Agenda and minutes

Member’s discussed the Minutes of the previous meeting (22 June, 2018) and noted that although there was a quick fix available to solve the issues surrounding the air conditioning (installing an extra fan), the preferred option was to adopt a holistic approach by tying in the installation of a new air conditioning system with the build of the planned extension, in order to utilise the same shutdown period. It was emphasised that no slippage in time should occur, and that the new air conditioning should be up and running before summer 2019.

With regards the installation of a defibrillator on site at Margam Crematorium, Officers were exploring various different options, as a number of different services were available. A report would be brought to the next meeting of the Joint Committee.

2018/19

Report of the Superintendent Registrar

Members discussed ideas to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of opening of Margam Crematorium. Suggestions included a Memorial car park; a stone monolith/memorial; a board/plaque in a public area in the new, remodelled extension recognising the current Committee Members; a Civic Service and a booklet.

RESOLVED:         that a report be brought to the next meeting of the Joint Committee, finalising plans to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the opening of Margam Crematorium.

Report of the Superintendent Registrar

Members discussed the Christmas Carol Service, for 2018, and agreed that it should be well publicised with flyers to be arranged and posters to be displayed in the local area.

RESOLVED:         that the date of the Christmas Carol Service be confirmed as Sunday, December 9 2018, 2.30pm, at Margam Crematorium.

Report of the Superintndent Registrar

The Cremation and Burial Communication and Education Conference 2018 was discussed, and Members noted that Councillor E.V.Latham (current Chair of the Joint Committee) who had been President of the Federation of Burial and Crematorium Authorities for the last two years, opened the event with Lord De Mauley.

It was noted that social media was discussed during the conference, including how some people’s Facebook and Instagram pages remain open after they have passed away as a form of memorial. Digital technology was also discussed, including the advances in digitally tracing a person’s remains.

Saturday funerals were discussed, and it was noted that although Margam Crematorium was open for business 7 days a week, this was not well publicised – there had only been 6 funerals on a Saturday since April 2018. Options for fees for weekend cremations would be discussed at the next meeting of the Joint Committee.

RESOLVED:        that the report be noted.

Report of the Treasurer

RESOLVED:        that the report be noted.

Report of the Medical Referee

RESOLVED:         that the report be noted.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972

Because of the need to deal now with the matter contained in Minute No. 9 below, the item was put forward at today’s meeting as an urgent item pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Reason:

Due to the time element.

Following the departure of the Chair from the room, a motion was put forward to request that the Clerk to the Joint Committee send a letter to Councillor E.V.Latham congratulating him on his two year term as President and Chair of the Federation of Burial and Crematorium Authorities. All Members felt the prestigious appointment at a national level warranted recognition.

RESOLVED:         that a letter of appreciation be sent to Councillor E.V.Latham, as above.

To resolve to exclude the public for the following item/s pursuant to Section 100A(4) & (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, and the relevant Exempt Paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Joint Report of the Treasurer and the Clerk

Members discussed the private circulated report.

RESOLVED:        that the private report be noted.