| PRESENT |
Mr D Newport (Chairman),
Mr G Bisson,
Mr P Boyes,
Mrs E Butcher and Mr E Gailor.
Mrs M Weston – Clerk to the Council.
|
| DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST |
None |
| APOLOGIES FOR
ABSENCE |
None (all present).
|
MINUTES OF
PREVIOUS
MEETINGS |
The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 13 October 2006, having been circulated, were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. |
| MATTERS
ARISING |
None. |
| WATER SUPPLY |
Discussion took place regarding the proposals for the supply of water to the cemetery.
The Clerk reported that the Water Board had stated that if they were to provide a metered supply to the Cemetery it would have to come from the other side of the Beaulieu Road, under the road, across the back of the cricket pitch and join up with the route that had previously been agreed with the Forestry Commission.
Alternatively, it would be possible to join into the Cricket Club’s supply, but have a separate meter for the Cemetery. The Parish Council would then have to pay the Cricket Club for any water used at the Cemetery.
The Committee did not feel that this arrangement would be very satisfactory.
RESOLVED:
| a) |
That the possibility of providing a new, larger tank for water at the back of the Chapel be explored. |
| b) |
That all costs incurred by borne by the Parish Council although the tank would be dedicated in memory of Mr George Broomfield (as the previous tanks). |
| c) |
That Mr Bisson inform Mr Gerald Broomfield of the proposals. |
| d) |
That notices be provided in the Cemetery to indicate the position of the water supply and the fact that it was not drinking water. |
| e) |
That the possibility of providing a rack to hang watering cans on be looked into. |
|
| CEMETERY MAINTENANCE |
Copies of Mr Malcom’s cemetery duties were distributed to all Committee members. It was agreed that his annual fee be increased from £2,016 to £2,124 per annum from April 2007. It was agreed that Mr Malcom did an excellent job. Thanks were expressed to Mr Boyes for his walk in the Chapel and the Cemetery itself. |
| GRASS CUTTING CONTRACT |
The Clerk stated that this had been put out to tender for the coming year and replies were awaited. |
| FIRE PRECAUTIONS |
A new fire extinguisher, extinguisher holder and certificate had been supplied to the cemetery chapel. |
| WAR MEMORIAL MAINTENANCE |
Mr Newport thanked those who had helped to paint the railings but said he felt that due to the amount of time and effort it had taken to complete the work this should be paid work in future.
Mr Bisson reminded the Committee that this item had not been budgeted for 2007/08. Mr Boyes drew the Committee’s attention to the fact that a grant was available for this type of work and also said that he might be willing to undertake the work himself on a voluntary basis. |
| CEMETERY
RECORDS |
The Cemetery map was inspected and all agreed that it was in a fragile condition. The Clerk explained that there were two routes that could be followed. One would involve obtaining a hard copy of a new map and a list of burial plots and the other would, using computer technology, provide a database and computerised copy of the maps.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk liaise with NFDC and TLC-Online to see if their expertise could be used to provide any of these facilities. |
| SAFETY AUDIT |
Mr Bisson explained that he had made enquiries regarding the Parish Council’s position in this area and it would seem that we must carry out regular safety audits.
RESOLVED: That rolling audits be carried out on a three yearly basis and recorded in the minutes. Mr Boyes and Mr Newport had both completed audits in the Catholic section. |
| PARISH PLAN |
RESOLVED: That Mr Newport provide the organisers of the Parish Plan with information on the number of vacant plots, the number of plots sold and any other items he considered pertinent. |
| CORRESPONDENCE |
Mr Bisson outlined the contents of a letter received from Mrs Gale regarding a headstone which her family considered had been placed on the wrong grave. He considered the information given by Mrs Gale to be correct and it was likely that the headstone had been incorrectly placed.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk contact Mrs Gale and the family of the other grave involved and explain that whilst the Parish Council did not accept any responsibility as a goodwill gesture they were willing to pay all costs to have the headstone moved to the adjacent plot. |
| ANY OTHER
BUSINESS |
The Clerk explained that a forest pony had been entering the cemetery but as yet it had been impossible to ascertain the point of entry. The owner of the pony considered that the pony was entering at the gate nearest to the cricket pitch.
RESOLVED: That this gate be locked for a period of several weeks to see if the pony still gained entry. If this proved to be the case the owner would be asked, through the Clerk to the Verderers, to move the pony from this area of the Forest.
Mr Newport said he had been approached by a Baptist Minister in Totton about having an occasional service in the Chapel.
RESOLVED: That this matter not be pursued.
Mr Boyes said he would be prepared to fit a new gas pipe for the calor gas supply cylinder.
RESOLVED: That Mr Boyes be authorised to buy the pipe and fit it.
RESOLVED: That the next meeting be held on 14 March 2007 at 45 The Meadows at 7.00 pm. |
| In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting. |
