Apologies were received from Councillors Davis, Inch and Walker.

(Attached).

(i)       RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th August 2021 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(ii)       Matters Arising. There were no matters arising.

There were no declarations of interest declared.

Report by Crematorium Manager (attached).

The Joint Committee considered a report by the Crematorium Manager (previously circulated).

i)        Covid Crisis Update

It was noted:

That the Aspen Vestry had been re-opened and providing changing facilities without access to staff only areas. Singing was now permitted and the waiting rooms re-opened. Services of more than 200 people were now permitted by allowing Aspen to be used (if booked) as an overflow.

The national and local situation would be closely monitored to establish whether any changes in restrictions (increase or relax) were appropriate.

ii)        Achievements

It was noted:

That several of North Devon District Council meetings had taken place in the

Rowan Chapel with webcasting to enable remote public access. This had proven very successful. The sound system was also looking to be improved to attract other users.

iii)       Staffing

It was noted:

That the part-time bereavement administrator post had been filled and the new staff member started on 11^th October.

The lead gardener had resumed on a part-time basis. In light of the seasonal demands there was sufficient cover and the situation would be reviewed in the coming months.

iv)       Metals Recycling Charity Award

It was noted:

That Over and Above (Cancer & Wellbeing Centre) had been proposed for the next award (due December 2021).

Subsequent nomination list:

Families in Grief

North Devon Children’s Holiday Foundation

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

Over and Above (North Devon Hospital – Maternity Unit Bereavement Suite)

Clarity

Calvert Trust

Over and Above (Cancer & Wellbeing Centre)

That no further additions to be considered prior to February 2022.

Councillor Lovering stated that the Maternity Unit Bereavement Suite had now been delivered and suggested that subsequent funding could be used for the provision of Bereavement Memorial boxes instead.

v)       Crematorium Figures

The Cremation figures were noted and the Cremation figure for October 2021 was 119.

vi)       Garden Improvements

It was noted:

That the Rowan exit sails work had commenced on 24^th August with the installation of the concrete pads. The steel supports would be installed shortly and at that point the sails would be ordered.

vii)      Larkbear Development – Traffic Management

It was noted that the Crematorium Manager had written to the Highways Department of Devon County Council on 16^th September (copy previously circulated) seeking involvement in the implementation phase as requested by the Joint Committee. To date no formal response had been received.

The Crematorium Manager reported that he had received notification the next Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) meeting was on 22^nd November 2021 and the further comments of the Joint Committee would be added to the Committee report.

It was suggested that the Crematorium Manager should attend the HATOC meeting.

Report by Treasurer (attached).

The Joint Committee considered and noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the performance for Quarter 2 April to September 2021/2022.

It was suggested that if the projected return did materialise a further option to fund the deficit could be to reduce the distribution of funds to the two authorities.

It was noted that the next meeting would be on Friday 4^th February 2022 at

2.30 p.m.

The following dates of meetings for 2022/23 were agreed:

10^th June 2022

5^th August 2022

4^th November 2022

3^rd February 2023