Goudhurst and Kilndown Parish Council

GOUDHURST PARISH COUNCIL
Local Government for Goudhurst and Kilndown

BURIAL BOARD
Minutes of a Meeting held on Tuesday 18 October 2011 at the Jessel Room

Present: Cllrs Roberts (Chairman), Boniface, Harris, Nichol, Noakes and Richards.
Also Rev Bill Hornsby (Adviser)

Apologies: Cllr Mrs Glendinning

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The Minutes of the last meeting held on 19 July 2011 were agreed.

CHURCHYARD AND BURIAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Mowing in the upper area at Christ Church. It was noted that the Clerk had asked Mr Steve Bryant to contact Cllr Roberts about marks on some of the memorials which Members believe have been done by mowing equipment.
Bathurst Enclosure by the West Door to St Mary’s. Noted that Mr Ripley and Mr Paul Filtness had completed the repair work to the railings to a high standard.
The Dobereiner grave at Row H, No 83 at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. Noted that the owner of the grave in question has not removed the kerbstones at the grave despite having given an undertaking to do so. Agreed that the Clerk should write to remind the grave owner accordingly.
Graves and Memorials in poor condition. It was agreed to recommend to Council that expenditure of £325.00 be agreed to make safe four graves in Section C of the Burial Grounds.
Netting around the grave at Row L, No 19 in the Burial Grounds. The Clerk had written to the owner in May 2011 asking that the wire netting around this grave be removed. There has been no response. Since this is contrary to Burial Board Regulation 15, the Clerk was asked to remove the netting and to inform the owner accordingly.
Repairs to St Mary’s Churchyard Wall. The work is outstanding. The Clerk has asked for a site visit by Kent Highways with a view to having a road closure order issued and the date for this is pending.

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS FOR 2012/2013
Noted that the Clerk has asked the contractors to quote for the 2012/13 contracts:
- St Mary’s Goudhurst Churchyard and the Cemetery and Burial Grounds by Mr Steve
Bryant, Grounds Care & General Services Ltd.

Christ Church Kilndown (upper area) by Grounds Care & General Services Ltd.
Christ Church Kilndown (lower area) by Mr Peter Watkins.
Weed Control by Weed Management Ltd

However, as is usual due to the lead time, no bids had yet been received.

ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2012/13
Members agreed a provisional net submission to Council of £8.960.00 an increase of 14.1%

CLEAN-UP DAY 2011
The Chairman reminded Members that this will be held on the morning of 22 October 2011 at both Goudhurst and Kilndown. The Clerk reported that he hoped Mr Jim Henley would attend with his tractor and trailer. (post meeting note: Both Christ Church and St Mary’s Clean Up days had been successful. There had been good participation at both venues; at St Mary’s Jim Henley had removed 6 trailer loads of arisings).

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 21 February 2012. 7.30 pm at the Jessel Room.

The meeting closed at 8.25 pm
Anthony Farnfield, Clerk

Report to Parish Council 12 September 2011

Bathurst Enclosure. The repairs to the railings has been carried out as agreed by Mr John Ripley, Blacksmith or Robertsbridge. That cost was approved by Council Minute 193/10. However some relatively minor stone work is required around the ‘feet’ of the railings to complete the job. Our regular stonemason Paul Filtness has quoted £165.00 for materials and labour to finish the job. Council to approve this expenditure please.

St Mary’s Churchyard Wall repair. Minute 199/11. Clerk is negotiating a road closure with KHS and ensuring that St Mary’s PCC will take the cost of repair on their insurance. It has been Council’s policy to refund the excess on the PCC’s policy. Council to agree that this will apply in this case.

Churchyard Clean Up Day. Cllrs are reminded that this will be held on Saturday, 22 October this year. 9.00 am at St Mary’s and/or Christ Church Kilndown. Please turn up even if is for a short period. Clerk will approach Mr Brian Henley to see if he will turn out one more time with his tractor and trailer at St Mary’s; if not he will seek an alternative. Note that Mrs Marian Sargeant has volunteered to ‘edge out’ the path through St Mary’s Churchyard. This is a generous offer as it is a physically demanding job. If the offer is accepted the task of clearing the arisings has to be tackled. Volunteers?

Clerk
06 September 2011

Minutes of a Meeting held on Tuesday 19 October 2010 at The Jessel Room

Present: Cllrs Roberts (Chairman), Boniface, Noakes and Rolington
Rev Bill Hornsby and Mr Brian Henley (Advisers)

Apologies: Cllr Nichol (holiday)

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
BB13/10 The Minutes of the last meeting held on 20 July 2010 were agreed.

