Memorandum by Pershore Joint Burial Committee
(CEM 03)
I have received your press notice and can provide
the following brief information regarding Pershore Cemetery in
Worcestershire. I respond in accordance with your intended topic
descriptions:
(a) the local community appreciate their
local cemetery. It is well used by young and old—young people
die from illness or accident and friends and family pay regular
visits to the grave for many years. Environmentally, cemeteries
provide a quiet shelter for many forms of wildlife and a break
in the built-up environment. Flowers, hedges and trees provide
a good habitat although rabbits have become a problem. Pershore
Cemetery was formed in 1875 and has been extended at least twice.
It is an important asset to the town. A section is devoted to
Commonwealth War Graves and accommodates a large number of Canadian
airmen who were stationed in near-by Defford.
(b) Pershore Cemetery is well used and well
maintained. One full time Groundsman is employed and from 1 April
to 31 October part time staff equivalent to another full time
worker are employed.
(c) The War Graves Commission are involved
in overseeing the small War Graves section in Pershore Cemetery.
No other Government Department is involved and this appears to
work satisfactorily.
(d) The Committee have accrued sufficient
capital to purchase an adjoining field for later use as a cemetery
extension. This should give 100 years accommodation. Whilst the
field will be landscaped for its intended use, it will be let
on an annual agricultural tenancy until, acre by acre, it is needed
by the Committee.
(e) All matters relating to the Cemetery
are dealt with by the Joint Committee, comprising five Town Councillors
and two from Drakes Broughton Parish. The Committee meet every
other month, employ a (very) part time Clerk and Secretary and
rely heavily on the ability of their Groundsman. This framework
is very economical, with low spending and low precepts on the
parent Councils.
(f) Pershore Cemetery relies on its precept
for about half its expenditure. Fees, reviewed each year and other
minor income make up the balance. It is hard to see how other
income could be generated.
November 2000
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