CREMATION & BURIAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2010, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - 5/6/7 JULY

Following the overwhelming success of the previous Joint Cremation & Burial Conference & Exhibitions of 2007, 2008 and 2009 the major sponsors have decided to repeat the successful event by again joining forces to hold the 2010 Joint Conference in the The Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon. For the fourth year in a row the major organisations in the UK have come together to sponsor an annual conference and exhibition in response to request from delegates and exhibitors alike.

Co-sponsors of the Joint Conference are the Association of Burial Authorities, the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Cremation Society of Great Britain and the Association of Private Crematoria. The event maintains the on-going co-operation of likeminded organisations to stage an event dealing with issues common to all. The conference programme contains presentations on important topical issues relevant to all those with an interest in the death care industry and will be of particular interest to representatives from burial and cremation authorities.

Situated on the river Avon and set in beautiful landscaped gardens, Conference Headquarters at the 4-star Holiday Inn Stratford-upon-Avon is the perfect location for discovering the delights of Shakespeare birthplace, while other local attractions and historic sites are within walking distance.

All 259 refurbished bedrooms have air-conditioning, wireless internet access, tea/coffee making facilities, trouser press and hairdryer. To dine in style, the Terrace Lounge and Bar, Riverside Restuarant and G's BAr offer excellent food to suit all tastes. Or to really unwind and recuperate, the leisure club is available for all guests to use with a wide range of first class facilities including a fully equipped gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool. There is free parking for residents.

Acutely aware that in the present economic climate costs are a major issue when considering the appointment of delegates to conferences, the major sponsors are delighted to announce once again, the all-inclusive delegate fee represents exceptional value for money.

The Association of Burial Authorities was formed in 1993 to fulfil the need for a consumer orientated organisation to co-ordinate the activities of burial grounds and provide a tangible link between them and the public.

The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities represents 90% of all cremation authorities in the UK and has recently widened its scope to allow full membership of the FBCA to burial authorities.

The Cremation Society of Great Britain is the founder and pioneer of the cremation movement in the UK. It established the first crematorium in the country and is a founder member of the International Cremation Federation.

The Association of Private Crematoria represents 75% of all private crematoria in the UK. Nearly all new crematoria are being established by the private sector.

PHOENIX AWARDS 2010 CEMETERY DESIGN COMPETITION OPEN FOR ENTRIES FROM OCTOBER 2010. DETAILS AVAILABLE SHORTLY.

Closing date T.B.A.

Download your entry form here

Sam Weller FCIPR FCB

Sam Weller, founder and chairman of the Association of Burial Authorities, died in London on 12th June, 2006.

Editor, designer, illustrator, author and consumate PR professional, Sam's passing is regarded as a major loss to the burial and funeral community.

More about Sam Weller's work in the death care industry.

Picture by Gwynne Stock

BCAG HARD WORK...

BCAG (the Government's Burial and Cemeteries Advisory Group) has been putting in some hard work since its move from the Department for Constitutional Affairs to the newly created Ministry of Justice. It is hoped to introduce a pilot scheme for re-use of graves during the summer. The coroner's team has introduced "new blood" into the group with people nominated by several original members, including the ABA, to participate in workshops focussed on specific issues.

The issue of safety guidance was not covered in this series of workshops. Since the ICCM refused to be a signatory to the guidance drawn up by the other members of the Memorial Safety Subgroup, Health and Safety Executive and Home Office, the project has been in abeyance. However, February 2008 saw the reconvention of the Memorial Risk Sub-Group. Reports of progress are expected towards the end of the year - which please replace with : Publication of Guidance for Natural Burial Ground Operators is expected shortly. Further progress reports on Burial Law Reform will are expected in the autumn of 2009.

NEW PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Local Government Ombudsmen have published a Special Report on Memorial Safety in Local Authority Cemeteries available at www.lgo.org.uk/special-reports.htm

EXTENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES IN CLOSED CHURCHYARDS

THE ABA OPINION that local authorities are not obliged to inspect nor make safe memorials in closed churchyards has been welcomed by many authorities, but with less enthusiasm by some that have already undertaken the task on the basis of conflicting advice.

What has to be done about memorial safety in closed churchyards is set out in articles by ABA chairman Sam Weller in the winter editions of Zurich Municipal's health and safety bulletin and in ABAinfo.

OFF THE ABA HELPLINE

Jack Sills of I.M.I (Independent Memorial Inspections) asks: In a closed churchyard maintained by a Local Authority, who has ultimate control? If I am employed by the Authority to undertake an inspection but then told by a church officer to stop the inspection, who’s instruction do I follow?

ABA answers: Since maintenance of a closed churchyard does not include a duty to make memorials safe, there is no obligation to test. If therefore, the church authorities do not want their memorials tested, they can order them not to be tested. (We assume that by the word "inspection" you mean "testing").

Of course if you suspect that a memorial is unsafe but you are not allowed to test it, you would be entitled to refuse to do maintenance work within the area of the possible danger round the memorial until the church had satisfied you that the memorial was not dangerous. No local authority should order its employees to work within an area of danger in a churchyard unless precautions can be taken to ensure their safety.

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Sun through the stones at Kensal Green Cemetery. Photograph by Robert Stephenson.