CHURCHYARD AND BURIAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
The Clerk reported:
BB14/10 Bathurst Enclosure by the West Door to St Mary’s. BB03/10. Mr Ripley, Blacksmith of Robertsbridge has yet to carry out the requested work. The Clerk will follow up on this outstanding matter.
BB15/10 The Dobereiner grave (Row H, No 83) and the Ramsden grave (Row J, No 85) at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. The holders of the Exclusive Rights of Burial have installed unauthorised kerbstones. The Clerk is taking persuasive approach to rectifying the situation. Likewise the Crossan/Marshall Grave (Row L, No 19) which is unkempt and enclosed by unauthorised wire netting.
BB16/10 Memorial to the late Ethel May Reay (Section C, Row E, No 16). The memorial mason has recently installed the headstone so that it is 3ft high rather then the permitted maximum height of 2 ft 6 ins. The Clerk will refer the matter to the mason whose first installation at Goudhurst this is.
BB17/10 Hedge on the eastern boundary of Goudhurst Burial Grounds. This need a seasonal cut. The Clerk will write to the Director and Diocesan Surveyor to ask for appropriate action to be taken.
BB18/10 Damaged stone wall at Christ Church. The Chairman of the Burial Board reported that the damaged wall between the top and bottom areas at Christ Church Churchyard has been skilfully repaired by a contractor from Tunbridge Wells.

BURIAL BOARD REGULATIONS
BB19/10 The Clerk reported that he had attended a half day course run by the Institute of Cemetery Management and SLCC. One point that arose was that Burial Authorities should pay attention to who is giving instructions for interments and memorials. It was agreed to recommend to Council that the following wording be added to the Burial Board regulations: Only the holder or the legitimate successor in title of the Exclusive Right of Burial will be permitted to issue instructions for any work on, or changes to, burial or ashes plots.

REVIEW OF CONTRACTS.
BB20/10 St Mary’s. Noted that Grounds Care & General Services has a 3 year fixed contract for 2009, 2010 and 2011 for mowing and hedge cutting.
Mr Simon Catchpole of Complete Weed Control (Kent) held the weed control contract in 2010 at £300.00 plus £100.00 should a follow up visit be required later in the growing season. Members recommend that he be appointed again for 2011. The Clerk will aim to hold him to the 2010 rates.
Christ Church. Noted that Grounds Care & General Services has a 3 year fixed contract for 2009, 2010 and 2011 for mowing the top area.
Mr Peter Watkins holds the contract for the bottom area mowing and hedge cutting. Noted that his rate was last reviewed at the end of 2007/08 when his hourly rate was increased from £8.50 to £9.00 an hour. Burial Board recommends to Council that his contract be renewed and his rate be increased to £9.25 hour from April 2011.
Mr Simon Catchpole of Complete Weed Control (Kent) held the weed control contract in 2010 at £200.00 plus £100.00 should a follow up visit be required later in the growing season. Members recommend that he be appointed again for 2011. The Clerk will aim to hold him to the 2010 rates.

ANNUAL BUDGET 2011/12
BB21/10 This was reviewed in detail. Burial Board recommends an increase of 2.7% in expenditure with forecast income remaining unchanged

CLEAN-UP DAY 2010
BB22/10 BB11/10. A ‘plan’ of tasks for 23 October drawn up by the Chairman of the Burial Board and the Clerk was reviewed.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
BB23/10 Tuesday, 22 February 2011 at the Jessel Room.

The meeting closed at 8.10 pm

Minutes of a Meeting held on Tuesday 20 July 2010 at The Quarry Centre

Present: Cllrs Roberts (Chairman), Boniface, Nichol and Noakes
Rev Bill Hornsby and Mr Brian Henley (Advisers)

Apologies: Cllr Rolington (TWBC meeting)

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
BB01/10 The Minutes of the last meeting held on 16 February 2010 were agreed.

CHURCHYARD AND BURIAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
BB02/10 Prior to the start of the meeting, Members inspected Christ Church Churchyard. There are no significant matters requiring attention. It was noted that Christ Church PCC is seeking quotes for the repair at the south end of the dividing wall between the upper and lower areas of the Churchyard.
BB03/10 Bathurst Enclosure by the West Door to St Mary’s. BB35/09. The Clerk reported that he had met Mr Ripley, Blacksmith of Robertsbridge on site in April 2010. Subsequently Mr Ripley had quoted £750.00 to refurbish the ground and wall fixings, and give the railings a repaint. A small amount of replacement stonework is also required. Members agreed this compared favourably with an earlier quote from another blacksmith of £3,300.00 for a more complete renovation. It was agreed to recommend to Council that the quote of £750.00 be accepted, and that provisionally up to £100.00 be approved for stonework repair by Mr Paul Filtness.
BB04/10 Rabbit control at St Mary’s. Members noted that the rabbit population is on the increase again. The Clerk will ask Mr David Coomber to increase his rabbit control activities accordingly.
BB05/10 The Dobereiner grave at Row H, No 83 at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. Noted that the Clerk will be in touch with the owner of the grave to ensure that the recently installed kerbstones are removed in accordance with Burial Board Regulation No 12.
BB06/10 Graves and Memorials in poor condition. It was agreed that, where the owners of graves and memorials in poor condition can not be traced, the Clerk should put in hand appropriate remedial work. This will start with the graves dating back 80 years or more that have collapsed thus leaving a trip hazard and the Burial Grounds looking untidy. It was agreed to recommend to Council that £500.00 will budgeted annually for 2011 for this work.
BB07/10 Row Markers at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. Noted that some have been covered by grass. It was agreed that clearing them will be a task for Clean Up Day on 23 October 2010.
BB08/10 Condition of Christ Church Kilndown. Rev Bill Hornsby mentioned that he had received two letters commenting on the much improved condition of the Churchyard.

