24th February 21 Burial Report 4.

An update on the Burial Service and maintenance of the cemeteries

To share an operational update on the burial service and grounds maintenance carried out over the period affected by CV-19

Burial Service and COVID-19 –

We have received further guidance from the Institute of Cemetery & Cremation Management. During the current lockdown funerals can continue with up to a maximum of 30 people and it is advised that only close family and friends attend. Linked ceremonial events such as the interment of ashes can also continue, but will be subject to a maximum of 6 people. Anyone working is not included in numbers. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble. The cemetery and open spaces staff have been updated with this information and will continue to be at work at a reduced staffing level during this lockdown.  Overall there have not been as many interments as expected taking the average figures from previous years.

Highbridge Cemetery Footpath –  Update from last meeting. The main central path has been tarmacked, and also the area at the front of the cemetery where there was a water leak and the gate has been replaced, so the project is now complete.

Trees at Burnham Cemetery

Burnham Cemetery saw a Beech fall in December, this appeared to be due to a fungal infection, the cemetery was temporarily closed whilst the overhanging branches of a neighbouring tree were removed. The area was tapped off and signs placed, warning people of the fallen tree.

Unfortunately, another two neighbouring pine trees fell in January. A tree surgeon suggested that it was likely that the combination of saturated ground and the recent loss of the beech exposed the nearby trees to higher winds than they have grown to tolerate. There is one remaining tree in the area and a tree surgeon says in appears not to be in any danger of falling.

Three quotes were received and work has started on the removal of all three trees, there is only the main trunks left to remove, which should be completed by Sunday 21st Feb. Once the work is complete then the cemetery will be re-opened to the public 24/7. It is currently open only when the caretaker is on site, but not whilst the tree work is being done.

Interment Statistics

Interment-statistics-for-2020.pdf

Report author:          Lorna Williams – Deputy Town Clerk

Report Date:               18th February 2021

Records Retention Schedule

Financial Risk Management Policy - March 2023

Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

Your organisation and contact details

What happens next....
Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

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