The carrot industry lost a big friend last month according to Produce World Chairman William Burgess. Clem Tompsett was a larger than life character who worked in the root vegetables industry for most of his working life.
In later years Tompsett Burgess Growers (TBG) was one of the largest growers of carrots and parsnips in the UK supplying leading retailers through its joint venture with Produce World.
William said: “The Burgess family are very sorry to lose both a friend and a business partner. We have worked closely with the Tompsett family for 19 years, and I am delighted to confirm that both families are committed to continuing this working relationship.”
Jackie Seddon, Clem’s daughter and Director of Tompsett Burgess Growers Ltd, said: “The two families have a long-term commitment to working together towards the goal of being one of the leading root vegetable growers in the UK. Dad very much wanted us to continue and we are pleased to confirm that we have exciting plans to invest in the business over the next couple of years.”
Clem Tompsett was awarded an MBE in 2006 for his services to agriculture, local communities and charity work. Clem raised a total of £192,150 by staging the Isleham One-Day Event, the first weekend of the British Eventing calendar. Money was presented to 12 different charities including the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Papworth Hospital and Riding for the Disabled.
There will be celebration of Clem’s life at Ely Cathedral on 17 April at 1.00 pm.