MINUTES: BURIAL COMMITTEE
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 16th June 2021 at 7pm The Old Courthouse, Jaycroft Road, Burnham-on-Sea
Present: Cllr Chris Allen (Chairman), Cllrs Andy Brewer, Sue Harvey, Janet Keen, Colette Winfield and Cllrs Alistair Gordon from Burnham Without Parish Council (no voting rights) with Lorna Williams (Deputy Clerk) in attendance
No members of the public or press were present.
Public Participation
There were no speakers.
Prior to the meeting the Committee met at Burnham Cemetery where they particularly noted the area where a Beech and two Pine trees had fallen. They were pleased at how the area had been left and that it was all made safe. The other reason or the visit was to consider areas where new trees could be planted.
08/21/BC Apologies
None
09/21/BC Declarations of Interest in items on this agenda & dispensations granted
None
10/21/BC Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Burial Committee meeting held on Wednesday 24th February 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
11/21/BC To note updates to Action List
The meeting NOTED the updated Action List
12/21/BC To receive an update on the Management and Maintenance of the Cemeteries
The meeting noted the staffing changes and the emergency work required on the approach to the bridge at Brent Road.
13/21/BC To consider planting trees in Westfield Road Cemetery
The Deputy Clerk read out a summary report received via e-mail from the arborculturist employed to survey the cemetery trees. It was NOTED that no urgent tree work was required and that generally the trees are in good health. A full report will be available and circulated at the next meeting.
The meeting discussed the way forward in tree planting in Burnham Cemetery and asked the Deputy Clerk to research what was available from other organisations such as the Woodland Trust. The particular interest of the meeting was to have native varieties of trees and shrubs. It was agreed that it would be useful to have a map of the cemetery showing where trees can be planted. The Deputy Clerk will arrange for this to be brought to the next meeting.
14/21/BC To note the Management Reports and Ear Marked Reserves as at 9th June 2021
The meeting noted the Management Report and received an update that the grass keep amount shown as income of £430 would be exchanged again this year into having the hedge cut by the tenant using the fields for grazing his animals.
The Clerk had received a letter from a resident thanking the Caretaker who looks after Brent Road Cemetery. She would ‘like to nominate him for an award if there were one for the service and dedication shown in the care taken in looking after the grounds, they are beautifully maintained’’.
15/21/BC Date of Next meeting
It was noted that the next meeting of this committee will be held on Wednesday 8th September 2021 at 7pm.