Agenda item

The Superintendent and Registrar, Alan José, presented a Report relating to the following issues associated with the Crematorium. 

Cremations

The Superintendent and Registrar reported the number of cremations for the period 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2009 inclusive. 

These were 531 (+ 6 NVF), a decrease of 17 (+ 3 NVF) on the same period in the previous year.  The total of 531 (+ 6 NVF) included 348 from outside the area, with the remaining total being 183 for the area.

Memorial Gardens

The Superintendent and Registrar reported that during the period 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2009, the following Vase Blocks and Memorial Plaques had been sold:

Vase Blocks              9

Large Plaques           20

Small Plaques           6

Total                           35

Financial Information (Net of VAT)

Vase Blocks              4,468.18

Large Plaques           6,499.58

Small Plaques           ­­1,172.18

Total                       £12,139.94

Influenza Pandemic – Planning

The Superintendent and Registrar asked Members to note that the four additionally trained Cremator Operators were continuing to work to a regular rota and that the Superintendent and Registrar was in regular contact with the Civil Contingencies Unit, Regional Epidemiologist and Consultant in Communicable Diseases.  For information, Members asked to note that three additional volunteers had been identified as Cremator Operators for Mounsett Crematorium.

50 Year Anniversary

The Joint Committee was informed that in addition to a booklet being prepared in conjunction with Professor Hillary Grainger, an expert in Crematoria Architecture, there would be a memorial service, with a marquee, possibly to be hired from Spennymoor Town Council.  Members were asked to note that it was for Members to decide at what level the event should be pitched and that Members could choose a simple remembrance service, or aim to have an “open day” that incorporates a service in with several other events and activities that could include representation from other professionals from with the Funeral Services Industry.

Federation of Burial and Crematoria Authorities – Annual Return

The Superintendent and Registrar noted the Federation of Burial and Crematoria Authorities Annual Return of Statistics had been submitted, noting only 2 requests to inspect cremation forms having been received in the 2008/09 period.  Members were informed that there had been 1 request in the current, 2009/10 period.     

Recycling of Orthopaedic Implants and Non-Ferrous Metals

Members were made aware of the opportunity to join a recycling scheme for metal implants operated by OrthoMetals.  The Joint Committee heard that the Institute of Crematory and Cremation Management had monitored the scheme in the UK and had reported positively on the company and the scheme.  The Superintendent and Registrar noted that previously, the scheme generated money for charity, but could not be necessarily directed back into the local community but that now, this was possible with individual Crematoria being able to have a say in where money was used.  The Superintendent and Registrar noted the scheme would cost nothing for Durham Crematorium to join, with OrthoMetals supplying the necessary storage bins and collecting the metal twice annually. 

The Joint Committee heard that an additional bonus was that Durham Crematorium would no longer be required to bury such parts in unused parts of the Crematorium grounds, which were reaching saturation point in this regard.

Update on Staff

The Superintendent and Registrar asked Members to note that due to an a member of staff, Mr J Willis, having broken their leg, Mr R Goodson, a standby Operator training in case of an outbreak of pandemic flu, would be seconded to the Crematorium on a temporary basis to help during this busy period of the year.

Resolved:

(a)       That the Report be noted.

(b)       That the Superintendent and Registrar make the necessary arrangements for Durham Crematorium to enrol in the OrthoMetals recycling scheme.