A Derby funeral director arranged the final farewell for English actor, Sir Alan Bates, allowed a dozen stormtroopers to walk behind a hearse and secured the right permission for a local horse lover to be buried in her beloved paddock.
Kind Frank Rigby, 65, who works at Wathall’s, is celebrating 45 years of service and at the family-run firm and says his career has been filled with “the very best people”.
Frank joined Wathall’s after leaving college at 20 and was tasked with making coffins before going on to assist at funerals, driving hearses and limousines, and then becoming a funeral director. Over the decades, he has worked in every department at Wathall’s and he says he’s not about to retire! A defining moment in his career came when he was just 27 years old and owner, Bill Wathal, told him he was ready to be fitted for a top hat and tails.”
“I never forgot that day,” said Frank. “It was a sign I was being trusted to take funerals and I was really flattered. Bill, who was the MD of Wathall’s before his daughter, Helen, took over, was a great teacher and mentor.”
Over a decade ago, Frank took on responsibility for the Ashbourne branch, and he says he made a conscious effort to become part of the community and build relationships with local families.
He said: “I really love that my job allows me to be there for people when they need it most. Families come to us at a very difficult time, and it’s important they feel supported and listened to.”
