the area. I live in Richmond, so I share the Guild’s commitment to supporting local companies that are the lifeblood of our community.    

“To guard against losing local businesses, ongoing investment and support is essential. It not only helps to create a more vibrant and varied commercial environment for shoppers, making it more likely they will shop locally, but also creates much-need job opportunities for local residents.” 

In addition to his new role as Warden, Tate is also a Freeman for the Fellow Mongers of Richmond, having recently superseded Keith Geoffrey, who had completed his year’s tenure. Geoffrey is a funeral service operative for John Blenkiron and Sons.