A FLINTSHIRE Cemetery Superintendent has retired from the role following over 31-years of service.

Mold Town Council manages and maintains the only current active burial site within Mold Town, located on Alexandra Road.

The cemetery was first opened in 1877 and there have since been some 8,400 interments (burials and cremations). 

Arfon Williams-Cooke has been the Cemetery Superintendent for Mold Cemetery for over 31 years and on Friday, April 19 he retired from the role. 

Over the years Arfon and the cemetery team have worked hard to respectfully serve the residents of Mold and surrounding areas during the most difficult times.

To ensure that Mold Cemetery continues to be maintained to the highest standard, it was extremely important to find the right candidate for the Cemetery Superintendent role.

The Leader: Matt and ArfonMatt and Arfon (Image: Flintshire County Council)

On Wednesday, April 17, Mold Town Council welcomed Matthew Williams-Cooke to the Cemetery Team as the new Cemetery Superintendent.

Matthew has grown up living in Mold and his past roles include serving in the British Army and more recently as a Grounds Maintenance Officer for Cemeteries in Chester West and Cheshire Council.

Matthew also volunteers with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as an Eyes on Hands Representative, this role involves maintaining War Graves in a specific area, which includes Mold Cemetery.

Mayor of Mold Councillor Teresa Carberry said: “Mold Town Council has reached a milestone moment in its history, with the forthcoming end of an era.

"Arfon Williams-Cooke our much respected, valued, and liked Cemetery Superintendent is retiring, ending, over three decades of dedicated, diligent, and compassionate public service for the people of Mold.

"He has provided a dignified, reassuring presence, and an attentiveness to detail that affords support and comfort on what is a day of great sorrow for a family and friends recently bereaved, and this he continued to do, long after that day. 

"He has combined exemplary professionalism and courtesy with empathy – all the qualities that are needed for such a special role, but not so easily found in one person.

"One has only to visit Mold Cemetery to see the very real and tangible efforts of his work, and that of his team. They work in all weathers, come rain, or shine, to maintain the site, keeping it both safe and beautiful.

"It is well tended, a perfect place to sit for quiet reflection, and has a natural beauty and stillness; it is a fitting last resting place for so many who have lived in our community. 

"Indeed, the team’s excellence was recognised most recently when the cemetery reached the finals of the APSE Awards in 2023. The awards serve to recognise the very best in public services and to share best practice. Mold Town Council found itself standing against large city and Borough Councils.

"This was no mean feat; the award is given to those who go above and beyond for their local communities; this certainly describes the work of Arfon and the cemetery team.

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"On behalf of the Town Council, I wish him and his wife Diane, a happy and long retirement, that is certainly well deserved.

"Arfon departs with our heartfelt thanks for all his years of tireless, distinguished and devoted service, and to many of us his friendship He can be proud of the legacy he leaves, knowing that he passes on the reins to someone who is invested in continuing and maintaining his work and high standards, and with the personal attributes and qualities needed for such a pivotal role within our community, his son Matthew.

"I wish Mathew every success in this new appointment and look forward to working with him.”