COOKHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a Meeting of the

MEETING OF THE ADOPTIVE ACTS COMMITTEE

PRESENT:       Cllrs: P. Brockwell (Chairman): Cllrs M.Coker, G. Harris, M Innes,

M. Wellman and H. J. Woodbridge.

1.      APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Apologies were received from Cllr A. Prichard. There were no declarations of interest.

2.  CEMETERY:

a)                  To consider future reservations of plots– The Chairman explained that new Government regulations make it illegal to dig double burial plots by hand. The problem with allowing people to reserve pieces of land is that the sexton may not be able to reach the plot with his digger if the surrounding plots have already been used. It could mean trampling on graves or even removing kerbs to get near the reserved plot. Single plots may still be dug by hand but the Committee felt it would be better to have one policy for the Cemetery to avoid confusion.  It was proposed by Cllr Innes and seconded by Cllr Woodbridge to reluctantly allow no future reservation of burial plots at Cookham Cemetery. Existing reservations would be honoured and people would still be allowed to reserve cremation plots.

b)         Up-date on the safety of memorials at Cookham Cemetery – The Clerk had been in contact with RBWM regarding the possibility of holding a Training Day for local parishes. Mike Jones from RBWM rang the Institute of Memorial Management who said that there were no events organised in this area at the moment. Mike suggested that we hold our own event and invite other parishes. The Committee were not keen to do this because it would require a lot of time and organisation. The Clerk agreed to ring some other parishes included those in South Bucks and see whether other parishes would wish to attend or hold an event. The Clerk would also mention it at the next SLCC Training Day on 5^th March.

c)         To review performance of Chapel heaters – Cllr Harris confirmed that the current two fan heaters are very noisy and not very effective. The heating in the Vestry was also mentioned as it never seems to heat this room. It was AGREED to look into all the heating in the Chapel with a view to buying replacements at a later stage in the next financial year.

3.            ALLOTMENTS:

a)                  To review vacant allotments – The Clerk reported that Cookham Dean allotments are full but there are some vacancies at Sutton and Cookham Rise. There were five or six people on the waiting list for Sutton but not all these people want ten poles. Cllr Harris suggested spraying the vacant allotments with weed killer before handing them over to new tenants. The Chairman was more in favour of letting them out to any keen new tenants but giving them Peter Taylor’s number if they would like their new plot sprayed and rotivated. Cllr Wellman queried whether the plots are suitable to be let out? Cllr Innes proposed that we give new tenants the choice of taking the plots as they stand or waiting until Peter Taylor has sprayed and rotivated the vacant plots. This was seconded by Cllr Coker. Vote: IN FAVOUR = 3, ABSTENTION = 3.

b)                   To review Lease of Land at Cookham Dean with A. J. McCarthy – The current Lease is due to expire on 22^nd May 2005. Mr McCarthy had already sent a cheque of £81.00 when the renewal sum was set at £75.00. This cheque had not been cashed. Cllr Harris said it was a large area and he thought the rent should rise to £100 per year for three years. The Clerk was asked to return the cheque to Mr McCarthy and inform him that a review would take place.

4.    LIGHTING: 

a)         To report any lights out or flickering – None to report.

b)         To consider request from RBWM to put sign on Col 12 Whyteladyes Lane – RBWM had sent an email to the Clerk asking permission to put a sign on Col 12 advertising the route of the Mobile Library which stops near this lamp post. It was AGREED unanimously to give permission for this sign to be put on our street light column.

The meeting closed at 9.40pm