COOKHAM PARISH COUNCIL

 Minutes of a Meeting of the

MEETING OF THE ADOPTIVE ACTS COMMITTEE

PRESENT:      Cllr P. Brockwell (Chairman)

Cllrs: M. Coker, D. Fry, G. Harris, M. Innes and M-L. Kellaway.

1.            APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Apologies were received from Cllr M. Barnes and Jean Stretton. There were no Declarations of Interest.

2.            ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: Cllr Coker proposed Cllr Brockwell to continue as Chairman of the Adoptive Acts Committee. This was seconded by Cllr Innes and approved unanimously.

3.              CEMETERY:

a)                  Quotes for tarmac drive outside the main gates  – Two quotes had been received so far. The first was from Sherwood Bros. & Burton (Maidenhead) Ltd who are recommended by RBWM. The cost was £2958.00 plus vat. The second quote was for £45.10 + vat per square metre which totals £3157.00 plus vat. The tender had been sent to other companies. It was AGREED that the Clerk would go through the quotes with the Chairman and ensure that they were like for like. A third quote was also suggested from a company such as Sharmac.

b)         Up-date on the refurbishment of the main gates – The Clerk had spoken to Thames Forge who were awaiting a new piece of equipment that would allow them to renovate the gates. The Clerk would ring Thames Forge in August to take the matter forward. 

c)         Comparison of sexton prices – Cookham’s previous sexton, Mr Neil Curtis, had written to the Parish Council with his recent prices which were very competitive. He also stated in his letter that the Parish Council was currently using a grave digger who does not work using the current health and safety procedures. Mr Curtis’ letter also contained details of various risk assessment and liability insurance. The Clerk discussed this letter with Keith Heybourne, our current sexton. He assured the Clerk that he takes all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of members of the public during the course of his work. He also told of a disagreement between himself and Mr Curtis and was worried that Mr Curtis was trying to run him out of business. The Clerk reminded the Council that Mr Curtis had not been reliable during his work at Cookham Cemetery and frequently left the preparation of a grave until the last minute. Keith had been working for the Council since 2006 and had been meticulously organised in all his working practices. It was AGREED to continue to use the services of Mr Keith Heybourne but to carry out spot checks on his working practices to ensure that the health and safety rules were being adhered to.

3.                CREMATION AREA: 

a)         Quote to install a water pipe in the cremation area – A quote had been supplied from Joe Stoneman to excavate a trench and lay a water pipe into the cremation area. The cost for labour, materials and equipment hire was quoted at £875.00. After some discussion it was AGREED that the Clerk would set out a purchase order detailing the work asked of Mr Stoneman. Cllrs Harris and Brockwell would look at the order and make a decision.

4.         WAR MEMORIALS:

a)         Up-date on the outstanding works – The plaque at the Tarrystone had finally been replaced after two years of waiting. Unfortunately, Neil Johnson had left too small a gap between the statement relating to the Tarry Stone and the inscription relating to the memorial bench to Michael Featherstone-Briggs. The Chairman came up with the idea of splitting the plaques and dropping the Briggs inscription lower on the wall to indicate that this part of the message was referring to the seat and not to the Tarrystone. There was no further news on the outstanding work on Cookham Dean war memorial and the Clerk was asked to contact the War Graves Commission.

5.            UPDATE ON LIGHTING:

a)         Cllr Brar had reported some problem lights. The concrete standards were also discussed. There is one in Coxborrow Close and two in Burnt Oak. The Clerk was asked to contact SEC to see which they prioritised. The Clerk would also get a quote from another lighting company named as Bernard Leigh.

The meeting closed at 9.50pm