Cemetery Committee Minutes - 15 June 2007

An apology for absence was received from Mrs A Butcher.

The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 14 March 2007, having been circulated, were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(a) John Whitcher Memorial Stone

Mr Boyes asked if an invoice had been received for the work undertaken by the monumental mason and the Clerk confirmed that to date no invoice had been received.

(b)  Water Supply

Discussion took place regarding the tanks that supplied water for use in the Cemetery.  As these had not run dry and were still serviceable it was agreed that no further action be taken.

(c)  Solar Lighting

The Clerk reported that she had written to the owner of the grave containing the solar light but to date no reply had been received.

RESOLVED:  That one further letter be sent and if no action was forthcoming from the grave owner the light would be removed by the Parish Council.

(d)  Tree Branch

The branch had now been removed and the block reinstated on the wall.

CEMETERY MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

Mr Boyes stated that he had rewritten the cemetery maintenance contract in the light of his observations of work required within the Cemetery.  He felt that the necessary work to put the Cemetery into good order could be accomplished in three hours a week.

RESOLVED:  That the new contract be put out to tender and Mr Boyes be authorised to accept the most suitable applicant.

GRASS CUTTING CONTRACT

The first cut had taken place successfully.  It was hoped that a further cut would take place towards the end of June.

CEMETERY MAPS

The Clerk produced several copies of the Cemetery map that had been found in the Parish Council archives.

RESOLVED:  That Mr Bisson make several copies of this map, one to be given to Mr Boyes and the others returned to the Clerk.

SAFETY AUDIT

Mr Boyes had carried out a complete safety audit of all memorial stones in the Cemetery.  It had been necessary to topple several older memorials and Mr Boyes produced a list of newer memorials that he considered to be unsafe.  He now had a register of all unsafe memorial stones in the Cemetery.

RESOLVED:  That the Clerk endeavour to contact the owners of the newer memorials to ask that remedial action be taken.  If an owner could not be located the memorials would be toppled after an appropriate time lapse.

SIGNAGE AND RUBBISH COLLECTION

RESOLVED: 

(a)  That the Clerk arrange suitable signing to

1. Denote that dogs should be kept on leads.
2. Show the whereabouts of the water tanks and the fact that it was not drinking water.
3. Show the whereabouts of rubbish receptacles.

(b) That the Clerk retype the indemnity notice, make copies and Mr Bisson would laminate them.  Notices would then be placed around the Cemetery.

(c) That the Clerk purchase two galvanised dustbins.

(d) That the Clerk purchase a suitable wheelbarrow.

CHAPEL MAINTENANCE

Mr Boyes felt that the Chapel was now in need of a complete clean and redecoration.

RESOLVED:  That depending on costs involved this work be put in hand and Mr Boyes agreed to source possible contractors to tender for the work.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

After discussion it was decided that Cemetery Regulations should be made an item for the next meeting.