THE FRIENDS of Highgate Cemetery is due to elect board members at its annual general meeting tonight (April 29) but the Ham&High was refused permission to attend. The charity s board, and especially chairwoman Jean Pateman, has come under fire in recent w

THE FRIENDS of Highgate Cemetery is due to elect board members at its annual general meeting tonight (April 29) but the Ham&High was refused permission to attend.

The charity's board, and especially chairwoman Jean Pateman, has come under fire in recent weeks for the way it handles the running of the cemetery and is currently being investigated by the Charity Commission.

Among the allegations are that visitors are often rudely turned away, that there is a constant threat of expulsion for members who show dissent, and there are also concerns over the board's election process.

Mrs Pateman told the Ham&High that the charity's AGM has been open only to members for 35 years and she could not change the rules now.