CE125 Apologies and Substitutes
Cllr Mrs Ros Thirlwell. There were no substitutes
C126 Councillors not present
Cllr J Kittle
CE127 Declaration of Interests
375- Cllr H Coote - personal and non-prejudicial - Funeral Director
CE128 Matters Arising
a) Tree Planting
The Silver Birches have been planted at the four corners of the junction of the footpaths - one has already been designated a memorial tree.
b) Notice for gate
The clerk has this in hand
c) Removal of wooden bollards
The bollards have been removed to allow for better roundabout access.
CE129 Cemetery Superintendent's Report
The Clerk reported that the figures from Mrs Banks since the last meeting were as follows:-
Parishioners 2
Non - Parishioners 8
Consecrated 7
General 3
Total 10
1 reopen, 1 Re-open of cremated remains
Garden of Remembrance
1 non-parishioner re-open plus 2 reservations
The income From April 1st £30861.00
Members were concerned that the number of non-parishioners being buried was still outweighing the number of parishioners and expressed concern at this time that no further cemetery space could be found. Members compared charges in adjoining authorities for non-parishioners.
Resolved:
To increase the grave charge for a non-parishioner from 1st April 2007 to £1500
Members agreed to review Cemetery charges twice yearly
CE130 Cemetery Maintenance
A memorial seat had been damaged quite badly damaged by a vehicle - the Clerk had asked Colin Laycock to look at this and report whether repair was feasible or new seat should be purchased.
CE131 Grave Maintenance
Nothing further to report.
CE132 Garden of Remembrance
The paths surrounding the Garden of Remembrance are very slippery with green algae - the Clerk will ask the maintenance contractors to clean these areas.
CE133 Grave Digging
No problems have been reported
CE134 To consider estimates for draining the lower field
The Clerk had received an E Mail from a resident complaining over the wetness of the lower field when trying to visit graves. The Clerk had obtained estimates from Hailsham Roadway to drain part of the lower field which does get extremely wet during the winter months. Unfortunately members having studied the estimates and reports concluded that as well as excessive surface water this winter, the underground springs in that area contribute to the localised flooding. Members discussed at length the estimates received to remove the surface water but reluctantly concluded that due to the contributing factors of the underground springs it would not be feasible to improve the drainage on that part of the lower field. The Clerk would inform the original complainant of the committee's conclusion.
CE135 'Any other business - for noting or referral to next Agenda for Council or appropriate committee'
The Clerk reported that the footpath which runs from the cemetery gate to the Downs is extremely muddy around the 'dog bin area' etc.
Resolved:
The Clerk will ask the Maintenance contractor to spread the area with tree bark to help alleviate the muddy surface.

Meeting Closed at 8.00p.m.