Walter C. Parson Funeral Directors has announced some changes to their board of directors as the custodianship of the business is passed to the next generation of the family.

Following a board meeting on 19 November, Graham May retired as chairman of the board, a position he has held since the death of his wife Pat in 2012 and having originally started work at WCP in 1973.

Stephen Ware was appointed chairman of the board, John Ware was appointed managing director of the company, and Graham May along with David Parslow remain as company directors.

Chairman Stephen Ware said “I was appointed as managing director in December 1999, so after a hectic 23 years taking the firm from four branches in 1999 to the 12 that we have today, with the many ramifications involved in that process, I consider it time to step down and let the next generation take the helm.

“I have the utmost confidence that John will take the company on to bigger and better things, and I wish him all the luck in the world!

“I would also like to pass on my most grateful thanks to all staff, past and present, who have helped me enjoy the last 23 years.”

Photo: From left: Graham May, John Ware, Stephen Ware