Further investigation into how to utilise Midsomer Norton’s existing cemetery was discussed on Monday evening this week at the December Town Council meeting. Councillors proposed to investigate and to seek advice from experts on how to make more space in the churchyard.
Whilst this is not a statutory duty for the Town Council, the importance of
access for local relatives and following the wishes of residents was noted. Representatives from the Town Council now hope to meet with the church parochial council to see if any more can be done. Whilst areas of land in the town have been identified, the problem remains that most sites are either worth more for housebuilding, or are unsuitable for burials.
Councillors also voted to take part in a national tribute which is due in 2018 to commemorate the end of WWI. After beacons were lit across the country for the Queen’s birthday in April, the same will happen again at 7 p.m. on 11th November 2018. Whilst the April celebration at the rugby club resulted in the fire brigade being called by concerned residents, this time the Town Council hopes to hold the ceremony on the Batch at Gullock Tyning with a permanent beacon cage.
A vote was also taken to adopt a Civic Honours Policy, which will allow the Town Council to bestow the honour of Freemen or Freewomen for those who have played an important role in the town. The title cannot be given posthumously, and a public meeting would need to be called to discuss the decision, although the nominee would be approached beforehand to see if the title would be accepted. B&NES Council bestow Honorary Aldermen/women titles for long-serving councillors, with this being Midsomer Norton’s version. Costings will now be researched for a ‘suitable sash’, which would be worn by the recipient(s) on Civic occasions.
The Town Council could also call on Freemen and Freewomen to provide a specific perspective on issues affecting the town, with subsequent decisions taken by elected members of the Council in a lawfully called meeting. In the same way that ‘Freedom’ is granted, the Council could also rescind the title, which would need to be voted upon in a further public meeting.