BURIAL BOARD REGULATIONS
BB09/10 It was agreed to recommend to Council that no changes be made to the Burial Board Regulations save for the addition of one sentence: Memorials at graves in the lawned area may not be installed flat on the ground.

FEES AND CHARGES
BB10/10 After a full and detailed discussion it was agreed to recommend to Council these revised Fees and Charges from 01 September 2010 for a period of 1 year:
Graves: Exclusive right of burial in an earthen grave £320.00 to £330.00
Interment continues at £100.00
Approval of Monuments £85.00 £90.00
Additional inscription £85.00 £90.00

Ashes: Exclusive right of burial in the ashes section £210.00 to £220.00
Interment continues at £100.00
Approval of Memorial Tablets £85.00 £90.00
Additional inscription £85.00 £90.00

Registration of Change of Ownership continues at £30.00

CLEAN-UP DAY 2010
BB11/10 BB38/09. Members were reminded that this will be held on 23 October 2010 at both Goudhurst and Kilndown. The Clerk will draw up a ‘plan’ of tasks in conjunction with Chairman, Burial Board. Again it was noted that Mr Brian Henley, who has supported the Clean-Up Day activities with his tractor and trailer for many, many years, will be retiring and no longer available after October 2010.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
BB12/10 Tuesday, 19 October 2010 at the Jessel Room.

The meeting closed at 8.25 pm
Anthony Farnfield, Clerk

Minutes of a Meeting held on Tuesday 16 February 2010 at The Jessel Room

Present: Cllrs Roberts (Chairman), Boniface, Nichol and Rolington Rev Bill Hornsby (Adviser)

Apologies: Cllr Noakes (TWBC meeting)

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
BB32/09 The Minutes of the last meeting held on 20 October 2009 were agreed.

CHURCHYARD AND BURIAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
BB33/09      Trees – Christ Church. BB19/09. Noted that the Clerk has ‘mapped’ the trees. He will consult with Christ Church PCC members before submitting a planning application to TWBC.
BB34/09      Rabbit control at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. Noted that rabbit numbers in the Burial grounds are much reduced, although not eradicated entirely. Subsequent to the meeting a Mr Peter Chapman (brother of Mrs Jacqui Clark) has sought permission to visit the Burial Grounds with his ferrets and long nets to further reduce the rabbit population. Burial Board Members have expressed support for this.
BB35/09      Bathurst Enclosure by the west door at St Mary’s. BB24/09. Noted that the Clerk has reminded the blacksmith at Robertsbridge (Mr John Ripley) that the site meeting he agreed to attend is still outstanding. Meanwhile the blacksmith at Brenchley has shown no interest in this project.
BB36/09      Netting around Memorials at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. The Clerk reported that one family, contrary to Burial Board Regulation 15, has ignored his verbal request to remove wire netting around a grave in their ownership. It was agreed that the Clerk should (a) send the owner a polite written request with reasons to remove the wire by a date to be decided, and (b) if there is no response, to physically remove the wire.

REVIEW OF MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS FOR 2010-2011

BB37/09 St Marys Churchyard, the Cemetery south of Back Lane and Goudhurst Burial Grounds. Noted that Grounds Care & General Services has a fixed price contract from 2009-2010 for 3 years.
Christ Church Kilndown (upper area). As for St Mary’s Churchyard above.
Christ Church Kilndown (lower area). Noted that it had been agreed by Council Minute 325/09 of 09 November 2009 that Mr Peter Watkins’ contract be extended for 2010-2011 on the same terms as currently apply.
Weed Control. It was agreed to recommend to Council that the contract for Complete Weed Control of Horsmonden be renewed for 2010-2011 with no price increase since their work in their first year has been very good.

CLEAN-UP DAY 2010
BB38/09 It was agreed that this will be held on 23 October 2010 at both Goudhurst and Kilndown.
BB39/09 It was noted that Mr Brian Henley, who has supported the Clean-Up Day activities with his tractor and trailer for many, many years, will be retiring and no longer available after October 2010. The Clerk will seek alternatives.

BURIAL BOARD FINANCE
BB40/09 Figures presented by the Clerk showing receipts and payments against the 2009/10 budget were reviewed. There were no surprises.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE GUIDANCE ON THE UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE OF CEMETERIES.
BB41/09 One alert Member noted that KALC Parish News No 345 of 02 February 2010 contained a reference to the recently published MoJ Guidance. The Clerk undertook to review the publication, which runs to 116 pages, and will bring any relevant points to the attention of Council.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
BB42/08 Tuesday, 20 July 2010 at the Quarry Centre.

The meeting closed at 8.00 pm