Actions

1

Apologies

None.

2

Declaration of interest of items on the agenda

Cllr Rickman – Smith Gore are one of his clients.

3

Correspondence

Letter from Mr and Mrs Holmes – funeral flowers. The Clerk is requested to write back to Mr and Mrs Holmes stating that we appreciate their comments but our cemetery rules state that old wreaths and flowers should be placed in the bins provided. It is not appropriate for the Council to remove people’s flowers and wreaths. The Council do remove the Christmas wreaths towards the end of January each year.

Clerk

4

Update of actions taken following meeting of the 24.10.2006

The Clerk reporting that all matters that she had been asked to deal with had been done and that two of our groundsmen hand attend a course of cemetery headstone management. Cllr Bingham reiterated that in an earlier meeting in 2006 we had agreed to purchase some lavender to place between graves and had set a budget of £200. The senior groundsmen had been instructed to do this but as he is no longer with us this matter has been overlooked. The Clerk will speak to the groundsmen and get the lavender installed.

Clerk

5

Update of Budget 2006-07

There is still a balance of £4,753. This does not include the repair of the stain glass windows at the Chapel due to vandalism. The bill has not yet been received.

6

Chapel and mortuary – structural movement monitoring update

Both Cllr Rickman and Cllr Goddard have read the report and although the chapel is on the move it is not likely to fall down. The underpinning that was completed in one corner has solved one problem but the rest of the building is still on the move and therefore the whole building needs underpinning. Smiths Gore has quoted £16,000 to complete this job. The Clerk is to investigate possible grant funding and report back to the committee.

Clerk

7

Chapel – future usage and condition

Proposed by Cllr Rickman and seconded by Cllr Cork and carried that the inside of the chapel be decorated and thereafter let out as a meeting place. Cllr Bingham informed the committee that the Bee Keepers Association wish to hire the chapel. It was felt that the Chapel should not be used as a storage place for groups. The Clerk is to obtain three quotes and put this matter on the Full Council agenda for the 13^th March 2007.

Clerk

8.

Burial fees and rules

Columbaria – The Chairman authorising the inclusion of a letter from Cllr Oliver to be dealt with under this heading due to the urgency. Cllr Oliver’s comments were noted. It was agreed that the last row of Columbaria had not been installed in a straight line and would have to be realigned. The quality of the stone is a concern and the Clerk was asked to contact Columbaria and request that they attend for a site meeting. Cllr Oliver was asked to be present at that meeting.

With regard to point 3 in Cllr Oliver’s letter and the installation of kerbs around headstones, the answer to this is no. Our cemetery rules state that not kerbs are to be placed around headstones. The Clerk is to write to the owners of the grave stones which have installed kerbs and ask them to remove them. They will be allowed a period of three months in which to do so following this period of time if the kerbs are not removed then the Council will remove them.

Burial fees – There is to be a 5% increase in all fees rounded down to the nearest £5 except the Columbaria which, for the time being, will remain the same. Proposed Cllr Rickman seconded Cllr Bingham and carried.

Cemetery Rules – cemetery rules are to remain as they are. However the table of fees and payments is to be amended to reflect the price increase and the clarification of the headstone sizes.

Monuments and Gravestones – The rules for headstones is a little vague and the Clerk has asked for this to be clarified. The Clerk requested that Cllr Oliver attend the meeting in an advisory capacity. Cllr Oliver offering to produce a drawing with appropriate sizing so that this can be sent out to the stone masons giving clear guidelines. Cllr Oliver also suggesting that we request that all stone masons adhere to the National Association of Memorial Masons when installing headstones. This will ensure that all headstones are of a high standard of workmanship. The size of the headstones is as follows:-

Single grave which includes a double depth grave with a double inscription:-

Foundation measurements 36” long, 18” front to back and 2” thick.

Base measurements 4” high, 12” front to back, width 30”.

Headstone measurements height from top of base 30”, 4” thick and 24” wide.

Side by side double grave with two headstones

Foundation measurements 66” long, 18” front to back and 2” thick

Base measurements 4” high  front to back 12”, 60” long

Headstones 4” thick, height from to of base 30”, 24” wide

Double headstone between two side by side graves

Foundation measurements 48” long, 18” front to back and 2” thick

Basement measurement 4” high, 12” front to back and 42” long

Headstone measurement height from top of base 30”, 4” thick and 24” wide.

Proposed by Cllr Cork seconded Cllr Rickman and carried.

Clerk

Clerk

9.

Burials and reserving plots for non Yaxley residents

Each case should be brought to full council for approval and a decision would be made. However, double fees will apply to anybody outside the village.

10.

Purchase of  Burial Deeds

The Clerk is receiving requests for the purchase of specific plot numbers and needed clarification of this point. It is agreed that people can choose from the plots that we have already numbered.

11.

War Memorial

Cllr Oliver had prepared a report on the war memorial. The base needs some attention and the clerk would again look for grant funding and report back to committee.

Clerk

12.

Cemetery Extension

Clerk reported that Cllr Banerjee had spoken to Peterborough City Council and Huntingdon District Council and discussions were still taking place. This matter would be put on the next agenda.

Clerk